A temporary pop-up library is to open in Grimsby’s Freshney Place, as investigations continue into work needed at the main town centre library building.
Members of North East Lincolnshire Council’s Economy, Culture and Tourism Scrutiny Panel met to examine the proposed preferred site for the temporary relocation.
The Scrutiny Committee heard how officers had looked at several council-owned, town centre buildings to house the small-scale, pop-up library. Priorities in finding the most suitable location included space, availability, ease of access and a welcoming environment.
As a result, a unit in Freshney Place was identified as the most suitable as it presented the largest space available within council control in which to develop a temporary library service within the town centre.
At the close of the meeting, members recommended that the temporary arrangement be reviewed every three months.
The move is required due to the temporary closure of the central library building, following a water leak earlier this year that risked asbestos disturbance. Assessment and survey work is still on-going to determine the extent of the repairs needed.
Cllr Hayden Dawkins, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and the visitor economy, said: “I am pleased that the decision to establish a temporary pop-up library in the town centre has been agreed upon. The council is aware of how important the library service is for local people, and we hope that residents will continue to use the temporary service while we determine the extent of the repair works needed at Grimsby Central Library.”
Freshney Place to host temporary Grimsby Town Centre pop-up library
Accommodation pod scheme gets green light in Skegness
East Lindsey District Council’s Planning Committee has given the green light for the installation of accommodation pods in Skegness, aiming to reduce homelessness and support vulnerable residents.
The approval marks a significant milestone in the council’s efforts to provide safe, dignified and transitional accommodation for people experiencing homelessness in East Lindsey.
Each sleeping pod is a secure, waterproof shelter and a pathway toward a more permanent housing solution to individuals in crisis, with a bed, chemical toilet and charging facilities all included inside.
The pods are designed to help people who have been rough sleeping and have complex needs, making hostel-style accommodation unsuitable. The council anticipates that the installation will begin taking place in late September and is expected to be completed with all four pods operational by the end of October.
The pod scheme will receive also receive a host of wraparound services, including health, housing and employment support to help individuals rebuild their lives.
Councillor William Gray, portfolio holder for communities and better ageing, said: “I’m really pleased to see the emergency accommodation pod scheme pass yet another crucial step with planning approval.
“The pods will provide emergency support to those who need it most, nobody should be without a home and these pods combined with the wraparound support services will aim to get people back on their feet as soon as possible.
“This decision reflects the commitment of the council and our community to address homelessness in East Lindsey in the most compassionate, dignified and practical way possible; something I think we should all be very proud of.”
A mum whose daughter died of alcoholism hopes telling their story will help to raise awareness and save lives
The mother of a young woman who died from alcoholism after drinking to boost her confidence has donated over £1,500 to Pilgrim Hospital, Boston as a thank you for the constant care and compassion shown to her daughter during the last weeks of her life.
This Alcohol Awareness Week, Lyn Gibbons is helping health organisations in Lincolnshire to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking in young people.
Lyn’s daughter Rhianne Clark was vivacious, clever, hard-working, attractive, popular, hilarious and outwardly confident. In September 2024, she slipped into a coma and died a couple of hours later at the age of 35.
Lyn said: “The family and friends of Rhianne wanted to fundraise for the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit team as a thank you for their exemplary care. Everyone treated her with total respect and did not judge her. I once apologised to the nurses for her taking up a bed which should have been for someone who I thought was really ill and not self-inflicted, the response was ‘Rhianne is really ill, and she really needs it’.”
United Lincolnshire Charity Manager, Ben Petts, expressed his gratitude and said: “This donation will make a difference to the work of the team at the Intensive Care Unit at Pilgrim Hospital. It is because of people like Lyn and her family that we can provide additional equipment for our patients, visitors and staff across Lincolnshire’s hospitals.”
Rhianne was ambitious, a motivated young lady determined to build a successful career in PR which she studied at Leeds Metropolitan University. A year’s scholarship at the University in San Diego, California, fired up her enthusiasm to create her own PR agency.
