The Department for Education has approved the county council’s bid for a new 154-place special free school providing support for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.
The project is currently in the very early stages, with the council exploring potential locations in the centre of the county. Design work will be progressed over the coming months, in partnership with the DfE.
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell, executive member for children’s services, said: “This new school has been a long-term aspiration for the council, and we’re very grateful to the DfE for making it possible.
“Over the last few years, the council has invested around £100m in improving and expanding special schools across the county, meaning more pupils with special educational needs and disabilities can now attend a local school instead of having to travel large distances for their education.
“This new project will continue that good work, ensuring that all pupils can get a good start in life, with any additional support they might require. I’m sure the school will bring lasting benefits for children and their families, and I look forward to seeing the work move forward.”
The council will be working with the DfE and partner organisations to find a preferred operator for the new free school in the months ahead, after which the DfE will select a multi-academy trust to run it.
Eye-catching maroon tulips are blooming to honour South Kesteven’s WW2 links with the Parachute Regiment for the 80th anniversary of Arnhem.
The tulips are at locations linked to WW2 paratroopers as part of a growing international trail of Airborne Tulip Memorials.
South Kesteven District Council funded 1,000 tulips from Holland to commemorate a unique chapter in the district’s military heritage.
The trail honours men of the British 1st Airborne Division, many of whom were billeted and trained locally before flying from airfields at Barkston Heath and Saltby for Operation Market Garden – the battle of Arnhem – in September 1944.
Tulips colour-matching the distinctive beret worn by British airborne forces are SKDC’s tribute to the bravery of thousands of troops engaged in the battle for the bridges in the Netherlands.
Cllr Richard Dixon-Warren, SKDC Armed Forces Champion, said: “We have a unique local heritage of hosting and training airborne forces here for the biggest ever wartime airlift of troops and equipment to Arnhem.
“Seeing these tulips bloom in their honour is our tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.”
Cheshire man Darren Key, whose grandfather fought at Arnhem, worked with gardener Caroline Frost, Col Frost’s daughter, to choose the maroon Attila Graffiti tulip variety for its colour. He started the memorial trail in the Netherlands last year at sites around Arnhem.
Tulips are blooming at:
St Vincent’s Church, Caythorpe: a shrine to airborne forces
Easton Walled Gardens: Easton Hall housed 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment troops under Lt Col John Frost
Harlaxton Manor: Airborne forces links are commemorated with a large courtyard plaque of the 1st Airborne Division
RAF Saltby: the WW2 departure airfield for thousands of allied troops
St Andrew and Mary’s Church, Stoke Rochford: place of worship for 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment
Fulbeck Manor: accommodation for British 1st Airborne Division Commander Maj Gen Roy Urquhart
Fulbeck Craft Workshops: former workshops for British 1st Airborne Division
Grimsthorpe Castle: HQ for the 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment
Prehistoric times are upon us as dinosaur Pete is back stomping around Gainsborough Farmers’ and Craft Market.
On Saturday 11 May, meet Pete on his scheduled walkabouts at 10am, 11am and 1pm.
Walkabouts will last for approximately 15 to 20 minutes as Pete is still only an adolescent and needs to snooze to get his energy back! Meet Pete’s baby dino friends whilst he is napping.
Regular market traders will be there offering the best in local, fresh, homemade and handmade produce, as well as the antiques fair to dive into a treasure trove of collectables and more.
Nicola Marshall, Towns Manager at West Lindsey District Council, said: “Dinosaur Pete was such a big hit last time he stomped his way to town and I’m so pleased that he is returning for the children and adults!
“It’s events like these that bring the whole community together and thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund we are able to put on extra activities for local residents that are free.”
Image courtesy of West Lindsey District Council
The largest awareness and fundraising campaign being staged this year by St Barnabas Hospice is currently taking place at Aubourn Hall just south of Lincoln.
It’s a art installation called ‘Feathers from Above’, which displays 1,000 hand-made ironwork feathers, which the Hospice says represent a unique way to remember a loved one.
Says Caroline Swindin, Head of Fundraising and Lottery at the Hospice: “The spectacular display will be available for members of the public to visit during day displays or smaller evening displays.
