Work to create the Freshney Place leisure scheme, along with the new food hall and complementary market, will get underway in earnest in early February when contractors will arrive on the site.
The first part of this will be the decommissioning of the existing Top Town Market, ahead of the start of works to demolish the building.
A temporary market will be created within Freshney Place in the unit currently occupied by One Beyond, which is due to be vacated by April. Once the unit is available, some work will be required before the temporary market can open to the public.
North East Lincolnshire Council has been talking with traders in Top Town Market since it started the plans for the scheme, and more recently on a one-to-one basis to understand traders’ business aspirations, talk through the various options available to them, and offer them a full support package to help them to transition going forward.
The next step is to work with those traders who have committed to relocation to ensure a smooth transition into the temporary space.
Meanwhile, North East Lincolnshire Council has confirmed that some traders have chosen not to move to the temporary market, and the cafes have not been able to be included within the temporary market space as they need special facilities, such as extraction, or seating areas. The council is talking separately with the cafes about other suitable spaces in the town centre.
Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “I’m really pleased that lots of traders have chosen to come across to the temporary market, and I’m sure it will be welcomed by shoppers to have this available as soon as practically possible.
“This unit has been used for a pop up market previously, and is in a great location for traders.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those involved in our Top Town Market in its present location and look forward to seeing the temporary market open to the public in the Spring.”
Major new development approved in Epworth
Plans have been approved for a major new development in Epworth including a new GP surgery, a new Holmes and Garden Centre and foodstore.
The proposed development, on Belton Road in the town by Millea Land, will take place on predominantly brownfield land.
The proposals will offer an economic boost and create around 100 new jobs for local people.
During previous consultation on the plans, the community had been very positive about new medical facilities and potential for more shopping choice and new jobs.
During the planning process, the plans have been amended through positive discussions with Epworth Town Council and Council’s Highway Officers. These changes have included a new controlled crossing on Belton road and improvements to the public right of way linking the site with the town centre, including a safe pedestrian route.
Jonathan Millea of Millea Land said: “Gaining approval for this major development in Epworth is the culmination of over four years of hard work and listening to the community.
“We are very excited to deliver the development, and we will look to get onsite as soon as possible. These plans will bring many huge benefits to the town and area, including new jobs, better medical facilities and better shopping choice.”
Government’s solar farm announcement branded a ‘slap in the face’ for Lincolnshire
Government announcements that applications for solar farms at Heckington Fen and the West Burton have been granted consent are another slap in the face for the county, according to a leading county councillor.
Colin Davie, executive councillor for environment, economy and planning at Lincolnshire County Council says adding two more giant solar farms to Lincolnshire’s countryside in the face of strong local opposition shows that the government has not listened to residents. He said: “These two developments add more than 1,000 hectares of solar parks to the county, bringing the total land now allocated for five approved developments to around 3,500 hectares. A further 6,400 hectares are also being proposed in Lincolnshire.
“Trashing the countryside and putting ginormous industrial developments on agricultural land has understandably caused much local outrage. On top of this, I have no confidence that these schemes help in any way to delivering the affordable energy that we need.
“Quite frankly these decisions are another slap in the face for Lincolnshire, and the government must start considering the cumulative impacts of all these proposals in our county. In our recent survey, residents have told us that they are very concerned about the impacts that so many Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects will have on Lincolnshire, and the effects on our nature, landscape and communities. They also told us that they – like us – consider rooftops and brownfield sites being the most appropriate places to install solar panels. We must stop the industrialisation of the Lincolnshire countryside.”
In December 2023 Lincolnshire County Council’s executive approved an energy infrastructure position statement outlining how the council will respond robustly to National Significant Infrastructure Projects like this, to protect agricultural land and prevent developments blighting the landscape.
Skegness to get housing pods to address housing needs
East Lindsey District Council is to acquire four new accommodation pods in Skegness in a move to address housing needs.
The plan involves installing the pods to provide temporary housing solutions as part of the council’s broader strategy to tackle homelessness and support vulnerable residents.
Councillor William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Ageing Better, said: “This approval is a testament to our commitment to improving housing options for our community. These pods will offer safe and secure accommodation for individuals who are facing housing challenges.”
Councillor Sarah Devereux, Portfolio Holder for Partnerships, said: “The introduction of these accommodation pods is a vital step in our mission to support our homeless community. These pods provide immediate shelter, warmth, and safety, while we work with individuals to find more permanent solutions. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to safe and dignified living conditions.”
Each sleeping pod provides a bed, chemical toilet, and charging facilities. They are designed to help people who have been sleeping on the streets and have complex needs, making hostel-style accommodation unsuitable.
