Council forced to scrap charges for dumping DIY waste

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Council forced to scrap charges for dumping DIY waste
Households will no longer have to pay to get rid of DIY waste, Environment Minister Rebecca Pow has announced. After overwhelming public support, the Government will abolish the fees which some local authorities charge for disposing of DIY waste at household waste recycling centres. This will support householders to dispose of their waste in a responsible manner and encourage recycling. Around a third of Local Authorities still charge for household DIY waste. The changes outlined today will mean councils treat DIY waste the same as household waste and could save households up to £10 for an individual item – for example, a sheet of plasterboard. This will make it much easier and cheaper for people making home improvements to get rid of their waste – and may reduce the temptation to use waste cowboys who fly-tip rubbish. Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to dispose of their waste properly and that’s why we are removing the financial burden on doing the right thing with DIY trash.

“This not only supports our wider work to tackle fly-tipping and waste crime, but we are helping home improvers across the nation make their dream projects a reality.”

These changes complement wider action we are taking to tackle fly-tipping and waste crime, which is estimated to cost the economy £924m per year in England. Earlier this year we announced grants totalling £775,000 to help councils roll out a range of projects to crack down on fly-tipping. We have consulted on reforming the waste carrier, broker, dealer regime and on introducing mandatory digital waste tracking, and we are also developing a fly-tipping toolkit with National Fly-Tipping Prevention Group to help spread best practice among local authorities on tackling the issue. Jacob Hayler, Executive Director of the Environmental Services Association, said: “We welcome any measures that make it easier for householders to dispose of waste correctly and responsibly at their local Household Waste Recycling Centre, which in turn reduces the chance of it falling into the hands of criminals or being fly-tipped.

“Tackling the scourge of waste crime, from low-level fly-tipping to industrial-scale illegal operations, will require a multifaceted approach which is why we also support additional measures being introduced to help local authorities and to implement digital waste tracking alongside reform of the licensing regime for waste carriers, brokers and dealers.”

Key Cleethorpes projects get the green light

Tess Egginton
-
0
Key Cleethorpes projects get the green light
Three key projects to regenerate the heart of Cleethorpes have been given the backing of North East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet. The projects all derive from the Masterplan for the area, chosen to be put forward for Levelling Up Funding as important strategic development locations, and deliverable within the timescales required by the fund. The Masterplan was developed by Hemingway Design and agreed in 2022, in which local people had their say about the changes they wanted to see for the resort. The Sea Road project, creating the landmark building on the former Waves site opposite the entrance to the historic pier, will now be developed to provide a new tourism destination. It will include 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. This scheme received planning permission in 2020, but work on the scheme was delayed due to the pandemic. The Pier Gardens scheme will redevelop the existing linear park to incorporate various new activities, including elements that will make it more family orientated as well as quiet areas for reflection, whilst retaining its historic nature. The aspiration is to create an environment accessible for a wide range of users, which will provide activities for residents and visitors alike, whilst also increasing biodiversity within the resort. The rejuvenation of Cleethorpes’ historic Market Square will add space for social interaction, reconnecting the busy seafront and town centre, creating jobs, and boosting the economy. This scheme proposes major improvements to the square and reintroduction of a functioning historic marketplace. The Cabinet voted unanimously to accept the Levelling Up Fund money from Government in order to take the three projects to the next stage. Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of the council, said: “Cleethorpes is already a thriving resort and these key projects in the heart of the resort will help to diversify the offer and extend the season, something we all want for Cleethorpes, both to support the local economy and local people. “In terms of the other areas identified in the Masterplan, like North Prom and the Southern end of the resort, we will be looking for opportunities to bring these forward where we can, but more work needs to be done on these with landowners and other parties before we can put forward funding bids.” The three schemes will now be developed further through the summer, including local engagement for the Pier Gardens and Market Place schemes in particular, while commercial operators are sought for the Sea Road scheme.

