University Vice-Chancellor to stand down in July
The Vice-Chancellor of Lincoln’s Bishop Grosseteste University has announced he will retire at the end of July 2023.
The Rev’d Canon Professor Peter Neil is the second vice-chancellor of the institution since it gained university title in 2012, and is amongst the longest serving VCs in the UK.
During his ten-year leadership, BGU has transformed from its former status as a university college with a strong tradition in teacher education to become a higher education provider that is shaped by a flourishing suite of research and knowledge exchange activities and an enhanced campus estate.
Since 2013, the portfolio of taught provision has expanded to include professional studies, social sciences, and the humanities. The volume, scope, and quality of research at BGU has improved significantly with a four-fold increase in the number of researchers returned to the Research Excellence Framework between 2014 and 2021.
Knowledge exchange has also gathered momentum during this time, especially through projects in partnership with the public sector. Throughout BGU has remained steadfastly committed to its person-centred approach and focus on the students’ experiences.
Professor Neil said: “It has been an immense privilege working for Bishop Grosseteste University as one of the key education providers in the city. It is a very special place and its values and ethos remain as strong today as they did when the then College was opened in 1862.
“I am extremely proud of what we continue to do for students and of the contribution that BGU and our community make to the life of the city, county and beyond.”
The Chair of University Council Anne Frost said: “Professor Neil has been one of the longest serving Vice Chancellors of this very special education institution. The Council would like to thank him for everything he has done for the university in that time and wish him well for his retirement. We will now begin the recruitment process to find his successor.”
Raft of North Lincolnshire community projects set to share £200,000
A host of community groups and charities from across North Lincolnshire are set to share more than £200,000 to kickstart a range of projects.
Local community litter picking groups will get new equipment to continue to keep communities clean while an additional £40,000 has been awarded for more bins in communities across the area.
Projects also include CCTV enhancements for parish councils, cash to develop the Scunthorpe Steelworks Rail Tours, money for the development of a multi-use games area in Broughton and almost £10,000 for the redevelopment of the neighbouring sports centre.
Some of the cash will be used to develop a soft play unit at St John’s Market, a community charity which provides upcycled sports equipment will get £5,000 and the organisers of the area’s first Pride event are set for a £2,500 cash boost to get the party started.
And Baysgarth House Museum will benefit from a development programme while Keadby Community Centre is set for a £25,000 cash boost along with many other projects.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is levelling up in action here in North Lincolnshire – Government cash is being used to directly support our many communities to develop, to grow and to flourish.
“This cash is on top of a great deal more which is being used to create a new, different future for the residents who live here and for those who visit.
“Communities in Ashby, Barton, Brigg, the Isle and Scunthorpe will all benefit with a range of projects having been backed with hard cash, ensuring they can get off the ground and that people will be able to get involved.
“This latest cash injection gives local organisations, local groups and local residents a fantastic opportunity to directly shape a new, exciting future for North Lincolnshire.”
Council ‘shocked and concerned’ as Home Office lists Scampton as asylum seeker base
West Lindsey District Council is ‘shocked and concerned’ after the Home Office confirmed this week that the site is one of a number of sites being assessed for their suitability to accommodate asylum seekers.
A spokesman for the Council said that although the Home Office had said no decision has been made, it appeared that it had, because adverts had appeared in the press from Serco advertising for housing officers to work in Scampton this week. This has come as a great surprise to the Council which has invested a significant amount of time and resources over a number of years in developing a major investment plan for the site.
The Council announced only on Monday 6 March that it had appointed a development partner to deliver a prosperous and sustainable future for RAF Scampton.
The deal, which will secure over £300 million of investment into the regeneration of the site will preserve, protect and enhance the site by providing aviation heritage, business, aerospace, space and aviation technology and education opportunities. This announcement has led to a flurry of calls with Scampton Holdings Ltd from interested parties.
But just a day later, rumours started circulating that RAF Scampton was being considered as a place to be used by the Home Office for the accommodation of asylum seekers, for which there is currently no planning permission and which would prevent the realisation of the major redevelopment scheme which is currently in progress.
Cllr Owen Bierley, Leader of West Lindsey District Council has therefore called for Home Office to look elsewhere.
He said: “The idea that RAF Scampton is even being considered gives me significant cause for concern, particularly in relation to our local community, who have already been in contact, especially given the fact it is anticipated that 1,500 single men could be moved to the location. Given that the site has poor public transport connectivity and is remote in nature to services, we consider that this site is not suitable for the accommodation of asylum seekers, quite apart from the terminal effect such use would have on the important development scheme underway there.
