Lincolnshire County Council is moving ahead with plans to restore the worn stone surface of Bailgate, aiming to preserve the street’s heritage while improving durability.

Installed in 2010 to match the area’s historic character, the Yorkstone blocks have begun to shift, crack and loosen due to the failure of their original sand base. Council engineers now propose relaying most of the existing stones on a stronger mortar foundation to prevent further damage. Broken blocks would be replaced with new ones in the same style.

If approved, the project would begin in January 2026 and last up to three months, depending on weather. Around 65% of the original stones—approximately 32,000—could be salvaged and reused. The estimated cost for the work is just over £1.7 million.

While traffic plans are still being finalised, phased road closures will be necessary. Pedestrian access and entry to homes and businesses will be maintained throughout the project. Final dates and traffic details are expected to be announced later this year.

Image credit: Lincolnshire County Council

Bereaved parents will benefit from specialist counselling thanks to a hospital charity-funded partnership between United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (ULTH) and Petals, the baby loss counselling charity. This vital specialist support that is so often needed by parents following pregnancy and baby loss is not routinely available through the NHS. The emotional impact of this type of loss can be devastating, leaving many parents struggling with day-to-day life, unable to return to work, and feeling isolated in their grief. United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Manager, Ben Petts, said: “It is a privilege to stand alongside our Specialist Bereavement Midwifery Team and provide £100,000 to secure this vital baby loss counselling service for the next two years. This partnership will ensure compassionate, specialist care is offered to those who need it most, when they need it most.” Petals provide specialist counselling to help parents navigate the trauma of baby loss. In the past year alone, the charity has delivered more than 6,759 counselling sessions across the country. Karen Burgess, Petals CEO, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with ULTH to offer this vital support. Lincolnshire is one of the largest counties in England, and this new contract is a major step forward in reaching more families who need help after baby loss.” From July 2025, when a family cared for by ULTH experiences a pregnancy loss or the loss of a baby, they will be given the option of counselling. The Maternity Bereavement team will then ensure the most appropriate psychological support is offered. Alternatively, families can self-refer for counselling via the Petals website. Rachel Bond, Specialist Bereavement Midwife at ULTH, said: “We are immensely proud to have secured funding from United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity to provide a much-needed service to support the bereaved families that we care for. “Echoing the words of Petals, we believe all families should have access to specialist bereavement counselling following the loss of a baby. We recognise the devastation that the loss of a baby has on families, regardless of gestation and hope that the provision of this service will make a positive difference to our families in their time of need.” You can find out more about the partnership at: ULTH NHS Trust – Petals Charity.   Image shows Rachel Bond, Specialist Bereavement Midwife at ULTH

The final phase of restoration work on Grantham’s iconic Victorian clock tower is set to begin this Sunday, following delays caused by unexpected structural issues.

Perched above the town’s Guildhall arts centre, the bell turret has been under repair since October after heavy rain exposed damage to the ballroom ceiling. Initial fixes focused on the roof and timber frame, but further inspection revealed deeper problems with the bell tower itself.

South Kesteven District Council has confirmed that the entire turret will now be carefully lifted by crane and transported off-site for specialist restoration in a workshop. The four supporting columns will also be removed, with any exposed gaps sealed during the process.

As part of the final steps, the windows will be redecorated and the scaffolding taken down by August. The bell tower is expected to return to its home atop the Grade II listed building by spring next year.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Seadog81

Roxby Community Centre is set to undergo a small but meaningful transformation, with improvements that promise to make the much-loved local spot warmer, brighter, and more energy-efficient.

North Lincolnshire Council has approved a £10,944 grant to help fund a new roof and upgraded blinds for the building. The total project, valued at just over £12,000, includes a contribution from the centre itself.

These changes aren’t just cosmetic—they’re designed to improve comfort, reduce heating costs, and make the centre more sustainable long term. It’s a practical boost for a space that hosts everything from social gatherings to local events.

The Roxby upgrade is part of a broader wave of investment in community-led initiatives across North Lincolnshire. Through its Community Grant Fund, the council has supported a wide range of organisations and groups with millions of pounds in funding since 2011.

It’s a reminder that even small improvements can make a big difference in the everyday lives of residents, keeping neighbourhood hubs like Roxby’s active, inviting, and ready for the future.

Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council

As summer draws crowds to the North East Lincolnshire coastline, drone users are being reminded to fly responsibly to avoid disturbing vulnerable bird populations.

The stretch of coast beyond Cleethorpes Leisure Centre is a protected zone, forming part of multiple conservation designations including a Special Protection Area and the Humber Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest. These areas support thousands of migratory and breeding birds throughout the year.

Between May and September, drones pose a serious risk to nesting birds. Unintentional disturbance can cause them to abandon eggs or young, while disruption to feeding and roosting in autumn and winter months can impact the survival of birds migrating from the Arctic to Africa.

Up to 150,000 water birds gather in the area each year, and continued disturbance—particularly during harsh weather—can lead to exhaustion or death.

Local authorities are urging drone operators to follow Civil Aviation Authority guidance and be aware of no-fly zones to protect wildlife and avoid fines. The council has published additional resources to help recreational users fly safely and legally, especially near sensitive natural habitats.

  Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council