New cabinet promises chance for communities to thrive
New plans have been revealed to back every community across North Lincolnshire to thrive after the newly-formed cabinet for North Lincolnshire Council met for the first time.
Proposals to fast-track the planting of trees were discussed, with a stretched target of 250,000 introduced – up from 174,000 – as well as new measures to protect communities by strengthening enforcement.
Dog foulers, speeding motorists, fly-tippers and people parking on grass verges will all be targeted, with those committing these acts having been “put on notice”.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We have been able to achieve a great deal across the last few years for the residents and communities of North Lincolnshire but we know there is a great deal more to be done.
“While we’ve met and agreed some new, bold targets for the coming years the starting point is putting in notice those people who think they can act with impunity – the negative impact they have on communities through not cleaning up after their dogs, dumping rubbish or wrecking grass verges by parking across them, will not be tolerated.
“These are things which have a huge impact on people’s lives, day in, day out, and we will push even harder to stamp this behaviour out.”
Cllr Waltham also revealed details for policies which will target the owners of vacant properties which fall in disrepair and selective licensing in residential areas.
Development sites will also be fast-tracked, bring new jobs and new opportunities into North Lincolnshire.
Plans are also in place to increase investment in new bins, roads and paths, keep free car parking across the area, free swimming for young people at all leisure centres through the summer and the free book scheme for under fives, the Imagination Library.
Cllr Waltham said: “We’re backing young people, we’re backing families and we’re backing older people to ensure they can live happy, fulfilling and safe lives.
“We’re targeting what we do to ensure every child has the best start and that adults with complex needs and older people can live well independently.
“We will back our residents and our communities to flourish and grow – bringing people together, making the places more beautiful and helping people improve their own health and wellbeing.”
The new cabinet confirmed at the Council AGM is:
• Cllr Rob Waltham – Leader – Place Shaping, Steel and Heavy Industry
• Cllr Richard Hannigan – Deputy Leader – Adults, Health, Families and Communities
• Cllr Julie Reed – Children, Families and Communities
• Cllr David Rose – Environment & Strategy
• Cllr Neil Poole – Environmental Operations
• Cllr Elaine Marper – Investment, Outcomes and Governance
• Cllr Tim Mitchell – Connectivity
• Cllr Carl Sherwood – Safer, Stonger Communities (Rural)
• Cllr John Davison – Safer, Stronger Communities (Ashby, Bottesford and Scunthorpe)
The new structure also includes cabinet support roles with direct support for cabinet members:
• Cllr Christine Patterson – Cabinet support for Environment
• Cllr Ralph Ogg – Cabinet support for flooding, farming and rural communities
• Cllr Carol Ross – Cabinet support for connectivity
“Volunteering saved my life,” says Sleaford veteran
An Army veteran who says becoming a charity volunteer saved his life, is urging members of the Armed Forces community across Lincolnshire to get the support they need from Help for Heroes.
After joining the military at 16, Pete O’Rourke from Sleaford served 24 years with the Royal Ordnance and Royal Logistics Corps and was deployed to countries including Germany, Denmark, Northern Ireland and Norway – where he caught frostbite and his mental health started to decline.
He said: “When I left the Army, I became very insular so one weekend eight years ago my wife dragged me to a summer fete and there was a Help for Heroes stand there and I signed up as a volunteer – if I hadn’t, I don’t think I would be here today. I think becoming a volunteer has saved my life. It’s brilliant, I love it.”
He still manages to find time to volunteer and is part an army of unsung heroes being celebrated during Volunteers’ Week (June 1 to 7) for the vital contribution that millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities.
In 2019 Pete was diagnosed with anxiety and depression but believes giving up his free time has helped his mental and physical health. “It forces me to get out and talk to people and it gives me a fantastic sense of purpose.
“As I am a veteran myself, I know the issues and the struggles that the Armed Forces community faces and all the support that is available,” he said.
Across Lincolnshire, more than 56,000 people have served in the military – five per cent of the population. And 530,000 people in the county have a military connection – 59 per cent of the population.
The Charity already helps 501 veterans across the county but is determined to get even more people the help they need, whether it’s through face-to-face activities or online support.
The Charity says thousands of veterans are still struggling with painful injuries, mental trauma, isolation and more and is referring to the situation as the ‘Veterans War’ and launched the campaign with adverts on buses and in media across Lincolnshire.
Despite suffering from two prolapsed discs and osteoarthritis in both knees, Pete, 58, works full time as a logistics and multi-skilled engineer and is about to pedal 350 miles across Northern France with Help for Heroes’ Big Battlefield Bike Ride later this month.
Events he will be volunteering at on behalf of Help for Heroes this summer include Sleaford 1940s Day this Saturday (June 3), Scunthorpe Armed Forces Day on June 24 and East Kirkby Airshow on August 5.
