Grantham day nursery sold

Tess Egginton
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Grantham day nursery sold
Business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School in Grantham. The day nursery is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted and provides care for up to 52 children at a time, operating from a purpose-built rural property. The sale also included the 46 place ‘Out of School’ club which the company runs from the local village primary school. The nursery has been owned and managed by Linda Lukies since 2007. After many successful years in the childcare sector, Linda made the decision to retire, prompting the sale of the business. Following a confidential sales process with Jassi Sunner at Christie & Co, it has been sold to new market entrant, Kiddi Corporation Ltd, which is owned by Rupinder Sandhu, a former care home operator expanding into the childcare sector. Linda Lukies, former owner of Ancaster Village Nursery, said: “I would like to wish Rupinder and Ancaster Village Nursery every success for the future. It has been an absolute pleasure running this wonderful setting with such a passionate staff team and I know that, with Rupinder’s vision and experience, I have left everything in the safest hands.” Rupinder Sandhu, the new owner of Ancaster Village Nursery, said: “I am extremely committed to delivering high-quality care in the community, drawing on my background in residential care. “Working with children has always been a passion of mine and, as a parent of young children, I understand first-hand the challenges faced by parents. This drives my dedication to ensuring that childcare settings are nurturing, supportive, and positively promote children’s development.” Jassi Sunner, Associate Director – Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, said: “With its excellent location, Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School has built a fantastic reputation over the years under Linda’s leadership. “The rural setting is logistically well placed for parents and has become a key choice for local families seeking high-quality childcare in a ‘home from home’ environment. After a competitive marketing process, we secured an offer from Rupinder, an experienced care home operator, looking for a new challenge in childcare. “This transition is a perfect fit, and I have no doubt that Rupinder will build on the strong foundations Linda has established.” Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School was sold for an undisclosed price.  
Image credit: Christie & Co

Rents cut at Brigg and Ashby markets to encourage businesses to set up stalls

Tess Egginton
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Rents cut at Brigg and Ashby markets to encourage businesses to set up stalls
Rents at Brigg and Ashby markets have been cut, in some cases to as low as £5 a pitch, to persuade more people to start trading. Changes in the set up of the markets have provided some savings to the council and these savings have been passed on to the traders, in the hope that more people will take the opportunity to become entrepreneurs and join the market. The previous rent at Ashby market was £18. This has been cut to £5 per pitch, or £10 where the council provides a gazebo and weights. In Brigg, the rent was £18, which has been cut to £9 per stall. The rent for the farmers’ market was £25, but this has been reduced to £12.50. North Lincolnshire Council leader Rob Waltham said: “If you have every wanted to run your own business, or turn a skill or hobby into a business, now is the time to step up and give it a go. These are two vibrant markets in the heart of the community, and this rent cut makes them accessible to all.” Cllr Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for community wellbeing (rural), said: “Leaving the stalls up in Brigg will mean they can be used by community groups and charities to hold pop-up markets, increasing the viability of the town centre. Also local town centre enterprises will be able to use the stalls when the market isn’t in use. “The changes to Ashby Market make it more sustainable and attractive to traders.” The markets run at Brigg and Ashby every Thursday from 8am, however bad weather may affect the number of stalls. In Brigg, the farmers’ market is held on the fourth Saturday of every month, Brigg Arts & Craft market is every second Saturday and Brigg Indie Market is every third Saturday.   Image: Cllr Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for community wellbeing (rural) at North Lincolnshire Council, with council leader Rob Waltham. Credit: North Lincolnshire Council

Illuminate event to light up Gainsborough

Tess Egginton
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Illuminate event to light up Gainsborough
On Friday 21 February, a special free event returns to the historic heart of Gainsborough, including the return of the community lantern parade, a fire garden in the grounds of All Saints’ Parish Church, a new film projection inside Gainsborough Old Hall, street performers and samba music. This year’s event theme is ‘Postcards from Gainsborough’, where postcards that have been produced by local school children will be projected inside the Old Hall. There will also be workshops to make lanterns in the weeks prior to the event. Chairman of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Stephen Bunney, said: “February will see the return of our wonderful Illuminate event which brings the community together for an enjoyable event in the town. I am delighted to once again welcome residents and visitors to West Lindsey to attend this spectacular event in Gainsborough.” West Lindsey District Council’s event lead, Dr Anna Scott, added: “This year’s event is about Gainsborough as a community – bringing people back together for a town centre parade that they have helped to create. “Illuminate has been made possible thanks to our partnership with All Saints’ Parish Church and Gainsborough Old Hall, and we’re grateful for their support to make the event possible. We’re also pleased to be working with Lincolnshire County Council this year too, extending the number of workshops we’ve been able to offer.” English Heritage, who manage Gainsborough Old Hall, are ‘delighted’ to be involved with the event once again, with Site Manager Joley Baker adding: “We’re so pleased to be taking part in Gainsborough’s Illuminate event once again this year. “It was one of our busiest days in 2024 and we loved seeing everyone enjoying the Hall, especially locals who hadn’t visited since they were children, so we hope to see just as many faces this time around for what I’m sure will be another fantastic evening!”
  Image: Gainsborough Old Hall. Credit: Stock.adobe.com/Peter

