North Kesteven’s rural firms encouraged to explore growth grant potential

Tess Egginton
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Expressions of interest are open for a capital grant scheme which will help rural businesses in North Kesteven invest in sustainable growth. The Rural Business Grant is specifically aimed at supporting new and existing rural businesses to develop products, services and facilities of wider benefit to the local economy. Possible examples include farm businesses looking to diversify income streams, growth in the visitor economy including visitor accommodation, and investments in power or energy efficiency which will make a positive contribution to the District reaching net zero. The grant is being delivered by North Kesteven District Council for DEFRA, under the Rural England Prosperity Fund. The first window for Expressions of Interest is open from now until Thursday 1 June. Digital Expression of Interest forms can be found online at www.businessnk.co.uk There’ll then be a first call for full applications, and this will take place when the Expressions of Interest window has closed. North Kesteven District Council Economic Development Manager Alan Gray said: “We’re inviting rural businesses in North Kesteven to register their interest now in the Rural Business Grant, if they have a project they think may be eligible. “These early indications will allow our grants team to make initial assessments of eligibility and provide help where needed from the start, including ensuring applicants are given the time and support necessary to refine and develop investments in line with the objectives of the Rural England Prosperity Fund and meet the various requirements for evidence. “It will also help ensure that proper consideration is given to projects that may require planning permission, or any additional funding or legal matters which need to be concluded within the time frame set out for the delivery of projects.” The minimum grant available through the Rural Business Grant is £5,000, and depending on the project and investment needed applicants may be required to provide match funding. The Rural Business Grant will run until all funds have been awarded, and all projects must be deliverable before 31 March 2025. Full details on eligibility criteria are available with the Expressions of Interest form online. North Kesteven’s Rural England Prosperity Fund allocation is an addendum to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, to help support rural areas in England and the two Levelling Up Fund missions of improving living standards and growing pride of place. The Rural Business Grant has received £450,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Council applies to High Court over Scampton future

Tess Egginton
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Council applies to High Court over Scampton future
Work to safeguard the future of RAF Scampton and protect plans to deliver a £300 million investment and regeneration scheme on the site, continues. West Lindsey District Council has applied to the High Court for Judicial Review of the decision to utilise the site for asylum accommodation. The application to the High Court also seeks urgent consideration of interim relief to prevent the Home Office developing the site whilst the Judicial Review proceedings are ongoing. Director of Planning Regeneration and Communities at West Lindsey District Council, Sally Grindrod-Smith, said: “The Council does not take lightly this application for Judicial Review. However, given the impact of the Home Office plans on our £300 million investment, we have been left with no choice.” The Judicial Review seeks to challenge the decision made by the Secretary of State for the Home Department. The Council believes that the Secretary of State has acted unlawfully by failing properly to take account of key material considerations in relation to the site. Equally, the Council challenges the Government’s decision to rely upon temporary permitted development rights when the intended use of the site extends beyond the temporary period of permission. Sally continued: “The Council considers the Home Office has not adequately assessed local factors in determining to use RAF Scampton for asylum accommodation. In particular the local planning context should have been a material consideration in any site selection exercise and we have received no assurance that this has been the case. “We do not believe it is appropriate to rely upon temporary permitted development rights when it is clear that the site would be used for longer than any temporary permission would allow.” The Council has followed all government processes in making its expression of interest to acquire the site from the Ministry of Defence and in the preparation of the site-specific policy within the adopted Central Lincolnshire Local Plan. It can not be acceptable that a process with any less rigour is followed by the government when making decisions regarding the future of a key strategic site, says the Council. The urgent nature of the application for interim relief as part of the Judicial Review will mean that this is prioritised by the High Court. If interim relief is not granted the Council will press for the Judicial Review to be heard as soon as possible. “We continue to work with our colleagues in other affected areas to assess and understand any impacts arising from similar legal proceedings,” the Council says. West Lindsey District Council does not consider this site to be appropriate for asylum seekers and the Council remains clear that Home Office proposals will curtail plans to deliver the £300 million regeneration programme and put at risk the world-renowned heritage. Sally added: “However, it is important that we prepare for every eventuality. Therefore, we continue to engage with partners across Lincolnshire including police, the health sector and other Councils, to ensure that if proposals do go ahead, any actions required in order to minimise the impact on local communities and to support asylum seekers, are identified and raised with the Home Office.”

Festival of Rescue returns to Lincolnshire this September

Stuart Pearcey
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Festival of Rescue returns to Lincolnshire this September

This autumn Lincolnshire residents will be able not only to see but t take part in live rescue demonstrations from fire crews across the UK.

