Fly-tipping incidents have dropped by 13% across South Holland District.
The latest figures reveal that fly-tipping incidents fell from 2,732 cases in 2023 to 2,402 in 2024.
Several areas have seen substantial reductions, including Crowland and Deeping St Nicholas (down by 51%), Pinchbeck and Surfleet (down by 33%), and Spalding St Mary’s (down by 25%). This success is a result of collaborative efforts between enforcement teams, volunteers and residents who actively report incidents.
The Kingdom enforcement team has played a crucial role in this decline by patrolling the district, raising awareness about responsible waste disposal, and issuing Fixed Penalty Notices to offenders.
Additionally, the council’s communications campaign has helped educate residents on the consequences of fly-tipping and the proper ways to dispose of waste.
Cllr Anthony Casson, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection at South Holland District Council, said: “This fantastic reduction in fly-tipping proves that our enforcement measures and public awareness campaigns are making a real difference.
“However, this success wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of our local residents and others who take pride in their communities. Thank you to everyone.”
North Lincolnshire Council wants to bring AI Growth Zone to the area
North Lincolnshire Council wants the Government to designate an AI Growth Zone in Northern Lincolnshire, with the prospect of nearly 10,000 new construction jobs, 1,200 new jobs on site and a further 4,000 industrial jobs safeguarded through supply chain opportunities.
The AI Growth Zone could mean £15bn in private business investment and 1.5 gigawatts of AI processing capacity coming to Northern Lincolnshire, helping to boost industries in the region and across the UK.
The area is uniquely positioned to attract this opportunity thanks to its industrial base, skilled workforce and the fact it generates 20% of the UK’s total electricity, including 27% of its offshore wind.
Four major sites are in the early stage of development and one £3bn scheme – Humber Tech Park – has already been approved. Humber Tech Park, the UK’s first dedicated AI training data centre, will be built on land near the A180 to the south of South Killingholme and create around 400 jobs.
A second site is on unused land at British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant. Thousands of green jobs will be created as the council continues to work with British Steel to deliver new investment on surplus land on the 300-acre site.
The Northern Lincolnshire Artificial Intelligence Growth Zone will also commit to signing up to and adopting the UK Steel charter, further embedding UK produced steel in high-profile infrastructure projects alongside the recent Heathrow commitment. This will support the safeguarding of steel making in the UK and high-value jobs in the North Lincolnshire region.
The other two sites are in early development and will be revealed later this year. North Lincolnshire Council is partnering with Greystoke, the specialist planning business for high-tech infrastructure, on the AI Growth Zone.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “There is a huge opportunity to create thousands of better paid jobs here in North Lincolnshire, attracting innovative technology companies who will provide a positive future for local residents and their families.
“I am really keen to create opportunities for young people with these new jobs. All too often they leave our area for big cities, with this investment there is scope for them to stay locally with their families and help us to build a strong and growing economy for tech businesses on our doorstep.
“We already have a track record of delivering these investments following the permission of ‘The Humber Tech Park’. This is an unprecedented investment in our area, and it will be a magnet for attracting other high-tech businesses to make North Lincolnshire their home.
“We want to make the most of this and sites have been secured for these fantastic developments, including on land at British Steel in Scunthorpe.
“We are determined to take advantage of the green and high-tech opportunities globally while harnessing our engineering skills and capabilities locally into the future.”
Sam Matthew, chief operating officer of Greystoke and director of Humber Tech Park, said: “Northern Lincolnshire AI Growth Zone will supercharge the UK’s AI capability and can be rolled out rapidly and at great scale.
“Delivering more than 1.5 gigawatts of AI processing capacity, it will create exciting new opportunities for national and regional industries. North Lincolnshire’s substantial energy infrastructure, and extensive skills base make it the ideal location for an AI Growth Zone.”
Image shows Humber Tech Park. Credit: North Lincolnshire Council
New partnership to unite art and heritage in South and East Lincolnshire
The South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership is collaborating with Arts&Heritage (A&H), to bring together local artists and heritage partners to uncover and celebrate the region’s rich history in innovative ways.
The project is part of Story Tellers, the Partnership’s Arts Council England NPO programme, which aims to fund a programme of art and culture centred on the rich heritage and stories from Boston borough, East Lindsey and South Holland.
As part of this new collaboration, a series of free Artist and Heritage Matchmaking Workshops will take place between Saturday 1 March and Monday 3 March across the sub-region.
These workshops will aim to foster new connections between artists of all disciplines and local heritage organisations, helping to tell the untold stories of South and East Lincolnshire from fresh perspectives.
The workshops, open to artists and heritage organisations, will take place at:
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Chris Loneragan - Cley Hall Hotel, Spalding – Saturday 1st March, 10:30am-3.30pm
- North Sea Observatory, Chapel St Leonards – Sunday 2nd March, 10am-3.30pm
- Boston Guildhall – Monday 3rd March, 10am-3.30pm
Government aims to bring back the family doctor
Government and GP representatives have agreed reforms to GP contracts in a move aimed at bringing back the family doctor in a scheme that will involve a funding boost of £889m and moves to end the ‘8am appointment scramble’.