£23m Lincoln Community Diagnostic Centre opens

Tess Egginton
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£23m Lincoln Community Diagnostic Centre opens
More NHS diagnostic services are now available in Lincoln, with the opening of a new £23m facility on Lincoln Science and Innovation Park. The Lincoln Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) is run by the same teams as Lincolnshire’s NHS hospitals, but offers an alternative venue to access vital diagnostic tests quickly and easily, away from busy hospitals. The state-of-the-art facilities include MRI, CT, non-obstetric ultrasound, X-ray and echocardiograms. Patients can also access physiological testing, such as blood testing, ECGs, spirometry and FeNO testing, which is being provided in partnership with Lincoln Healthcare Partnership Primary Care Network – a group of local GP practices. Services at the CDC can be accessed with referral from hospital or a GP. The first patients to use the Lincoln CDC attended for CT scans. Patient Sarah Williamson, from Navenby, said: “It’s a really lovely building, even the light panels in the ceiling look great and make it feel welcoming. The free parking makes a difference as it takes away any worry about finding a parking space. “It’s quite exciting to be the very first patient here and the energy of the staff really shows too, they seem excited to be here.” The dual contract for construction of both Skegness and Lincoln CDCs has been delivered by Modern Methods of Construction specialist MTX Contracts Ltd. MTX Managing Director David Hartley said: “We have been privileged to partner with the Trust to deliver this dual contract for Community Diagnostic Centres at Lincoln and Skegness that will have such a huge impact on waiting lists and significantly improve the patient experience. “Our hard-won experience designing and delivering fully compliant NHS facilities combined with our use of Modern Methods of Construction and offsite manufacturing enables us to create these vital units faster, greener, safer and more cost effectively than conventional building processes, with no compromise in quality. “Working concurrently on the two projects presented additional challenges for our team, but at MTX we view every project as a learning opportunity to continually improve the service and value we can offer our NHS Trust partners.”   Picture credit: United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust

Plans for new South Holland Health and Wellbeing Hub get green light

Tess Egginton
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Plans for new South Holland Health and Wellbeing Hub get green light

Plans for the new South Holland Health and Wellbeing Hub have been approved, as the transformational redevelopment of the Castle Sports Complex site in Spalding moves a step closer.

Receiving the support of councillors and officers at the district’s planning committee on Wednesday (8 January) evening, work will now get underway to begin the first phase of development, which is planned to commence in Spring 2025, with a scheduled completion date in Autumn 2026. The project, which is receiving £20 million of UK Government funding alongside further investment from South Holland District Council, will address health and wellbeing through the provision of improved sport, recreation and leisure facilities, alongside new health and wellbeing services and facilities for residents. The first phase of works will include the creation of a single building containing two new swimming pools, village changing facilities, multi-sport hall, fitness suite, cycle and group exercise studios, health and wellbeing consultation rooms, children’s adventure play area and updated reception and servery areas. Around the rest of the site, it would see the creation of a new outdoor 3G pitch, park run circuit, community garden, running loop, additional cycling provision and improved car parking with electric vehicle charging points, along with necessary remedial works to the bowls hall. The final plans were put together following widespread consultation with residents in spring 2024, followed by further amendments taking into account feedback from national bodies, statutory consultees and local community groups to ensure the plans reflected the interests of as many people as possible. A Sport England study in 2021 showed that South Holland had the 4th worst rate of exercise and activity in the country, with these new, state-of-the-art facilities designed specifically to offer the widest possible range of activities and opportunities to support residents to live active and healthy lives. Whilst construction is taking place users of the current ‘dry side’ of the Castle Complex will be able to use temporary fitness suite and group exercise facilities at the Spalding Campus of Boston College on Red Lion Street. The existing swimming pool and ‘wet side’ will remain fully operational throughout the works. Councillor Gary Taylor, South Holland District Council’s project sponsor, said: “It is brilliant news that this ambitious project has received its long-awaited planning permission, and I cannot wait for work to get started and for these exciting plans to become a reality, bucking the trend of leisure provision nationally. “We have done everything we can to ensure this once-in-a-generation opportunity for new state-of-the-art facilities best represents the priorities, interests and needs of as many of our residents as possible, and I am confident that the finished product will be a fantastic place to socialise, exercise and play and to receive vital health and wellbeing support, for many years to come.”