From today professionals are invited to register to take part in events staged by firefighters and specialist rescue teams who’ll be coming to the county in September to compete in an annual rescue competition. The United Kingdom Rescue Organisation challenge for 2023 will be hosted at various sites in Lincoln and the surrounding area for only the second time, and will see participants take part in challenges involving car extrication, water rescue, high rope rescue and more. Events will take place from 14 to 16 September, returning to the county after a successful inaugural visit in 2012, where the water rescue challenge was introduced for the first time. Mark Baxter, Chief Fire Officer for Lincolnshire, said: “Fire and rescue services really enjoy this event and I’m delighted we are hosting it again this year. It’s a great way for professionals to learn and practice their skills, knowledge and techniques that can only improve the way that we respond to our communities. More than this though, it’s a great way for the public to see firefighters in action in a safe environment, learn more about the role and to talk to us about any concerns they have.” Information about the event for the public and participants is now available on the Festival of Rescue Home Page with registration opening on 2 May.  

First of King Charles’ national nature reserves will be in Lincolnshire

Stuart Pearcey
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First of King Charles’ national nature reserves will be in Lincolnshire
Twelve square miles of Lincolnshire coastline are to become the first of 25 national nature reserves created to celebrate next week’s Coronation of King Charles III. It’ll be declared bu National England as the first in a series of reserves under the banner of the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves. Five new reserves will be created every year for the next five years reserves by Natural England, with the first – the Lincolnshire Coronation Coast National Nature Reserve  –declared by Natural England this summer. The Lincolnshire Reserve contains a variety of sand dunes, saltmarsh, mudflats, and freshwater marshes which support many breeding and wintering birds, natterjack toads, special plants and insects. As the government’s focus moves on from an era of nature conservation to nature recovery to create spaces for wildlife to thrive, this new series showcases our ambition for bigger, better and more connected spaces for nature – building on the 221 declared in the reign of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said: “For more than five decades our King has been at the forefront of thinking about the need to restore our depleted natural world. He has highlighted the vital importance of sustainable agriculture, questions of water security, solutions to climate change and the urgency of moving to a circular economy inspired by nature. He’s helped make progress on all these and other subjects while having people’s wellbeing at the centre of his ideas. “It is fitting that Natural England begins the process of declaring 25 new National Nature Reserves that will be called the ‘King’s Series’, marking His Majesty’s Coronation and the new era of nature recovery that is now enshrined in national law and global agreements.

“The National Nature Reserves are the jewels in the crown of England’s nature and they are there for wildlife and people alike. The first one in this new series will be a very substantial area of protected habitat on the Lincolnshire coast, through which a section of the England Coast Path will soon be opened by Natural England.”

• MEANWHILE, every state-funded primary school is to be sent wildflower seeds for children to plant. In a collaboration between the Department for Education and Cornwall’s Eden Project, more than 200,000 seeds packets will be sent to schools, representing 40 hectares of new wildflower areas being planted up across England to support our pollinators. If planted together that would create around 40 rugby pitch sized wildflowers meadows – a small but vital step in boosting biodiversity.

Art and community drive former NHS worker

Stuart Pearcey
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Art and community drive former NHS worker

Former NHS worker Rob Kendrick, who’s now a Lincolnshire County Councillor, says he’s driven by his passion for art and his community in and around Metheringham.

Writing on the County Council’s web site at lincolnshire.gov.uk he said: “After growing up in Bedford with a passion for art, you might think I would follow a career in something really creative. “That was certainly the plan when I attended Great Yarmouth College of Art and Design to study interior design. However, when I completed the course, the country was in the middle of an oil crisis and interior design was not high on the list of priorities for most businesses. I did a number of jobs, including a period of time in a department store and I later worked for a short time as an architect’s assistant. “It was around this time I joined the Young Conservatives, which turned out to be a wise move because it was how I met Jane, who was later to become my wife. I had my first experience of public service when I was elected to North Bedford Borough Council in the early 1980’s. “After Jane was offered a job in Horncastle, we decided to have a look at Lincolnshire during a weekend in Lincoln. We loved the area, so Jane accepted the job and we moved to Branston. Soon afterwards, I took a job within the NHS, which saw me managing volunteer services, a role I found very rewarding. |”It was a change of direction for me, but I feel I achieved a lot, including bringing some innovations to Lincolnshire mental health volunteer services. Mental health and wellbeing continues to be a priority of mine and I am now a County Council Representative Governor on the Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. “I was elected to North Kesteven District Council, and served as a district councillor for eight years, before standing for the county council elections in 2017. I was elected as a county councillor for the Metheringham Rural Division, which is where I now live. “Being a councillor is all about local issues, facilities and communities. Recognising this, I recently helped arrange for the Highways contractors, under their community volunteer scheme, to do work at Timberland Village Hall and on the playing field. I was immensely proud to be invited back to carry out the official opening of the refurbished building. “The big issues that residents are talking to me about at the moment are separate planning proposals for a biomass anaerobic digestion facility and a solar farm near Metheringham. I feel it is my job to listen to the views of local people and make sure they’re represented.” • Cllr Kendrick is the councillor for Metheringham Rural and lives in Metheringham with his wife Jane. They have one daughter and two grandchildren. Heis chair of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee and also sits on the Adults and Community Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee and a number of other health associated committees.