However, unbeknown to others, Rhianne suffered a lack of self-esteem and had doubts about her image, particularly her weight and appearance. She began to secretly drink alcohol to boost her confidence, so she still appeared to be ‘the life and soul of the party’.
As the drinking increased, Rhianne suffered panic attacks, started to lose concentration and her strong work ethic failed. She tried attending meetings organised for alcoholics in the community and admitted herself several times to hospital to detox but sadly could not stop drinking.
Her alcohol consumption increased, and she developed alcoholic hepatitis. As her body failed, Rhianne became jaundiced and stopped eating which caused dramatic weight loss.
When Lyn visited her in hospital, she didn’t recognise her daughter. She recalled: “The change in her was devastating. I took photos hoping that once she was discharged, she would be shocked into trying to get better. But Rhianne never left hospital. She developed an infection which caused her organs to shut down and she died a few days later.”
Lyn questions if anything more could have been done for her daughter and said: “Why could she not talk to me about her difficulties? There is a lot of pressure on young people, and they need to know where they can gain access to speak to someone in confidence. I believe this may prevent another family watch in despair as their beloved daughter, son, sister or brother spiral out of control because of their addiction.”
Lyn feels it is important for everyone to recognise the signs that people have become dependent upon alcohol as opposed to occasional drinking. It is also key that people know where to turn for the support they need.
She said: “My message to any young person who relates to Rhianne’s story, is to please reach out for support now. Information is available and I hope that by talking out we can signpost people to get help before it is too late.”
Each year the number of alcohol-specific deaths in England and Wales increases. According to the Office for National Statistics there were 8,855 deaths in 2023 compared to 8,416 the previous year. The number of alcohol-specific deaths in Lincolnshire increased from 115 in 2022 to 136 in 2023.
Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership is a free and confidential service for anyone in the county who would like to make a positive change to their drug or alcohol use.
Many of the team have lived experience and their support comes with no judgement. This can include advice and information, prescribed medication, detox and rehabilitation, one-to-one sessions, or access to a host of groups with likeminded individuals. They also offer mental health guidance, a dedicated employment team and work in partnership with other local organisations to power an individual’s recovery.
If you, or someone you know, is ready to make a change, get in touch by calling Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership on 0800 304 7021 or visiting the website, lincsrecoverypartnership.co.uk.
More information on how you can support work of United Lincolnshire Hospital’s Charity can be found on the website: ulhcharity.org.uk
Picture shows: Lyn Gibbons (centre) with members of Rhianne’s family presenting the donation of £1,200 to staff of the Intensive Care Unit at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston
Boston gears up for its first Pride festival
Boston is set to host its first ever Pride event later this month, promising a colourful, family-friendly celebration at Central Park on Saturday, July 26. The festival will feature over 20 live acts on the main stage, hosted by West End performer Matty and drag artist Ken Lambert. Visitors can expect performances from names such as Pete Martine, Jenna G, BOS Musical Theatre Society, DJ FRQC, The Biz Interactive Dance Party, Sam Beeson, Sue De Crème, Boston Jive, The Blackfriars Theatre, Danny Stephenson, Joanna Bang, The College Trio, Angie Fisher, Carolyn Clair and Infinity.
Entertainment will kick off at 11:30am with a DJ set and continue until 8pm. Away from the music, there will be a beach area, craft tent, face painting and glitter bar, circus skills workshops and a bubble experience for families to enjoy. Food options will include loaded fries, donuts, hotdogs, burgers and ice cream, alongside barista coffee and mocktails. No alcohol will be permitted at the event.