Public asked their views on Lincolnshire’s pharmacy provision

Stuart Pearcey
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Public asked their views on Lincolnshire’s pharmacy provision

Lincolnshire residents are being asked for their views about pharmacy provision throughout the county in a two-month consultation running from now until March 8th.

The public are being asked if they think the locations, accessibility and services provided by pharmacies are adequate – both now, and for the future.

All Health and Wellbeing Boards are required to produce a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment at least every three years, to ensure the best decisions about pharmacy services are made for the people of Lincolnshire. Councillor Sue Woolley, Executive Councillor for NHS Liaison and Community Engagement, and chair of the Lincolnshire Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “The feedback we receive from the public will help us put together our next Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment. “Pharmacies, often known as ‘chemists’ provide lots of different and important services and this review makes sure that they provide what our residents want and need, and that they’re in the right places. “Residents and interested groups can have their say on the draft PNA on the link below and make their views known.” Take part in the consultation at the Let’s Talk Lincolnshire platform.  

Cleethorpes gets another £250,000 to protect fragile coastline

Stuart Pearcey
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Cleethorpes gets another £250,000 to protect fragile coastline
North East Lincolnshire Council has been given £250,000 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the Dynamic Understanding of the Natural Environment project to explore options to save and better protect the fragile coastline. It will also support opportunities to increase access, inclusion and participation for local communities and visitors through an activities and education programme. DUNE focuses on North East Lincolnshire’s coastline, in particular the natural salt marsh and sand dune environments of Cleethorpes on the south bank of the Humber, which include internationally important habitats and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Investing in skills and capacity to maintain the heritage asset is central to the project, with the recruitment of a Research and Engagement Advisor. This post will build knowledge and relations across the area and develop future activities, including working with schools and using new digital technologies increasing access to information and heritage. A Coastal Ranger will also come on board to help protect the most sensitive areas of the SSSI, support ecological and bird surveys and educational activities. Building on five years of targeted funding, this latest award comes as we celebrate a £10million milestone. Between 2019-2024 North East Lincolnshire was an ‘Area of Focus’, meaning they received targeted support to apply for project funding. It has since become one of the places in our Heritage Places initiative, receiving support over 10 years and allowing opportunities for wider funding. This new funding is part of Heritage Places allowing North East Lincolnshire Council to build upon their status by investing in natural heritage. Helen Featherstone of The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “At the Heritage Fund, we believe in the power of heritage to create positive and lasting change, now and in the future. We know that when our investments contribute to the long-term vision for a place, the benefits can be profound and long-lasting for its local community, visitors, and economy. “So, it is wonderful news that thanks to National Lottery players, the Heritage Fund’s support in the ‘DUNE’ project has taken our total investment across North East Lincolnshire since 2019 to an impressive £10million. “Working with North East Lincolnshire Council has allowed us to understand the long term heritage ambitions of the areas. North East Lincolnshire remains a priority for the Heritage Fund through our initiative “Heritage Places”; a ten year programme to continue to support the heritage aspirations of the area, which leave a legacy for all to enjoy.”

Charity funds virtual sky panels to enhance experience on maternity hospital wards