EV charging network set for huge upgrade with £1.2m Government cash

Tess Egginton
-
0
EV charging network set for huge upgrade with £1.2m Government cash
An ambitious rollout of electric vehicle (EV) chargers will be fast-tracked with a £1.2m Government cash injection set to see up to 800 new points installed across North Lincolnshire. The cash will be used to help install between 85 and 115 new chargers every year up to 2030. It is part of an ambitious new strategy to oversee the rollout and ensure public vehicle charging is fairly priced, reliable and inclusive, ensuring everyone can access a public charging point wherever they live. Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This Government cash couldn’t come at a better time, as we continue to forge ahead with our Green Futures strategy and the commitment to be net zero by 2030. “Switching to electric vehicles has a huge impact on cutting transport emissions and we have seen that electric vehicle purchases in North Lincolnshire are higher than national averages – we need to get the charging infrastructure up to speed and this cash from Government will help us achieve that. “Residents and businesses expect to able to charge their vehicles quickly and conveniently – we will now deliver that expectation.” The charge points will be well-maintained and adaptable to different technologies, with residents soon to be asked where they would like to see the new points installed – as the council did with a pilot that will see 35 installed across the area. Cllr David Rose, cabinet member for environment and strategy, said: “This new programme will ensure we pick up the pace – charging points are vital if we are going to encourage people to make the switch to electric vehicles. They will also encourage more people into the area.” The number of plug-in vehicles in North Lincolnshire is increasing by 20 per cent each quarter, higher than the national average of 14 per cent. Once approved, the funding – which will be matched by cash from the private sector – will initially see chargers located in areas where vehicles are regularly parked – public car parks, leisure centres and community hubs and close to parks and green spaces. Care will be taken to ensure they do not encroach on necessary parking spaces. Areas with no off-street parking will receive chargers following site surveys and resident consultation, and the council will work with landlords and businesses to further increase provision.

Free wildlife ponds offered to landowners

Tess Egginton
-
0
Free wildlife ponds offered to landowners
North Lincolnshire landowners can bring to life a forgotten piece of land or neglected pond while helping the environment thanks to a charity offering to create wildlife ponds for free. It is part of a Natural England scheme designed to protect the rare great crested newt, which can be found throughout our region. Environmental consultancy Wildscapes CIC have created 44 ponds across North Lincolnshire over the last two years on behalf of the charity. Landowners and farmers are urged to see if they have any suitable land – the ponds have to be a minimum of 150 square metres and are suited to land that is clay-based, floods regularly or already naturally holds water. The programme also includes neglected ponds that can be restored. Wildscapes CIC carry out all the creation or restoration work, as well as maintenance and monitoring over 25 years. The work is fully funded by Natural England and landowners are only required to provide basic maintenance to keep ponds healthy. Jordan Porter, Pond Programme Manager for Wildscapes CIC, said: “This is a great opportunity for landowners and farmers that are keen to improve the biodiversity of their land, to do so at no cost, all whilst benefiting this declining species. “Although it can take several years for ponds to be colonised by great crested newts, we’re seeing fantastic results already with surveys indicating presence of the species in multiple ponds after just one to two years.” The great crested newt is England’s most strictly protected amphibian, and needs clean ponds in which to breed. Once a suitable pond is created, the newts colonise it naturally. During the 20th century, half of the UK’s ponds were lost and this has led to the serious decline of the great crested newt population. Landowners are urged to contact Wildscapes on info@wildscapes.co.uk or 0114 303 5123 to see if they have suitable land.

Over 280 jobs on the line as closure of Young’s Seafood factory proposed

Tess Egginton
-
0
Over 280 jobs on the line as closure of Young’s Seafood factory proposed
Over 280 jobs are on the line following the proposed closure of a Young’s Seafood factory in Grimsby. Plans have been unveiled to halt production at the site on Marsden Road, with an October date mooted, and move what remains to another Grimsby factory and a Scottish site. Owner of Young’s, Sofina Foods Europe, said the factory was “no longer financially sustainable,” according to BBC reports, with a spokesperson saying 285 roles could be lost. The company said the decision does not reflect on the teams who work there, noting that “they are a credit to the company.” Staff and unions are set to be consulted before a formal decision on the closure. Sofina said some new roles would be created at a site on Grimsby’s Humberstone Road and in Scotland at Fraserburgh.

Sustainable warehouse completed at St. Modwen Park Lincoln

Tess Egginton
-
0
Sustainable warehouse completed at St. Modwen Park Lincoln

St. Modwen Logistics has completed work on a £15m, 111,000 sq ft sustainable warehouse, as part of the fourth phase of development at St. Modwen Park Lincoln, which could save occupiers more than £90,000 a year in operational energy costs.

