Bus improvements in North East Lincolnshire drive passenger growth

April Lara
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Bus improvements in North East Lincolnshire drive passenger growth

North East Lincolnshire has been recognised as one of the most improved areas for bus services across Yorkshire and Humberside, according to the latest National Highways and Transport Network report.

The report highlights significant strides in public transport within the borough, particularly in the accessibility of information and overall service quality. Infrastructure upgrades, including an increase in bus stops, improved reliability of electronic displays, more accessible boarding, and enhanced fare systems, have contributed to the region’s improved ranking.

Passenger numbers are also rising. In the last 12 months, nearly 200,000 additional concessionary journeys were recorded. These passes, available to eligible older adults and people with disabilities, allow for free bus travel across the borough until 11 p.m.

The public transport improvements come as Grimsby town centre undergoes major regeneration, including the development of the Community Diagnostic Centre and the revamped Top Town Market. The enhanced bus services are playing a key role in increasing accessibility to these redevelopments.

This recognition builds on previous findings, positioning North East Lincolnshire’s bus services ahead of larger urban centres such as Manchester and Liverpool, demonstrating that strategic investment and local partnerships, such as with operator Stagecoach, can yield measurable service improvements and ridership gains.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/stokkete

Job-creating data centre planned for North Lincolnshire industrial estate

Tess Egginton
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Job-creating data centre planned for North Lincolnshire industrial estate
A major extension is planned for Elsham Wolds Industrial Estate.  If approved, the development would create a new data centre, bringing hundreds of new jobs, investment in the local community, and a boost to business confidence.  The application sets out proposals for a large-scale development comprising data centres, office space, energy infrastructure, and other supporting facilities across a phased development.   The total investment in the site could reach between £5.5 billion and £7.5 billion over the course of the development.  During construction, the scheme could support up to 5,100 jobs each year. Once fully operational, the site has the potential to create up to 1,200 highly skilled jobs.  Funding towards apprenticeship and training programmes is also being proposed.  Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is another positive sign of confidence in our economy and in North Lincolnshire as a place to do business.  “We welcome the application and the potential this development has to create high-quality jobs for local people. Supporting growth in our area helps to attract new businesses while giving existing ones the opportunity to expand.  “It’s further evidence that the work we are doing to enable growth and create the conditions for private investment is delivering real results and better paid jobs for our communities.”    Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council

Donate your time and make a difference to patients’ lives

Tess Egginton
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Donate your time and make a difference to patients’ lives
Do you have time on your hands? Would you like to make a difference to patients’ lives? As the country starts a week-long celebration of the UK’s 14.2 million people who volunteer monthly, why not sign up to be part of the amazing United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity and give a few hours of your time and enthusiasm and make a real difference to the lives of patients and their families and the staff that take care of them? Charity volunteers can help in so many ways and offer as much or as little time as they like. Jo Burgess, from Lincoln, volunteers once a month and runs a monthly book stall in aid of the charity at Lincoln County Hospital. She has been a patient at the hospital for a number of years and became a volunteer for the charity as she wanted to give something back to say thank you for the care she receives. She said: “As a volunteer, you get to do lots of different things. The thing I enjoy about the bookstall is meeting people, staff and patients. Having my own bookstall combines my passion of books with meeting new faces.” For nearly 30 years, the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity has been supporting staff to deliver outstanding care to patients and their families and carers at Lincolnshire hospitals, from funding high-tech equipment to investing in pioneering research, from improvements to hospitals’ environments to support for staff welfare, the charity funds those extras that the NHS cannot provide. And as the charity continues to grow, there has never been a better time to get involved. Charity manager Ben Petts explained: “We’re a small team and cannot do it alone, we need volunteers to help us spread the word about what we do. There are lots of ways you could get involved including helping out at events, updating information about our work around our hospital sites and in the community, giving talks and replenishing our collections tins.”

Biogas facility plan sparks local resistance near Sleaford

April Lara
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Biogas facility plan sparks local resistance near Sleaford

Plans for a new anaerobic digestion facility in Anwick, Lincolnshire, have drawn sharp opposition from residents concerned about its proximity to homes and the potential impact on the village’s character and property values.

Stream Bioenergy has submitted a proposal to build a biogas plant on Horncastle Road, adjacent to the existing Moy Park poultry factory. The facility is designed to process up to 120,000 tonnes of chicken waste annually, converting it into biomethane for injection into the national gas grid. The site would include eight 25-metre-tall digestion tanks and associated processing infrastructure.

Although the developer states the project includes odour mitigation, noise control, and upgraded road infrastructure, many locals argue that its scale and location, just 200 metres from residential properties, would cause environmental and logistical issues. The proposal outlines a maximum of three HGV movements per hour, with a dedicated connection to Moy Park to limit traffic.

