A wave of sunshine brought over 5,000 people to Skegness beach on the hottest and longest day of the year, leaving behind piles of rubbish that sparked concern from lifeguards and locals.

The RNLI reported unusually high visitor numbers more typical of peak August holidays, with lifeguards working flat out to ensure public safety. But alongside the crowds came a sharp rise in littering, including bottles, wrappers and even used disposable barbecues scattered across the sand and dunes.

Lifeguards warned that the discarded waste not only threatens wildlife and the environment but can also pose real dangers to people, ranging from cuts to burns. Overflowing bins and a lack of waste disposal options by the evening only added to the mess.

Council workers were quick to act, raking the beach clean the next morning. But the weekend scenes have reignited conversations about sustainable tourism and the need for shared responsibility among beachgoers.

With warmer weather and school holidays on the horizon, authorities are urging visitors to enjoy the coast, but leave only footprints behind.

With tents now a common sight in Grantham’s parks and public spaces, South Kesteven District Council is considering reopening a temporary night shelter to support those sleeping rough.

Last winter, the Grantham Ark provided shelter between December and February. As the number of visible encampments grows, estimated at around 10 to 12, the council is now in talks with the same charity to reopen the facility.

Officials say everyone currently rough sleeping is known to services, but many have complex needs and limited housing options. Some have previously declined to use shelters or been excluded due to behavioural issues, raising questions about how effective a reopening might be.

A short trial of the shelter is being explored to gauge demand, with the council aiming to create a safe and fair response for all parties involved.

Concerns from local councillors include reports of anti-social behaviour linked to some encampments, including drug use, threats, and fire risks. A wider meeting with housing officers and community partners is scheduled for 23 June to discuss next steps.

Five primary schools across Lincolnshire have been approved to host new hubs aimed at supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), in a move designed to make inclusive education more accessible and community-based.

The new centres will cater to pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), offering specialised support while keeping children within the mainstream school setting. This approach allows students to benefit from both tailored learning and the social advantages of remaining integrated with their peers.

The schools selected for the programme are Gonerby Hill Foot Church of England Primary School in Grantham, The Meadows Primary School in Lincoln, St George’s Church of England Primary School in Gainsborough, Caistor Church of England and Methodist Primary School, and Church Lane Primary School in Sleaford.

The total investment in the hubs exceeds £7 million and is being funded by the Department for Education. The project comes in response to a sharp increase in demand for SEND provision in the county, where the percentage of pupils with EHCPs (4.9%) is notably higher than the national average (4.2%).

Local officials say the initiative is intended to relieve pressure on oversubscribed special schools and reduce the need for families to travel long distances for appropriate support.

A well-known mosaic in Grimsby’s Freshney Place shopping centre has been demolished as part of ongoing redevelopment works, despite efforts to preserve it.

The artwork, created in 1977 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee, became the focus of local campaigns earlier this year, with over 1,250 people signing a petition to save it. Groups like the Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Civic Society also advocated for its retention.

North East Lincolnshire Council said it explored options to remove the mosaic tile by tile but found it was too damaged to survive extraction. Experts warned the piece was cracking significantly during removal attempts, making it impossible to preserve in its original form.

While some residents have expressed frustration, the council maintains that heritage concerns were carefully considered. It confirmed that specialist advice was sought and that scans and high-resolution images were taken before demolition.

These images will now be used to create a full-scale reproduction in a new location. The council has promised to involve the community in selecting a site for the display, ensuring the artwork’s legacy continues in a different form as part of the Freshney Place regeneration.

As Spalding Cemetery approaches its limit, South Holland District Council is assessing new options for burial space, including the potential use of a popular community playing field.

Environmental testing is currently underway at Chiltern Drive playing field to determine if the site could support burials without impacting groundwater levels. The assessment will continue into autumn. If the land proves unsuitable, the process will be halted.

Chiltern Drive has long served as a valued green space for families, dog walkers, and local children, and some residents have expressed concerns about losing one of the area’s few safe outdoor areas. The field includes swings, wildflowers, and a footpath leading into a wooded section.

Previous efforts to expand the cemetery into the same field were met with strong opposition. A 2014 planning application drew more than 100 petition signatures and was ultimately rejected in 2015 due to the loss of recreational space. Sport England also objected to the proposal at the time.

The council says no final decision will be made until all environmental findings and community considerations are fully evaluated. Officials aim to establish a long-term solution within the next year to maintain burial services in the town.

Meanwhile, the Law Commission is reviewing national burial legislation, with proposals that could allow the reuse of existing graves to ease space shortages across the country.