Energy firm says Gainsborough gas resources could generate GDP contribution of over £100bn

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Energy firm says Gainsborough gas resources could generate GDP contribution of over £100bn
A huge gas field has been discovered under Lincolnshire with the ability to fuel the country for a decade, it has been reported. Reaching out to Egdon Resources, the energy firm behind the discovery in Gainsborough told Lincolnshire Today that the Telegraph’s description of a “gas field” is premature “as the political and regulatory conditions for its development do not exist in the UK today.” At present there is a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale-gas, a practice with strong opposition, with fracking having been met with protests, critiqued for creating earth tremors, and clashing with the government’s environmental course, plans to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and Net Zero aims. Commissioning Deloitte to undertake an assessment of the potential economic, social and environmental impact that developing this gas resource could have, Egdon Resources said the gas resource is capable of supplying over 16 trillion cubic feet of gas, amounting to around six to seven years of current gas consumption. Deloitte’s modelling estimates that the development would generate a GDP contribution of over £100 billion, up to 250,000 direct and indirect jobs, and offset 202 million tons of CO2 equivalent when compared to the emissions associated with imported gas. Egdon Resources said: “The Telegraph article relates to the potential gas resources in the Gainsborough Trough geological basin which extends across parts of Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire. “The presence of these gas resources in shales and sandstones at a depth of around 2 kilometres, was proven by the drilling of the Springs Road-1 well back in 2019 and compare favourably with some of the best producing shale basins in the USA. “At present they cannot be developed due to the moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale-gas. It’s description in the article as a “gas field” is premature as the political and regulatory conditions for its development do not exist in the UK today. “Egdon commissioned Deloitte to undertake an assessment of the potential economic, social and environmental impact that developing this gas resource could have. This has highlighted a gas resource capable of supplying over 16 trillion cubic feet of gas or around 6-7 years of current gas consumption thus offsetting significant amounts of imported gas. “Deloitte’s modelling estimates that if this was developed it would generate a GDP contribution of £140 billion, £34 billion of direct taxes, up to 250,000 direct and indirect jobs and offset 202 million tons of CO2 equivalent when compared to the emissions associated with imported gas. To put that in context that is equivalent to the annual emissions of over 40 million cars. “As accepted by the Government and shown by the Climate Change Committee’s figures, whilst its use will reduce, gas will continue to be an important part of the UK energy mix out to 2050 and beyond. The UK will become increasingly reliant on imports as North Sea production declines. “The UK government is looking for ways to grow GDP and is increasingly reliant on overseas energy imports such as LNG, much sourced from US shale. It would therefore seem sensible for politicians to consider in a pragmatic and fact based way, the potential security of supply, fiscal, environmental and employment benefits of developing the UK’s own resources such as those present in the Gainsborough Trough. “The proposed development of Carbon Capture and Storage projects at nearby Humberside further enhance the environmental credentials of this opportunity.” The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, is among those opposed to fracking, needed to extract the gas. A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) spokesperson said: “We intend to ban fracking for good and make Britain a clean energy superpower to protect current and future generations. “The biggest risk to our energy security is staying dependent on fossil fuel markets and only by sprinting to clean power by 2030 can the UK take back control of its energy and protect both family and national finances from price spikes. “Through our Plan for Change, we will reignite our industrial heartlands as we seize the opportunities of the clean energy transition, and will continue to drive investment for businesses and communities in the UK.” A moratorium on fracking in England is in place because of an inability to predict the size, timing or location of any seismic events that take place after fracking operations. The government has also highlighted that there is no guarantee that oil and gas produced in the UK will be used here, with private companies selling to an international market. The government has a commitment not to issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields, which it is to consult on in due course.   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Igor Link

County Council gives away more free trees

Stuart Pearcey
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County Council gives away more free trees
The first to collect free trees and hedging plants in Lincolnshire County Council’s latest tree giveaway was Charlie Brunton of Long Bennington near Grantham who intends to use them to form a spinney. He said: “I’ve got a lot of wildlife all around where I live, and doing this is such a positive way to encourage what’s there and hopefully attract even more. “I saw the offer and thought it was a very good idea. It’s great to see something positive like this about planting trees and hedgerows. This pack will go into a field where I have stables, the hedging there is established but there are some gaps, so I plan to use these plants to fill in where needed and extend the planting a bit further along.” The tree giveaway is intended to boost the county’s tree cover, which at 4% lags behind the national average of 13%. Following the free tree team-up between Lincolnshire County Council and the Woodland Trust as part of National Tree Week last November, the latest giveaway of greenery saw 6,000 trees given away to be planted in the county. Each pack contains 50 trees and 250 hedging plants.