Runners set their sights on seventh Cleethorpes 10k

Stuart Pearcey
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Runners set their sights on seventh Cleethorpes 10k
The ABP Humber Coastal Half Marathon and 10k is returning to Cleethorpes for its seventh year on 17th September this year and is set to attract thousands of runners from across the Humber and beyond on the hunt for personal best times on the flat course. ABP Humber is once again sponsoring both races, and whilst runners are welcome to raise funds for any charity, the chosen charity for the race is the Cleethorpes RNLI. ABP Humber Regional Director Simon Bird said: “This is now the seventh year that ABP have sponsored the Humber Coastal Half Marathon which has not only become a significant fixture in the annual running calendar but has also helped to be a major boost to tourism for Cleethorpes and Grimsby. I am hugely proud of ABP’s association with this race, which this year we hope will be the biggest yet.” The race is supported by around 250 volunteers who guide and cheer runners across the course to give it their best, hand out refreshments, and take photographs of the runners as they undertake their challenge that are then made available free. Tape2Tape Director Nicola said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with ABP Humber once again to bring this fabulous event to Cleethorpes. The popular, traditional half marathon will also see the addition of a much awaited 10k course that is flat and fast! We are pleased to be working alongside many local charities and community groups who all love getting involved with this wonderful scenic event. We cannot thank ABP enough for their continued support.” To get involved in the ABP Humber Coastal Half Marathon and 10k visit – https://tape2tape.co.uk/events/abp-humber-coastal-half-marathon-and-10k-2/ www.abports.co.uk

Dog-gone! Council makes ‘no dog’ beach areas from Monday

Stuart Pearcey
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Dog-gone! Council makes ‘no dog’ beach areas from Monday
 

Dog owners have been warned that East Lindsey District Council intends to get tough over canines causing problems for others on its beaches and other public places.

It’ll be enforcing a Public Space Protection Order to reduce problems caused by dogs in public shared places, aiming to encourage responsible dog ownership, helping to make communities a great place for our residents to live and for visitors to enjoy.

A council spokesman said: “Whilst we appreciate that the majority of people behave responsibly, unfortunately there remains a minority who do not, and they cause anti-social behaviour that we wish to tackle using the powers given under the PSPO.

“Between 1st May and 30th September dogs are banned from on specified areas of the beaches at our coastal towns in Skegness, Mablethorpe and Sutton-on-Sea and must be placed and kept on a lead on the Promenades in these ban areas. https://bit.ly/3Lw2eoP “It is an offence not to place a dog on a lead when requested by an appropriately Authorised Person, if the dog is deemed to be out of control. This will apply to any public open spaces in the district. “Fixed Penalty Notices can be issued on the spot by our Authorised Officers who regularly patrol the district. We will offer a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice to people who fail to comply with the Order, and anyone who fails to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice may be prosecuted.”
 

Sir Mo Farah support spurs on Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance Marathon runner

Tess Egginton
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Sir Mo Farah support spurs on Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance Marathon runner
When North Hykeham marathon runner, Andy Ayer received the ultimate encouragement from Sir Mo Farah prior to the start of his London Marathon, he knew it would spur him on to cross the finishing line. By pure chance Andy ended up staying in the same hotel, on the eve of the marathon, as the professional athlete. Andy said: “Sir Mo was happy to give up his time and talk to me and my family. He high fived my children and chatted with them about which football team they supported. He also asked me about my marathon race and wished me the very best of luck. He was most personable, an inspirational athlete who has inspired a generation with such genuine humility.” Andy was one of nine fantastic runners who took on the gruelling 26-mile London Marathon on Sunday 23 April in aid of Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) and together raised over £23,000 for the charity’s life-saving work. LNAA events lead, Georgia Watson, said: “Our runners are an amazing group of people who, for a variety of reasons, chose to run the race in support of our work. The money they have raised will help keep our crew operational, delivering emergency treatment to people in our communities when they need it most.” LNAA organise a variety of challenge events throughout the year. Their next challenge, 10k in May is open for registration: https://www.ambucopter.org.uk/events/6kaday/