“The bespoke and unique ironwork feathers have been designed, created, and displayed in support of St Barnabas and all money raised will provide more people in Lincolnshire with free, vital end of life care.”
The displays will run from now until 17th May, and are open for members of the public to visit and reflect during this period.
St Barnabas Hospice not only offers care in its own premises in Lincoln and Grantham, but also takes care ‘on the road’ through its Hospice at Home service. The hospice story began more than 40 years ago, when a group of people with just £270 formed a charitable trust with a view to developing a hospice. Three years later the trust had gathered enough money to buy a nursing home on Lindum Terrace at Lincoln, which opened as a four-bed unit.
Construction work is underway for two new NHS community diagnostic centres (CDCs) in Lincolnshire as part of a £38million investment in services.
The centres in Skegness and Lincoln will offer a variety of diagnostic services, including X-ray, MRI, CT and non-obstetric ultrasound, for convenient, timely care away from busy hospital sites.
Both builds represent a significant development in local NHS services, with the centre in Skegness believed to be the largest single NHS investment in the town in many years.
The Skegness CDC will be located on Old Wainfleet Road, while the Lincoln CDC will be on the Lincoln Science and Innovation Park, off Tritton Road. Both facilities will be run by United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT).
Julie Frake-Harris, Chief Operating Officer at ULHT, said: “The start of groundworks on the Skegness and Lincoln sites is a significant and exciting step forward in the delivery of this programme for our patients.
“Working in collaboration with NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, we have involved patients and clinical teams at every stage of development to ensure we are creating an environment that is welcoming, modern and fit for purpose for the broad range of patient groups who will be able to use it.
“The convenience of these facilities is supported by free on-site parking, and having diagnostic testing in the community not only helps to reduce waiting times, it also frees up capacity in our busy hospitals to support those in need of emergency care.”
In Skegness, the CDC will have diagnostic facilities not previously available in the area, including CT, MRI, echocardiograms and dental x-rays. Plans also include a chemotherapy service to reduce the amount of travel necessary for cancer patients.
The architect impression of Skegness Community Diagnostic Centre
A temporary mobile MRI scanner has already been placed on the east coast in Mablethorpe, at Marisco Medical Practice, to provide additional appointments while the Skegness build is completed.
In Lincoln, the CDC will have dedicated training facilities to support the training of future radiographers, with ULHT becoming one of the first NHS Trusts in the country to link directly with a school of radiography at the University of Lincoln.
Temporary MRI and CT scanners are also already in place on the Lincoln Science and Innovation Park while building work is completed.
The contract to build both CDCs has been awarded to MTX, a modern methods of construction specialist.
Additional funding of £38m has been provided by the Department of Health and Social Care to make the development possible.
These new CDCs follow the success of the Grantham CDC, which was the first to open in Lincolnshire in April 2022 and has recently had a £5m expansion to open CT and MRI facilities.
To date, Lincolnshire’s CDC programme has supported the delivery of more than 80,000 diagnostic tests.
Clair Raybould, Executive Director for System Delivery, NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, said: “The CDC programme is offering opportunity to explore how health and care organisations can develop and deliver services differently to address some of the unique challenges faced within our local communities, from a population and geographical perspective.
“As well as offering vital diagnostic testing, Lincolnshire’s CDCs have been designed to allow clinical space for other services, enabling the facility to develop further as a community hub.
“These partnerships are already helping to facilitate the provision of temporary services during construction works, the introduction of new services such as physiological testing, and the growth of future workforce development.”
Skegness and Lincoln’s CDCs are expected to open to patients in autumn 2024.
Main image shows: The architect impression of Lincoln Community Diagnostic Centre
Images courtesy of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
A free two-day celebration of Sutton-on-Sea and its youth is taking place this upcoming May half-term at Meridale Youth and Community Centre on Wednesday 29 May, 10am to 4pm, and Thursday 30 May from 5pm to 8pm.
The Celebration of Youth event is part of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership’s Arts Council England NPO project and seeks to encourage pride of place amongst the younger generations of Sutton-on-Sea.
Children and families of all are welcome to come along to enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment.
On Wednesday 29 May, a pop-up graffiti wall will be available throughout the whole day, 10am to 4pm, as well as a pop-up skate park which be available from 12pm to 4pm. A silent disco will be taking place on Thursday 30 May, from 5pm to 8pm.