“I can raise awareness at events while fundraising for epic challenges such as the Big Battlefield Bike Ride. I’m not fast but being on my bike is my happy place, nothing can touch me there,” he added.
Lincoln shopping centre snapped up
Lincolnshire Co-op and Wykeland Group have acquired Waterside Shopping Centre in Lincoln.
The two organisations have come together in a 50/50 partnership to secure the prime retail and leisure destination in the heart of Lincoln city centre.
The 130,000 sq ft Waterside scheme is 95% let with an impressive line-up of leading retailers including H&M, Next, New Look, Superdrug, O2, Office and Skechers.
Following the success of the Cornhill Quarter development, the purchase extends Lincolnshire Co-op’s role in the regeneration of Lincoln and also brings Wykeland’s property asset management experience and expertise to the city.
The partners will work together to operate Waterside Shopping Centre as a primarily retail scheme, while also aiming to develop the centre’s leisure offering.
Lincolnshire Co-op head of property Kevin Kendall said: “Working together with other local organisations, we’re proud of the schemes we’ve developed which boost the economy of the city and county, improve the local environment and provide a range of valued services.
“We’re always looking for opportunities where we could further support the retail and leisure offer within Lincoln and this partnership with Wykeland, focusing on a key site, is a perfect fit.”
Dominic Gibbons, Managing Director of Hull-based Wykeland, said: “We have been looking for opportunities such as this in high-quality locations and we’re delighted to have come together with Lincolnshire Co-op to acquire the Waterside Shopping Centre.
“We see this as a highly attractive asset in a vibrant city centre location benefiting from significant and ongoing investment, particularly the neighbouring Cornhill Quarter scheme where Lincolnshire Co-op have undertaken a fantastic regeneration scheme.
“This is great news for Waterside, as the centre is now in the hands of organisations with outstanding track records of commercial property asset management and development in Lincolnshire and the wider region.
“We share the same values, as investors with a long-term view and a deep commitment to supporting local communities. We look forward to working together to ensure Waterside makes the fullest possible contribution to Lincoln’s exciting future.”
Waterside draws from Lincoln’s 104,000 population and benefits from the city’s strong visitor economy and significant student presence. The centre has an estimated overall customer base of 376,000 people in its wider catchment area.
Pictured at Lincoln’s Waterside Shopping Centre, from left, Lincolnshire Co-op’s property manager Hayley Woodhouse and head of property Kevin Kendall, with Wykeland Group Managing Director Dominic Gibbons and property director David Donkin. Credit: John Aron Photography.
Crematorium achieves gold standard after third-party assessment
West Lindsey District Council’s Lea Fields Crematorium has achieved the Gold standard in the Charter for the Bereaved Assessment Process following an in-depth assessment by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management.
The assessment process is designed to reassure service users that ethical and social standards have been adopted and met to the highest standard.
Councillor Trevor Young, Leader of West Lindsey District Council said: “It is important that families and friends receive the best care and support when arranging a funeral for loved ones. We are very pleased that Lea Fields Crematorium has been awarded an industry gold standard which is a testament to the wonderful team.
“I would like to thank the team for all their hard work and the support they give to people during what is one of the most difficult times. We are committed to maintaining a high standard of customer care.”
The Charter for the Bereaved aims to promise members of the public that Lea Fields is committed in providing an excellent service that is responsive to meeting their needs. Issued by the Board of Directors of the Institute, the Charter also sets a standard of service in relation to burial, cremation, and funerals.
Crematorium Manager Deborah Balsdon said: “We understand funerals are a topic that we don’t like to talk too much about, but we believe it is important that people have access to helpful, knowledgeable staff and they understand the choices available to them when using such services. Our Garden of remembrance and our Book of remembrance room also offers people a place where they can reflect on loved ones in peace.”
Gainsborough chosen for first public view of Atomic Energy Authority plans for West Burton
The first opportunity for the public to see proposals for developing West Burton Power station near Gainsborough as the home for ‘STEP’ – a protype fusion energy powerplant – takes place at an event in the town on Wednesday 14 June.
The UK Atomic Energy Authority wants to share information with anyone in the community who is interested in the proposals for the West Burton site, and will stage the event from 3pm to 7pm at the Trinity Arts Centre..
This event will be the first time the team has shared its draft masterplan, showinghow the site might be used in the long term. There will be an opportunity for discussion on the masterplan, with feedback encouraged to inform the team’s thinking at this early stage of the process.
Members of the STEP technical team will lead live and interactive ‘what is fusion?’ sessions in the auditorium. During these sessions the team will take questions from the audience.
The event will also include a session on potential future supplier opportunities.
Paul Methven, STEP’s Programme Director, said: “We’re looking forward to getting out into the community and share our plans for the West Burton site.
“We have an action-packed agenda planned for the event in Gainsborough and are excited to invite people to come along and meet the team and find out more about fusion and the STEP programme.”
