West Lindsey District Councillors want Lincolnshire Police to have more money to strengthen community-focused policing efforts and enhance public safety.
Councillors unanimously supported a motion calling on local and national officials to support funding that enables Lincolnshire Police to restore the principles of neighbourhood policing established in 1829 by Sir Robert Peel, the founder of modern policing.
Cllr Stephen Bunney said police officers needed to build trust within communities, focusing on preventing crime and disorder through public engagement rather than punitive measures.
Peel’s model has inspired Chief Constable Paul Gibson’s current Making Lincolnshire Safe Strategy 2024-25, which prioritises neighbourhood policing as a pathway to building public confidence and reducing crime.
Cllr Bunney said the strategy had worthwhile aspirations, but was not being fully met across our district. “The limited number of officers and resources available are focusing on detecting and solving serious crime – leaving precious few resources and individuals to carry out ‘preventative work’.
“In some areas, levels are so low that neighbourhood teams are providing minimal part-time cover for less than half the week, hardly working with the police to bring about community safety and welfare. In fact, it harbours the opposite, because residents do not have confidence in the force and so do not report issues etc, taking the attitude there’s no point as there’s no officers to deal with a concern anyway.”
However, the council notes that inadequate funding threatens the fulfilment of these objectives in Lincolnshire, which has the least-funded force in the country with the third lowest number of officers per 1,000 head of population.
Cllr Bunney added: “This is detrimental to our low-density rural area where the numbers of officers per head of population need to be higher than the national average to compensate for the time taken travelling between communities and to visit the myriad of hamlets and ‘isolated’ standalone properties.
Cllr Paul Howitt-Cowan said: “We had the police come to Overview and Scrutiny Committee only a few weeks ago. One of the things we learned was that there was a suspicion of underreporting and it’s so important that we report incidents because that will help to give support to our police to reinforce the vigilance by the police on the ground. It’s so important that we report all incidents.”
A £12m Environment Agency project to make the Trent more fish friendly has been opened in Colwick Country Park, opening up the river and its tributaries to migratory fish including salmon, trout and eels, and making more habitat accessible for fish.
It’s been two years in the making, and Steve Lawrie, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency said: “The fish pass provides a significant step in restoring the River Trent catchment to its former glory for salmon and other coarse and migratory fish. It also includes an eel pass to help support the critically endangered European eel.
“We also have a public viewing platform above the water, with highly visual interpretation boards. They inform and advise visitors about the local wildlife in and around the river, including the fish that are expected to use the pass.”
The Colwick fish pass is 200 metres long, 6 metres deep and 6.5 metres wide, and means fish can navigate past the Environment Agency-owned Holme Sluices built in the 1950s as part of a large-scale flood defence scheme helping to protect Nottingham from flooding.
The pass is divided into 20 ascending chambers into which water flows through narrow slots. Fish of all species can swim upstream to lay their eggs in the gravel riverbeds of the Trent tributaries such as the River Dove and the River Derwent. They will be able to pass through these slots and rest in the chamber above before continuing.
The direct environmental benefits of the fish pass will be £18.6m. This includes 60 kilometres of river improvement from poor to good status for fish, as well as 60 kilometres of new spawning habitat immediately upstream of the barrier. It will also aid interconnectivity with numerous other fish passage schemes previously constructed upstream by the Environment Agency.
The decline of migratory fish in the Trent catchment dates back to the Industrial Revolution, when large weirs were built to open up the river for trade. While some fish were able to overcome these barriers not all of them could.
Just five places in Lincolnshire have been shortlisted for a brand new category in the Tourism Excellence Awards for Lincolnshire and Rutland.
Barton Upon Humber, Gainsborough, Grimsby, Horncastle, and the John Dawber Gardens at Lincoln are in the running for the Pride of Place Award, the winner of which will be revealed on February 28th next year during an event at the Lincolnshire Showground.
Charlotte Goy, Chief Executive of Destination Lincolnshire, said: “Created to shine a light on businesses across the county, The Tourism Excellence Awards celebrate every aspect of the visitor economy – I’m thrilled to see so many fantastic businesses from across Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland shortlisted in this year’s celebration of tourism.
