East Lindsey District Council has extended its Social Isolation Grant scheme with an additional £25,000 from the East Lindsey Investment Fund, allowing more community projects to access support for tackling loneliness.
The initiative builds on last year’s funding from the Cost of Living Support Budget, which benefited 34 community groups across the district. Grants of up to £2,000 are available to help local organisations reduce isolation and strengthen community connections.
Projects supported so far include the North Thoresby Community Orchard, which used its grant to run tree grafting workshops, beekeeping sessions, and educational activities for school groups. The orchard’s “Meet the Bees” events have attracted more than 150 visitors, including disadvantaged children and families.
Other funded projects range from accessibility improvements at Carrington Village Hall to skill-sharing programmes through Louth Men’s Shed and operational support for local warm spaces and hubs.
The council’s investment aims to sustain grassroots efforts that improve wellbeing and social engagement across East Lindsey. Applications for the next round of Social Isolation Grant funding are now open to eligible community groups and hubs.
The green-fingered team at Marshall’s Yard in Gainsborough are celebrating after achieving the prestigious Gold Award in the annual East Midlands in Bloom Awards.
The popular shopping centre also won the Best Retail / Commercial Award in a special ceremony held in Grimsby showcasing the region’s brightest and best floral displays.
The stunning planting and landscaping at Marshall’s Yard, including hanging baskets planted each year by Needhams Nursery, as well as additional planting across the centre, impressed the judges for creating a welcoming and calm atmosphere.
All of the displays are lovingly cared for by the on-site team as well as some of the local businesses, whose efforts were also singled out for praise in the judges’ report.
The team at Marshall’s Yard pride themselves on creating a well maintained and attractive centre for visitors and the centre’s businesses.
The East Midlands in Bloom judges highlighted the centre’s high standards commending the fact that local suppliers are used and that hanging baskets, beds and trees were all healthy and well maintained.
The creation of bird boxes and bug hotels were also praised as well as the landscaped fountain area at the Yard and the centre’s recognition of the site’s history as a former tractor factory.
Centre manager, Melissa Clement, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to achieve a Gold Award this year and to receive the Best Retail / Commercial Award. The whole team has worked so hard to really step things up to the next level – from the nurseries who supply and plant our baskets, to our in-house staff who care for them every day.
“It’s a real team effort and this award recognises the pride, dedication and hard work that goes into making Marshall’s Yard a place people love to visit. We couldn’t be prouder.”
This achievement builds on last year’s Silver Gilt success, reflecting the centre’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, community partnerships and delivering a first-class visitor experience.
100 visitors. 9 tours. 2 days. Caistor’s 2–4 Market Place heritage regeneration project took centre stage during this year’s Heritage Open Days Festival, as nine fully booked Hard Hat Tours welcomed 100 visitors through the gates of one of the town’s most historic – and once most at-risk – collection of buildings.
Over two days, the Grade II listed site, which has stood derelict for years, became the focus of community pride and curiosity. With every space on the tours booked in advance, visitors were treated to a first look at the renovation works that have been in progress for the last 12 months, and left with a clear sense of excitement for the building’s future. Many described the experience simply as “wow.”
The weekend began with a special opening on Saturday morning for Councillors and dignitaries from across Lincolnshire, including Caistor Mayor, Jon Wright, and Lincolnshire County Council Leader, Sean Matthews. Local historian Alan Dennis brought the building’s heritage to life with stories from Caistor’s past, before one of the Board Directors, Paul Kirkby, led the first group through the site, sharing plans for the restoration ahead.
Throughout Saturday afternoon and Sunday, among those attending were local residents, former tenants, and even the ladies who once worked in the building when it was the town’s Co-op. The tours sparked memories and storytelling, connecting generations and underlining the importance of preserving and reimagining the spaces of 2-4 that have shaped local life for decades.
Pictured in one of the upstairs rooms in 204, to be part of the holiday let once phase 1 has been completed, is 93-year-old Lewis King, a former resident of 2-4.
Phase One of the project is already well underway, with work focused on restoring the shopfronts of 2, 3 and 4 Market Place, creating holiday lets, and opening the community space.
Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Co-operatives UK, Pilgrim Trust, West Lindsey District Council, Heritage Lincolnshire, The Architectural Heritage Fund, and Caistor Town Council, supplemented by the Community Ownership Fund initiative, and the expertise of Messenger BCR Group, Greenwood Projects and Anotherkind Architects, the site is being carefully brought back into use.
Feedback from the tours was overwhelmingly positive, with visitors expressing pride in seeing progress on a project that has been years in the making. “Opening the doors, even at this early stage, has helped people reconnect with the building,” said Neil Castle, member of the Board of Directors for 2-4 and Secretary for the Caistor and District Community Trust.
