Mainstream schools across Lincolnshire are preparing to welcome more students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as part of a £7.2 million plan to expand specialist support in the region.

Thirteen schools, five council-run primaries, six primary academies, and two secondary academies are set to receive dedicated SEND facilities. These new spaces will feature tailored areas and trained staff to support better students who need additional help. With demand for special education places rising sharply and current specialist schools at capacity, the move aims to ease pressure while keeping students in their local communities.

The initiative is designed to create 200 extra school spaces, with ambitions to roll out up to 20 specialist units across the county. While the council will oversee improvements in state schools, academies will manage their upgrades. Most of the funding comes from the Department for Education, with the remaining £1.2 million covered by Lincolnshire County Council.

By strengthening support within mainstream settings, the council hopes to reduce reliance on costly placements at independent schools and keep more families closer to home.

The plans will be reviewed by the Children’s and Culture Scrutiny Committee on 20 June, with final approval expected shortly after.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/JenkoAtaman

As warm weather draws people outdoors, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue is urging residents to take extra care with barbecues. The warning comes as high temperatures and dry conditions increase the risk of fires starting and spreading rapidly.

The service advises people to avoid placing barbecues on dry grass or uneven ground and always to use a flat, fireproof surface, especially when using disposable items. They’re also reminding the public not to leave BBQs unattended and to ensure all coals are fully cooled before disposing of them.

The advice aims to prevent accidental fires during what’s expected to be one of the hottest spells of the season.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Igor Link

Grimsby Auditorium will celebrate its 30th birthday on Monday 16th June, marking three decades of delivering outstanding entertainment in Grimsby. This year marks a significant milestone for one of North East Lincolnshire’s most beloved cultural venues, celebrating 30 years of unforgettable performances, community engagement, and artistic creativity. Since opening its doors in 1995 with a performance by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Grimsby Auditorium has established itself as a pivotal venue in the region’s entertainment landscape, showcasing a diverse range of performances including West End musicals, chart-topping bands, comedians, local theatre productions and family shows. With a seating capacity of over 1,200 and standing room for 2,000, Grimsby Auditorium is Lincolnshire’s largest and one of the most adaptable venues. To mark this milestone, the Auditorium is hosting a month-long series of giveaways—don’t forget to follow its social media channels for your chance to win! The giveaways are already in progress and include selected tickets to upcoming shows at the Auditorium and products from collaborations with local businesses that have partnered with the venue over the years. During the birthday week commencing Monday 16th, booking fees will be waived for ticket purchases from 9am Monday 16th to midnight on Sunday 22nd June 2025. Plus visitors to the Stage Door Café (open 10am–3:30pm) from Tuesday 17th to Saturday 21st June 2025 can enjoy a complimentary slice of birthday cake when sitting in and purchasing any hot drink! Throughout the week the venue will also showcase show memorabilia, photographs, and stories from the past 30 years. Everyone is welcome to explore the archives out on display—and if you have something to contribute, feel free to share! Claire Williams, director, Lincs Inspire Venues & Enterprises Ltd, said: “We are delighted to celebrate 30 years of Grimsby Auditorium. Over the years, it has been home to thousands of events, featuring renowned performers as well as showcasing incredible local talent. “It has created cherished memories for those who have taken to its stage, attended performances, formed friendships, and even found love within its walls! We are fortunate to have such a remarkable venue in North-East Lincolnshire and remain committed to delivering an array of outstanding shows for our community.” Sue Wells, CEO, Lincs Inspire Limited, said: “Grimsby Auditorium is operated by Lincs Inspire Venues & Enterprises Limited, a not-for-profit organisation, and we are incredibly grateful to you, our customers, your support has and continues to enable us to reinvest in the venue, providing the best possible experience for customers and performers. “Back in 1995 the world-wide web was in its infancy, but today we can reach so many more people, helping to attract great performances and encourage visitors. We are very proud to be able to do our little bit to support our local economy and look forward to another 30 years of great entertainment.”   Image credit: Peter Dunwell

Lincoln Central bus station has recently undergone a low-key but meaningful upgrade to improve the everyday experience for commuters. The City of Lincoln Council has introduced humane pigeon deterrents and is adding more bins to reduce mess and maintain hygiene.

Previously, the station’s open-plan layout, with exposed beams and wide automatic doors, became a popular nesting spot for pigeons, which raised concerns about cleanliness for regular travelers.

In collaboration with the Gelder Group, the council installed discreet netting and rounded spikes last month. These measures are designed to gently prevent birds from landing or nesting, without causing them harm. It’s part of a wider effort to keep public transport spaces welcoming and well-maintained.

To further support the clean-up, additional bins have been ordered and will be fitted soon. The plan is to introduce clear, easy-to-use receptacles to encourage proper waste disposal and discourage pigeons from returning.

Early results suggest that pigeon numbers have dropped noticeably, making the station a more pleasant space for both daily commuters and visitors. The council plans to keep an eye on the results and adjust as needed.

Image source: City of Lincoln Council

  Image credit: West Lindsey District Council