Lincolnshire County Council (LCC), City of Lincoln Council (CoL), and West Lindsey District Council (WLDC) are calling for urgent dialogue with the Minister and the Home Office to clarify the decommissioning and disposal timelines for the RAF Scampton site, which is currently owned by the Home Office.
The Home Office previously announced they would no longer be using RAF Scampton as asylum accommodation as it no longer reflects value for money.
However, since the decision was made there has been no indication of a timeline for the disposal and sale for the site.
Partners are asking questions about the future and the councils are unable to give any clarity at this time. The site is still owned by the Home Office who are responsible for the site and still has a presence on site.
A letter highlights the councils’ concerns over the prolonged uncertainty and the impact this has on local planning and community interests.
Cllr Trevor Young, Leader of West Lindsey District Council, said: “We are deeply concerned about the length of time it is taking to clarify the timelines and processes associated with the decommissioning and disposal of RAF Scampton.
“This delay not only affects our planning and development strategies but also raises serious concerns about the condition of the site and the preservation of its heritage assets.”
The councils emphasise the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure that the future of RAF Scampton is handled with transparency and consideration for its historical significance and the well-being of the local community.
Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Leader of City of Lincoln Council, said: “It’s essential that we meet with government to obtain an update on the current situation with Scampton. Its future impacts all of our communities and the current lack of clarity on the way forward for the site needs to be addressed.”
Cllr Martin Hill OBE, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Even though the Home Office has confirmed they do not plan to use the former RAF Scampton for asylum accommodation, there’s still a great deal of uncertainty about the future of the site until there is a clear timeline about the next steps.”
Maroon tulips offered to honour airborne forces
Eye-catching maroon tulips are being offered for planting across the South Kesteven District as part of a growing international Airborne Tulip Memorials trail.
It’s part of South Kesteven District Council’s ‘Soldiers from the Sky’ project, funded by National Lottery players through The National Lottery Heritage Fund to commemorate a unique chapter in the District’s military heritage.
Men of the British 1st Airborne Division trained with allied paratroopers from America and Poland and flew from airfields at Barkston Heath and Saltby for Operation Market Garden – the Battle of Arnhem – in September 1944.
Tulips colour-match the distinctive beret worn by British airborne forces.
The first bulbs have been planted in Grantham’s Heroes Commemorative Orchard with more going into the town’s Council-owned Wyndham Park, Grimsthorpe Castle, Harlaxton Manor and village churchyards.
A number of free bulbs remain available for visitor sites, schools, parks, parish councils, public spaces and members of the public, possibly with family links to airborne forces.
Cllr Rhea Rayside, SKDC Cabinet member for People and Communities, said: “It’s a wonderful tribute and we are grateful to National Lottery players who have enabled us to carpet South Kesteven with these beautiful flowers.
“We look forward to creating this living memorial to remember and commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of so many.”
Cllr Dixon Warren said: “Airborne forces gathered here in 1944 to train and eventually depart for Arnhem from local airfields. These tulips will add their own colour to a story forever linked to South Kesteven.”
Cheshire man Darren Kaye, whose grandfather fought at Arnhem, started the memorial trail in the Netherlands at sites around Arnhem.
Airborne Tulip Memorials have taken root in the UK at The Royal Chelsea Hospital, Merville Barracks in Colchester and The National Arboretum.
To request bulbs, please email armedforces@southkesteven.gov.uk with quantities requested and proposed planting sites.
Image credit: South Kesteven District Council
Leaders call for urgent clarifications on RAF Scampton site
Comedy professor returns for annual spooky lecture
Historical comedy character Professor Edvard Von Goosechaser has been entertaining crowds at the National Civil War Centre for the past 7 years and now he’s back with hilarious hellraising show Sects and Violence, perfect for the Halloween season.
On Friday 8 November, travel back in time to All Hallows’ Eve 1668 for the annual Professor Edvard von Goosechaser lecture on all things supernatural.
The subject is mad prophets, prophetesses and crazy 17th century cult leaders and, throughout the course of the evening, the Professor will take audience members on a laugh-out-loud journey, exploring the prophet with the most ridiculous name, how eating a raw potato could bring you closer to God, and the catastrophic curse wars that erupted between two cults and one fledgling religion.
