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Relief helicopter lands at Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance base
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) has welcomed a relief helicopter to its operation as its iconic AW169 aircraft departs for a scheduled major service in Emden, Germany.
The charity’s flagship AW169 will undergo it’s four-year annual maintenance inspection at HeliService headquarters in Emden.
LNAA’s Chief Pilot, Llewis Ingamells said: “The service includes a complete strip-down of the aircraft to ensure every component is thoroughly inspected, operational, and safe. This work ensures that the aircraft continues to meet the highest standards of safety and performance.”
To maintain uninterrupted service during this period, LNAA will operate an AW109 Grand New relief helicopter. Slightly smaller, the AW109 is a capable and reliable aircraft. It will enable the charity to continue delivering critical care to patients across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
The relief helicopter is similar in design and performance to the new model (AW109 Grand New) LNAA plans to introduce in 2027. This provides LNAA’s pilots with a valuable opportunity to gain additional flight hours in an equivalent aircraft, supporting future readiness and operational continuity.
Before the relief helicopter begins active duty, LNAA’s crew will conduct detailed loading exercises and weigh all onboard medical equipment to ensure the aircraft is fully prepared for frontline missions.
The AW169 is expected to return from Germany in the coming months, fully serviced and ready to resume its vital role in saving lives.
1940s Weekend returns to mark 80th Anniversary of VJ Day
Ayscoughfee Hall Gardens will once again step back in time this summer as the much-loved Ayscoughfee 1940s Weekend returns this Saturday (16 August) and Sunday (17 August), commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day).
Running from 10:30am to 4pm each day, the free-to-attend event invites visitors to don their best 1940s attire and enjoy an unforgettable celebration of the era.
Highlights will include authentic period displays and military vehicles, living history re-enactors, live music, dancing and entertainment throughout the weekend.
On Sunday 17 August, the weekend will feature a special parade and Service of thanksgiving and reflection, organised on behalf of the Chairman of South Holland District Council, Councillor Jan Whitbourn.
The parade will assemble at the Ayscoughfee Hall tennis courts at 1:45pm, setting off at 2pm. It will be followed by a commemorative service at St Mary and St Nicholas Church, Spalding.
This poignant occasion will honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the Far East during the Second World War, reflecting on the historic day that brought the conflict to an end on 15 August 1945.
Councillor Henry Bingham, Portfolio Holder for Assets and Strategic Planning, said: “The 80th anniversary of VJ Day is first and foremost a chance for our community to come together and remember those who served our country and to reflect on their bravery.
“The Ayscoughfee 1940s Weekend is of course the perfect way to celebrate our shared history of the war-time era by transporting people back in time and I have no doubt the event will be a huge success, I look forward to seeing as many people there as possible.”
Lincolnshire set for major boost in EV charging points
Lincolnshire will see 40 new electric vehicle charging points installed over the next year, following £249,000 in government funding.
The expansion is part of Lincolnshire County Council’s plan to have 55 new charging points in place by 2027. The county currently operates eight council-owned chargers, with three more recently added. The upcoming installations will be delivered by the council and managed by private contractors.
The project is backed by the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles and is supported by a wider £5.6 million allocation to expand EV infrastructure in the county.
Lincolnshire’s funding forms part of a £39.3 million award from the Local Electric Vehicle Investment Fund, shared among 13 Midlands councils. The initiative aims to strengthen the region’s charging network ahead of the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales, with a particular focus on areas where drivers lack off-street parking.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Southworks
Completion marked at Sutton on Sea Colonnade redevelopment
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has completed phase 1 of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of the former Sutton on Sea Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens, which was celebrated with a time capsule burial with staff and pupils from Sutton-on-Sea Community Primary School.
The project, delivered in partnership with East Lindsey District Council, CPMG Architects, and Alan Wood Associates through the Pagabo Medium Works framework, marks a significant milestone in the transformation of the coastal landmark.
With over 100 students from Sutton on Sea Community Primary school in attendance, the burial included letters to the young people’s future selves, a worksheet detailing how pupils felt during lockdown, a list of predicted future inventions, a field recorder discussing topics including family life, AI and climate change, a school logo, Instax photos of each class, a newspaper from the day of burial, Sutton on Sea postcards, books, a letter from the deputy head teacher and a QR code to G F Tomlinson’s website to show the construction of the Seaview Colonnade.
