Threatened rare animal gets helping hand from government funding

Stuart Pearcey
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Threatened rare animal gets helping hand from government funding

The rare and endangered Crystal Moss-animal, living in just one place in Lincolnshire, is set to benefit from efforts to boost its recovery as part of a new nationwide project.

The Lincolnshire project is one of 63 across England to be awarded a share of £14.5m by Natural England to help recover 150 species nationwide. The Crystal Moss-animal, commonly known as the bellflower animal, is a rare bryozoan (an aquatic invertebrate animal); one of just eleven such species of bryozoa in Britain. The recovery project on Greater Lincolnshire’s Blow Wells will be delivered by Lincolnshire County Council’s Lincolnshire Chalk Stream Project, and aims to identify the ecological requirements of this species to help establish new populations. This project will contribute towards this species population recovery through increased knowledge, monitoring and engagement; helping to establish a more resilient population of Crystal Moss-animal in Greater Lincolnshire. The Species Recovery Programme Grant Scheme supports targeted action to recover our most endangered species. The funding will support efforts to fine tune habitat conditions for our rarest species, and actions such as propagation, captive rearing, translocations, research and solution-trialling to find the best approaches to enable endangered wildlife to survive and thrive. David Amuzu, of Natural England in Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, said: “Our rare and endangered species are facing extreme pressures and it is important we work together to take action to prevent further decline. “Little is known as to why the Crystal Moss-animal is only found in one of Greater Lincolnshire’s Blow well sites. We are delighted to support this project to gain understanding and boost the long term prospects of this internationally important species.” Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said: “Nature is in drastic decline all around us, with England now one of the most nature depleted countries in Earth. Many once common animals and plants are much reduced with some 15 percent of species at risk of becoming extinct here. “It’s a dire situation, but can still be turned around. We know this because we’ve seen the population of the once endangered Bittern rise dramatically, the recovery of the Fen Raft Spider and Water Voles successfully reintroduced to areas from where they had previously been lost. The partnership projects we are highlighting today demonstrate the power of collaborative action to reverse species decline and we look forward to seeing positive practical progress as a result of the investments being made”. The money has been awarded following a competitive application round, and will be used by environmental charities, wildlife organisations, local authorities and charities in projects across the country. The projects will help deliver the Nature Recovery Network, creating, improving and connecting more wildlife-rich areas benefitting people and helping species to thrive. The projects will also provide new opportunities for people to experience the wellbeing benefits of accessing the natural world, and help build resilience to climate change, while sustaining the vital ecosystems that provide us with healthy soil, clean air and water. Improving strongholds for wildlife and investing in long-term species recovery will help achieve the government’s pledge to reduce the species extinction by 2042 compared to 2022 levels, restore more than 500,000 hectares of wildlife habitat, and increase species abundance as set out in the Environmental Improvement Plan.  

Scampton latest: Home Office announces on-line community engagement event

Stuart Pearcey
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Scampton latest: Home Office announces on-line community engagement event
The Home Office has, this afternoon, announced that it will be hosting a virtual Scampton community engagement event on 27 September. The event will take place using computer software called Microsoft Teams, and is open to those living or working in the old service family accommodation and the areas of Scampton, Lincoln, Welton, Dunholme, Aisthorpe, Brattleby, Cammeringham and North Carlton. There are currently 1,000 tickets available, although the Home Office may look to increase this number based on demand. Attendees will need to sign up for the event via Eventbrite here Scampton community engagement event and will need to provide their home address or work address for verification. They will then be sent a link to join the virtual event. Meanwhile, following on from West Lindsey District Council serving a Temporary Stop Notice to prevent the Home Office from continuing with development work at RAF Scampton, the council has been granted full access to the site. Technical officers assessed all activities across the site and will need time to consider the findings. The council would like to thank the community for their support and communications in providing information on any activity taking place on the site and we will continue to keep  people updated with information where we can.

New plaque honours Gainsborough’s manufacturing past

Stuart Pearcey
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New plaque honours Gainsborough’s manufacturing past
A plaque to record the historic significance of former Gainsborough machinery manufacturer Marshalls has been unveiled at Marshall’s Yard by Sir Edward Leigh MP. The National Transport Trust, with the agreement of Dransfield Properties, unveiled a ‘Red Wheel’ plaque to highlight the work of Marshall, Sons & Co and its place in manufacturing history. It was primarily an agricultural machinery manufacturer founded in 1848 and based in the Britannia Iron Works which is now Marshall’s Yard, whose buildings still show signs of their original purpose. The plaque, is sited on what was once part of the Marshall Sons & Co’s original building, now occupied by Wilko. Deputy chairman of The National Transport Trust Jerry Swift said: “We have a register of sites we believe warrant a ‘Red Wheel’ and Marshall’s Yard is very much one of these sites. Marshall’s of course was such a significant player in the development and manufacture of traction engines and agricultural machinery, amongst other things, and we wanted to recognise this.” The Trust unveils around 10 such plaques annually, and has so far put up more than 160 at significant sites across the country. Sir Edward Leigh said: “It’s wonderful to be here to unveil this plaque to commemorate the history of Gainsborough, which is intimately tied up with the Marshall family and the Britannia Iron Works. “We’ve seen an amazing regeneration here at Marshall’s Yard, so this plaque celebrates both the Iron Works and the regeneration.” West Lindsey District Council has been working with The National Transport Trust on the Marshall’s Yard plaque, from the initially planning of its location right through to unveiling. Economic growth team leader at West Lindsey District Council, Wendy Osgodby, said: “It is wonderful to have a permanent record of the town’s rich heritage and to see the significance of Marshall Sons and Co recognised in this way.” Assistant Centre Manager at Marshall’s Yard, Melissa Cutforth, added: “Marshall’s Yard is a modern-day shopping centre serving the needs of the local community. However, we’ve never overlooked the site’s important heritage and we hope our visitors continue to celebrate and learn about this through the various tributes we’ve proudly made throughout the centre.”