The project is expected to commence shortly, with the council working closely with local contractors to ensure timely delivery and installation. This initiative is seen as a pilot project, with potential for expansion based on its success and community feedback.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Ball to return in 2025
The United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Ball will return in 2025.
The charity, which funds the extras not covered by NHS budgets, is inviting guests back to its Ball at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Lincoln.
Charity Manager Ben Petts said: “We had such an amazing time at our NHS75 Ball that we wanted to do it all over again. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and those attending we had an amazing evening and also raised more than £4,500.
“This has enabled our charity to provide the additional extras to elevate the work of the United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust that cannot be provided by the NHS.”
Over the last 12 months this has included:
- The creation of gardens to provide sanctuary for patients, staff and visitors
- The installation of virtual sky panels to enhance patient and staff experience in maternity areas, as well as the new Community Diagnostic Centres in Skegness and Lincoln
- The purchase of mobile phone charge banks to ensure patients and their loved ones can stay connected during visits to Emergency Departments
- The funding of scalp cooling systems to reduce hair loss in those patients receiving chemotherapy
- The funding of sensory friendly resource bags to support hospital patients with sensory needs who are in need of emergency care
- The funding of social events and trips for young patients with Type-1 diabetes so that they can build friendships where they can talk honestly and openly about their condition.
Top Town Market to move to temporary new home during Freshney Place development works
Home energy efficiency upgrades: how to get started
With energy prices remaining a concern for many households, finding ways to reduce energy consumption and costs has never been more critical. In Lincolnshire, where green energy initiatives are growing, there is an increasing push to make homes more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Whether you’re looking for simple DIY improvements or considering major home upgrades, taking the proper steps can help you reduce energy bills while contributing to sustainability.
1. Assess your home’s energy efficiency
Before making any changes, it’s essential to understand where and how your home is losing energy. Conducting an energy audit—either through a professional service or a DIY inspection—can help identify inefficiencies such as poor insulation, air leaks, or outdated heating systems. Key areas to check include loft insulation, gaps around windows and doors, and the efficiency of your central heating system.
Many Lincolnshire homeowners may also qualify for financial assistance to make energy-saving improvements. Resources like the Grant Advice Helpline can provide information on grants and funding options for insulation, heating upgrades, or renewable energy installations. Checking with local councils and green energy providers may also reveal additional incentives to support home energy efficiency improvements.
2. Improve insulation and seal air leaks
Poor insulation is one of the biggest culprits of energy loss in UK homes. Heat can escape through walls, lofts, and floors, forcing your heating system to work harder, leading to higher energy bills. Ensuring your home is properly insulated is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce heat loss.
- Loft insulation – Adding or upgrading insulation in your loft can significantly reduce heat loss, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
- Wall insulation – Depending on your home’s construction, cavity wall insulation or solid wall insulation can significantly improve energy efficiency.
- Floor insulation – Sealing gaps in floorboards and insulating under floors (especially in older homes) helps retain warmth.
- Sealing air leaks – Draught-proofing windows, doors, and other openings with weatherstripping, caulk, or expanding foam can prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from entering.
Investing in insulation improvements can pay off quickly through reduced heating and energy costs, particularly in Lincolnshire’s colder months.
3. Upgrade windows and doors
Older homes with single-glazed windows or poorly insulated doors can lose significant heat. Replacing these with double or triple-glazed windows and insulated doors can make a noticeable difference. For those on a budget, options like thermal curtains or draft excluders can also provide effective, low-cost solutions.
4. Optimize your heating system
Heating accounts for a significant portion of energy bills in UK homes, so optimizing your system can lead to big savings. In Lincolnshire, where winters can be frigid, ensuring your heating system runs efficiently is crucial.
- Boiler upgrades – If your boiler is over 10 years old, upgrading to a modern, energy efficient condensing boiler can significantly reduce energy consumption. Look for models with high energy ratings to maximize efficiency.
- Smart thermostats – These devices allow you to control heating remotely and optimize temperature settings based on your daily schedule, preventing unnecessary heating when no one is home.
- Radiator efficiency – Bleeding radiators to remove trapped air and adding thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) can improve heating distribution and efficiency.
- Underfloor heating – While more expensive to install, underfloor heating can be a highly efficient way to heat your home, especially when paired with renewable energy sources.
5. Switch to energy-efficient lighting and appliances
Replacing traditional light bulbs with LEDs is one of the simplest ways to reduce energy usage. Similarly, look for models with high energy efficiency ratings recognized in the UK when upgrading appliances. Investing in energy-efficient fridges, washing machines, or dishwashers can lead to long-term savings on your energy bills.