More than 600 residents have signed a petition opposing the development, citing concerns over air quality, industrialisation of the area, and non-compliance with local planning guidelines. The application is currently under public consultation and will be reviewed by Lincolnshire County Council.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Igor Link

Grantham challenges ‘boring town’ label as regeneration efforts continue

April Lara
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Grantham challenges ‘boring town’ label as regeneration efforts continue

Grantham, a market town in Lincolnshire, has drawn national attention after being named one of the UK’s most “boring” towns in a recent list published by The Telegraph. The article cited a lack of standout attractions as the basis for its inclusion, claiming that while the town has basic amenities, it offers little in terms of tourism appeal beyond a statue of Margaret Thatcher and a small museum.

Despite the unfavourable media spotlight, Grantham’s business and civic communities are positioning the town in a different light. The town centre continues to benefit from regeneration efforts, including upgrades to the market square and surrounding retail infrastructure. A growing number of independent shops and cafés have emerged in recent years, contributing to a more diverse local economy.

Grantham also benefits from proximity to regional heritage sites such as Belton House and Belvoir Castle, and boasts accessible transport links to Peterborough and Stamford. Local parks like Wyndham and Dysart remain key green assets for residents and visitors alike, with ongoing efforts to maintain and promote them as part of the town’s broader liveability strategy.

While public opinion on the town’s appeal may be divided, Grantham remains a commercial and residential hub for South Kesteven and its surrounding villages.

  Picture credit: Stock.adobe.com/Seadog81

East Lindsey Community Grants Scheme opens

Tess Egginton
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East Lindsey Community Grants Scheme opens
East Lindsey District Council has made more money available to support local community groups and projects. For 2025/26, each councillor has £4,000 available to grant to local not-for-profit organisations in their wards. This has increased from £2,000 as seen in 2024/25. Councillors may decide to award this funding to one project or may choose to split it between several good causes. The scheme intends to financially support smaller projects that are easily deliverable and to be supportive of local organisations. Those wishing to apply for a grant must be a formally governed not-for-profit organisation based within the East Lindsey district. Applicants should also demonstrate that they are supporting at least one of the following: growth and prosperity, safe and resilient communities, healthy lives, the environment. The Scheme can fund capital costs for building improvements, playground equipment, IT or sports equipment, disabled facilities, energy efficiency measures and more. Additionally, Councillor Community Grants can cover revenue costs, such as salaries, rent, events costs, training fees, or general maintenance. Councillor Craig Leyland, leader of East Lindsey District Council, said: “I am delighted that the Community Grants Scheme is returning this year, with an increased allocation for all Councillors. “In the 2024/25 financial year, we supported many amazing local initiatives through grants funding, and I am certain we will be able to reach even more projects this year. We know that organisations are hard-working and are important to the local community, and with the current economic climate, it is essential that they are supported as much as possible. “I strongly encourage any eligible organisations interested in grants funding to contact their ward Councillor for more information.” The deadline for Councillors’ Community Grants Applications to be received is Saturday 28 February 2026. A project may only be funded once in a financial year (1 April to 31 March). It is also a requirement that the project is completed within 12 months of receiving the grant. For enquiries, contact community.grants@e-lindsey.gov.uk
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG

Festival of the Sea to dock in Grimsby this June

Tess Egginton
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Festival of the Sea to dock in Grimsby this June
Festival of the Sea will return to Grimsby on Saturday 21st June. Now in its fifth year, the festival has welcomed thousands of visitors to enjoy live cooking demos and water activities, celebrating the town’s rich maritime history and exploring the future. By focusing on its central theme, the Festival of the Sea aims to raise awareness and educate the public about one of our planet’s most vital yet often overlooked climate allies – the ocean, which plays a crucial role in absorbing heat and carbon on a global scale. The festival’s educational programming will explore topics such as seafood, as well as the history and future of healthy, responsible eating. The programme of activities, performances, guided walks, installations, and workshops include:
  • Seafood Crafts & Ocean Mural with TARGET NEL: Get hands-on with seafood-themed crafts while learning about different types of seafood and their nutritional benefits. Then, join in to create a big Ocean Mural filled with healthy messages.
  • “Save the Sea” with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue: marine-themed crafts and a fun competition to win cuddly sea creatures.
  • “The Sushi Stakeout” by Grubby Knees: A fast-paced, 20-minute heartfelt show packed with laughs, local flavour, and squabbling seagulls fighting over chips.
  • “Exploring the water connection” with Grimsby Tours: Join Emma Lingard for a guided walk through Grimsby’s deep-rooted connection to the sea and waterfront, past and present.
In 2025 the focus leads on making the festival more accessible and sustainable, to ensure all people of Grimsby and beyond can enjoy the day. This includes new sensory workshops: creating calm, engaging spaces for individuals who benefit from tactile and sensory-based experiences. The organisers are also working with Vehicles for Change to bring their RevoLOOtion accessible toilets to the festival. Through this collaboration it is aimed to remove barriers that often prevent disabled individuals from attending public events. The festival is supported by North East Lincolnshire Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cllr Hayden Dawkins, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and the visitor economy, said: “I am absolutely delighted that this Festival will once again provide a showcase not only for our area, but also for our local creative talent. “It will be packed with family entertainment, and is a perfect way to show how our past, great heritage can be brought into the modern day using the creativity and talent that now exists.”
  Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council