A favourite segment of previous performances has been the 17th century themed dating game Bed Wed Behead and audiences will once again be treated to this hilarious interactive experience with accompaniment from Goosechaser’s mysterious musical companion Marco.
Adam Nightingale, Participation and Learning Officer at the National Civil War Centre and creator/star of the show, said: “If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Edvard yet, you can expect a madcap blend of strange storytelling, musical interactivity, weird and wonderful characters, and incomprehensible accents…as well as some actual historical content.”
Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is such a unique night out and a great way to absorb some really fascinating lesser-known facts about history in a humorous way, a perfect entry point for teens. It’s wonderful to see such a diverse range of events taking place at our local museum, engaging people of all ages with our incredible past.”
Sects and Violence will take place in the stunning atmosphere of the Tudor Hall. Limited tickets for the show, which is suitable for age 12+, are just £10 and available now at www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com/whatson/events or in person at the National Civil War Centre.
Other upcoming events at the Centre include an eye-opening talk about female highwaymen on Thursday 7 November, an in-depth look at 17th century fashion with costume historian Meredith Towne on Friday 22 November and a chance to enjoy Christmas with the Curators including an exclusive gallery tour and cream tea on Saturday 30 November.
Council teams up to crack down on fly-tipping
Over the past month, Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Environmental Protection, Community Protection and Licensing Officers have taken part in two successful multiagency operations, cracking down on rogue traders carrying waste without the correct documents.
Over two busy mornings, District Council officers teamed up with Nottinghamshire Police and the Environment Agency to check that vehicles carrying waste were operating legally across the district.
Officers also conducted visits to sites dealing with waste and scrap metal, which is a new venture as a further measure to prevent unlicensed carriers from illegally depositing their waste here.
The day was judged a success by all the teams due to the cooperative nature of the site visits and their aim to continue working with waste sites. The reduction in vehicles stopped, in comparison to previous similar operations, appears to correspond with the impact of successful, persistent and visible enforcement as well as education around the issue.
Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “These operations were certainly successful for us and the other authorities involved. It’s important to ensure that there is a known enforcement presence to tackle the on-going issues with illegal waste carriers we experience throughout the district. Cracking down on all environmental crime has been a focus for us over the past year and will continue to be so going forward.”
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “This operation not only strengthens our partnerships with other agencies but reassures the local community that we are taking positive action, to disrupt illegal activities regarding the transportation and sale of scrap metals and unlicensed waste carriers.”
Sergeant Marcus Bloomfield, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Fly-tipping is something that blights our rural communities – not only do people target green and sparse areas but also sometimes our rivers.
“It’s not only an eyesore to the public but fly-tipping can also be hazardous and dangerous. It also incurs a huge cost to farmers and landowners who need to get rid of the waste in an environmentally sound way. It can cause unpleasant smells, attract pests, create a dangerous environment for wildlife and animals while also affecting children and pets.
“By targeting illegal waste collectors and carrying out operations like this one we are hoping to send a strong message to those who think they can get away with dumping waste of all kinds onto areas of our community that we will act and are acting.”
When the Government’s Local Authority League Table was released earlier in the year, Newark and Sherwood ranked as the best district or borough in Nottinghamshire for fly-tipping enforcement and scored 2nd place across the whole of the East Midlands for incident to Fixed Penalty Notice ratio and 4th for FPN totals.
Free festival draws the crowds to Grantham Market Place
The first major event at Grantham Market Place since its summer renovation is being hailed a success.
Crowds of people attended both the daytime events and the evening entertainment, hosted free by South Kesteven District Council, and the culmination of weeks of community co-operation.
Street performances from Boondog Balladeers, Earthbound Misfits, Artizani and Mishap Theatre brought some fun to the streets set against the backdrop of the more serious business of music and dance on the community stage.
Then in the evening, there was more street theatre and light projections to illuminate Lindpet House with stories of Grantham’s Past, Present and Future, as the town’s heritage was celebrated.
The Punjabi Roots Academy set the rhythm and led the main event, a community parade, through the town.
SKDC Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Paul Stokes, who is also Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “It was a real pleasure to witness the community come together, and to be a part of the first of many such events this new space in the heart of the town offers.
“The idea was to celebrate the area’s rich heritage and community spirit. This was borne out through preparation that involved more than 500 members of the public who created the lanterns and decoration for both parts of the day.