Alongside G F Tomlinson and the school, representatives from Pagabo and the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, which includes East Lindsey District Council, were in attendance.
The recently completed redevelopment includes a pavilion featuring space suitable for a sea-view café or restaurant fit-out and a modern exhibition area. Enhancements to the former Pleasure Gardens provide recreational areas and open community space, alongside a base to receive 15 new beach huts supplied directly by the Council.
A link bridge now connects the promenade to the new Seaview Colonnade, improving public access and the visitor experience. Popular nearby existing features have been retained, which include the refurbished paddling pool, tennis court and anchor water feature.
As part of the Mablethorpe Connected Coast Town Deal, the project received £4.2 million in government funding, with the remaining costs funded by East Lindsey District Council.
Adrian Grocock, group managing director at G F Tomlinson, said: “Delivering this project has been a privilege, and we are pleased to see the colonnade restored as a key destination for the local community and visitors.
“The redevelopment balances modern enhancements with the area’s heritage, creating a space that will bring long-term benefits to Sutton on Sea. We were delighted to mark its completion with the community time capsule burial – bringing together all who made this possible alongside the younger generation, for the landmark occasion.”
Richard Hodgson, project sponsor and assistant director – strategic projects for South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, said: “The completion of phase 1 of the Sutton on Sea Seaview Colonnade is a fantastic milestone for the community.
“This phase of the redevelopment brings new opportunities for local businesses, enhances our beautiful coastline, and creates a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike. We are delighted to see our vision for this historic site come to life, ensuring it remains a cherished landmark for generations to come.”
Community RePaint Store opens in Boston
A new Community RePaint Store has opened at the Bittern Way Household Waste Recycling Centre in Boston. The store gives residents access to free, reusable paint.
The Community RePaint initiative collects unused and leftover paint that would otherwise go to waste and makes it available to local people free of charge.
Cllr Danny Brookes, executive member for environment at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We’re really pleased to see the Community RePaint network expanding across Lincolnshire. These stores offer a brilliant way for residents to access free paint, save money, and do their bit for the environment at the same time.”
This latest opening follows launches at the Louth, Grantham, Lincoln, Tattershall, Sleaford and Market Rasen Household Waste Recycling Centres.
Councillor Callum Butler, portfolio holder for environmental services, Boston Borough Council, said: “It’s great to hear about this new initiative being launched by Lincolnshire County Council at the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Boston.
“Leftover building and decorating supplies such as paint are often just discarded without much thought, so it is pleasing to see this facility open in Boston making disposal of used paint far easier.
“As such, I would like to encourage all residents who are planning on doing some DIY, or indeed those who have just finished some DIY, to head down to the Community RePaint Store and get your hands on some free paint and help the environment at the same time!”
Residents wishing to take advantage of the Community RePaint scheme — whether to drop off paint or collect some — simply need to speak to a member of staff on site.
Health and wellbeing event brings experts to Scunthorpe
Residents in Scunthorpe will have the chance to meet hospital-based health experts at a free community event focused on prevention and healthier living.
The Fit4Life event will take place at Robert Holme Hall from 11am to 2pm, offering workshops, Q&A sessions and one-to-one conversations with doctors, nurses, therapists and other NHS professionals. Visitors can learn about smoking cessation, healthy lifestyle choices, alcohol moderation, cancer screening programmes and vaccinations.
Interactive sessions will explore how artificial intelligence is being used in modern healthcare, while presentations and demonstrations will provide practical advice on reducing the risk of conditions such as strokes, cancer and heart disease.
The initiative is part of a series of health promotion events organised by NHS Humber Health Partnership to address common health challenges in East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire.
Following its first outing at Hull Royal Infirmary in July, further Fit4Life events are planned for Castle Hill Hospital, Goole and District Hospital, Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby and Scunthorpe General Hospital later this year.
Image credit: NHS North Lincolnshire and GooleRutland Hall Hotel & Spa invites students to celebrate exam results with complimentary mocktails and afternoon tea
Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa is congratulating this year’s A-Level and GCSE students on their achievements.
Inviting A-Level students to raise a glass, from Wednesday 14th through Tuesday 20th August, any student presenting their exam results can enjoy one complimentary mocktail of their choice.
A-Level Results Day is a landmark moment, marking years of hard work and dedication. Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa wants to make the celebration even sweeter.
Available in the Blossoms Restaurant & Bar, the offer is open to students only (proof of student status & A-Level results required).