“The issue of housing asylum seekers is not new, yet this idea of using the site at Scampton appears to have come out of nowhere, as the Home Office did not express an interest in purchasing the site, when the Council started a very detailed and thorough procurement process.
“Our interest in the site has always been to support our communities. Lincolnshire has a long history of ex Mod sites being disposed of, particularly in West Lindsey. We wanted to ensure this site, given its significant social and historic value to the country, was comprehensively redeveloped to create future economic sustainability for RAF Scampton and indeed across Greater Lincolnshire and beyond.
“That is why we have been at the forefront of discussions since 2018, leading with a bespoke planning policy to inform future development. Public consultation has been on going in relation to the development of this policy, over the last four years informing a fully master planned scheme.
“We have delivered everything asked of us by the MOD to get into this position of being able to acquire the site and ultimately support them in achieving their Defence Estate Optimisation Strategy. And more importantly, we have a deliverable investment plan, which is ready to go but could not be delivered if the Home Office progress with the housing of asylum seekers on site.
“We know that the issue of rehousing asylum seekers is a priority for the Home Office but if they were successful in realising their ambitions of deploying RAF Scampton in this way, it would be counter-productive to the Government’s longer-term investment and Levelling Up agenda. The Government’s flagship project is about helping communities level up by bringing in investment to support our economy, create jobs and boost employment.
“For all of these reasons and given the particular circumstances which apply to RAF Scampton, we are urging the Government to remove RAF Scampton from its list of proposed asylum accommodation locations.”
Grimsby office building welcomes social housing provider as new tenant
Grimsby office building, Cartergate House, is welcoming a new tenant as social housing provider Lincolnshire Housing Partnership (LHP) moves in.
As his team are preparing to settle into the new home, LHP Chief Executive Murray Macdonald was greeted by North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Finance, Resources and Assets, Cllr Stephen Harness whose authority is the landlord.
Cllr Harness said the decision by LHP to move brought with it various benefits – a main one being the influx of professional workers close to Grimsby town centre.
“This is further good news, and we are delighted to welcome Murray and his team to this modern office building.
“If we look at what is being planned in our town centre in the coming months and years, we see an area that will be transformed – offering more opportunity for work, and leisure for all ages and enforcing our ambition to build a stronger economy and stronger communities.
“Work on St James’ House has started in what is now a lovely St James’ Square, the council’s Market Hall and Leisure Scheme is progressing, the redevelopment of Riverhead Square has started, and there is the new Garth Lane area and bridge.
“Then there is the forthcoming Onside Horizon Youth Zone which will regenerate the West Haven Maltings and this week Cabinet approval was given to take forward plans to develop good quality new homes on brownfield land at Alexandra Dock – a scheme identified in the Grimsby Masterplan. This is all part of a vision now being realised to bring about massive and positive change for the town centre. These are exciting times,” added Cllr Harness.
The move by LHP means the building now has two leading tenants, having been occupied by regional law firm Wilkin Chapman since its construction and opening in 2018. LHP will be occupying the ground floor office suite with just under 5,000 sq ft of space.
Mr Macdonald said: “We have recently launched our 2022-2027 Corporate Plan, Great Homes… Strong Communities, which outlines our commitment to a more sustainable future, and working more closely with our customers in their neighbourhoods.
“As an organisation we are embracing modern ways of working and providing our colleagues with both flexibility and the most appropriate facilities for them to undertake their role.”
Mr Macdonald explained how the organisation, formed by the merger of Shoreline and Boston Mayflower in 2018, has seen customers’ habits change and was responding to that.
He added: “We work best when we are engaging with customers and other agencies to deliver housing solutions. Such engagements can work better in the community and, sometimes, in people’s homes. Having a large office with rows of desks is not particularly efficient and so we have taken the view that a smaller office base and increased technology and flexibility will enable us to invest further into the business.”
The Sandringham Food, Craft and Wood Festival returns over the early May Bank Holiday weekend
The Sandringham Food, Craft and Wood Festival returns to Sandringham over the early May Bank Holiday weekend, with a fabulous line up of chefs and the return of the English Open Chainsaw Carving Competition.
The English Open started out in 2004 and 2005 at Sandringham, before moving onto other venues, and now comes back home this year. This year sees the return of international carvers after the relaxation of Covid restrictions.
One such artist carver is Mike Ayers from North Carolina in the USA who, during his last visit to Sandringham created a stunning gladiator sculpture. Mike will be joined by approximately 20 other top chainsaw carving artists.
