- Innovation and research in hydrogen-injected blast furnace steel production
- Investments in the South Humber Bank Quay and broader Strategic Employment Site Allocation
- Development of advanced manufacturing to support game-changing sectors in energy
- Creating a circular economy to sustain green energy and manufacturing industries
Free security packs to help fight crime and reduce fear
Burglary victims and their neighbours in Town and Crosby & Park wards of Scunthorpe are to receive new security packs as a part of the Safer Streets 5 project.
The 1,500 home and vehicle security packs contain items such as video doorbells, gate alarms, motion-sensitive security lights, vibration alarms and plug timers.
People who have suffered a burglary will receive a ‘gold’ security pack, their immediate neighbours will get ‘silver’ packs and properties within the area will get ‘bronze’ packs.
Vehicle packs will be given directly to victims of crime and distributed at local events.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for community wellbeing (urban), said: “These packs can help reduce the fear of crime and help victims feel less vulnerable in their own homes.
“It will also deter criminals from committing these crimes, which will lead to greater resilience across the whole neighbourhood.”
The packs have been developed by the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) and funded through the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Jonathan Evison, who said: “I am really pleased to see the launch of 1,500 home security kits being distributed across the town.
“Residents deserve to feel safe in their homes and these crime prevention products help improve those feelings of safety, as well as deterring potential criminals.
“I look forward to seeing this project progress.”
Safer Neighbourhoods and Humberside Police Neighbourhood Policing Team will deliver the packs and give advice and support.
Victims will be offered referrals to Victim Support, advocacy services, the Ongo communities team, Neighbourhood Watch, the Restorative Justice Council and local community groups.
Superintendent Gary Foster, of Humberside Police, said: “The Safer Streets 5 initiative continues to support local residents in North Lincolnshire through our successful Community Safety Partnership.
“Residents who suffer a crime, are identified as vulnerable or live in an area where acquisitive crime has taken place can receive security products, including video doorbells, alarms and locks.
“We will continue to relentlessly pursue offenders, and the kit and equipment being distributed via Safer Streets 5, like the doorbells, will provide us with additional evidence to secure convictions.”
The CSP includes North Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, Ongo, the National Probation Service, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB (Integrated Care Board) and the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner.
Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council
Zara probes ‘mystery in a bottle’ of Cleethorpes discovery
The mystery surrounding a liquid-filled bottle discovered in Cleethorpes is being probed by University of Lincoln conservation student Zara Yeates.
She’s taken on the examination of the unique find as part of her University course, and is excited about unlocking the mystery of the origins of the bottle, and how it came to be hidden for workers to find as they hand dug foundations behind 35-37 Seaview Street.
Renovation of the property is part of the National Lottery Heritage Townscape Heritage project. During the early works to the property, excavations were being carried out at the rear of the building in preparation for building foundations of a new extension. Workers had to excavate an area by hand as it was too tight for a small digger to work in.
The bottle was retrieved from the property during a visit to the site by Carol Heidschuster, the TH project manager.
Zara said: “The mystery of the item when you first get it is what I really like, and the rarity of the bottle makes this project even better.
“You seldom see a bottle with liquid in it, never mind one with this much in. I’m relishing the opportunity to find out as much as I can about this unique object.”
Zara will be working on the bottle during her first term with the hopes of discovering what the liquid is and where the bottle came from.
Council ploughs on with relief road plans in spite of funding threat
Amidst uncertainty around Government funding for its North Hykeham Relief Road project, Lincolnshire County Council has published the legal orders for the final piece of Lincoln’s ring road.
These are the documents giving the council the powers it needs to acquire the land the project needs, and to make changes to the road network.
Cllr Richard Davies, Executive Member for Highways, said: “Despite uncertainty around Central Government’s £110 million in funding for the North Hykeham Relief Road project, we’re ploughing ahead as planned to ensure we remain on track for starting the works late next year if and when Westminster confirms their funding promise this autumn.