6. Explore renewable energy options
Lincolnshire is becoming a leader in renewable energy, with large-scale wind farms and solar energy projects gaining momentum. Homeowners can use this growing sector by integrating renewable energy solutions into their homes.
- Solar panels – Installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels can generate electricity for your home and reduce reliance on the national grid.
- Heat pumps – Air source and ground source heat pumps offer energy-efficient alternatives to traditional heating systems by extracting heat from the air or ground.
- Wind turbines – While less common for residential properties, small-scale wind turbines can be effective for homes in rural Lincolnshire with ample wind exposure.
Renewable energy solutions require an initial investment but can offer long-term savings and environmental benefits.
7. Embrace smart home technology
Smart home devices can help optimize energy usage, providing both convenience and cost savings.
- Smart thermostats – Devices like Nest or Hive can learn your heating preferences and adjust settings automatically to reduce waste.
- Smart lighting – Motion-sensing or scheduled lighting ensures that lights are only on when needed.
- Energy monitoring systems – These devices track electricity usage in real-time, helping you identify which appliances consume the most energy.
Using smart home technology can help you make minor but effective adjustments that add up to significant savings over time.
8. Leverage local incentives and grants
Lincolnshire residents may qualify for energy-saving grants or incentives to help with home upgrades. Programs such as the Green Homes Grant or local council schemes are designed to assist homeowners in improving insulation, installing renewable energy systems, and reducing overall energy use. Always explore these options before undertaking costly projects.
Conclusion
Making your home more energy-efficient doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By starting with these key steps, you can begin to see real savings on your energy bills and make a positive impact on the environment. Remember, even small changes can make a big difference. So, take that first step today and enjoy a more comfortable and sustainable home.
Lincolnshire Showground to hold Tractor Run in aid of LIVES and Lincolnshire Agricultural Society
Exciting plans are underway as Lincolnshire Showground, home of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society (LAS), prepares to kick off its 140th Show celebrations with a spectacular Tractor Run in aid of LIVES and the LAS.
The event will take place on Sunday, 23rd February 2025, bringing together tractor enthusiasts and the local community for a fantastic cause.
Tractor owners are invited to take part in the run, with entry only costing £15 per tractor and an additional £5 per passenger. To secure a spot and be part of this historic event, participants are encouraged to book early.
Members of the public are warmly invited to watch the run kick off at The Showground and wave the tractors on as they pass through their villages. The route will pass through scenic locations (in order of run), including:
- Sturton By Stow
- Stow
- Normandy By Stow
- Willingham by Stow
- Kexby
- Upton
- Heapham
- Springthorpe
- Harpswell
- Glentworth
- Fillingham (Edge)
- Ingham (Edge)
- Cammeringham
- Brattleby
- Aisthorpe
- Scampton
Explore steps into Further Education careers at Lincoln College event
Ever wanted to get your foot in the door with Further Education? Lincoln College is holding an event on Wednesday 26th February at The Drill, open to anyone interested in a career within further education.
The College is actively recruiting for a variety of full-time positions, as well as cover (bank staff), in both curriculum-facing and support/commercial roles.
They are particularly seeking individuals with industry experience in Adult Care, Automotive, Brickwork, English, Maths, Aviation, and Engineering. Anyone with relevant skills is encouraged to visit and learn more about these opportunities.
Assistant Principal in HEART, Health & Care at Lincoln College, Steve Horsfield, said: “Working for Lincoln College has been a lifelong journey for me. From being a student here in 2002 after leaving sixth form, I’ve gone on to be a sports coach here, a lecturer and I’ve looked after a whole variety of departments. I am now an Assistant Principal, which means I not only look at things from an education perspective, but a strategic one too.
“I would urge anyone interested in a career in further education to attend, ask some questions and really consider the breadth of opportunities available. The big thing for me is the part you play in a young person’s development and future, why wouldn’t you want to be part of that?”
Nicola Jepson, who recently celebrated 10 years at the College, shared her journey: “I started here as an apprentice in 2014. At the time, many job vacancies required numerous qualifications, even for entry-level roles.
“By beginning my career at Lincoln College as an apprentice, I was able to gain experience, qualifications, and supported to develop.
“My first role was as an HR Clerical Apprentice, but I soon completed my Level 3 qualification in Business Administration and from there I was able to work up to gaining a position as a People Services Officer in the People Services department.
“I now hold a Level 3 qualification, and last year, I was supported to complete my Level 5 CIPD qualification.
“I feel like I’ve been supported every part of the way, I was reflecting when I got my ten-year award that it really does feel like joining a family. If you are going to spend all your time at work, it’s important to have a good relationship with those around you.”
