Energy upgrades set to future-proof key North Lincolnshire venues

April Lara
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Energy upgrades set to future-proof key North Lincolnshire venues

Three landmark venues in North Lincolnshire, Waters’ Edge Visitor Centre, Scunthorpe Central Library, and The Baths Hall, are set to undergo major energy efficiency upgrades, after the council secured funding through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

The investment will target ageing heating systems and help cut carbon emissions from council buildings, which generated over 3,000 tonnes of CO₂ in 2023/24, mainly due to outdated gas, biomass, and oil-based heating.

Chosen for their high energy use and need for modernisation, the three sites will receive low-carbon system upgrades aimed at reducing operational costs and improving year-round comfort for users.

The upgrades align with North Lincolnshire Council’s broader Green Future strategy and reflect a push to make public buildings more sustainable and community-friendly.

Leisure centres were excluded from the funding due to national scheme criteria.

Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council

Lincoln named national leader in agri-tech innovation

April Lara
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Lincoln named national leader in agri-tech innovation

Lincolnshire’s growing influence in the agri-tech space has earned a spot in the UK Government’s new Industrial Strategy, highlighting the region as a key player in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector. The strategy identifies high-growth sectors and clusters driving economic potential across the country.

At the centre of this recognition is the University of Lincoln, noted for its international work in agri-robotics, controlled environment farming, and commercialising agricultural research. Its Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology (LIAT) continues to play a leading role in shaping the future of farming through technology.

Earlier this year, the university’s Lincoln Agri-Robotics team won Best Research Project at the UKRI Trustworthy Autonomous Systems Hub 2025 AI and Robotics Research Awards. In addition, LIAT’s groundbreaking work was presented in Parliament, reinforcing the university’s role in national conversations on food security and innovation.

The university also collaborates with Cambridge and East Anglia universities through the LINCAM partnership, aiming to improve food systems and expand AI and robotics research across the region.

With the agri-food sector contributing £147 million to the UK economy and supporting over 30,000 jobs, Lincoln’s continued leadership in this field is both an academic and economic force, rooted in real-world impact.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/winexa

Grimsby organisations invited to help shape town’s future

Tess Egginton
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Grimsby organisations invited to help shape town’s future
A call has gone out for Grimsby to ‘get together’ and look at how a £20m investment into the town can make a positive difference.
On Monday 30 June, the Grimsby Together project officially relaunches, bringing together community leaders, local organisations and people already working to build a thriving future for the town to help shape how the Plan for Neighbourhoods investment is used. The money was secured for Grimsby earlier this year, following the Government’s rescoping of the Long-Term Plan for Towns. Under the new Plan for Neighbourhoods scheme, the Government has asked successful areas to work with citizens to ensure that ‘together’ we decide where the funds should be spent. Our Future has worked with North East Lincolnshire communities, and is leading the next stage of its ‘Grimsby Together’ work. Our Future is asking those Grimsby people who are involved in any way in making their town a better place to join Monday’s launch, at Grimsby Town Hall, to hear more about the funding, how the project will work, and how they can play their part. Those who have previously been involved in the project have been invited and Our Future is keen to see new voices contribute to the plan too. North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “This is about all the people of Grimsby and how they can work together to look at what is happening around the town and who and where would most benefit from funding – whether it is supporting an existing scheme or project, or a completely new idea. “We are delighted that the Our Future team has come on board again and look forward to seeing some really good schemes come forward.” To attend please visit https://linktr.ee/OurFutureNorthEastLincolnshire.

Reading Bingo launches at libraries this summer

Tess Egginton
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Reading Bingo launches at libraries this summer
Eyes down for a full house, as Reading Bingo launches at Lincs Inspire Libraries this summer. Children can experience the joy of reading in a fun and interactive way, discovering books, collecting stickers and winning prizes. One lucky entrant will be drawn at random to win a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, which can be used to access the Lincs Inspire eLibrary Apps – Libby and BorrowBox. Derek O’Connell, library development officer, said: “Clickety Click…66! We’ve all been practising our bingo calls, and we’re set to sign up lots of young readers this summer. We’re hoping this will be the start of a lifelong love of reading for many, encouraging a discovery of new authors, genres and books. Let’s make it a full house in our libraries!” Children up to the age of sixteen can register for free at Cleethorpes, Immingham and Waltham library branches from July 1. Local actors Joe Parfrement-Parkes and Sara Beasley will also host a series of free Summer Bingo events with games and entertainment for all the family, as part of their comedy duo the Shenanigans. Hourly sessions must be booked in advance and take place at 2pm and 3pm:
  • Cleethorpes Library – Tuesday 19th August
  • Waltham Library – Wednesday 20th August
  • Immingham Library – Tuesday 26th August
Adult summer reading bingo also takes place alongside the children’s game. Residents in North East Lincolnshire are inspired to read more this summer for the chance to win cash prizes.   Image: Library development officers all set for Summer Bingo. From left to right: Kim Rothman, Derek O’Connell and Samantha Garrod.