“Seeing applications come in from all areas of our LVEP region, and in numbers which have exceeded our previous years, I know the judging panel had their work cut out for them when it came to marking each submission. A heartfelt congratulations to everyone who made it onto the shortlist. I truly hope to see more of our incredible Lincolnshire businesses represented on the national stage at 2025’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.”
Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award | Sponsored by AVH Parks Ltd
Docks Academy
Elms Farm Cottages
International Bomber Command Centre
Lincoln Cathedral
North Lincolnshire Museum
B&B and Guest House of the Year
Bridleway Bed and Breakfast
The Old Posthouse B&B
The Poplars Boutique Bed and Breakfast
The Rufford Hotel
The Singlecote Hotel Ltd
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
Ashleigh Farm Caravan and Glamping
Away Resorts, AppleTree
Cleethorpes Pearl
Grange Farm Park
In the Stix
Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award | Sponsored by Knapton Wright
Fulbeck Craft Centre – The Old Coach House Store
International Bomber Command Centre
Louth Distillery
Experience of the Year | Sponsored by insight6
Baytree Owl and Wildlife Centre, Eagle and Vulture Experience
Lincoln Free Walking Tour, The Lincoln Free Walking Tour
Lincolnshire Cookery School Limited,
Louth Distillery, Gin School Experience
Skydive Hibaldstow, 15,000ft Tandem Skydive Experience
Hotel of the Year (small and large)
DoubleTree by Hilton
The William Cecil
The White Hart Hotel
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year | Sponsored by Heart of Lincs
Belton Estate
Burghley House
Lincoln Castle
Lincoln Cathedral
Normanby Hall Country Park
New Tourism Business of the Year | Sponsored by East Lindsey District Council
Dibley Lodge
The Drill, Lincoln
Fulbeck Craft Centre – Artisan Market
Meadow Lodges at Boothby Pagnell
Polish Bomber Squadrons Centre
Pub of the Year
Bull & Swan
The Cross Keys Stow
The Horse & Groom
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
Dibley Lodge
Holly Cottage
Meadow Lodges at Boothby Pagnell
Stretton Lakes
Treetop Hideaways
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Baytree Owl and Wildlife Centre
Cogglesford Watermill
Lincoln Bishops’ Palace
North Lincolnshire Museum
The Village Church Farm Museum
Taste of Lincolnshire and Rutland Award
Milly’s Bistro
San Pietro
Arts, Heritage and Culture Award | Sponsored by West Lindsey District Council
20-21 Visual Arts Centre
The Beonna
Lincoln Free Walking Tour
The Ropewalk
Trinity Arts Centre
Event/Festival of the Year Award
Festival of History
Festival of the Sea
Go Festival
Lincoln 1940s Weekend
River Light Festival
Homegrown in Lincolnshire and Rutland
The Lincoln Tea & Coffee Ltd
Mayfield Retreats and Vineyard
The Rutland Vineyard
Pride in Your Place Award | Sponsored by Boston Borough Council
Barton Upon Humber
Gainsborough
Grimsby
Horncastle
John Dawber Gardens, Lincoln
The Going Places Award
Emma Haigh, Jailhouse Frock
Kat Anderson, Sessions House
Leah Tuan Phan, University of Lincoln
Lucy Russon, Events and Culture Apprentice at City of Lincoln Council
Luke Doyle, Assistant General Manager at Healing Manor Hotel
The Outstanding Contribution Award | Sponsored by Lincolnshire Showground
Geoff Burton, The Polish Bomber Squadrons Centre – RAF Ingham Heritage Group
Jason Allen, The Fox, The Paddocks and Discover Rutland
The Weekend at the Asylum Steampunk Festival will return to Lincoln over August bank holiday weekend next year.
The event attracts around 100,000 visitors to the city, but concerns had been raised that it may have to move to another location due to the lack of affordable accommodation in the city.
Event organisers The Ministry of Steampunk have confirmed the event will continue in Lincoln after councils, the city’s universities, and Lincoln BIG offered their support.