Delivered by Caddick Construction, Lincoln 111 becomes the biggest unit at the site, demonstrating St. Modwen’s confidence in the Lincoln and Newark region following the success of the Park since the first unit was completed back in 2019.

In total, St. Modwen Logistics has invested £35m to deliver 411,000 sq ft of space at the Park in this period, with the likes of logistics giant DHL, retailer Furniture Village and international ice cream distributor NIC all occupying space at St. Modwen Park Lincoln.

Built to St. Modwen Logistics’ ‘Swan Standard’ guidelines for sustainable construction, Lincoln 111 is rated ‘Excellent’ by sustainability certification body BREEAM and comes complete with more than 1,000 sq m of solar PV panels installed as standard to help prospective occupiers to meet their own ESG targets.

Energy generated from these panels will fully power the building’s 5,300 sq ft of Grade-A offices, making them net zero carbon in operation. Combined with other energy-efficient features which are incorporated in the design process, Lincoln 111 has been awarded an EPC A+ rating, helping occupiers to reduce their operational costs.

Reserved matters planning consent has also been achieved for the fifth and final phase of development which will see the capacity of the Park total 740,000 sq ft in the coming years.

Ben Silcock, leasing & development manager, St. Modwen Logistics, said: “We are always striving to develop industry-leading warehouses in fantastic locations for our customers and Lincoln 111 is a prime example of this.

“As well as being near to the vital A1 interchange and benefitting from crucial infrastructure works in the region of late, the building is also best-in-class when it comes to both the quality of the development and its sustainability credentials.

“With extra power capabilities and reduced operational costs thanks to the installation of solar PV panels, it would be the perfect home for any businesses looking to expand their operation to the East Midlands or upgrade to a highly-efficient building.”

Dominic Towler, surveyor at Cushman & Wakefield, added: “Lincoln 111 is the largest speculatively built unit available within a 20-mile radius and adds much-needed supply to the area. The building’s sustainable design also offers exceptional cost savings for occupiers looking to relocate from less efficient and inferior stock.

“Phases 1 to 3 have demonstrated that demand for space in the area is buoyant with both local and national occupiers taking units within the Park, and we again expect the unit to be of significant interest to similar occupiers.”

Lincoln 111 features eight loading docks, two level access doors and 12.5m of clear internal height, as well as 48m yard depth. In addition, 20% of the building’s car parking spaces will have EV car charging points installed and the Park offers a provision of cycle spaces, encouraging greener travel amongst employees.

Bishop Grosseteste names interim Vice Chancellor

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Bishop Grosseteste names interim Vice Chancellor
Bishop Grosseteste has announced the appointment of Professor Karen Stanton as the Interim Vice-Chancellor, taking up the role from August 1st. Professor Stanton, pictured, is an accomplished Vice-Chancellor with a comprehensive background of leading transformational change within Higher Education, having previously served as Vice-Chancellor of Solent University and Vice-Chancellor at York St John University. Her professional journey also includes the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Glasgow Caledonian University, as well as significant positions at King’s College London, the universities of Nottingham, Birmingham, and Sheffield Hallam. Professor Stanton said: “I am delighted to be joining the University. BGU is a remarkable institution with a rich heritage of educational excellence and inclusion. “I look forward to working together with its dedicated staff, students and the Council to lead BGU through the next phase of its proud history.” A core focus for Professor Stanton throughout her career has been widening access to education and the social purpose and impact of universities. Her one-year appointment as Interim

Magic! Two Lincolnshire attractions honoured at Visit England Awards

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Magic! Two Lincolnshire attractions honoured at Visit England Awards

Two Lincolnshire tourism destinations won bronze awards at The Visit England Tourism Excellence Awards 2023 staged at the Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.