For those celebrating their GCSEs, Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa is presenting a complimentary Afternoon Tea. From Wednesday 21st to Tuesday 27th August, any student showing their GCSE results can enjoy a free Afternoon Tea when accompanied by one paying adult.
Set in the heart of Rutland’s rolling countryside, Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa combines historic charm with modern comforts. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, award-winning dining, a luxurious spa, and picturesque event spaces. For more information or to book a stay, visit www.rutlandhall.co.uk or call 01572 494582
Warning over unsafe counterfeit Labubu dolls sold locally
Counterfeit Labubu dolls posing a safety risk to children have been found for sale in shops across North East Lincolnshire. Trading Standards officers say the imitations of Pop Mart’s popular collectibles contain loose parts that could present a choking hazard and lack legally required safety labels such as CE or UKCA marks and UK supplier details.
The seized dolls, part of the ‘The Monsters’ series by artist Kasing Lung, show signs of poor-quality stitching and break easily at the hands or feet. Genuine versions, produced by Chinese company Pop Mart, feature a distinctive elf-like design and include a QR code linking to the official website.
Officers are advising parents to check for proper labelling, UK supplier information, and QR codes when buying the toys. They will continue inspecting stores in the area, removing any suspected counterfeit dolls from sale.
Consumers who have concerns about toy safety are urged to report them, and local businesses can seek guidance to ensure they comply with toy safety regulations.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire CouncilReport reveals £2.1bn economic boost from redevelopment of former RAF Scampton
An independent report has revealed a £2.1bn economic boost from the redevelopment of the former RAF Scampton.
The report produced by Focus Consultants was commissioned by Scampton Holdings Ltd and West Lindsey District Council. It outlines the potential of the former RAF Scampton site to become a nationally significant hub for employment, tourism, innovation, and community regeneration, supporting thousands of jobs and preserving the site’s historic legacy. Key projected benefits include up to 3,625 new jobs, with more than 800 roles in defence and aerospace, £40m in construction Gross Value Added (GVA), and a £65m boost to local tourism, driven by more than 300,000 annual visitors and plans for a new air show celebrating Scampton’s aviation heritage. The report also projects a £25m investment in research, development and skills, supporting STEM education, apprenticeships, and long-term career opportunities for local people, and a £417m uplift in community wellbeing, land value and heritage preservation. Sally Grindrod-Smith, director of planning, regeneration and communities at West Lindsey District Council, said: “This independent report confirms what we have long believed, the former RAF Scampton is a site of huge untapped potential. “Through careful planning and investment with our development partner Scampton Holdings LTD, we can deliver high-quality jobs, national economic value, and a revitalised community asset that honours the site’s iconic past. “Scampton is also a critical element of an evolving, inter-connected high-growth regional economy and as such represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity—not just for West Lindsey, but for the East Midlands and national economy.” Image credit: Google mapsWorks to begin on Crown House area as Rosegarth Square redevelopment progresses
The transformation of Crown House within the wider Rosegarth Square redevelopment site in Boston is now moving forward, with foundation works set to begin next week.
Plans were formally submitted to the council’s Planning Committee in November 2024, with permission then granted in January of this year. Demolition works to the old Crown House building began in March and in July, Lindum Group was appointed as the main contractor for the works. They are now delivering both phases of the Rosegarth Regeneration scheme in tandem.
The construction of this space will deliver a modern new building featuring flexible retail space on the ground floor and modern apartments across two upper levels.
As part of the scheme, modernised public toilets will be introduced on site, whilst the existing Changing Places facility will be relocated to a more central and easily accessible location within the wider Rosegarth Square development.
Construction of the public realm phase began in July, bringing to life a redesigned space which combines greenery with a mix of relocated and newly commissioned artworks, social areas, and a refreshed entrance and drop-off zone for the Len Medlock Centre.
The new public realm will also feature an amphitheatre-style seating area, designed to host community events and gatherings.
Councillor Dale Broughton, leader of Boston Brough Council, said: “This next phase in the Rosegarth Square development marks a key milestone not only for the construction of the Crown House building but for the progress of the entire redevelopment.
“This is a proud moment for Boston, and a clear sign of our commitment to positive change. This project is about breathing new life into a key part of our town.
“With Lindum Group now delivering both phases of the Rosegarth scheme, we’re seeing tangible progress in creating a more vibrant, accessible, and welcoming space for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.”