Ministry of Steampunk spokesman John Naylor said: “The 15th event will be the largest celebration of steampunk as a creative artform and community the world has ever seen attracting visitors from around the globe. It is only fitting that we can do this in the city.
“Both Lincolnshire County Council and Lincoln City Council have been instrumental in securing the agreements needed to allow us to run ‘Weekend at the Asylum XV’ in the city and we are extremely grateful for their help and support.
“The festival had been under threat due to the affordability of accommodation in the city. We are thankful for the kind support of both University of Lincoln and Bishop Grosseteste University in building a solution allowing us to stay for 2025.”
Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, executive councillor for culture at Lincolnshire County Council, added “I’m so pleased that Steampunk will be staying in Lincoln for 2025. Months of hard work by officers and members at Lincolnshire County Council, and John Naylor at the Ministry of Steampunk, has paid off so that the event can be held in the city next year.
“Huge thanks go to the University of Lincoln for talking with us and offering their support to make sure there will be a range of accommodation options for the increasing visitor numbers this unique event attracts.”
Gainsborough’s Christmas Lights Festival takes place on 15th and 16th November.
It’s being organised by West Lindsey District Council with support from Gainsborough Town Council and sponsorship from businesses Gainsborough Building Services, Elm Cottage, Elite Signs and The Egg Stop, Heapham.
The two-day event includes live music in Market Place over both days, and local schools, choirs and community groups taking centre stage. Music will also be provided by a DJ on Friday evening, and on Saturday with live bands, Bikraley and Back Chat Brass, bringing this dazzling event to a close.
There will also be a vintage funfair, and the Giant Snow Globe, which proved so popular last year. Rides are 50p each (sold as £2 tokens). Tokens can be purchased on the day at the booth in the Market Place. 50% of funfair proceeds will go to The Brain Tumour Charity, this year’s chosen charity by West Lindsey District Council Chairman, Cllr Stephen Bunney.
Street entertainers will be mingling among the crowds over both days, and there will be festive market stalls offering a variety of food, drink and gifts; and Santa’s Post Box will be there to ensure everyone gets the chance to get their letters to North Pole in plenty of time.
Cllr Lesley Rollings, Deputy Leader of the Council and Chairman of Prosperous Communities at West Lindsey District Council, said: “Everything is in place now to ensure the event is another spectacular success and I like many other people am looking forward to the start of the festival in just two weeks’ time. I look forward to seeing you all down there.”
Parking in Council-owned car parks is FREE from 6pm on Friday 15 November and all day Saturday 16 November
George Barnsdale, a highly respected manufacturer of premium timber windows and doors, is proud to announce its 140th anniversary.
Since its founding in 1884 by George Barnsdale, the family-run business has become a cornerstone of the Lincolnshire village of Donington, contributing to both the local community and the broader construction industry.
To commemorate this landmark anniversary, George Barnsdale is set to publish a special commemorative newspaper that details its rich history, milestones, and the significant impact it has had on both the local community and the timber industry.
A staff celebration will also take place, honouring the dedicated team whose hard work and craftsmanship have been vital to the company’s success.
The story so far
The journey began when a young George Barnsdale purchased a modest plot of land in Donington Market Place, establishing a small carpentry workshop that quickly garnered a reputation for quality craftsmanship.
Over the decades, the company, which offers a nationwide project management and installation service, has evolved significantly, transitioning from steam-powered machinery to advanced robotic technology, all while staying true to its roots and commitment to high quality timber products.
Impact on the local community
George Barnsdale has played an instrumental role in sustaining the local economy of Donington. By providing valuable, highly skilled jobs, the company has supported hundreds of families over the years.
The Barnsdale family’s involvement extends beyond employment; they actively contribute to local charities, educational initiatives, and community events, solidifying the company’s position as an integral part of village life.
Innovative manufacturing practices
The company’s state-of-the-art factory is a testament to its dedication to quality, sustainability, and innovation. With a commitment to environmentally responsible practices, George Barnsdale takes pride in its proactive sourcing of timber from certified sustainable forests, ensuring that every piece
of wood is traceable and responsibly harvested. The company also employs a multitude of energy-saving measures, including using recycled fuel made from timber waste to power its generator.