Throughout the event, DJ Alex from Popcorn Media will be providing a wide range of music for visitors to enjoy.
No booking is required for the event, and all children under the age of 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
The project is part of the Partnership’s NPO project through funding from Arts Council England, which looks to support arts, culture, heritage and creativity across the whole of South and East Lincolnshire, providing meaningful opportunity and programming for residents, developing the sector and helping to build the arts, culture and heritage offer.
Sutton-on-Sea was identified as East Lindsey’s creative hub site to deliver creative activity as part of the funding, supported through the new Colonnade building currently under construction, with the programme being supported by an eight-member culture board which draws experience from a variety of sectors.
Councillor Craig Leyland, Leader at East Lindsey District Council, said: “I’m delighted that we are able to have another free, exciting event coming up in Sutton-on-Sea for residents and visitors to enjoy this half term, that focuses on the younger generation and giving them opportunities that may not always be available in their local area.
“As well as the chance to try something new and have some fun, I hope that the Celebration will act as an educational experience to learn about arts and culture and the history of Sutton-on-Sea, and promote a pride of place in their surroundings and environment.”
Picture shows Meridale Youth and Community Hall in Sutton-on-Sea. Image credit: Google maps
Over the next seven weeks about 400,000 cubic metres of sand will be topped up on beaches between Saltfleet and Gibraltar Point to help reduce the risk of flooding for Lincolnshire’s coastal communities.
The Environment Agency’s annual beach management sees sand dredged from licensed areas of the seabed pumped onto the beach to replace levels naturally lost to the sea throughout the year. This reduces the risk of flooding for 20,000 homes and businesses, 24,500 static caravans and 35,000 hectares of land.
Replenishing the sand means that the beaches, instead of hard defences like sea walls, take the brunt of the waves’ force and energy. This reduces the amount of damage and erosion to those hard defences and lessens the risk of water overtopping them.
The Environment Agency has been restoring sand levels on the Lincolnshire coast every year since 1994. In addition to reducing flood risk, the work brings supplementary social and economic benefits by retaining the sandy beaches for a vibrant tourism industry.
Deborah Higton, Flood Risk Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “As well as reducing the risk of flooding to 20,000 homes and businesses, 24,500 static caravans and 35,000 hectares of land,the work helps maintain the county’s sandy beaches for us all to enjoy.
But despite our best efforts, flooding can still happen. That’s why we urge people to prepare and plan for the worst, including by signing up to receive free flood warnings.”
The work started at Boygrift, and will progress along the coast in stages at roughly these dates, which are subject to change:
Boygrift, 2 to 7 May.
Mablethorpe, 6 to 9 May.
Trusthorpe, 8 to 16 May.
Sutton on Sea, 15 to 17 May.
Huttoft, 17 to 31 May.
Trunch Lane, 22 May to 27 May.
Ingoldmells, 22 May to 27 May.
Wolla Bank, 26 May to 30 May.
Wolla Bank/Chapel Six Marshes, 19 May to 4 June.
People visiting these beaches on days that work is under way are asked to stay clear of the worksites. The £7 million beach management work is funded as part of the Environment Agency’s capital programme. The programme is a record £5.2 billion government investment in England’s flood and coastal defences to better protect hundreds of thousands of properties by 2027.
Lincolnshire County Councillor Colin Davie has spoken out against plans by National Grid and Osean to run a further three lines of electricity cables under the county, and to develop a substation at Alford that will be bigger than the town itself.
In a statement at the council’s Executive he said: “In January National Grid announced plans to run a 140km line of 50m high electricity pylons through the Lincolnshire countryside, from Grimsby in North East Lincolnshire to Walpole, just over the Norfolk border. We have been extremely clear about our objection to this proposal.
“We have since received details of two proposals from National Grid and one from Osean which will see three further cabling routes and infrastructure coming onshore in Lincolnshire. Once again, the proposals involve cables running under the sea all the way from Scotland, coming on land in Lincolnshire to take power primarily to London and the Southeast.
“Whilst burying cabling underground has obvious benefits over large-scale above-ground infrastructure, with National Grid planning to carve up Lincolnshire through so many projects, we need to look at the cumulative impacts of all of these proposals and the detrimental impacts they will have on our landscape and the mental health of our residents.