The Lincolnshire Showground gets ready for Christmas Party Nights

Tess Egginton
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The Lincolnshire Showground gets ready for Christmas Party Nights
The Lincolnshire Showground hosts some of the biggest and most elaborate Christmas parties in Lincoln, and is inviting you to gather your friends to join them! If you’re a group of 10 or 100, you can enjoy shared party nights on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th December from 7pm – 1am. Christmas Party packages include a glass of fizz on arrival, a three-course meal, tea & coffee, live music from the Stolen Fridays, and a DJ until the early hours. To book, contact the events team on 01522 522900 or events@lincolnshireshowground.co.uk

Ready for the ultimate day of wedding planning?

Tess Egginton
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Ready for the ultimate day of wedding planning?
Join us at Cupid’s Autumn Wedding Show THIS SUNDAY 17th September at Springfield’s Exhibition Centre, Spalding – 10.30am-3.00pm. See the region’s greatest wedding suppliers display their products and services! Whether you have just started planning your wedding or you have just a few things left to organise, you will find everything you need to plan your special day at this spectacular event. You will find plenty of wedding inspiration – see decor experts, incredible cake specialists, wedding ring boutiques, formal attire professionals, leaders in wedding entertainment, trusted photographers, incredible bridal hair specialists, luxury vehicle hire and much much more! Get wedding gown inspired by watching the fashion shows at 12.00pm and 1.45pm whilst enjoying a complimentary glass of bubbly. To ensure you get the most out of your day:
  • visit www.cupidsweddingshows.com and download your complimentary tickets!
  • Bring labels with your name and address printed on them. Many exhibitors will ask for your details usually to send your further information and offers after the event. If you already have these printed it will save you a lot of time on the day!
  • You could create a temporary wedding email address to pass on to suppliers. Many people do not like passing on their personal email address – this way suppliers can still send you information and offers after the show.
  • Bring swatches of material or ribbon in your chosen colour scheme to help when talking to exhibitors (for example florists could recommend certain flowers in season the date of your wedding which will match your chosen colours).
  • Talk to as many suppliers as you can – many will have gifts for every couple.
  • And most of all – enjoy your day!
If you are a wedding supplier and would like to join us to showcase your wedding services, please get in touch asap! Email cupidsweddings@gmail.com or visit www.cupidsweddingshows.com for further information.

Artist impressions revealed as landmark Cleethorpes building progresses

Tess Egginton
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Artist impressions revealed as landmark Cleethorpes building progresses
A first look of a new landmark building set to be created in the heart of Cleethorpes has been revealed. A three-storey building will be constructed at the former Waves site on the corner of Sea Road and the Promenade, comprising of state-of-the-art public amenities and changing facilities, as well as commercially lettable space across all floors of the building, which may include different providers in retail and hospitality. A planning application was approved in 2020, but work on the scheme was delayed due to the pandemic. Now, as works draw closer, minor amends to the existing planning application have been submitted. The building is now proposed to include a pagoda on the first floor to enable outdoor seating areas, and additional information has been included in the application about the configuration of the doors and windows, and also about the materials proposed to be used on the building. Earlier this year, preparatory works were done on the site, pending the development of the site. Councillor Hayden Dawkins, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and visitor economy, said: “Cleethorpes has a wealth of assets that can enable it to be at the forefront of regeneration. “The Sea Road building will help to develop the council’s ambition of a year-round visitor economy and its appeal as a distinctive landmark will draw visitors seeking a place to meet and socialise. “It will form an important part of the town’s strategy to unlock private sector investment, creating a safe and flexible multifunctional space, that serves both residents and visitors and be an important social and cultural destination, which local people can be proud of.”