The new deal agreed between the government and British Medical Association will free up doctors from red tape and box-ticking targets to concentrate on treating patients.
The burdensome red tape on GPs will be reduced by scrapping 32 of 76 targets such as reporting on staff wellbeing meetings or explaining how they are reviewing staff access to IT systems.
The new agreed contract will modernise general practice by requiring GP surgeries to allow patients to request appointments online throughout working hours from October, freeing up the phones for those who need them most, and making it easier for practices to triage patients based on medical need. The reforms are part of the government’s Plan for Change to make general practice fit for the future and will support GPs in taking the first steps to end the 8am scramble for appointments, which so many patients currently endure every day – in turn improving access to GPs for everyone.
The deal for family doctors is backed by the biggest funding boost for General Practice in years, reversing the decade-long cuts to general practice funding as a share of the NHS budget.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “Rebuilding the broken NHS starts with GPs. Patients need to be able to easily book an appointment, in the manner they want, with their regular doctor if they choose.
“Today, we have taken the first step to fixing the front door to the NHS, bringing back the family doctor, and ending the 8am scramble.
“Over the past decade, funding for GPs has been cut relative to the rest of the NHS, while the number of targets for GPs has soared. That’s why patients are struggling to get an appointment.
“This government is cutting the red tape that ties up GPs time and backing them with an extra £889 million next year. In return, more patients will be able to request appointments online and see their regular doctor for each appointment. Through the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, we will work with GPs to rebuild the NHS and make it fit for the future.”
Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS England national director for primary care and community services, said: “Improving patients’ access to general practice is a huge priority for the NHS and this contract sets out the next steps to put the family doctor at the heart of the shift to a neighbourhood health service. “This is the first time in four years that the GP contract has been accepted as proposed and I hope it will be seen as positive for practices, GP teams and patients when introduced in April. “It shows how NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care have listened and delivered on the priorities that matter most to patients and general practice teams, including a significant increase in funding and extra flexibility in the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme to recruit more staff including GPs.”Lincolnshire signs co-operation agreement with Ukraine’s Kherson region
Representatives from the Kherson region in Ukraine have visited Lincolnshire and signed an agreement with councillors to work together to benefit both areas.
Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Kherson regional military administration, joined Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy, environment and planning at the county council, in formalising an agreement between the two areas.
The Ukrainian Embassy has identified that Lincolnshire and the Kherson region have many similarities – both are largely rural regions with a strong farming and food production history, and a strong manufacturing base.
Cllr Colin Davie, said: “The UK and Ukraine have developed a positive relationship through the Homes For Ukraine programme and I am very proud that we have more than 1,000 people here in Lincolnshire under this scheme.
“Today marks the start of a journey to develop a strong partnership with the Kherson region that will see us learn from each other, build networks over time between businesses, connect research organisations, and support growth in both areas.”
Other members of the delegation from Kherson were the Head of the Internal and Information Policy Department and the Head of the Investment and Export Development Office.
Multi-award-winning full-fibre broadband provider delivers affordable 900Mbps service to tens of thousands of homes in Lincoln
Full-fibre broadband provider, toob, launched its service to tens of thousands of homes across Lincoln late last year as part of its strategic partnership with CityFibre. The reliable 900mbps service is now available to order in the city offering an affordability that is making digital inclusion more accessible.
Headquartered in Portsmouth, multi-award-winning full-fibre broadband provider, toob, has been ranked in the top five for The Sunday Times 100 Tech, Britain’s fastest-growing private technology companies list and was recently voted Best Value Broadband Provider by Broadband Genie.
Since 2019, toob has developed its network and customer base supplying service across 16 UK counties to more than 75,000 connected customers. toob’s industry leading broadband has extended its geographic footprint, with residents across Lincoln now able to benefit from toob’s 900Mbps full-fibre broadband services.
Unlike traditional broadband, toob uses CityFibre’s cutting-edge fibre optic cable technology, which runs directly into the home. This full-fibre technology delivers faster connection speeds, no matter the time of day, and greater reliability when compared to traditional copper broadband. The full-fibre network promises Lincoln residents a faster, more reliable internet connection with 12x faster download and 48x faster upload speeds than the UK average. (Source: Ofcom 2023)
With the #toob promise of no in-contract price rises, the price agreed on sign up will remain the same throughout the contract duration. toob believes that full-fibre broadband should be available for all and not just the few, so despite the difficult economic climate, toob’s price remains as reliable as its service.
Nick Parbutt, CEO, toob, said: “I am delighted to bring toob’s full-fibre broadband service to Lincoln. For too long customers have been taken for granted by their broadband suppliers, with poor service and above inflationary price increases.
“toob is focused on what customers really need, fast, reliable broadband at an affordable price. toob provides customers all the benefits of ultrafast broadband with speeds of 900Mbps for only £29 per month. Our service is delivered through our partnership with CityFibre using the latest full-fibre technology, which is the most reliable technology available.”
Lincoln’s bee auction bids for place in Guinness book of world records
Lincolnshire beekeepers hope to get into the Guinness Book of World Records as holders of the world’s largest livestock auction after this year’s annual Lincoln District Bee Auction.