New recruit and Operations Lead, Katie Raithby-Veall, said: “Starting to work at Lincoln College has probably been the easiest and most reassuringly swept up recruitment process I have been through.
“From initially submitting my application on the online recruitment portal and arranging my interview in just a few clicks, through to arriving on my first day to a reserved parking space, new laptop and a great box of freebies after my mandatory training.
“It can take time to feel welcomed and settled in a new organisation, but Lincoln College Group has genuinely made my start feel extremely welcoming and like I can succeed here.
“The Further Education sector is a great place to use your experience from the public or private sectors to make a huge difference to young people as they prepare for the world of work.
“Helping them explore their options and realise their potential is hugely rewarding, so too engaging with employers to understand their current challenges and what they need from talent entering the workforce. Personally, I feel a real energy from working at the Lincoln College campus – it’s full of vibrancy and optimism and that rubs off on me too!”
The event runs from 4.30pm to 7.30pm at The Drill on Free School Lane. For more information, call 01522 876245 or email hrrecruitment@lincolncollege.ac.uk
National Grid keeps Council in the dark over pylon network option costs
Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill says it’s outrageous that National Grid won’t share cost comparisons about its plans to run chains of pylons through the Lincolnshire countryside.
He says requests from the Council have been blocked with a response which claims there is ‘very little benefit to be gained’ from sharing this information.
He said: “I think it’s outrageous that National Grid still refuses to present us with their workings and is hiding from a legitimate – and very reasonable – request for facts and figures. In their letter back to the council, they said they believe there is ‘very little benefit to be gained’ from sharing this information. I wholeheartedly disagree.”
He says the company is hiding detailed costings on cabling, and is demanding to know details about the planned Grimsby to Walpole pylon route to make sure that the other options – including placing cables on the seabed – had been properly considered.
National Grid has told the Council it doesn’t hold a central database of all the information, that it would take too long to pull the information together, and has labelled the request as unreasonable.
Councillor Hill added: “We’re not talking about a small proposal – these pylon plans will have a major impact on the east coast of Lincolnshire and we want to make sure these costs have been properly worked through.
“Residents have told us that they are concerned about Nationally Significant Infrastructure proposals like these, and believe that these pylons specifically will have negative impacts on our environment, tourism and the landscape. We have a duty to these residents to make sure we do what we can to protect their homes and livelihoods.
“We don’t deny that connectivity is important, but the infrastructure needs to be upgraded properly, and all views considered. We’re not going to give up on this; we’re going to keep trying to get some honesty and transparency. The campaign continues.”
Lincolnshire County Council will now look to revise and resubmit further questions to National Grid.
In a conducted by the county council 84% of residents said they were ‘concerned’ or ‘very concerned’ about the impact on the county caused by Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
North East Lincolnshire workers to be supported into clean power jobs
Government-backed training programmes are to help North East Lincolnshire residents benefit from new job opportunities in the clean energy sector, as part of the government’s Plan for Change and clean energy superpower mission.
Aberdeen, Cheshire, Lincolnshire (to specifically include North East Lincolnshire) and Pembrokeshire have all been identified as key growth regions for clean energy, with flourishing offshore wind, nuclear, and solar industries.
Local partners will receive funding to identify the skills support that is needed in their area to deliver clean power by 2030 – which will protect households and businesses from unstable fossil fuel markets for good.
Funding could go towards new training centres, courses or career advisers – supporting local people into opportunities in industries such as welding, electrical engineering, and construction.
Alongside this, the government has delivered on a longstanding campaign to help oil and gas workers access opportunities in clean energy jobs by launching a ‘skills passport’, in collaboration with industry and Scottish Government. Oil and gas workers will be able to access the skills passport online, which will initially help them identify routes into several roles in offshore wind including construction and maintenance.
These initiatives will help build the pipeline of skilled workers needed to deliver clean power by 2030, which will unlock £40 billion of investment a year and reindustrialise Britain with thousands of good jobs across the country.
Many of the skills required for the transition already exist, with research from Offshore Energies UK showing that 90% of oil and gas workers have skills that are relevant to the clean energy transition.
From 22 January, workers will be able to create an account to access the four career pathways currently available, helping them identify where their existing qualifications are recognised. Led by Renewable UK and Offshore Energies UK, and supported by the UK and funding from Scottish Government, the tool will be expanded over the coming year to recognise other pathways from oil and gas into the renewable sector.
Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Empowering our residents to unlock their potential and achieve their goals is critical to the future of our borough – if we are to improve health and prosperity within our communities, we must work together to ensure our people are able to take the opportunities that exist here.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/New Africa