Organisations such as Bloodbikes, Citizens Advice, and Lincs Recovery Partnership will also be present to provide resources and support. Entry is free and no tickets are required, with funding provided by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Boston Town Area Committee.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Madeleine SteinbachAnti-social behaviour drops as Grimsby adds colour and cameras
North East Lincolnshire is seeing a shift in anti-social behaviour, thanks to a mix of street art, flowers, CCTV, and targeted police action. Recent council figures show Grimsby town centre crime fell by 5% over the past year, with general anti-social behaviour down 14% and alcohol-related incidents halved.
Key to this is Op Mastery, part of several operations tackling specific issues in different areas. Grimsby’s project focused on town centre safety, while Op Snap in Cleethorpes targeted nuisance driving, leading to vehicle seizures and driver warnings. Residents can now submit dashcam footage to assist police efforts.
Almost 140 static and 37 rapid-deployment CCTV cameras keep watch across the borough, linking council operators with officers on the ground. Between October and December last year alone, the cameras helped emergency services deal with 555 incidents, from missing persons to public disturbances.
But it’s not just enforcement. Greening Up Our Town Centre grants have funded flowerbeds, living walls, and street art, aiming to make the area more inviting while deterring bad behaviour. Public Space Protection Orders continue to restrict activities like cycling on certain streets to keep pedestrians safe.
Town Centre Marshals also patrol daily, issuing fines and ensuring rules are followed as part of a wider push to keep North East Lincolnshire welcoming for all.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire CouncilSkegness beach wins top spot for simple seaside charm
Skegness has been named the best beach in the East of England by The Times and Sunday Times. Known for its lively promenade, donkey rides, arcades, and soft golden sands, the Lincolnshire resort beat out 755 other beaches visited by the guide’s travel writer during a month-long coastal tour.
Another Lincolnshire favourite, Anderby Creek, secured second place, while Norfolk’s Brancaster and Sea Palling, Suffolk’s Southwold Denes, and Essex’s Frinton-on-Sea also featured in the top picks.
The annual list celebrates beaches that combine beauty, fun, and practicality. Criteria included water quality, cleanliness, parking, lifeguard services, and even how dog-friendly the sands are. Skegness earned praise for keeping its classic British seaside atmosphere alive, offering everything from chippies to fairground rides, with views stretching across the Wash to Norfolk.
Only mainland beaches were assessed for this year’s guide, which aims to help visitors find the perfect spot for their next coastal escape.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Electric Egg Ltd.Charity rugby match raises £4,000 for Lincolnshire hospital
A charity rugby match played in memory of local rugby player, Nick Morgan who lost his battle with cancer, has raised over £4,000 for Pilgrim Hospital, Boston.
The event, organised by Nick’s wife, Leanne and son Lewis, who came up with the idea, raised a total of £9,274. This was split evenly between United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity and Macmillan Cancer Support.
In January 2022, Nick, from Holton Holgate, near Spilsby was diagnosed with stage four oesophageal cancer and sadly died in October 2024, aged just 44.
Leanne and Lewis held the memorial match to say thank you for the wonderful care Nick received on the Bostonian Ward at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston.
Leanne said: “Nick was told he had just 6-9 months to live but thanks to the dedicated care and treatment from all the staff on the ward and the Macmillan nurses he lived for three years. We will be forever grateful to everyone who looked after him.
“He spent a lot of time on that ward, having stents fitted and replaced to help him swallow. But one thing that annoyed him was that he did not have his own remote control for the light by his bed so had to share with other patients which meant he was often calling nurses to help him turn the light off! He decided to raise enough money to provide every bed in the ward with a remote light control.”
Nick was always into rugby both as a player and coach and trained the Market Rasen junior team where his son played. Nick played for Skegness Rugby Club and in January 2022 both father and son played together for the club. It was a very special game for not only was it the only time they played together, but also the last game Nick ever played.
When Nick died, Leanne and Lewis were determined to honour his wish and called on all the players Nick had coached to join friends and create their own team, The Vikings, to challenge his beloved club at Skegness to a charity match. The Vikings won! An indication perhaps of his skill and dedication in being an excellent coach.