Burghley to open the gates to exciting new woodland play area this Saturday

Tess Egginton
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Burghley to open the gates to exciting new woodland play area this Saturday
There’s only a few days to go until Burghley throws open the gates to its exciting new woodland play area, Hide & Secrets, on Saturday – 29 April. Open daily from 10am to 5pm, Day Tickets and Annual Passes are available to book online now. From thrill-seekers to bug-hunters, there’s something here for everyone. The awesome Hidden Towers Two enormous slides, climbing walls, wobbly walkways, crawl tunnels and more. Climb, clamber, slide and explore. Imaginations will run wild. Treetop Rope Bridge  Cross the daring Rope Bridge over the gorge to reach the treetop lookout platform. Speak with friends through whispering funnels to plan the next step of your adventure. Toddler Play Younger children will love their very own mini play tower. Featuring low level adventuring with a slide, rope bridge and balancing trail. Refuel at The Muddy Mole All of the play and exploring can be hungry work. When it’s time to take a rest, The Muddy Mole is the perfect spot to refuel. Grab a bite to eat and go again. Fun packed play zones Six fun packed play zones provide endless hours of outdoor fun for all ages.
Butterfly Banks
A nature haven made up of sky-high bug towers and wonderful wildflower plantings.
Mole Hills & Holes
Clamber over giant mole hills and scurry through a network of secret tunnels below.
Whispering Woods
Wander through the beautiful woodland and explore with your senses at the tactile Sensory Wall.
Woodland Play
Run, look, jump! A huge wooden Magpie’s Nest to climb into and supersized balancing logs to clamber over.
Den Building 
Collect sticks and branches in the woodland to build your very own den or hideout.
Woodhenge
Gather together in the wooden storytelling circle and share a tale or two. Your last stop before the Hidden Towers!
Meet Cecil the Mole
Hide & Secrets is themed around William Cecil as one of the country’s first Chief Spymasters. Hide & Secrets’ very own Chief Spymaster is Cecil the Mole.  Cecil lives in this woodland and he needs your help finding his woodland friends. Take on special spy missions with him, scurry through tunnels, crack the secret codes and follow his sneaky trails through the play area. Make sure to pick up your free Spymaster’s Guide on arrival.   From ticket details to accessibility queries, find the answers to all of your Hide & Secrets questions here. View the Hide & Secrets map to plan your visit and discover all the adventures that await. Download the map here.
Book your great adventure to Hide & Secrets today.

Clear the way! Council urges drivers not to block its drain cleaning efforts

Stuart Pearcey
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Clear the way! Council urges drivers not to block its drain cleaning efforts
Lincolnshire County Council is urging road users who park on roads and footpaths to take heed of essential drain cleaning notices after it emerged that 2,500 gullies couldn’t be cleaned because notice signs were ignored. Streets with vehicles parked up have meant that as many as 60% of the gullies on certain streets that needed cleaning were blocked by a parked vehicle that couldn’t be moved. Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for Highways said: “This is such an issue for us now that we need to address it in a public way and ask road users for their immediate help. “As we have all seen in recent years, the issue of drainage is a very serious one and we desperately need access to gullies like this so that we can keep them in working order. As part of our need to get on with this essential cleaning and our messaging to everyone who parks on the street, we are using new temporary street signs to promote when we will be cleaning in a particular area where necessary. “We appreciate that there will be a level of inconvenience in vehicle owners moving their vehicles when we need to clean these essential bits of the drainage system, but we really need to get to these gullies in particular. “The size of the tanker that is needed to clean these gullies is about the same as an HGV, so the issue is immediately apparent when vehicles are parked up during cleaning schedules. “Any assistance that drivers can give us in this respect would be a very real help. In a county as large as Lincolnshire, our crews have nearly 150,000 gullies to maintain and keep clear. We can’t carry out the preventative maintenance that we need to in some cases because of the 2,500 gullies that we couldn’t get to. “This is currently having, and will go on to be, a huge impact on what we need to do to ensure that drainage maintenance is carried out and the impact from potential flooding threats are lessened.”

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