“This is industrialisation of the Lincolnshire coast is on a scale we have never seen before. A substation proposed for Alford, for example, has a larger footprint that the town itself.
“If all these proposals were taken as one application by a planning authority, it would be refused due to the sheer scale of it and the impact, irreversibly changing to character of the county.
“We will not accept this piecemeal approach to development. It is our job to champion Lincolnshire and fight for the landscapes and the communities that would be affected so hugely by these proposals.
“Instead, we proposed that National Grid look to install this infrastructure offshore. This would be the most sustainable, secure, and cost-effective option and would mean the power could come onshore precisely where it is most needed, and not channelled through vast swathes of the countryside.
“I will be writing to councils in the East Anglia – who are in much the same position – so that we can put on a united front against these plans.”
These projects will be classed as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, so planning permission will be decided by the government, and not Lincolnshire County Council or the district councils.
The Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival returns at the weekend with more than 100 events and activities to celebrate the natural beauty of this special landscape, many of which are free or at reduced cost.
From fly-fishing to gliding, dancing in nature, sea dipping at Anderby Creek, a pop-up theatre in Spilsby and Jurassic Wolds at Horncastle and South Ormsby, there is something taking place for all ages across the length and breadth of the Wolds.
The festival includes a number of themed walks include dog walks, fruit farm walk, ice cream walk, Louth flood walk, birdwatching walk, wellbeing walks, nature walks, village and town trails and much more.
There is a Festival Activity Day at Stourton Woods from 10am-4pm on Sunday 12 May which includes archery and axe throwing, bushcraft and foraging, free-movement in woodland, a football shoot out, bat tours, farm safaris, walks and much more.
Councillor Adam Grist, Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and the Rural Economy at East Lindsey District Council, said: “The beautiful Wolds are a real gem in Lincolnshire’s crown. Anyone who lives, works or visits the Wolds knows how special a landscape it is.
“I am delighted that the Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival will give even more people an opportunity to enjoy the Wolds, learn about its history and the communities which thrive there.
“The schedule of events really provides something for all interests and also support the wellbeing of residents and visitors by enjoying a social activity in the great outdoors.
“You never know, you may discover a new hobby or skill as well as finding out more about local businesses and producers based in the Wolds.
“Have a look at the action-packed programme for yourselves and take the opportunity of trying one of the many free or reduced-cost events during the festival. You never know what you will discover!”
The festival – on until Bank Holiday Monday 27 May – is organised by a steering group of organisations, including: Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service, The Ramblers, Active Lincolnshire, Stourton Estates, South Ormsby Estate, Lincolnshire County Council, East and West Lindsey District Councils; with East Lindsey District Council serving as lead delivery partner.
The festival aims to encourage people to visit and explore the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, take part in a range of organised activities and learn more about its history.
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) have given a big thank you to everyone who donned their running shoes during April to take part in one of three long distance running events and collectively raised a staggering £49,600 to date.
This amazing accomplishment started with the London Landmarks Half-Marathon on 7 April. 15 runners competed in the race and raised £7,518 for LNAA.
The Lincoln 10k on 14 April saw 288 people, including 250 runners from the University of Lincoln, join forces to run the picturesque route around some of Lincoln’s most iconic landmarks in aid of LNAA’s life-saving work. Together they raised £11,366.
And finally on 21 April, 11 runners laced up their trainers and competed in the London Marathon, raising an incredible £30,000.
LNAA Events Manager Georgia Watson said: “What can we say but thank you to everyone who took part in one of these three challenge events and raising such an unbelievable amount of money. The support from every one of our runners has funded 12 potentially life-saving missions.”
Kate Ray, one of the London Marathon Runners, said: “It was absolutely incredible atmosphere and an amazing day to share with many doing something amazing to help so many good causes. I felt so privileged to run in aid of a very special charity – one that’s there to help on the worst day of someone’s life.”
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance receives no direct Government funding and relies on the generosity of people, organisations and communities in Lincs & Notts to fund the £13million needed this year to keep the iconic helicopter and two critical care cars operational.
Participating in one of LNAA’s challenge events is one way to get involved, push yourself to the limits and raise vital funds. More details: ambucopter.org.uk/find-an-event/challenge-events/
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