The event will close with a screening of a documentary that follows the lives of the engineers and scientists working at UKAEA as they overcome challenges in their attempt to achieve a world record in sustained fusion energy.
Event details: Doors open to the public 3-7pm and there is no need to register in advance.
Live in the auditorium:
- 3.30pm: What is fusion – live & interactive
- 4.30pm: Future supplier opportunities and timeframes
- 5.15pm: What is fusion – live & interactive
- 6pm: Documentary film
Work begins on improvements to Gonerby Hill Foot Play Park following £100,000 grant
Work is under way to create improved facilities for youngsters in Grantham’s Gonerby Hill Foot Park.
Installation of new equipment and fencing has been funded by a £100,000 grant from FCC Communities Foundation.
To bring the project to fruition additional third-party funding from local businesses and charities has been raised by the Gonerby Hill Foot (GHF) Park Action Group.
The park is owned and operated by South Kesteven District Council, which will be responsible for maintaining the new equipment once it is installed.
Cllr Paul Stokes, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, said: “We are very pleased to be working in partnership with the Gonerby Hill Foot Park Action Group and FCC Communities Foundation.
“Improved play facilities are crucial for the younger generation and helps families to make the most out of being active and enjoying their local area.
“The work by GHF Park Action Group to create a space that will work for the whole community has been so valuable. We are looking forward to seeing families enjoy the space once it has re-opened later in the summer.”
FCC Communities Foundation is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund.
Cheryl Raynor, Grant Manager at FCC Communities Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be supporting South Kesteven District Council and the Gonerby Hill Foot Park Action group with this project.
“The volunteers have worked tirelessly to reach this stage and it’s testament to their determination and drive that work is now starting on site.”
The park is set to re-open to the public in an official ceremony later in the summer.
New phase of business space delivered at Lincoln commercial park
A new phase of business space has been delivered at Lincoln’s premier commercial park, Leafbridge.
Lincoln-based construction contractor and developer, Stirlin, was appointed as lead contractor to deliver the new units on behalf of their client, PKS (UK) Ltd.
The new phase, named Parkes Way, provides 23,000 sq ft of employment space, split across six individual units – ranging in size from 3,000 to 5,000 sq ft.
The industrial units have been designed to accommodate a variety of business uses, with each unit benefitting from an electric sectional door, DDA compliant toilet facilities and ample parking.
Stirlin has delivered over 49,000 sq ft of commercial property on the 44-acre site so far, split across three phases, providing a mix of light industrial units and hybrid office and warehouse space.
Caroline Parkes, owner of PKS, says: “This is the third time Stirlin have delivered industrial units for PKS (UK) Ltd. These premises are ideally located, with great access to train and road links. Parkes Way offers a great mix of versatile commercial accommodation, available to let.
“Working with the team at Stirlin has been a professional and pleasurable experience from start to finish. The project was delivered on time and within budget, with high quality, desirable results.”
Tony Lawton, Managing Director at Stirlin, says: “Since the first units at Leafbridge were completed in 2021, we have seen a notable demand for new employment space in the area, so we are delighted to deliver this new phase of units on behalf of our valued client, PKS.
“Leafbridge is situated in a convenient, accessible location and is occupied by both local and national businesses, making it incredibly attractive to those seeking investment opportunities.”
Jasper Caudwell, chartered surveyor at Pygott & Crone, says “Leafbridge continues to perform as Lincoln’s Premier business park with the new Parkes Way bringing a much-needed extension to the already flourishing park.
“Parkes Way comprises over 23,000 sq ft of business space available to let and we are delighted to be acting alongside our valued clients in bringing these attractive units to market. We have already received a good level of interest and look forward to seeing these occupied by growing businesses.”
Find out more about fostering at online information evening
Could you offer a child in Lincolnshire a safe and secure home?
Lincolnshire Fostering Service are currently recruiting foster carers in your area and are running an online information event on 19 July, 6:30pm-8:30pm, where you can learn all about Lincolnshire’s Fostering Community!
Come along and find out about the rewarding and supportive journey that is fostering with Lincolnshire County Council.
The event will cover:
- What is fostering and the different types of foster care you can do
- Current recruitment needs
- Practical requirements to become a foster carer
- The voice of the child in foster care
- Q&A with some experienced foster carers
- The support and rewards to the fostering community
- The process to become a foster carer
Celebrating Volunteers Week: the extraordinary impact of Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance’s volunteers
Volunteers are amazing people and this week, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) are saying a big ‘thank you’ to its 200 volunteers and the vital contribution they make to the work of this life-saving charity.
2023 marks the 39th year of Volunteers’ Week, and from 1-7 June LNAA joins thousands of charities and voluntary organisations recognising the contribution volunteers make across the UK.