The factory is equipped with CNC-controlled machinery, humidity-controlled environments, and stringent glazing standards, ensuring that each product not only meets but exceeds industry expectations.
However, it is the significant investment of time and expertise in design and software setup that truly sets George Barnsdale apart. This commitment has enabled the company to efficiently adapt its range of products for precise customisation, allowing for the creation of unique, high-performance windows and doors tailored to individual client needs. Furthermore, George Barnsdale’s rigorous testing processes—including weather performance, security evaluations, and paint durability—ensure that its products deliver long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance.
A legacy of excellence
Throughout its 140-year history, George Barnsdale has embraced its role as a custodian of heritage buildings, ensuring their preservation for future generations. The company has been involved in numerous pan-European industry research projects, collaborating with organisations like the Building Research Establishment and the British Woodworking Federation to enhance the longevity and performance of timber fenestration.
Tom Wright, Managing Director of George Barnsdale, commented on the anniversary:
“As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we reflect on our heritage and the strong ties we have with our community. Our legacy is not just about producing exceptional timber products; it’s about the people who make this company what it is. We are dedicated to maintaining our family values while continuously innovating to meet the needs of our customers. Our commitment to sustainability and excellence remains unwavering, and we look forward to another 140 years of success and community engagement.”
As the company looks to the future, it remains committed to its mission of uplifting communities and providing exceptional products that enhance the beauty and functionality of homes and businesses.
For more information about George Barnsdale and its 140th anniversary celebrations, please visit https://georgebarnsdale.co.uk.
Ahead of COP 29 next week, The Green Life Pantry in Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, has taken measures to make sure it is one of the small businesses helping to drive progress in the UK’s journey to Net Zero.
The zero waste eco store, which has been running since 2019, provides residents with an opportunity to stock up on day-to-day items in a more eco-friendly way by using ‘bring your own’ containers or paper bags. This includes dry goods, such as baking supplies, dried fruit, loose tea and coffee beans, as well as environmentally conscious replacement products such as wash detergents, shampoo and soaps.
Jenny Salvidge, founder of The Green Life Pantry, came up with the idea as a way of helping her community become cost effective, eco-logical and less reliant on plastic. After leaving full-time-employment, Jenny sought out a Start-Up Loan of £12,000 via programme partner Norfolk & Waveney Enterprise Services to help launch the business.
Jenny Salvidge, founder of The Green Life Pantry: “The Start Up Loan was pivotal in helping me to launch The Green Life Pantry and in turn, allowing me to support a community of eco-conscious people throughout Lincolnshire.
“I would certainly encourage other businesses to consider what steps they can take to become more sustainable, no matter how small they may be.”
Richard Bearman, Managing Director, Small Business Lending at the British Business Bank said: “We are immensely proud to support the entrepreneurial spirit within communities that traditionally face barriers to financing. It is our firm belief that by providing access to financing, we are not only fostering innovation but also empowering individuals to create sustainable enterprises that contribute positively to our economy and society.
The Green Life Pantry exemplifies our commitment to supporting sustainability-focused businesses. Jenny has now established a thriving, eco-conscious business, demonstrating the transformative impact of the Start Up Loans programme.”
Rutland Hall Hotel is delighted to announce the appointment of Sunil Kanjanghat as the resort’s new Director General Manager. With over 20 years of global experience in the luxury hospitality sector, Sunil is set to bring his strategic expertise and focus on first class experiences to Rutland Hall after an exceptional tenure at Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa, part of the Hand Picked Hotels portfolio.
Known for his impactful leadership, Sunil is eager to contribute his vast expertise to the resort’s development and to build on Rutland Hall’s growing reputation as a premier luxury destination in the UK.
“I am thrilled to be joining Rutland Hall Hotel at this time of change and growth,” explains Sunil. “I look forward to working with the existing team and I am also eager to collaborate with the owners, Priyesh Patel MBE DL and Minesh Patel, on the exciting and innovative projects to come. I am looking forward to what the future holds.”