“It was a privilege to hear the stories and memories people shared – it’s exactly why this project matters. We hope that by being able to show our guests what exists behind the compound, and all the hard work that has been done to date, has really brought home why this project is so important for the future of Caistor.”
Thanks to the support from local sponsor 1st Select, every guest was able to take away a £5 voucher to spend at participating Caistor cafés and eateries – including Helz Kitchen, Caistor Arts and Heritage Centre, Ted’s and YM Bakery – over the Heritage Open Days Festival week, encouraging dwell time and return visits; investing back into the local economy.
With work well underway, 2–4 Market Place is firmly on the path from dereliction to rejuvenation – a symbol of how historic buildings can once again take pride of place in their communities.
Main image: To celebrate the first hard hat tour to take place, Board Directors welcomed a selection of VIPs to 2-4. Pictured (from left) Mark Hughes – Board Director at 2-4, Duncan Cole – Board Director at 2-4, Neil Castle – Board Director at 2-4, Cllr Owen Bierley – West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Angela Lawrence – West Lindsey District Council, Cllr James Bean – Lincolnshire County Council, Cllr Linda Milner – Caistor Town Council, Cllr Sean Matthews – Lincolnshire County Council, Cllr Jon Wright – Chairman & Mayor of Caistor Town Council, Cllr Jayne Bowman – Board Director at 2-4 and Caistor Town Council, Steve Critten – Board Director at 2-4, Michael Galligan – former Councillor and active community member, and, finally, Paul Kirkby – Board Director at 2-4 and tour guide.
Grimsby Ice Rink will reopen this Friday following a two-month closure for a full refurbishment of the 50-year-old venue.
The six-figure investment has transformed the facility, introducing a new NHL-standard barrier system with seamless glass along the spectator side, modern disco lighting, and an upgraded chiller unit. The skating surface has also been expanded.
Away from the rink, the project has delivered a complete overhaul of visitor facilities, with toilets, showers and changing rooms all refurbished.
The reopening is scheduled for 3.30pm on 3 October, marking the start of a busy winter season for the much-loved community venue.
Spalding Town Board has published a ten-year vision for the town, outlining how £20 million of investment could reshape public spaces and improve community facilities.
The proposals include a permanent canopy above Hall Place, new floating piers and pedestrian bridges over the river, and tiered seating facing Ayscoughfee Hall. Additional bridges and piers are suggested further north near the Castle Sports Centre development.
Market Place may see the use of vacant buildings for street food halls, community hubs or creative studios. Ideas for the High Bridge area include an arch marking the entrance to Bridge Street and improvements to make it more pedestrian-friendly.
Other projects feature a new water taxi shelter, the creation of Heritage Court between Spalding Gentlemen’s Society and the Methodist Church, and expanded spaces for outdoor activities. Landscaping, wider footpaths, improved signage, and public artworks with lighting are also under consideration.
A year-round events programme focused on food and entertainment is planned, alongside updates to empty buildings to attract new businesses. Tackling anti-social behaviour remains a key priority, with measures such as Hot Spot Policing and design changes intended to encourage community ownership of public areas.
Three district councils have marked Lincolnshire Day by setting out proposals to overhaul local government in Greater Lincolnshire, with the aim of boosting business growth and investment.
Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey District Council, and South Holland District Council are jointly developing A Greater Lincolnshire for All, a bid responding to the Government’s invitation for reorganisation plans. The proposal would see the current ten-council structure replaced with two new unitary authorities.
A Northern Lincolnshire authority would combine the City of Lincoln, West Lindsey, North Lincolnshire, and North East Lincolnshire, representing around 531,000 people. A Southern Lincolnshire authority would cover Boston Borough, East Lindsey, South Holland, South Kesteven, and North Kesteven, with a population of 574,000.
The councils have worked with the Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses to shape a set of pledges. These focus on supporting industries with tailored business support, workforce development, and innovation; investing in transport, freight, and digital infrastructure; streamlining planning and procurement processes; and strengthening collaboration across regional boundaries.
The proposals will be submitted to the Government by 28 November 2025, following ongoing public and stakeholder engagement. Consultation events are taking place this October in Louth, Boston, and Skegness.
North Lincolnshire Council has launched a new initiative to support people who want to stop smoking during Stoptober.
In partnership with Scunthorpe-based retailer Liquid Mist, the council has made 3,500 free vape starter kits available to residents. The scheme, called Swap to Stop, is open to anyone aged 18 or over living in the area.
The kits, which include a device, e-liquids, and a quick start guide, are designed to help smokers begin a 30-day quit attempt. After completing the first month, participants can share their progress to receive a refill pack and continue their journey.