Kate Kerrigan, volunteering manager, said: “Our volunteers are very important to us. They are our ambassadors, giving us their time in a variety of ways to raise both awareness and funds for our critical life-saving work. Their support ensures that we are able to operate 24 hours of the day, 7 days-a-week, providing critical care to some of the most seriously ill and injured people in the counties of Lincs and Notts.”
There are many different volunteering roles within LNAA and each offer something in return.
Fundraisers Les Pert and his wife Joyce are two of LNAA’s volunteering stalwarts. Since 2016 they have travelled across rural Lincolnshire attending cheque presentations, talks and collections. Not only that, they also assist at HQ and are lifesavers when at a moment’s notice they stop what they are doing to help pick up or deliver parts needed for the running of the critical care cars or helicopter.
As Les says: “We fly the flag for LNAA as much as we can, we’re glad to be part of a great team.”
Volunteers also offer their time within LNAA’s HQ. Jeannie Priest from Lincoln is that special one-of-a-kind volunteer who constantly gives her time to LNAA, and with her never say no attitude she throws herself into everything from counting money to cleaning the board room, representing LNAA at talks to baking cakes for birthdays.
As she says: “If I can help to save one life in my lifetime, then my life will have been worthwhile.”
Kate sums up by adding: “There are lots of different roles available as a volunteer with LNAA so why not do something amazing today and join our fantastic team.”
More stories about LNAA’s fabulous volunteers can be found on the website: https://www.ambucopter.org.uk/supporter-stories/do-something-amazing-and-volunteer-with-lnaa/
Sustainability is not such a modern concept
As the chase for net zero gathers momentum SMEs are being increasingly challenged to not just create plans for sustainability but to achieve them.
According to some reports, 50% of businesses have ambitions to achieve net zero by 2050 but only 11% believe they have the right strategy to get them there.
The focus on the environment may seem like a relatively recent movement but for some it has been a philosophy for well over a century.
Known as Lincolnshire’s favourite coffee roaster, Stokes Tea & Coffee is an award-winning family business with more than 120 years of experience in sourcing, roasting, blending and supplying the freshest coffees, finest teas, equipment, servicing and barista training. The company also runs multiple destination cafés and hospitality spaces.
Stokes has built a reputation amongst its peers for leading the way in sustainable practices. This is in part, testament to some solid habits which are as alive today as they were when the company began back in 1902. The mantras of ‘make do and mend’ and ‘waste not want not’ together with an uncompromising commitment to world-class levels of quality, are not just standing the test of time, they’ve been instrumental for decades in delivering effective ethical and eco practices.
Emma Olivier Townrow, Business Development Manager at Stokes, is helping to co-ordinate the sustainable efforts, she describes the journey so far.
“Stokes has never been just about profit. The family has always given back to its communities, operated responsibly, ethically and sustainably. These are not just snappy sound bites. I can honestly say that these behaviours and values are quite literally built into the DNA of the company. Minimising waste, being efficient and valuing resources is the Stokes philosophy.
“The company has just got on with it for decades and never been interested in virtue signalling or labelling its efforts when it comes to environmental or community activities. This has presented a very different challenge, as unlike many other businesses where sustainability initiatives are being developed to meet the requirements of things like B Corp certification, Stokes has so much in place already that is just business as usual.
“The behaviours and practices require retrospective ‘labelling’ as it were, rather than having to start something new, it’s been a case of finding and formalising what’s already in place. I’ve been working on the B Corp application to help Stokes get formal recognition and certification for the amazing work it’s been doing.
“There’s a vast amount already in place including investment in new heating systems and eco-friendly coffee roasters that significantly cut down on energy usage and emissions and a clear focus on minimising waste through upcycling, recycling and re-purposing. Stokes is close to its supplier base at home and abroad to ensure every penny spent benefits communities near and far. The company demonstrates that a team focus and strong principles can make huge headway when it comes to the sustainability journey.”
Emma’s Top Tips for Achieving Net Zero Targets:
1. Don’t be overwhelmed by the prospect of driving sustainable agendas, the UN targets all ultimately lead to overall benefits for businesses including efficiency, savings and greater business/community engagement.
2. Start small, for example by finding 3 ways to reduce single-use plastic, switch to greener suppliers or support a community project to develop a fresh perspective and approach towards tangible and sustainable business practices. Once you start looking, you’ll be surprised by how many ways you’ll find to reduce your carbon footprint.
3. Get your team onboard, share your ambitions and seek ideas from your people, better still create incentives or rewards for innovative ideas. Nothing breeds success like success, so find the wins and celebrate them.
4. Rethink how you dispose of your waste products – can they be reduced, reused or recycled?
5. Don’t be nervous about sharing your aims and ambitions with your customers, data shows consumers appreciate and value sustainable businesses. So, share your aspirations and seek collective solutions.
Find out more at: www.stokescoffee.com
Image shows Emma Olivier Townrow