“We saw local artists exhibit their work, singers and dancers taking over the community stage, all alongside the regular Saturday market which is itself going from strength to strength.
“The light projection show and lantern parade through Westgate to the Market Cross was a fitting climax to the day.
“I hope this success will give some inspiration and encouragement to all parts of our rich and varied community here in Grantham and pave the way for much more of the same in the future.”
Cllr Stokes also paid tribute to the SKDC staff who organised the festival and ensured it ran smoothly on the day, including the Economic Development team and markets staff.
Image credit: South Kesteven District Council
Christmas Tree Festival returns to St Botolph’s Church
In partnership with the St Botolph’s Church, Boston Borough Council has announced the return of the indoor Christmas Tree Festival.
This festive season, the entire community, groups, businesses, and schools are being invited to come together once again and create a Christmas Tree Festival like no other.
A limited number of Christmas trees are being offered free of charge on a First Come, First Served basis. However, don’t worry if you miss out on these, as you can provide your own tree to decorate.
Participating in this festival is as easy as completing the form at www.boston.gov.uk/xmastreefestival2024 and returning to karen.stengel@boston.gov.uk expressing your interest.
Mark your calendars because the Christmas Tree Festival will be running from Friday 29th November to Friday 6th December. Set up will be Wednesday 27th November.
Adam Kelk, Head Verger and Commercial Manager at St Botolph’s Church, said: “We are delighted to be working with Boston Borough Council again on this great community project.
“There are so many organisations and businesses in our town and this gives us an opportunity to celebrate them. What better setting than our very own Parish Church. Last year’s celebrations were a huge success and we want to bring that back for 2024, it really is an amazing new addition to Boston’s festive season.”
Get ready to bask in the warm glow of beautifully decorated Christmas trees.
Nine jailed for operating illegal waste site in Lincolnshire
Nine people have been sentenced for the operation of an illegal waste site in rural Lincolnshire, hiding the evidence physically and behind a screen of falsified paperwork.
The defendants were sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to a collective 11 years of imprisonment, including three family members who controlled the illegal waste site at Long Bennington alongside the A1 between Newark and Grantham.
- Paul Canner, 53, of Main Road, Bilstone, Nuneaton, was sentenced to 26 months’ immediate imprisonment.
- His wife Judith Canner, 55,of the same address was sentenced to 16 months’ immediate imprisonment.
- Their son Joshua Canner, 29, of Laburnum Avenue, Newbold Verdon was sentenced to 16 months’ immediate imprisonment.
- Sonial Surpal, 52 of Round House Road, Coventry, was sentenced to 13 months’ immediate imprisonment.
- Luke Woodward, 37, of Willow Road, Nuneaton, was sentenced to 11 months’ immediate imprisonment.
- Marcus Chapman, 39, of Egmanton Drive, Mansfield, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He has been ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work.
- Peter Wainwright, 32, of Dexter Lane, Hurley, Atherstone, Warwickshire, was sentenced to 16 months’ immediate imprisonment.
- Nathan Jones, 43, of Carnation Road, Shirebrook, Mansfield, was sentenced to 16 months’ immediate imprisonment.
- Daniel Lippitt, 55, of Lubbersthorpe Road, Leicester, was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He has been ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work.
- Landowners James Baggeley, 38, of Back Lane, Foston, and Marc Greenfield, 46, of Fosse Road, Brough, will be sentenced on 16 December 2024, as will Robert Malone, 41, of Ribble Prospect, Clitheroe, the sole director of NWR 2004 Limited, and Fletcher Plant Limited, the latter two after proceeds of crime investigations have been completed.
County Council gears up for tree and hedging plant giveaway
Lincoolnshire’s farmers, landowners and community groups can sign up to get 50 free trees or 250 free hedging plants to plant on their land in Lincolnshire.
Join Lincolnshire County Council and the Woodland Trust at either Market Rasen on 25 November, or Boothby Pagnell on 26 November for the tree giveaway days as part of National Tree Week 2024.
Up to 50 tree packs and 50 hedgerow packs will be allocated at each location to those who have registered online, on a first come, first-served basis.