Free paint store opens in Tattershall

April Lara
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Free paint store opens in Tattershall

Lincolnshire’s push for sustainable living just got brighter with the launch of a new free paint store at the Tattershall Household Waste Recycling Centre. Open since 23 June 2025, it’s the third of its kind in the county under the Community RePaint initiative and sits beside the site’s Reuse Shop.

The scheme collects leftover paint that would otherwise be discarded and makes it freely available to residents. From revamping bedrooms to fuelling creative projects, locals can browse a rotating mix of colours and finishes depending on what’s been donated.

It’s a simple setup: just speak to a staff member to drop off unused paint or pick some up. The Reuse Shop next door also offers furniture, garden tools, and other household items looking for a second life.

Tattershall joins similar stores in Louth and Grantham, with more than 4,000 litres of paint already redistributed countywide. One of the first groups to benefit from the new location was Curo-lincs, a therapy farm that supports vulnerable people through nature and animal care.

The store is open Fridays to Tuesdays from 9am to 4pm. Community RePaint is a national network supported by Dulux, with over 80 schemes across the UK.

Image credit: Lincolnshire County Council

Celebration of marine life and conservation comes to Sandilands

Tess Egginton
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Celebration of marine life and conservation comes to Sandilands
 
A Whale of a Day will return for another free family day out on Friday 25 July, bringing fun, education, and environmental awareness for children and young people. After a successful event last year in Sutton on Sea, Circo Rum Baba’s 50-foot inflatable sperm whale is coming National Trust Sandilands. The experience will invite attendees to step inside the creature for an immersive and interactive theatre experience that will transport them to the depths of the ocean. The event is free to attend, although capacity within the whale is limited per timeslot, which can be booked at https://awhaleofaday.eventbrite.co.uk The performance will shed light on the challenges faced by sea creatures and their ongoing struggle for survival amidst ocean pollution. Beyond the whale, the event will offer activities for all ages, a food stall, plus interactive stalls from local and national organisations dedicated to nature and the environment. Rachel Marriott, property operations manager at National Trust Sandilands, said: “The land works at Sandilands have only just been completed, so the site isn’t quite at its best just yet, but that’s all part of the story. We’re right at the beginning of an exciting transformation. “Over the next five years, nature will slowly take hold, the wetlands will come to life, and wildlife will return in abundance. It’s going to be a wonderful place. So, we’d love for you to join us for A Whale of a Day and be part of this journey from the very beginning.” Councillor Graham Marsh, East Lindsey District Council’s representative on the Story Tellers Culture Board, said: “This event provides the perfect opportunity for families to connect with nature, deepen their understanding of fragile marine ecosystems, and importantly, be inspired to become active champions for the protection of our beautiful East Lindsey coastline, beaches and sea. “I am delighted we have been able to make this event possible through Story Tellers and the support of Arts Council England, and to further an initiative that so effectively combines entertainment with vital learning, igniting a passion for our planet in the next generation.”
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Brian Jackson