Lincolnshire County Cllr Tom Ashton was on hand to help with handing out tree care information, kits and the plants themselves. He said: “Trees and hedgerows are such a vitally important part of our natural landscape. The multifunctional benefits of planting trees and hedges are obvious, improving the wellbeing of wildlife, overall health of the countryside and positively impacting people who live in it and enjoy it.

“In working with our partners, I am thrilled that LCC can be such a positive force to help promote tree and hedgerow planting in Lincolnshire. This will have a lasting legacy for years to come.” Harriet Winspear, Natural Environment Project officer at Lincolnshire County Council said: “Our previous tree and hedgerow giveaways were a real success with high demand, and this is a continuation of those efforts. It’s great to see more planting packs going to residents who want to do some real environmental good in the county.”

New accommodation to be built in £65m contract at RAF Digby

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New accommodation to be built in £65m contract at RAF Digby
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has awarded a £65 million contract for new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) at RAF Digby in Lincolnshire. RAF Digby is the RAF’s oldest station, established in 1918, but is now operated by Strategic Command. The contract was awarded to Galliford Try with Arcadis as a Technical Support Provider and will see four new blocks of bedrooms created for junior ranks. Each block contains a kitchenette, drying rooms, laundry rooms and social spaces, as well as 69 single ensuite rooms. The buildings have been designed to be as carbon efficient as possible as part of MOD and wider government push towards net zero. They will benefit from solar panels and be heated using air source heat pumps. Other energy efficiency measures include provision for a system to recover heat from the waste water in the showers, temperature-controlled heating zones, energy efficient LED lighting, and electric car charging points. The contract value also includes provision of car parking, street lighting and landscaped outdoor communal areas. The contractors will be using local suppliers and labour as much as possible to benefit the local economy. John Weatherby, DIO’s Principal Project Manager, said: “It’s fantastic to have reached this important milestone in our goal to transform the accommodation provision at RAF Digby with some high-quality new rooms for junior ranks serving at the station. We look forward to working with Galliford Try on the designs as we prepare for the start of construction in the coming months.” Wing Commander Neil Hallett, Station Commander RAF Digby, said: “This is an eagerly anticipated announcement welcomed by the service men and women stationed here. Having modern Single Living Accommodation will significantly improve the lived experience and there is buzz of excitement across the station following this contract award.

“This investment into Royal Air Force Digby is a clear demonstration by the MOD of its intent to enhance the accommodation offer to our personnel while making buildings more sustainable.”

Bill Hocking, Chief Executive of Galliford Try, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with the DIO to deliver this much-needed facility for those serving at RAF Digby. We have a strong track record in providing this kind of facility to the armed forces and look forward to ensuring the personnel receive the high-quality living spaces they deserve.” Construction is expected to start in March.   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/shintartanya

LIVES’ ‘No Night Is Silent’ reaches finals of Smiley Charity Film Awards

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LIVES’ ‘No Night Is Silent’ reaches finals of Smiley Charity Film Awards
LIVES is celebrating an incredible achievement as its powerful advert, No Night Is Silent, has been named a finalist in the prestigious Smiley Charity Film Awards. The emotionally compelling film, which highlights the life-saving work of LIVES volunteers across Lincolnshire, captured hearts during the public vote. Thanks to overwhelming community support, the advert has now progressed to the final stage, where a panel of judges will decide whether it wins at the awards ceremony in March. “We are absolutely thrilled to be finalists,” said Harry, a LIVES medic first responder who acted in the advert. “No Night Is Silent shines a light on the incredible dedication of our volunteers who respond to emergencies day and night. We can’t thank everyone enough for voting and helping us get this far.” The Smiley Charity Film Awards celebrate the best in charitable storytelling, recognising films that inspire, engage, and make a difference. For LIVES, reaching the finals provides a fantastic platform to showcase the work of their highly skilled volunteers who make a life-saving impact across the county. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in March, and LIVES will be eagerly awaiting the results alongside fellow finalists from across the UK charity sector.