Sunil’s arrival coincides with several new developments at Rutland Hall which include the refurbishment of the leisure facilities and the opening of Four Roots Wellbeing which will offer guests a unique, four-hour curated journey which includes bathing, treatment, relaxation and dining.
Sunil’s career spans senior leadership roles across many luxury five star and four red star experiences in Asia and England, where he has developed a reputation for driving operational excellence. Throughout his 8 years with the Montagu Arms in Hampshire, the Terrace restaurant held a One Michelin star. His portfolio of 5-star hotel successes includes Lainston House, part of the Exclusive collections, Le Meridien luxury hotels and the Sheraton, a 5-star deluxe hotel in Asia.
Sunil is a St Julian’s Scholar and a graduate of the prestigious Innholders Scholarship from Cranfield University. His outstanding success in delivering luxury experiences stems from his exceptional management style, which is characterised by a focus on leading, supporting, and inspiring. This makes him the perfect fit to guide Rutland Hall through this exciting period of investment and development. Sunil’s vision and experience in managing large-scale projects and historical properties will be instrumental in furthering the hotel’s commitment to excellence.
Priyesh Patel MBE DL, co-owner of Rutland Hall Hotel, expressed his enthusiasm for Sunil’s appointment: “We are excited to have Sunil on board at such an important time for our hotel. His leadership style is nothing short of remarkable, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our operations, our team, and, of course, our guests.”
Life-saving charity, the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance has responded to its 30,000th call – in its 30th anniversary year.
The helicopter and crew landed at the scene of an RTC near Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, in the hours of darkness last week (30 October).
The doctor and paramedic crew treated two women and a child, who were then taken to hospital. It is the unique combination of a specialist crew with the speed and capability of the helicopter that gives patients the best chance of survival.
LNAA CEO Karen Jobling sad: “This milestone during LNAA’s 30th anniversary year, was made possible because of the support of people living and working in the communities of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.”
LNAA’s team of specialist paramedics, doctors and pilots have already responded to almost 1,500 life-saving missions this year.
October proved to be extremely busy and the crews were called out to 141 incidents of which 58 of these were undertaken during the hours of darkness.
With the aid of night vision goggles (NVGs) the crew are able to fly at night to reach patients involved in the most serious of incidents until 2am every day.
LINCS & NOTTS Air Ambulance photo shoot G-LNCC
Each pair of NVGs cost £14,000 and it is thanks to the generosity of people living and working in the communities of Lincs & Notts that we can equip the crew with this state-of-the art equipment allowing them to provide pre-hospital emergency care to those in need whilst everyone is asleep.
Karen added: “We need £13 million this year to provide this 24/7 service, every day of the year. We receive no direct Government funding, and have only come this far, thanks to everyone who continues to support us, giving our patients the best chance of survival and recovery.”
South Kesteven Districtt Council has promised to underwrite the future of its services to residents with the commissioning of a £10m depot on Turnpike Close to replace the current one on Alexandra Road.
The new depot, being built by the Lindum Group, will be operational late next year or early the year after, at which point the old deport, built in the 197s, will close.
The new premises will be home to more than 250 staff operating a range of services including bin collection, street cleaning, and maintenance of parks, housing repairs, and the vehicle fleet.
Cllr Richard Cleaver said the new site would allow service provision to expand to meet the needs of a growing population. “This is a significant capital investment that demonstrates SKDC’s commitment to future-proofing services for our residents.
“The current depot at Alexandra Road, Grantham, was built in the 1970s and is now at the end of its operational life. It is no longer fit-for-purpose, does not allow for service expansion and does not support the Council’s current and future operational needs.
“There are also issues with site access as it is in the heart of a residential area, health and safety concerns with respect to movement of vehicles and poor welfare standards for staff.”
Lindum Group Co-chairman Edward Chambers said: “We share SKDC’s vision of creating facilities that foster operational efficiency and sustainability while being future proof.
“Our in-house team of architects and engineers have helped to make the scheme viable. They worked with the council for four months to help align the project specification to the council’s budget and performance requirements.
“I look forward to seeing this building progress over the coming months and once complete, it will ensure SKDC can continue to meet the needs of a growing population by providing vital services from a modern, purpose-built facility.”
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