The event happens at the Lincolnshire Showground on April 12th, and is the largest event in of its kind in the country. It’s been happening for more than 30 years, and says Matthew Palmer, Lincolnshire Secretary of the British Beekeepers Association. The auction features not only beekeeping equipment, but also a number of colonies of live bees, meaning individual animals will number well into the thousands. Lots for sale are being accepted between 1.30pm and 4.30pm on the day before, and between 8.30 and 10am on the day of the auction. Mr Palmer said: “The Auction will begin promptly at 10:30am, promising an exciting day of spirited bidding and camaraderie among fellow beekeeping enthusiasts.“This auction has set the standard for smaller auctions nationwide. This year, we’re taking it a step further by applying for a Guinness World Record as the world’s largest Livestock Auction! We look forward to welcoming beekeepers to this historic event!
Lincolnshire hospices to share in Government’s financial boost
Lincolnshire Hospices are to get a £420,000 share of Government money for upgrades and refurbishments.
The cash will be distributed immediately for the 2024/25 financial year, with a further £75 million to follow from April. More than 170 hospices across the country will receive funding, including those run by Marie Curie and Sue Ryder, as well as independent hospices like Zoe’s Place in Liverpool.
To benefit in Lincolnshire are:
- Butterfly Hospice, Boston: £12,215
- Lindsey Lodge, Scunthorpe: £78,577
- St Andrew’s, Grimsby: £92,589
- St Barnabas, Lincoln: £236,601
“The greater stability provided by the government’s funding injection this year and next gives us a golden opportunity to now reform the palliative and end of life care system, so it’s fit for the future.”
Councils meet and agree co-operation on local government reorganisation
All ten greater Lincolnshire councils have met and agreed to work together on proposals for what local government reorganisation could look like for the county, including Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, and North East Lincolnshire.
The Government has made clear its intention to change all remaining two-tier local authority areas in England and replace county and district councils with new unitary authorities.
Jim McMahon, Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, wrote to all council leaders in two-tier areas and small neighbouring unitary authorities to invite them to develop unitary proposals.
The invitation gave guidance for developing these proposals, including the expected population of each new authority area and that consideration should be given to existing district boundaries and reducing disruption to vital care services. It also set out the timeline; interim plans should be submitted by March 21st, with more detailed proposals following by November 28th.
Greater Lincolnshire’s ten council leaders, listed below, have committed to work together to explore all options, and form plans.
- Cllr Anne Dorrian, Boston Borough Council
- Cllr Naomi Tweddle, City of Lincoln Council
- Cllr Craig Leyland, East Lindsey District Council
- Cllr Martin Hill, Lincolnshire County Council
- Cllr Philip Jackson, North East Lincolnshire Council
- Cllr Richard Wright, North Kesteven District Council
- Cllr Rob Waltham, North Lincolnshire Council
- Cllr Nick Worth, South Holland District Council
- Cllr Ashley Baxter, South Kesteven District Council
- Cllr Trevor Young, West Lindsey District Council
CEMS team helps Bernadette House residents receive compassionate care at home
The LIVES Community Emergency Medical Service (CEMS) team has been providing vital, compassionate care to residents at Bernadette House Residential Care Home in Lincoln, a facility specialising in dementia care.
By bringing advanced medical expertise directly to the home, the CEMS team has helped residents maintain their dignity and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
The CEMS team are part of the charity LIVES, and are dispatched by the ambulance service, requested by on-scene ambulance crews, or respond directly to cases where they can provide support. Acting as a ‘hospital team on the road’, CEMS clinicians can assess, treat, diagnose, and even prescribe medication, including end-of-life care.
For patients with infections, for example, the team can administer initial doses of antibiotics and IV fluids. This often stabilises patients enough for oral medications, eliminating the need for stressful hospital visits. The team also has access to GP and medical records, ensuring seamless, informed care.
One of the most profound impacts of the CEMS team is in supporting residents who wish to pass away at home. By providing palliative care, they ensure individuals remain comfortable, settled, and surrounded by loved ones.
“Instead of being surrounded by machines, we can ensure people are settled and have their family beside them,” said Scott, an Advanced Clinical Practitioner with the CEMS team.
Scott recently attended a patient at Bernadette House who was very frail and had a RESPECT form in place, indicating a preference for care at home over hospitalisation where possible. The patient, who had cognitive impairment and a deteriorating condition following a fall, was found to be entering the final stages of life. The team provided palliative medication, ensuring the patient was pain-free and comfortable.
“We recognised that hospital treatment was no longer appropriate and that moving her would have meant passing away in the back of an ambulance,” Scott explained. “After consulting with the family, we focused on keeping her comfortable.”
The patient passed away peacefully, with her family present. Bernadette House later contacted the LIVES team to express their gratitude for the dignified and compassionate care provided.
In addition to palliative care, the CEMS team attends a range of emergencies, from cardiac arrests to road traffic collisions, always ensuring the patient remains at the heart of their work.
Watch the full film and learn more about LIVES and the CEMS team: https://www.lives.org.uk/what-we-do/cems/