Krazy Races returns to Lincoln for a second year

Stuart Pearcey
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Krazy Races returns to Lincoln for a second year
The soapbox derby Krazy Races returns to Lincoln on June 22nd, when 40 teams will be invited to take part in an event that’ll be watched by an estimated 20,000 spectators. Entries open on Monday, when a maximum of 40 local teams to design, build, and race their own handcrafted soapboxes in front of a roaring crowd. The 2025 edition of Krazy Races promises to be bigger and better , with the entire city buzzing with excitement. Local businesses, entertainers, and food vendors will join the fun, creating an unforgettable day for families, friends, and race enthusiasts alike. Danny Scoffin, Head of Brand & Strategic Development at Krazy Races, said: “We are absolutely buzzing to be returning to Lincoln after last year’s success. The enthusiasm and energy we felt from the community were electric, and we can’t wait to see what new and exciting soapboxes the people of Lincoln have in store for us this year. Thank you to Lincoln BIG for their continued support – we’re looking forward to making June 22nd a date to remember!” Lee Roberts, Head of Operations at Lincoln BIG, added: “After the fantastic response last year, we’re thrilled to welcome Krazy Races back to Lincoln. It’s going to be an amazing day filled with excitement, and we encourage local businesses to get involved and enter teams. Let’s make this year’s event even bigger than before!” Applications for local teams open 8am on Monday 17th February. Organisers are looking for a diverse range of competitors – from charities and local businesses to individual racers ready to take on the challenge.

Council to be asked to step away from nuclear waste proposals

Stuart Pearcey
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East Lindsey District Council members are to be asked to agree that, after years of negotiation, the council should withdraw from discussions about siting a ground disposal facility for radioactive waste in the county. Councillor Craig Leyland says changes in the possible site for such a facility, originally planned to be the former Gas Terminal at Theddlethorpe, had now switched to farmland between Gayton le Marsh and Great Carlton. He said: “Clearly, this is land that has not had any previous industrial use and is prime agricultural land nestling close to the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is in stark contrast to the brownfield location at Theddlethorpe. “The Executive of ELDC is now of the view that this change in location and Area of Focus severely tests the original rationale for our involvement in the GDF siting process. “We also know of the understandable widespread concern for the proposed National Grid pylon consultation currently under way. ELDC shares the concern of many residents and communities regarding the industrialisation of the Lincolnshire countryside. “This brings into question how can we support a campaign to object to the environmental harm of the pylons and yet keep an open mind regarding the surface entry site for the GDF that will scar several kilometres of Lincolnshire farmland on the margins of the Lincolnshire Wolds. “The use of a brownfield site on the coast where a former facility had operated for over 40 years without local objection is completely different to a green field site in open countryside. The new site would also need attendant connecting infrastructure in the same sensitive countryside that the pylons would be scarring.”

Alkborough residents join forces to support Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance

Tess Egginton
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Alkborough residents join forces to support Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance
Residents living in Alkborough, North Lincolnshire, recently joined forces to support the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) and raised over £1,000 for its life-saving work. The Not 2 Fast, Not 2 Furious Tractor Group raised £642, Alkborough Coronation Club donated £305, and local resident John Robinson gave a personal donation of £55. LNAA Volunteer David Carrick, who went along to the Alkborough Community Come Together to receive their donation, said: “We would like to thank everyone in Alkborough for their generosity. The support we receive from local groups and societies is the essence of our charity. “Without the continuous support from communities across Lincs & Notts our crews would not be able to what they do, 24/7, 365 days-of-the-year.” LNAA is one of the UK’s leading Helicopter Emergency Service charities, bringing the equivalent of a hospital emergency department to patients at the scene, giving those with the most severe injuries and medical conditions the very best chance of survival when minutes matter. Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance receives no direct government funding and relies on the generosity of its supporters to fund the £13 million needed annually to keep its helicopter in the sky and fleet of critical care cars on the road, 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