Flags to be raised at Lincolnshire hospitals to honour organ donors

Tess Egginton
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Flags to be raised at Lincolnshire hospitals to honour organ donors
Flags will be raised at Lincolnshire’s hospitals to honour those who have helped save the lives of others through organ donation. The pink organ donation flag will fly at Lincoln County Hospital and Pilgrim Hospital, Boston, each time a person becomes a donor in Lincolnshire.   Dr Gary Wilbourn, consultant in intensive care and anaesthesia and clinical lead for organ donation at United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (ULTH), said: “By raising a flag in Boston and Lincoln with their loved ones consent, we will honour the decision made to give the gift of life through organ donation each time it happens in our hospitals.  “We hope it will signify an opportunity to reflect on the life-changing impact being an organ donor has on all involved, including the donor, those recipients who may have been waiting a long time to receive an organ, their families and friends, and our NHS colleagues involved in their care.   “It is also a welcome tribute alongside the existing organ donation memorial trees, which can be found in the main entrances of our hospitals in Boston and Lincoln.”  The flags have been purchased thanks to the support of the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity. The charity provides additional items not funded through NHS budgets.  During 2024/25, Lincolnshire’s hospital teams supported seven families to donate the organs of their loved ones. This resulted in 21 other people being able to receive a potentially life-saving organ transplant.   There are currently more than 8,000 people waiting for a transplant in the UK.    Image credit: United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust

Cash boost to help North Lincolnshire residents celebrate heritage and culture

Tess Egginton
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Cash boost to help North Lincolnshire residents celebrate heritage and culture
North Lincolnshire residents are set to benefit from a new fund helping launch dozens of community-led projects celebrating their heritage and culture, whether bringing to life a hidden piece of local history, a creative idea bringing neighbours together, or a project which helps people share their stories, memories or skills. Heritage, art and community groups, civic societies, independent museums, social enterprises, charities and town and parish councils can all apply for the cash. Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for community wellbeing (urban), said: “This isn’t about having experience or knowing the arts world – it’s about passion, community, and great ideas. “Across the coming year, the programme will support dozens of community-led projects which will bring friends, neighbours and new faces together through creative activity and shared experiences. “We want applications from people who want to celebrate the places they live in new and interesting ways – it’s open to everyone in Scunthorpe, Ashby, Barton, Brigg, across the Isle of Axholme and everywhere in between.” Groups will be able to apply for funding to run local activities such as workshops, exhibitions, performances, festivals or storytelling events. Projects can involve people of all ages and backgrounds to bring communities together, build pride, or maybe uncover something new about where they live. The first round of the fund closes on 18 July at 5pm, with more opportunities to follow. Over the next year, funding of up to £10,000 per project will be available in four rounds. Information on the full criteria and how to apply for funding can be found on the Cultural Futures webpage or by emailing culturalfutures@northlincs.gov.uk   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG

Crowds flock to Skegness beach but leave litter behind

April Lara
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Crowds flock to Skegness beach but leave litter behind

A wave of sunshine brought over 5,000 people to Skegness beach on the hottest and longest day of the year, leaving behind piles of rubbish that sparked concern from lifeguards and locals.

The RNLI reported unusually high visitor numbers more typical of peak August holidays, with lifeguards working flat out to ensure public safety. But alongside the crowds came a sharp rise in littering, including bottles, wrappers and even used disposable barbecues scattered across the sand and dunes.

Lifeguards warned that the discarded waste not only threatens wildlife and the environment but can also pose real dangers to people, ranging from cuts to burns. Overflowing bins and a lack of waste disposal options by the evening only added to the mess.

Council workers were quick to act, raking the beach clean the next morning. But the weekend scenes have reignited conversations about sustainable tourism and the need for shared responsibility among beachgoers.

With warmer weather and school holidays on the horizon, authorities are urging visitors to enjoy the coast, but leave only footprints behind.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Steven F Granville

Night shelter may reopen in Grantham as tent encampments grow

April Lara
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Night shelter may reopen in Grantham as tent encampments grow

With tents now a common sight in Grantham’s parks and public spaces, South Kesteven District Council is considering reopening a temporary night shelter to support those sleeping rough.

Last winter, the Grantham Ark provided shelter between December and February. As the number of visible encampments grows, estimated at around 10 to 12, the council is now in talks with the same charity to reopen the facility.

Officials say everyone currently rough sleeping is known to services, but many have complex needs and limited housing options. Some have previously declined to use shelters or been excluded due to behavioural issues, raising questions about how effective a reopening might be.

A short trial of the shelter is being explored to gauge demand, with the council aiming to create a safe and fair response for all parties involved.

Concerns from local councillors include reports of anti-social behaviour linked to some encampments, including drug use, threats, and fire risks. A wider meeting with housing officers and community partners is scheduled for 23 June to discuss next steps.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Seadog81
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