The International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln won bronze in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category, while Charlotte and Steven Bennett from Healing Manor Hotel won bronze in the Resilience and Innovation category. The IBCC was shortlisted alongside Blenheim Palace and the Warner Bros Studio and came away with a bronze, so to achieve third place overall was a signifcant achievement. “To have achieved this status after only five years and to be amongst these giants of the tourism industry is a huge nod to the efforts, passion and dedication of our team of staff and volunteers,” said Nicky Van Der Drift, who is CEO of the International Bomber Command Centre and Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP’s Visitor Economy Board. “Their commitment to make the IBCC the best that it can be and ensure every visitor receives a warm welcome and has a wonderful experience is why we can compete on a national stage. “Despite all the challenges of raising the funds, major archaeological works and the Covid-19 pandemic, the team has been resolute and determined to see the job is done and done well. It has been a long and difficult journey so being awarded this bronze award amongst the best of England’s tourism offer is a real pat on the back for everyone who has supported us. “We’re proud to be flying the flag for our beautiful county on a national stage.” Charlotte Bennett from Healing Manor Hotel is also a member of the Visitor Economy Board. She said: “What an honour to have received a bronze award in the Resilience and Innovation category. “While this award reflects on our immediate pivot during Covid and the lockdowns in 2020, it also represents the huge changes we have made as a small and independent business, to not only bring our supply chain and carbon footprint to the forefront of our story but to completely transition our team culture and turn the perception of working in hospitality on its head. “As a company we have put our ‘people challenge’ at the forefront of our strategy to create a sustainable and locally focused future here at Healing Manor Hotel.”

United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity prepares to raise £75k for NHS 75

Tess Egginton
-
0
Wednesday 5 July marks 75 years of the NHS, and United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust has decided to celebrate this amazing milestone with a brand new fundraising challenge. The United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity is setting out a Challenge 75 campaign for the year, with the aim of raising an additional £75,000 during 2023. There are already a whole host of fundraising activities planned, that will go towards raising the target amount. Events such as the NHS 75 Ball, a skydive, and the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge will support the appeal, as well as the charity hosting an NHS Big Tea to officially mark the 75th year. The charity is also asking people to take part in the Challenge 75 campaign, by completing some form of fundraising based around the number 75 to raise money for hospital patients and staff. Gary Burr, charity fundraiser for the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity, said: “It’s an exciting year for the NHS as we celebrate 75 years, and as a charity we are very excited about this. “We have put together a number of fantastic fundraising events that people can take part in and help us raise £75,000. It’s a great chance to support your local hospital charity and make a difference to our patients and staff. “We are keen for businesses to get involved with our activities by supporting the Challenge 75 in their own way, donating a raffle prize to any of our events or donating time to support our hospitals with community action.” The charity is also working closely with AgeUK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire to speak to people who remember a time before the NHS and also their experiences of the NHS throughout its 75 year history. The United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity has funded some great projects for Lincolnshire’s hospitals over the past 12 months, which have included elements of a refurbishment to the maternity bereavement suite at Pilgrim Hospital Boston, a portable sensory unit for the children’s ward at Lincoln County Hospital and an MRI play therapy scanner at Grantham and District Hospital. The funds raised from Challenge 75 will continue to support amazing projects to create a big impact for current and future patients. If you would like to support Challenge 75, visit the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity website or email gary.burr@ulh.nhs.uk to find out more.

New teaching block opens for Louth special school

Tess Egginton
-
0
New teaching block opens for Louth special school

New-and-improved facilities at St Bernard’s School in Louth have been officially opened.

The £8.7m project saw the creation of a new teaching block as well as an extension and refurbishment of the existing building, enabling the school to meet all special educational needs. The work included the creation of improved teaching facilities, dedicated hygiene suites, kitchen, dining space, laundry area and meeting room. Along with renovated medical and professional areas, increased office and break out spaces, a new library and enhanced parking were added. Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services, said: “The council wants to ensure that all children can access high-quality education, as near to their family and local community as possible. To help achieve that, we’re investing £100m in improving our special schools. “Our ambitious programme will mean more pupils with SEND can attend a local school rather than having to travel large distances for their education, which will be of great benefit to both the children and their families. “I’m confident that these fantastic new facilities at St Bernard’s will make a real difference to the pupils there, both now and in the future.” Executive headteacher Lea Mason added: “As a community we are extremely pleased with the new building and improvements, to St Bernard’s and Maples, that have been undertaken. “Through our shared values of Community, Connection and Communication, our aim is continually and consistently to assist our students in reaching their full potential. This new build as well as the remodelling works has and will be incredibly supportive, to that end, in providing access to appropriate, purpose-built spaces, both inside and out. “The impact of this work is far reaching and will continue to be for many years to come. Our pupils and students both current and into the future now have access to a purpose built and considered environment that will continue to provide many learning opportunities and access to world of work experiences, not only for our students, but also the local community.” The building work was carried out by Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd, with the funding provided by the county council.
1...899091...152Page 90 of 152