“The objection period for the orders is now under way until late November. Following that, we hope to hear from the DfT by late December about whether a public inquiry will be needed for the scheme. But rest assured that, because this is such a massive project that affects so many people, we’ve programmed an inquiry into our timeline. That means we’d still be able to break ground by the end of 2025 if we need one.”
Building of the new relief road is expected to start late next year in readiness for opening in late 2028. late 2028, at an expected cost of between £180m and £208m.
The North Hykeham Relief Road project will see a new dual carriageway built, linking the A46 Pennells Roundabout to the newly constructed Lincoln Eastern Bypass, creating a complete ring road around the city.
As part of the project, new roundabouts would be built at South Hykeham Road, Brant Road and Grantham Road. A number of bridges would also be created, including at Station Road and over the River Witham.
Ruckland Court Care Home sponsor Age UK Starlight Ball
Ruckland Court Care Home in Ermine, North Lincoln, proudly sponsored the welcome drinks at this year’s Age UK Starlight Ball, hosted at the White Hart Hotel in Lincoln. The event brought together local supporters to raise funds for Age UK’s vital work with older adults.
As guests arrived, they were welcomed with sparkling drinks, courtesy of Ruckland Court, setting the stage for a night of celebration. The White Hart Hotel, with its timeless charm, provided a fitting backdrop for the evening. After a three-course meal, guests danced the night away, all in support of Age UK’s essential services.
Adam Atkin, Home Manager at Ruckland Court, commented on the sponsorship.
“We were thrilled to support the Starlight Ball and partner with Age UK. It was a great opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause and back the incredible work Age UK does in our community.”
Funds raised from the event will go towards Age UK’s “I Forget” dementia service, which offers critical support to those living with dementia and their families. This service is part of Age UK Lincoln & South Lincolnshire’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for older adults.
Ruckland Court Care Home provides personalised residential, dementia, and respite care and welcomes their local community to join them every Wednesday from 10am – 12pm to enjoy homemade cakes and refreshments at their Coffee Morning.
For more information about Ruckland Court Care Home, please contact Adam Atkin, Home Manager on 01522 530 217 or email careenquiries@countrycourtcare.com
Picture: Sharna from Age UK. Image courtesy of Age UK
Countdown begins for Christmas at Belton
The one-month countdown is on for Christmas at Belton, with the highly anticipated illuminated trail set to return from 22nd November to 1st January.
This year’s event promises to sparkle brighter than ever, with a host of new and breathtaking light artworks ready to enchant visitors of all ages.
For 2024, the trail will feature several dazzling new installations.
Among the highlights is Triangulate by ArtAV, an immersive 31-metre-long display made up of 16 multi-coloured bays. This captivating installation is designed to envelop visitors in a spectacular wash of light and colour, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.
Also debuting is Feast of Light by Squidsoup, an immersive walkthrough made of thousands of suspended points of light that evoke movement and presence.
Squidsoup, known for its stunning interactive displays at venues like Burning Man and the Sydney Opera House, brings its signature blend of technology and art to create a magical and otherworldly atmosphere.
Visitors can also look forward to Supernova by Studio Vertigo, a three-metre-tall polished sculpture inspired by the mythical Star of the East.
Emitting haze and projecting swirling galaxy patterns, Supernova promises to mesmerise with its cosmic display.
These new additions join the beloved features of Belton’s illuminated trail, including the meadow of light, neon string flowers, floating candles, and batons of rainbow-coloured light.
As visitors stroll through this winter wonderland, they’ll be immersed in a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds, making memories to last a lifetime.
Matthew Findlay, Head of UK Trails for Sony Music, said: “We’re thrilled to bring back Christmas at Belton for 2024 with an incredible lineup of new artistic innovations. Last year’s feedback was fantastic, but we’re pushing to make this year’s trail the ultimate festive experience for the whole family.”
As the countdown begins, families are encouraged to book early and get ready for a magical journey through the lights—and perhaps even catch a glimpse of Father Christmas himself!
