Works will begin within days to bring Lincoln’s iconic 40-42 Michaelgate back to life, with completion expected by May this year, after which it will become holiday accommodation..

Restoration of historic buildings at the entrance to a 135-year-old cemetery is well under way at Scartho near Grimsby almost 15 years after the project was first considered. Specialist contractors UK Restoration Services have been brought in for the work, involving a large set of cast iron gates, two chapels, a gatekeeper’s lodge, a waiting room, and an additional storage building, from reputable national firm , who continue to pour their knowledge and experience into the project. Gavin Duffy, senior architectural technologist with North East Lincolnshire Council’s partner Equans, said: “We are about 95% of the way through this phase of work, which has been predominantly focussed on the restoration of the structure and fabric of the buildings. “The chapels and former Victorian waiting rooms, which were last used in the 1990s, have seen a significant schedule of works, including roofing, stonemasonry, re-pointing, restoration of stained-glass windows, plastering and joinery, the restoration of the original tiled floors, windows and doors. “This phase of work has seen an emphasis on making the buildings watertight, dealing with external fabric issues, ensuring rainwater is functional, and checking for any other deterioration in the buildings. “Externally, all works on the lodge have been completed, included roofing, the replacement of windows, and brickwork has been repointed.  Rainwater goods have been replaced using traditional cast iron and timber work has been restored to the original state.  We have also replaced timber finials. “All internal works re finished, including a new oak staircase, plastering all the walls and ceilings, adding a new ceiling cornice, new timber work, dado rails, picture rails, the original internal doors have been reinstated, and the original cast iron fireplaces re-instated. “The only two remaining original windows acted as a template for the rest of the windows.  We put these back into the restored lodge, including their glazing panels, and were also able to use the glazing panels to match the new windows.” Cllr Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for Environment and Transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, added: “These are really important buildings and they will be a key asset for the local community going forward. “They have a fascinating history, with waiting rooms for mourners attending the funerals, the lodge, where burials were registered, and the metal bar for tethering the horses from the funeral cortege.  This remains to the side of the beautiful chapel buildings. The restoration team is doing a fantastic job, and we look forward to following progress as it continues into 2024.”

Archaeological discoveries from an Anglo-Saxon cemetery, found underground in rural Lincolnshire, will appear on TV tonight as part of BBC’s latest instalment of Digging for Britain.

The items – including jewellery, pottery and the remains of 23 people from Anglo-Saxon times – were found during the construction of Viking Link, the world’s longest land and subsea interconnector which shares electricity between the UK and Denmark.

Wessex Archaeology excavated the site and removed items for research and assessment.

The finds will appear in the show alongside presenter Professor Alice Roberts, who said: “The middle of the first millennium in Britain is a mysterious period – historical sources are thin on the ground. So any archaeological discoveries from this time are precious and help us to understand what was happening. These burials included some beautiful grave goods, but I can’t wait to find out more about the individuals themselves, with post-excavation analysis of the bones and teeth.”

Since 2020, 50 archaeological sites have been dug along the onshore cable route. The wealth of evidence recovered is shedding light on life across rural south-east Lincolnshire from prehistory to the present day, with highlights including a Bronze Age barrow and a Romano-British farmstead. The most striking discovery, however, is the remains of an Anglo-Saxon cemetery, which features in the BBC series.

Peter Bryant led the excavation work for Viking Link, which is a joint venture between National Grid and Danish system operator Energinet. He said: “I really enjoyed being part of the project. It was surprising how many artefacts we found across the route – the gold Anglo-Saxon pendant from the burial ground was a highlight as was the outreach with the local communities to share what we found. It has been very interesting and exciting to help unearth the hidden treasures that have lain dormant for hundreds of years, in such a careful way. It was a pleasure working with Wessex Archaeology on this journey through time.”

The burials in the cemetery deliberately focus on an earlier Bronze Age ring ditch and indicate the funerary landscape was long established. Archaeologists uncovered the buried remains of 23 people alongside a range of grave goods including knives, jewellery and pottery vessels. From these 250 artefacts, experts know the cemetery dates to the 6^th and 7^th centuries AD.

Among the burials was that of a teenage girl and a child. Both lay on their sides with the child tucked in behind the older girl. Two small gold pendants set with garnets and a delicate silver pendant with an amber mount were recovered from around the teenager’s head or chest, together with two small blue glass beads and an annular brooch.

Jacqueline McKinley, Principal Osteoarchaeologist, Wessex Archaeology, said: “Although many Anglo-Saxon cemeteries are known in Lincolnshire, most were excavated decades ago when the focus was on the grave goods, not the people buried there. Excitingly, here we can employ various scientific advancements, including isotopic and DNA analyses. This will give us a far better understanding of the population, from their mobility to their genetic background and even their diet.”

The relationship between the child and the teenager is not yet known, but research and analysis are ongoing and will include isotope and Ancient DNA analysis of these and other skeletal remains. This will help to identify familial relationships and broader genetic links, both within this community and between others in the region, and the movement of people in wider society.

Specialists are also looking at the artefacts and the layout of the cemetery to learn about the economic, cultural and social factors affecting this community, including the import of exotic goods and the health of those buried within different parts of the cemetery.