Tess Egginton
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Charity funds virtual sky panels to enhance experience on maternity hospital wards
Midwives and patients are set for an enhanced experience on Bardney and Nettleham wards at Lincoln County Hospital. A new lighting panel featuring a blue sky and clouds has been fitted on the ceiling above the midwives’ station on Nettleham Ward. This area is central to the building and does not receive any natural light. On Bardney Ward, the panel which features a lake and mountain has been placed on the wall. The panels give off light and move through different settings, adjusting as appropriate for the time of day. The new panels were paid for by United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity and will help with staff morale and patient experience. Last year, staff working on these wards said they struggled with the lack of sunlight during their shifts, and they’d found this impacted on their mood and effectiveness. Some midwives were experiencing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, and the lack of natural light exacerbated their symptoms. Improving the lighting was suggested as a possible solution and the sky panels were investigated and found to be a viable option. The virtual sky panels help to promote wellness, reduce stress and anxiety and improve patient and staff experience in clinical settings. Claudia Coggan, a midwife on Nettleham Ward, said: “I work as a coordinator and have found that natural light struggled to reach us at the midwives’ station where the computers were situated. We felt like all we had was artificial light for our long shifts. The shadows on our keyboards did not help. “We heard we were having a new lighting system above where we worked and helped choose the screen picture. “The light screen was installed, and the distribution of light is much better now and the best part is that we can adjust the intensity of the light according to our needs. It is easier to work on computers and there is less eye strain.” Bardney Ward is for women in labour and Nettleham Ward is the antenatal and postnatal ward for mothers and their newborn babies. Patients on these wards will also benefit from the improved environment, making it a little more welcoming and homely. Ben Petts, Charity Manager at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity, said: “We are delighted to be able to fund these virtual sky panels and help support staff and patient wellbeing. “They bring a bit of the outdoors indoors and have really improved the look and feel of the wards.”   Image credit: United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust

Community groups invited to kick-start 2025 with a resolution to apply for grant funding

Tess Egginton
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Community groups invited to kick-start 2025 with a resolution to apply for grant funding
Community groups are being invited to start the New Year with a resolution to apply for funding from South Kesteven District Council’s (SKDC’s) Community Fund. Grants of up to £5,000 are available to constituted community groups and charities, with a smaller grants scheme offering up to £2,000. The programme has so far helped groups with funding exceeding £782,000. It’s particularly keen to support projects or events tackling loneliness, and improvements to community buildings and amenities. The last funding round awarded grants of almost £12,000 and the next funding round closes for applications on 18th February. Latest awards granted incude:
  • Foston Village Hall was awarded £3,228 for improvements to old and deteriorating lighting and emergency lighting with LED lights set to reduce bills.
  • Grantham Creates was awarded £4,965 for equipment to produce community and amateur artwork displays in empty units and shop windows around the town centre.
  • The new Rolling Stones Colsterworth New Age Kurling Group was awarded £1,005 for new indoor curling sets to be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
  • St John’s Church, Spitalgate, Grantham, was awarded £2,691 to improve toilet facilities and water supply, benefitting visitors to the Community Fridge and Warm Hub.
Cllr Rhea Rayside, SKDC Cabinet Member for People and Communities, said: “Everyone needs a New Year Resolution and we are urging community groups to kick-start the year by applying for funding that can make a difference to their plans. “With 2025 marking the end of WWII, applications are also welcome from any groups planning 80th anniversary commemorations for Victory in Europe Day and Victory in Japan Day if they fit the Fund’s criteria.” Community groups can apply for up to 80% of eligible costs to a maximum of £5,000, with the remaining 20% as a required applicant contribution. The small grants scheme can fund 100% of project and event costs up to £2,000, with no match funding required. This scheme is only open to groups that hold £10,000 or less of financial resource.   Image credit: South Kesteven District Council

New cycle path and crossing on Kingsway open thanks to grant funding

Tess Egginton
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New cycle path and crossing on Kingsway open thanks to grant funding
A new cycle path has opened on Kingsway in Scunthorpe, which is an extension to the cycleway around Central Park, thanks to £300,000 funding.   The funding was secured following a successful bid from Active Travel England specifically to improve cycling and walking infrastructure. It provides a segregated link between the Ridgeway cycleway route and the existing cycle path alongside Ashby Road.   Cllr Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for connectivity, said: “As part of the council’s commitment to improve facilities for cycling and walking, we submitted the bid to Active Travel to improve the cycle paths on Kingsway. “This funding was awarded to the council specifically to improve walking and cycling facilities – it could not be used for any other highway repairs or improvements.  “The new cycle path provides a safer and more convenient route for both cyclists and pedestrians as the two are now separate.   “As part of the Active Travel Funding, a crossing has been installed outside of North Lindsey College to link to Central Park, providing safe, direct access from the college to the park and Scunthorpe town centre for students.”   Pictured (left to right) are Gareth Denovan, Highway Traffic Safety Manager and Cllr Tim Mitchell. Credit: North Lincolnshire Council
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