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.mychristmastrails.co.uk/events/christmas-at-belton
Image: Supernova by Studio Vertigo
6,000 years of West Deeping heritage unearthed
An archaeological dig of a quarry in West Deeping has uncovered evidence of settlement and agriculture use spanning 6,000 years.
Investigations of the Cemex West Deeping Quarry have been underway since the 1990s when aerial photography, geophysical surveys and field walking indicated the site would contain archeological features of interest.
After confirming the site’s potential, a team of archeologists from the Cambridge Archaeological Unit began their excavation of the 55 hectares site in 2007, before gravel extraction started ten years later.
Evidence from the Neolithic period right up to modern times has been found, including quarry pits, burials containing military issue metal ornaments and large stone-lined postholes from major building activity.
Elsewhere on the site, there are features from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and the Romano-British, Early Medieval and post-Medieval periods.
As gravel extraction nears completion, a West Deeping Heritage Archaeology Day will take place on Saturday 19th October with an exhibition and talk.
Maggie Ashcroft, Founder and Chair of the West Deeping Heritage Group, said: “For West Deeping’s 21st Century residents and visitors, it is not just a historic day, but a pre-historic day.
“It is a real privilege to be able to see some of the archaeologists’ finds before they go into storage and to hear about their discoveries before the final report is even published.
“It’s a unique opportunity to find out about the most ancient part of West Deeping’s heritage and we are delighted to host the day. We’re extremely grateful to the Cambridge Archaeological Unit and Cemex UK for making it possible.”
An exhibition of some of the finds will run from 1pm until 5pm in the West Deeping Village Hall on Saturday 19th October.
Information boards and archaeologists will be on hand to explain what these discoveries reveal about the earliest inhabitants of the village.
A later talk titled ‘6000 years of life and death at West Deeping’ will be delivered by Hannah Barrett, a Project Officer for the Cambridge Archaeological Unit at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.
Cllr Ashley Baxter, Leader of South Kesteven District Council and ward member for Market and West Deeping, said: “This is an incredible opportunity to learn more about West Deeping’s rich history and explore the many artefacts which have been unearthed over the course of the dig.
“It will be a very interesting day, learning about what has been found and hearing from those closely involved in the project.”
Tickets are priced at £3 each and available in advance by contacting Maggie Ashcroft via email at wdheritage@hotmail.co.uk or via text on 07808 585189.
Image credit: South Kesteven District Council
Charity shops appeal for pre-Christmas toy donations
Lincolnshire’s charity shops are appealing for donations of toys before Christmas in an attempt to bring festive joy to cash-strapped families.
In a plea echoed on social media by Police and Crime Commissioner Jon Evison, shop operators say they get lots of toys after Christmas – but that’s too late.
Said one charity shop manager: “I wish people would clear out their children’s old toys in the lead up to Christmas rather than after, because we always see a number of parents in the days before Christmas looking for toys for their little ones.
“There’s very rarely anything in just before, but we are inundated with toys in the days afterwards.
“If you know your child is going to get lots of presents from Father Christmas this year, by clearing out your cupboards a few days early you could make another child’s Christmas a lot more special too. “
Pressure mounts to create new GP surgery in Gainsborough
West Lindsey District Councillors have come together in support of plans for another GP dusrgery in Gainsborough.
They are to contact the Integrated Care Board to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to accurately determine GP service needs in the district.
Council member Trevor Young had highlighted that the population of the district was rising rising, leading to higher demand for healthcare services, which was putting existing GP services are under ‘significant pressure’. The result was longer waiting times for appointments and limited availability of medical professionals.
He said: “Residents have expressed concerns about the accessibility and quality of the current GP services and inconsistency around across the district. The impact on the community is that the inadequate GP services can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatments which negatively impact on the health and well-being of residents.
“Overburden of healthcare professionals who may experience burnout, further corroborating the problem. Insufficient medical services can deter new residents and businesses from moving into the area affecting local development.”