Council gets share of more than £5m to boost number of car charge points

Stuart Pearcey
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Council gets share of more than £5m to boost number of car charge points
Lincolnshire County Council has been given £5.6m as part of a thirteen-council consortium that’s secured a total £39.3m of funding to get more electric vehicle chargers. The cash has come from the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund. In 2022, LCC led a similar bid with Midlands Connect and four other councils to secure a total purse of nearly £1million of funding through the LEVI Fund Pilot – that money is expected to attract an additional £2.8m of private sector investment. Maria Machancoses, pictured, CEO of Midlands Connect, said: “This is a vital next step in our efforts to improve electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the region ahead of the phase out of sales of new diesel and petrol cars and vans by 2030. This funding will improve the lives of those living in the Midlands, particularly for those who do not have access to off-street parking and may struggle to charge their vehicle otherwise.” Cllr Richard Davies, Executive member for Highways at LCC added: “As the Highways authority, we are continually keen to make greener choices and we know that many Lincolnshire residents and businesses have already, or are planning to, make the switch to an electric vehicle well ahead of the ban coming in seven years’ time. “This latest bid will further our work to install more charging points in various locations and is another part of our greener journey. “The success of this bid for funding will have a very positive effect and hopefully encourage further growth in the sector.”

Levelling ‘Upp’ Boston with the arrival of ultrafast broadband

Tess Egginton
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Levelling ‘Upp’ Boston with the arrival of ultrafast broadband
Upp is a full-fibre broadband provider, expanding its ultrafast network across Lincolnshire. The network is already up and running across the county – and the good news is that Boston is now live! Whilst most ‘fibre’ broadband providers use fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC), which relies on copper wiring to make the final connection to the property, Upp is proud to be rolling out a true, full fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) network. This level of fibre connectivity has already swept through major cities and Upp is ensuring that the people of Boston don’t get left behind. Based in Peterborough, Upp has been rapidly expanding across the East of England, fast becoming the established alternative internet provider in Norfolk and Lincolnshire. Its very own network isn’t shared with other providers, guaranteeing its customers with a faster, more reliable connection, reflected in its ‘Excellent’ Trustpilot rating of 4.9/5.Upp’s monthly plan prices begin from just £26, with no set-up or installation charges, or any in plan price hikes. Upp has also recently launched its new Business Essentials tariff – perfect for small businesses and micro-enterprises with moderate internet usage. Upp’s B2C Campaign Manager, Mary Freeland, said: “Since Upp’s beginning in 2021, it has been fantastic to witness first-hand the network’s growth across the region, and to see the real difference that ultrafast broadband can make to those battling with poor and inadequate connection. Hybrid and virtual work are certainly here to stay, so it’s vital that as a business, we support those in both central and rural areas so they can benefit from Upp’s reliability and speed.” Whilst building its full-fibre network in Boston, Upp has also supported local organisations along the way, including a sponsorship of Boston Tennis Club and Boston United Football Club, as Upp is committed to supporting the communities where it builds its network. To find out more about Upp’s ‘Next Level’ broadband services, and to see if it’s available on your street, head to www.upp.com

Gina works on road to her future with construction project

Stuart Pearcey
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Gina works on road to her future with construction project
A University of Lincoln construction student is gaining career inspiration thanks to hands-on work experience with Lindum at the Western Growth Corridor  in Lincoln. Gina Smith, 20, is honing her site surveying skills as building company Lindum creates the first road access to the development from Skellingthorpe Road. She was offered the six-week summer placement after completing a real project brief set by Lindum through the university’s Employer Projects scheme, which gives students valuable experience and career insights. Gina, studying for a BSc construction science and management, said: “I’ve been on site at the Western Growth Corridor from week one. The best thing about it is it’s practical – I’m not an office girl. “One of my course modules, land surveying and engineering, was 80 per cent coursework, so to come here and apply that knowledge is a huge bonus.” The former Lincoln UTC triple engineering student added: “What I want to do as a career is to be a construction manager but with engineering knowledge and experience because that will make it easier for me. I don’t want to be managing something I know nothing about.” Her three days a week learning at WGC has included ‘setting out’ activities, in which plans are transferred onto the land for construction workers to follow, as well as mapping underground utilities pipes and cables. Gina also does one day a week work experience at the £8.6m Campus for Future Living health and education facility in Mablethorpe, which Lindum is building for East Lindsey District Council. Gina, who works part-time at a Lincoln engineering firm making components for turbines in addition to her studies, thanked the university and Lindum for helping inspire her future. “If I had not gone through the university’s Employer Projects scheme I would not have known where to start,” she said. “Lindum has given me a great opportunity – the company is passionate about an inclusive construction industry and promoting students and young people in engineering.”

Award winning insurance broker Clear commits to local business community with new Spalding office move

Tess Egginton
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Award winning insurance broker Clear commits to local business community with new Spalding office move
Award-winning independent broking group Clear is investing in Spalding and the surrounding area by moving into a new and larger office on Enterprise Way. The business has been located in Spalding for nearly 10 years, having moved from Holbeach, and the new office move reflects Clear’s commitment to the local business community. The new office will initially employ 12 staff although the business is recruiting locally. Clear Group is a leading chartered insurance broker, which provides a range of business insurance. The business in Spalding supports many local firms with their insurance needs from farmers to hauliers across a broad range of industries.Ryan Hounsell, branch director for the new Clear Group office in Spalding, said: “We are delighted to be growing our presence in Spalding by moving to a new and larger office at Four Seasons House, at a time when the group is also investing in technology and staff. “We have had a presence in South Lincolnshire and the surrounding area for many years, helping local businesses with their insurance needs, and looking forward are well positioned to continue to support our customers locally and beyond.”
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