Sleaford to feel the love this Valentine’s Day

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Sleaford to feel the love this Valentine’s Day
A heart-themed installation in Sleaford’s Market Place will invite everyone to shout about someone or something they love, and to join in with free activities in the town centre across two separate events in February. People will be able to take selfie-style photos at a love heart seat on Market Place until Monday 24 February. The heart seat will be available for photos through the day and in the evenings, when it will light up. As part of the installation, heart-shaped tags will be available from nearby businesses. People can collect a tag from one of these locations and write a message to someone they love, or shout about something they feel makes Sleaford and North Kesteven a great place to be, and hang it on the seat. On Saturday 15 February a Valentine’s themed day of free activities around the heart seat will follow at Market Place, including:
  • Visit participating businesses to collect your heart tag and explore what they offer, all day;
  • meet Rhubarb Theatre’s Queen of Hearts, accompanied by the Mad Hatter, from 10am until 1pm – and see if you can charm her enough to receive one of 100 free roses sponsored by Interflora;
  • have your portrait drawn for free by a caricature artist, between 10am and 1pm;
  • enjoy three 30-minute performances from singer Chelsey Bamford, between 10am until 1pm;
  • have your photograph portrait taken for free at the heart seat by a professional photographer, from 10am until 1pm.
Joining in with the Valentine’s Day theme, Handley Monument on Southgate will also be lit red from Friday evening (Valentine’s Day) and across the weekend. The following Saturday, February 22, there’ll be a healthy heart event from 10am to 2pm on Market Place and inside St Denys’ Church Hall including:
  • A pop-up caving experience at Market Place for children to explore;
  • Health-based stands;
  • Free cholesterol and diabetes testing in St Denys’ Church Hall; and
  • another chance to take your own selfie at the heart seat, before it leaves Market Place the following Monday on February 24.
North Kesteven District Council Leader Councillor Richard Wright said: “It’s good to see the heart seat installation return to Sleaford, after it was first shown at the Riverside Precinct in 2023, and I look forward to seeing everyone enjoy it in the historic setting of the Market Place. “This time we’re excited to be delivering two days of free community activity around it. The Valentine’s Day themed celebration on February 15 – including live performers, a rose giveaway sponsored by Interflora, a caricature artist, photo portraits and more – and the day of healthy heart and fitness on February 22 both promise to be enjoyable and provide even more reason to visit the town centre and make a day of it, which in turn supports the surrounding businesses. “Don’t miss your chance to pick up a heart tag from the participating businesses and dedicate a message on the heart seat to someone dear to you, or celebrate a business, place or aspect that you love about Sleaford and North Kesteven.”
  Image credit: North Kesteven District Council

North East Lincolnshire Council puts out tender request for way finding in Cleethorpes

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North East Lincolnshire Council puts out tender request for way finding in Cleethorpes
A tender has been released to the market to find a company to help improve wayfinding around the main resort area in Cleethorpes. The recent Cleethorpes Masterplan development highlighted wayfinding as something that needed to be improved in the resort, and this was incorporated as part of the major bid to Government for project funding, which also resulted in funding being made available for the Sea Road, Pier Gardens and Market Place projects. This initial tender is for a company to create a strategy and design specifications for signage to help people navigate around the resort, as well as generating ideas for signage that holds interesting heritage or environmental information, and also live information on events and beach safety. Once the work has been completed, a separate tender will be released for the manufacture and installation of the signage at a later date.   Image shows Pier Gardens at Cleethorpes. Picture: Lincolnshire Tourism Guide

Plans submitted for demolition of Grimsby’s Osborne Street units

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Plans submitted for demolition of Grimsby’s Osborne Street units
A planning application has been submitted to demolish the existing units at 3-15 Osborne Street in Grimsby to clear the site ahead of the creation of a transport hub. Approval was given in September last year for the scheme to create a Transport Hub on a 1.6 acre site off Osborne Street in the town centre. Since then, preliminary site surveys have been conducted to feed into the design of the first stage of the hub, which will be located on the Garden St car park site, accessed from Osborne St once the buildings have been demolished. The units due for demolition were built in the 1970s, replacing housing at the time. Most of the existing buildings have been vacant for some years, with the Haven Centre relocating earlier this year. The application also includes the proposed line for the hoardings to be put up to make a safe area for the demolition to be done. If approved, this will mean that the bus stop in the vicinity will be relocated further up Osborne / Bethlehem Street before the works start. The aim of the Transport Hub scheme is to create a multi-functional transport hub for buses, cycles, and other users, which connects with the adjacent railway station, encouraging public transport use and supporting the wider Grimsby Town Centre regeneration ambitions. Stage one of the transport hub will essentially be a large, flat area co-locating all the bus shelters together once again. Further money will be sought to create a hub building for stage two of the plans. As part of the main demolition, the Contractor will be instructed to minimise any waste that goes to landfill, to salvage bricks, and to recycle or re-use steelwork and concrete where possible.   Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council
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