A planning application has been submitted to build the first phase of the Barton-upon-Humber link road. The plans funded by Government cash would see a link road built to connect Barrow Road, A1077 and Caistor Road. Junction improvements would be made and a cycle path and pedestrian footway added, making travel more convenient and slashing carbon emissions. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We have spent a lot of time across several rounds of consultation listening to residents in Barton to understand how they would like to see their town develop. “As with all major developments having the proper infrastructure in place as a community continues to grow is absolutely essential and we’re confident that is what this link road delivers – taking HGV traffic out of the town centre and making it more convenient for residents to get around, while considering our impact on the environment.” Last year Barton received almost £20m of Government Levelling-Up funding to improve travel and boost connectivity. As well as funding the link road, the cash has already seen improvements made to the town’s passenger interchange.   Image: Stock.adobe.com/Ondra

Plans for a primary school in Waltham have been approved by Councillors at a meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council’s Planning Committee. The primary school, which is being funded by North East Lincolnshire Council, the Department for Education and through Section 106 contributions, will be run by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust (LGAT). Plans for a second primary school in Scartho, on land off Matthew Telford Way, were approved in December last year. Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “I’m really pleased to see planners approved these proposals. The two primary schools in Scartho and Waltham are desperately needed by 2026 to accommodate pupils. “I know that we are keen, along with Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust to work with local residents to minimise any disruption. These school spaces are sorely needed, and it’s vital that we start to plan now for the future.” Martin Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust, appointed to run the two new free schools serving Waltham and Scartho, said: “We’re pleased both have now been approved by planners. “We’re looking forward to continuing to work closely with North East Lincolnshire Council and our other partners to provide additional, quality education provision in Waltham and Scartho. “We will keep residents informed throughout the build and there will be opportunities for local communities to engage with us to help address any concerns.” Work is expected to begin on both sites immediately.   Image courtesy of North East Lincolnshire Council

The International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) has been awarded a grant of £231,000 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop a new Post-War Digital Archive and carry out works to drive the future sustainability of the project. The project has successfully created the world’s largest free-to-access digital collection of WW2 Bomber Command. It will use this experience to create a new archive protecting and preserving the heritage of the Post-War era. This will include recruiting new staff and providing training for new and current volunteers. Additionally, the funding will also be used to commission an architect to design a state-of-the-art learning facility to be built in the grounds to cater for the demand, which has already seen over 20,000 children on learning visits. The Heritage Fund grant will see the new space designed, necessary surveys carried out, and planning applications prepared. Nicky van der Drift, Chief Executive of the International Bomber Command Centre, said: “Being awarded this grant is a wonderful piece of news to start off the year. With this funding, we’re able to make a number of improvements to our centre and our team that will help us deliver our mission of remembering, recognising, and reconciling the actions of Bomber Command during the war and afterwards. “This funding is ultimately a sign of trust that The National Lottery Heritage Fund has in us to continue sharing the stories and experiences of those during the war. That trust wouldn’t be given if it weren’t for the amazing dedication, professionalism, and passion of our team of volunteers and staff, for which I am immensely proud and grateful.” Nicky continued: “We’re very thankful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and hope visitors will come to the centre soon to see the changes they’re funding at work.” Robyn Llewellyn, director, England, Midlands and East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “We are delighted to be supporting The International Bomber Command Centre with the development of a new digital archive and its plans to build a learning facility. “This funding, which has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players, will ensure that this chapter of the UK’s heritage will continue to be shared and explored by visitors far and wide.”

Flood-hit communities impacted by Storm Henk can now apply for thousands of pounds from the government to help them recover. The financial support will be available to eligible areas in England that have experienced exceptional localised flooding, and will be administered by local authorities, who will handle applications. Help will be available for:

1. Flooded households in eligible affected areas, who can apply for up to £500 cash to help with immediate costs.
2. Households and businesses significantly affected, who will be eligible for 100% council tax and business rates relief for at least 3 months.
3. Small businesses in eligible affected areas, who can apply for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant to help them return quickly to business as usual.
4. Eligible flood-hit property owners, who can apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding via the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme.
5. Farmers who have suffered uninsurable damage to their land will be able to apply for grants of up to £25,000 through the Farming Recovery Fund towards repair and reinstatement costs for farmers adversely affected by exceptional flooding.

This support will be made available through a scheme called the Flood Recovery Framework, which is used in exceptional circumstances to support councils and communities following severe flooding. The measures were announced by the Communities Secretary Michael Gove and Environment Secretary Steve Barclay. 45,000 properties have already been protected from the worst impact of Storm Henk thanks to flood defences put in place through previous government funding and quick Environment Agency action on the ground. Environment Agency teams and first responders have been working around the clock to manage the risk of flooding and protect communities by operating flood defences, clearing watercourses and putting up temporary barriers where needed. Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: “I know how difficult flooding is for those affected and we will do all we can do support households, farmers and other businesses as they repair and rebuild. “45,000 properties are already protected thanks to our flood defences, and I would like to pay tribute to the work of Environment Agency teams, first responders, and others. “For those who have sadly been affected, our Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme will soon be open to help residents protect their property in the future, while our Farming Recovery Fund will support farmers who have suffered damage as they work to put food on our tables.”