Wolds walkers stride out for hospital charity

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Wolds walkers stride out for hospital charity
Over 40 Lincolnshire ramblers put their best foot forward to complete the annual sponsored Wolds Walk 2025 and raised over £2,700 in support of Lincolnshire’s hospitals. In perfect walking conditions, the group set off from Ludford, near Market Rasen on Saturday 17 May, to complete a ten-mile circular route that weaved its way through picture postcard villages, ancient woodlands and rolling landscapes. Kelly, from Wragby, took on the Wolds Walk in memory of her father, who was admitted to Lincoln County Hospital in October 2024 suffering from sepsis. Kelly summed up what completing the walk meant to her: “My dad was in hospital for 12 days and he fought a hard and painful battle, and the medical teams did all they could to keep him alive, but sadly he caught pneumonia and he lost the fight. Doing the Wolds Walk was my way of saying thank you to our amazing medical teams and everyone who gives care to us every day of our lives within Lincolnshire’s hospitals.” For nearly 30 years United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity has been supporting staff to deliver outstanding care to patients, their families and carers, by providing those extras that cannot be provided by the NHS. In the last year it has invested nearly £1million in additional equipment, services and amenities at hospitals at Lincoln, Boston, Grantham and Louth. Staff nurse, Gill, who works on the Chemotherapy Suite at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston explained why she was eager to take part. She said: “The walk is a fantastic way to get together and meet other people, whilst also raising vital funds to improve the lives of patients at Lincolnshire hospitals. It is a lovely feeling knowing that I have helped provide funds for things that some of my patients may require, as some are here all day for treatment.” The Wolds Walk, which is now in its second year is the brainchild of Charity Manager, Ben Petts. He said: “We really cannot thank all the walkers enough for supporting the charity and raising such a fantastic amount. The walk is growing in popularity and each year more sign up to enjoy the fellowship it brings as well as the stunning landscapes that we travel through. Together with Richard Fish Adventures, we create a different route that will be achievable by as many people as possible. Even dogs are invited! “We are already planning for next year with great excitement. We will celebrate our 30th birthday in 2026 and are hoping that next year’s walk will be bigger and better than ever and raise even more funds for our vital work supporting Lincolnshire hospitals.”

New council leadership takes shape in Lincolnshire

April Lara
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New council leadership takes shape in Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire County Council has appointed a new leadership team following the 23 May meeting, ushering in a significant change in direction after Reform UK secured a majority with 44 of the 70 council seats in the recent local elections.

Cllr Sean Matthews, representing Tattershall Castle, has been named council leader. He is joined by Cllr Rob Gibson of Spalding East as deputy leader. Matthews brings a background in security, having worked in royalty protection, while Gibson works in housing and homelessness support within the South Holland district.

The new executive team draws on a mix of private and public sector experience. Cllr Natalie Oliver, councillor for Woodhall Spa and Wragby, will head children’s services. She has a background in public engagement with the NHS. Cllr Steve Clegg, who represents the Sleaford division, will oversee adult care and health, building on his work as a healthcare therapist and his prior service on North Kesteven District Council.

Cllr Alex McGonigle of Louth Wolds, a former firefighter will now lead community safety. Growth falls under the remit of Cllr Liam Kelly from Swallow Beck and Witham, a former Army officer who has worked in global security roles over the past decade.

Cllr Michael Cheyne, a chartered engineer representing Boston West, has been appointed to lead highways and transport. Cllr Tom Catton, from Louth South, takes charge of the resources portfolio, bringing extensive experience in finance, HR, and IT across both UK and international companies.

The environment brief goes to Cllr Danny Brookes, a business owner from Skegness who has served on both district and town councils since 2012.

Each executive councillor will be supported by a colleague in their portfolio, reflecting a dual-leadership approach. The appointments mark a decisive shift in leadership tone, with an emphasis on real-world experience and practical service delivery expected to shape the council’s direction going forward.

  Image source: Lincolnshire County Council

Council explores pop-up solution amid prolonged Grimsby library closure

April Lara
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Council explores pop-up solution amid prolonged Grimsby library closure

Grimsby Central Library remains closed after a March 28 water leak led to the disturbance of asbestos, with no reopening date confirmed. North East Lincolnshire Council is awaiting detailed assessments on the necessary remediation work, including asbestos removal.

While the site remains off-limits, the council is evaluating multiple town centre locations for a temporary pop-up library to maintain public access to core services. The safe removal of books and archives from the existing building is ongoing.

Meanwhile, a broader public consultation into the future of the borough’s library and archive services continues until 9 July. Proposals under review include merging Cleethorpes Library with Cleethorpes Leisure Centre, converting Waltham Library into a volunteer-led operation, and permanently relocating Grimsby Central Library.

Concerns have been raised during public meetings regarding trust in the consultation process and the future of community assets. However, the council maintains that the consultation is in line with national governance standards and clarifies that the temporary closure of Grimsby Library is unrelated to the current consultation.

Final decisions will depend on the outcome of the consultation and will be subject to business case evaluations and the council’s decision-making protocols.

  Image credit: Google maps
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