Charity Fundraiser from United Lincolnshire Hospital Charity, Connor Hill, said: “We are grateful to everyone who participated in the event and raised such a fantastic amount. This gift means we can purchase extra remote controls for the lights for all the beds in the Bostonian ward as well as additional equipment including a blood warmer and drip stands to aid clinicians treating patients.
“United Lincolnshire Hospital Charity strives to make a real difference everyday by providing the county’s hospitals with around £1 million worth of additional equipment, services and amenities for patients, their families and the hospital staff. But it can only do this with the support of people like Leanne and Lewis.”
More information on how you can support work of the charity can be found on their website: ulhcharity.org.uk
Spilsby Sessions House to reopen with cultural revamp
Spilsby Sessions House is set to reopen following major restoration plans approved by East Lindsey District Council. The historic theatre will receive £4.9 million from an £8 million government-funded regeneration programme focused on Lincolnshire Wolds heritage sites.
Once used as a jail, the Sessions House will see its old police cells opened to the public as part of its transformation into a cultural and arts venue. Plans include major repairs, adaptations for community use, and a new café to welcome residents and visitors. The aim is to create a vibrant hub that increases footfall in Spilsby year-round, supporting local businesses while preserving the building’s historic character.
Work will now begin to restore and adapt the site, ensuring it remains an accessible and inspiring space for generations to come.
Image credit: East Lindsey District CouncilWorld’s biggest dance music brand brings new live show to Lincoln Castle
Ministry of Sound Ibiza Anthems with Ellie Sax & Friends is the brand new live show, from the world’s biggest dance music brand – see them for yourself at Lincoln Castle on Saturday 26th July for an epic party night!
Seven of the best musicians, fronted by Ellie Sax, come together live on stage to reimagine some of the greatest dance records, all of which exploded on the ‘white Isle’ of Ibiza, a mecca for hedonistic house music lovers.
This is a journey through a day in the life of the party island, taking the audience from pool parties to sunset lounges, and ending up in the superclubs. Ministry of Sound is truly bringing the balearic beats to the UK this summer, no airport check-in required!
Lose yourself by reliving your favourite anthems, including tracks from Faithless, Eric Prydz, Becky Hill, The Shapeshifters, Daft Punk, Robin S, Fisher and more.
Clubs do not come more iconic than Ministry of Sound. The legendary London venue was at the heart of the huge house scene of the 1990s and is one of the biggest global brands in dance music. Renowned for sell-out shows worldwide, they have joined forces with Ellie Sax and a group of world class musicians to tell the dance music and Ibiza story.
Ellie Sax is one of the world’s most prominent dance music saxophonists, performing around the world at festivals, world-famous clubs and exclusive private events. From New Year’s Eve in the Maldives, pool parties at world famous Beach Clubs in Ibiza, moonlight raves in the Caribbean and headlining club appearances in New York, Marbella, Portugal, The Cote D’Azur, Cyprus, Croatia and many more, Ellie tours with her saxophone around the world.
Learn more and secure your tickets today on www.livepromotions.co.uk/ministry-of-sound
Grimsby locals shape £20m community vision
Grimsby has kickstarted a major community-led project aimed at transforming the town over the next decade. Under the banner of Grimsby Together, residents, artists, business leaders, and environmentalists gathered at the Town Hall to share ideas and ambitions for the future.
The initiative forms part of the government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods scheme, which replaced the Long-Term Plan for Towns last year. Grimsby is among 75 areas set to receive up to £20 million each over 10 years to fund projects chosen by the community.
The council will oversee the administration, with support from Our Future, a group dedicated to helping communities drive lasting change. The local plan is expected to be submitted in the coming months, with funding due to start next April if approved.
At the launch event, attendees discussed ways to revitalise Grimsby’s waterfront, connect green spaces, repurpose old buildings, and support renewable energy, cleaner air, and local food production. The focus remains on championing ideas created by locals to improve life for residents and visitors alike.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council