The programme responds to research showing that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking and one of the most effective ways to quit. Alongside the free kits, people can also access support from the council’s Healthy Lifestyles Team, which offers guidance, nicotine replacement, and advice on medicines.
Additional tools are available through the NHS Quit Smoking app and personal quit plans, designed to increase the chances of success. Evidence shows that those who stay smoke-free for 28 days are five times more likely to quit for good.
The Air & Space Institute (ASI) Newark has reasserted its strategic partnership with Nottingham Trent University (NTU).
The partnership, which was first established in 2023 when the ASI facility was under construction, gives the Institute’s Higher Education students the chance to complete a top-up degree, delivered by NTU at ASI, after finishing their Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) studies.
ASI Newark launched in 2021, with the first intake of Higher Education students starting in 2024 studying programmes designed for future air and space engineers. Since then, the purpose-built ASI HQ boasts simulators, a full Airbus A318, multiple workshops and dedicated seminar space.
Those who join ASI after leaving school are able to gain their Level 3 qualifications in an industry-standard facility and progress to study either a Level 4 and 5 Aerospace Engineering or Space Technologies Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) before progressing to the full Level 6 BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering (Top-Up) degree.
Lincoln College Assistant Principal Higher Education, Mel Watson, said: “Collaboration is one of the key things we look for in order to strengthen our ability to develop truly employer-led training and this partnership with Nottingham Trent University will provide a clear career pathway from schools right through to degree level.
“Since the inception of the ASI, we’ve been amazed at the ambition and focus of our students. This partnership will no doubt give people that edge they need to enter what is a buoyant and thrilling industry to enter at the moment.”
Thanks to this new partnership with NTU, students can stay on at ASI after finishing their Level 5 qualification to complete a full bachelor’s degree.
Professor Sarah Speight, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at Nottingham Trent University, added: “At Nottingham Trent University, we are proud to deepen our partnership with the Air & Space Institute. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to creating accessible, high-quality pathways into the aviation and aerospace industries.
“By combining NTU’s academic excellence with ASI’s cutting-edge facilities and employer-led training, we are equipping students with the skills, experience and qualifications they need to thrive in a fast-evolving global sector.”
Children coping with the effects of cancer within their family are being given a friendly monster to help them through their anxieties.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity has teamed up with Lincoln County Hospital’s Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service to provide colourful furry monsters help children cope when a member of their family is diagnosed with cancer.
The idea of the Worry Monster is for children to write their worries on a piece of paper, unzip the monster’s mouth and put the worry in it for the monster to eat. The parents can then read the child’s worries and either post a response back or sit and talk with the child about their anxieties.
The Macmillan Cancer Information Support Service Lead Nurse, Beverley Flockhart, said: “It is a sad time when families come to the unit and ask for more information to help their children cope with the cancer diagnosis of a member of their family.
“The worry monsters are an amazing resource. Sometimes writing down a worry can be helpful in itself. So, when a troubling thought comes into a child’s mind, they can scribble down their thoughts or draw a picture and feed it to their worry monster.”
Charity Manager Ben Petts said: “United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity exists to provide additional equipment and resources for our patients and their families that the NHS cannot fund. The worry monsters are part of a suite of resources that we can provide for families living with cancer. Thanks to our supporters, more than 190 children now have one of these friendly monsters to help them through such a worrying time in their lives.”
The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service has three hospital-based information centres at Lincoln County Hospital, Pilgrim Hospital, Boston and Grantham and District Hospital. The service is available whether people have a cancer diagnosis, need help and advice on behalf of a friend or relative, or are worried about cancer. Health and social care professionals can also use the centre as a resource for themselves or for information and support for their patients.
More information on the work of United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity can be found on the website: www.ulhcharity.org.uk.
More information on the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service can be found by visiting https://www.ulh.nhs.uk/services/macmillan/, or alternatively, for information, support or just someone to talk to, call Macmillan’s free, confidential support line 7-days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk/whateveryouneed.
North Lincolnshire Council has issued hundreds of fines in recent months as part of its campaign to tackle littering and anti-social behaviour.
In August, 177 penalties were handed out, with most focused on Scunthorpe town centre. Offences included dropping litter, begging, cycling in restricted zones, and drinking alcohol in the street.
The council spends more than £1m a year keeping public spaces clean and manages over 4,000 bins across the area. Officials say the investment is aimed at making it easier for people to dispose of rubbish responsibly while discouraging nuisance behaviour.
The latest figures follow summer patrols that concentrated on hotspots for street drinking and other issues in Scunthorpe. Enforcement teams are now extending their presence across towns and rural areas.
The authority has made clear it intends to continue backing residents and businesses who take pride in their communities, while targeting those whose actions undermine public spaces. The approach is part of wider efforts to create cleaner, safer environments across North Lincolnshire.
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