Community centre reopens to public following £100,000 funding
A busy community centre has reopened to the public following £100,000 of funding from South Kesteven District Council.
Known locally as The Earlesfield Community Centre, the Trent Road venue serves communities in and around West Grantham.
District and Grantham Town Councillors Steve Cunnington and Lee Steptoe led the push to complete the refurbishment following investment from SKDC, which released £100,000 from its reserves.
Improvements include new windows and fire doors; security fencing to deter vandalism; a full boiler service; re-laying uneven paths; a deep clean; and removal of graffiti.
A new kitchen, installed by United Living, is being fitted to enable lettings to community groups. And Mick Townhill and the team at Grantham Fabrications donated a sturdy bench and table unit for the garden.
The venue trustees are Cllr Steptoe as Chair, joined by Cllr Cunnington, with Cllrs Tim Harrison and Paul Stokes, who is the Deputy Leader of SKDC.
Cllr Steptoe said: “I campaigned for funding for the centre from the end of Covid restrictions and was delighted when the new administration committed to it last year.
“It shows a new political will in an area that has been neglected for far too long. It also demonstrates the strength of cross-party collaboration and will allow it to become the local hub, with The Bread and Butter Thing food bank and Building Brighter Futures, already signed up as users.
“I am looking forward to working with the new Board of Trustees to develop this local asset to its full potential.”
Cllr Cunnington added: “Years of neglect are now at an end. The residents of Earlesfield now have a community centre fit for the community. We have more plans and events coming up and leading into next year, all of which are designed to benefit and brings the community together.”
More recent work by the Trustees includes securing a £3,500 commercial dishwasher courtesy of Miele and Rob Dixon, plus tech and furniture items free of charge.
Cllr Harrison said: “This shows how the Grantham Together community is pulling together in response to the SKDC investment and we’re looking forward to a bright future with such strong local support.”
The first public event was at August Bank Holiday, when a barbecue and fun day party was organised to celebrate its re-opening.
Regular events also include Line Dancing, Grantham Capoeira Club, Rabbit Club and Building Brighter Futures (with Grantham College, which provide information, guidance and one to one support for people to improve wellbeing and confidence). Bookings are being taken for individual parties and other group meeting space.
The Community Centre is a registered charity created to provide services to the people of the Earlesfield Estate.
Supporters who donated time, goods or services to the Bank Holiday event include Hope Community Cafe, Grantham Capoeira, Cleaver Meats Ltd, Morrisons, The Castle King, Watkins Grantham, Paul O’Reilly, South Kesteven District Council and Grantham Town Council.
Food hub charity The Bread and Butter Thing already uses the centre as its base for weekly events where members can collect three bags of fruit and vegetables, chilled food and cupboard staples at discounted prices.
Image credit: South Kesteven District Council
Green Growth Zone proposal to create conditions for thousands of jobs
North Lincolnshire Council is spearheading an ambitious proposal to establish a Green Growth Zone and create thousands of green engineering jobs.
The proposal focuses on further enhancing the renewable energy sector, fast-tracking advanced manufacturing and driving innovation to create more high-skilled jobs and secure the long-term prosperity of the region.
The Green Growth Zone will further position North Lincolnshire at the heart of the UK’s renewable energy revolution, driving development across Greater Lincolnshire and the Humber region by building upon the region’s strategic assets, including major renewable resources such as offshore wind, an established industrial base, and strong links to international markets via major ports.
Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, emphasised the importance of the proposal for the future of the region.
He said: “This is about more than just infrastructure; it’s about creating a better future for communities. The Green Growth Zone is an ambitious plan to deliver high-quality jobs, drive innovation, and secure new opportunities for residents.
“While we are still at the proposal stage, the ambition is clear – North Lincolnshire will be a place where green energy and advanced manufacturing lead the way, offering sustainable futures for generations to come.
“We have a unique opportunity to capitalise on the region’s existing strengths in energy and industry, while investing in new technologies and sustainable practices.”
The Green Growth Zone is underpinned by key themes, including:
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Boykowit 