Simply register your interest and bring a large enough vehicle, and you can collect your trees and hedging on the days, as well as getting tips on planting them.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for environment at the county council said:
“Tree planting is part of our commitment to a greener Lincolnshire and both trees and hedgerows are an important means of capturing carbon. Of course they also provide habitats and corridors for wildlife, enhancing biodiversity and can even help prevent flooding.”
Each free tree pack will contain 50 trees, stakes and tree guards and will be a mix of small-leaved lime, hornbeam, english oak, field maple, wild cherry and hazel.
The free hedge packs will contain 250 hedging plants (native mix of predominantly hawthorn) plus 25 trees to grow within the hedge, along with canes and spiral guards. If planting a simple single-row hedge, this is enough plants to create approximately 90m of hedgerow.
If planted as a staggered hedge at five plants per metre, one hedge pack is enough to create about 55 metres of hedgerow.
Housebuilder secures land for 114 homes in Market Deeping
Housebuilder Allison Homes East has acquired land in the Lincolnshire town of Market Deeping, where a total of 114 new homes will be built.
The site will be situated off Towngate East and split over two phases, totalling over 10 acres, and form part of Allison Homes East’s existing Beaufort Grange development, which sold out in 2022 in nine months.
The new phases of the development, which will now be called Beaufort Gardens, will provide a total of 114 two, three and four bedroom homes. 74 will be available through open market sale and 40 will be affordable homes.
Allison Homes East will also be providing in excess of £650,000 worth of S106 contributions, which will go towards supporting the existing community and education services.
Construction work on the site is due to commence in January 2025, with the first homes expected to be complete in August 2025.
Sophie Kendal, Land and Partnerships Director at Allison Homes East, said: “We are incredibly proud to have acquired this land in Market Deeping and to be returning to our successful Beaufort Grange development.
“Beaufort Gardens will deliver 114 high-quality homes, as well as a host of new employment and apprenticeship opportunities for local people. We are looking forward to commencing construction work early next year and to welcoming new residents into our already established community.”
Future of one of North Lincolnshire’s finest listed buildings secured after Baysgarth House declared a community asset
The future of one of North Lincolnshire’s finest listed buildings has been secured after North Lincolnshire Council declared Baysgarth House in Barton-upon-Humber a community asset.
£450,000 of council support will protect the important landmark, which will now undergo an ambitious restoration programme led by the team behind another of the town’s iconic buildings, The Ropewalk, who will lease the Georgian house for 15 years.
When the doors are thrown open visitors will be able to find out more about the area’s fascinating history in interactive exhibitions, enjoy local produce in a Stableyard tea room, take part in family friendly activities inspired by the surrounding Green Flag award-winning parkland, and much more.
Six jobs will be created as part of the House’s transformation into a community facility that will benefit all residents and further boost Barton’s reputation as an important visitor destination.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to step in and protect Baysgarth House – it is an important landmark that means a great deal to the people of Barton.
“We will continue to work closely with the Ropewalk team as the transformation takes shape. The plans look fantastic, and they will help to ensure Baysgarth House remains at the heart of the community for all generations to enjoy for many years to come.”
The plans follow the results of a consultation with residents, who were asked to have their say on the future of the Grade II* listed house.
An overwhelming majority – 94 per cent of respondents – wanted Baysgarth House to tell the story of Barton and its surroundings, while 82 per cent indicated they felt the site would benefit from a café.
Visitors can look forward to an extensive exhibition programme, with plans to tell the story of the Nelthorpe family, the House’s original owners, as well as the important role Barton played in the production of bicycles.
Families will also be able to learn more about the important specimen trees that can be found in the parkland.
Liz Bennet, managing director at The Ropewalk, said: “The Ropewalk is delighted to be involved in the re-opening of Baysgarth House Museum, something that Barton residents have been calling for since its closure.
“The House and surrounding park has been treasured by residents and visitors alike since it was handed over to the then Barton Urban District Council in 1930 and we intend to build on that legacy by making it once again an integral part of our community.
“There is a lot of work to do and we are eager to get started so that we can welcome visitors back inside this lovely building.”
It comes after the council stepped in to protect another of the town’s listed buildings – the former Oddfellows’ Hall.
In addition to the £450,000 support from North Lincolnshire Council, £250,000 is confirmed from the Community Ownership Fund.
Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council