The festival always has a strong line up of chefs and this year is no exception, with Jack Stein, Spencer Metzer (the 2022 winner of Great British Menu Champion of Champions and head chef at the Ritz), Cyrus Todiwala CBE (Indian Cuisine at Mr Todiwala’s Kitchen and Café Spice Namaste, author and educationalist), and Paul Young (a master chocolatier from London, winner of countless international awards including the Best Sea Salted Caramel in the World).
A food festival in Norfolk should not be without local food hero Galton Blackiston who will be appearing on stage during Monday’s festivities.
Be and Andrea will be ably supporting the team over all three days of the event.
Up to now we have touched on just two elements of the fair, but there is such a lot more, including a very large craft fair and food festival. Moving around the show we come to the craft & wood exhibitors, demonstrators and competitors. There will be nationally selected artists, designers and craftsmen demonstrating and selling their crafts and skills in the main craft pavilions.
Into the food halls you will find a large array of food and drink for your appreciation, from local, regional and national producers.
The Piazza is the central hub of the festival, that special area where show visitors come together to eat and drink, whilst soaking up the atmosphere and relaxing to live jazz and folk music. There is a large range of street food on offer from many different cultures and an equally wide range of beverages to quench your thirst; so do come along and enjoy!
We look forward to seeing you at the Sandringham Food, Craft & Wood Festival on Saturday, Sunday & Monday April 29th, 30th & 1st May.
Book your tickets online at www.livingheritagecountryshows.com/tickets or ring 01283 820548
Wild swimming could get better protection at more new sites
Two swimming spots at Rutland Water are amongst four being considered for designation as bathing water sites and benefit from regular water quality monitoring from this spring.
Sykes Lane Bathing Beach and Whitwell Creek at Rutland Water sit alongside Firestone Bay in Plymouth and a section of the River Deben at Waldringfield, Suffolk, all of which have progressed to a public consultation. If designated, it will take the total number of sites to 424, the highest number ever.
Once designated, the Environment Agency regularly monitors water quality at bathing waters and assesses whether action is needed to cut pollution levels, working with local communities, farmers and water companies to improve water quality at these locations.
Since 2010, the proportion of bathing waters assessed as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ has increased from 76% to 93%. Meanwhile, 72% are considered ‘excellent’ – up from just 51% in 2010. This is the highest level ever, despite the classification standards for bathing waters having been made more stringent in 2015.
Water Minister Rebecca Pow said: “England’s bathing water sites are an important part of how we safeguard our precious coastal waters, rivers and lakes, as well as protecting the health of bathers.
The actions we have taken mean that people across the country will be able to swim at more sites and in better quality water, but we know there is more to do.
“I would strongly encourage all residents and bathers to take part in these consultations to help make sure we continue to have cleaner and healthier waters both now and for future generations.” If the sites are designated, the Environment Agency will regularly take samples during the bathing season – which runs between 15 May and 30 September. Residents, businesses, farmers and other members of the public are invited to have their say before the consultation closes on 24 March. When selecting new sites, Defra considers how many people bathe there, if the site has suitable infrastructure and facilities, such as toilets, and where investment in water quality improvements following designation would have the most impact.Levelling-up cash to create children’s science and technology centre in Scunthorpe
A new science and technology centre for children and families will be created in Scunthorpe with £2.5m Government levelling-up cash confirmed.
Repairs to the walls, roof and exterior of St John’s Church will mean the whole building will become accessible and connected to the recently developed gardens in Church Square.
The creation of the even larger space for events and activities paves the way for ‘Discover@20-21’ a new centre where children and families will experience interactive science and technology activities – adding to the award-winning arts and heritage exhibitions.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This work will restore one of our key heritage sites and a notable local landmark. It will be fantastic to see the hoardings finally come down and open this space up further for community events.
“This is the latest part of our plans which have been backed by millions of pounds of Government cash, everything is designed around creating a new, different future for Scunthorpe town centre – the science and technology centre will be a major addition to Scunthorpe.
“We must create more reasons to come into town so people can have different experiences and leisure activities. That is what we are doing to create a new, modern, thriving place and the Government has shown its confidence in these projects with hard cash.”
The plans will be developed further if the council gets Listed Planning Consent. Included will be further development of the park and gardens, extending the wildlife haven in the heart of the town, expanding the space for families and nearby school children and connecting the venue to the outdoor space.
The church will also have a new eco-friendly climate control system installed opening the door to new exhibitions and displays.
This latest development is at the heart of a raft of schemes designed to radically transform the town centre by bringing more businesses and jobs, new homes and a rich cultural quarter using cash from the Towns Fund.
Holly Mumby-Croft, MP for Scunthorpe, is vice chair of the Towns Fund Board. She said: “There is no doubt that traders in high streets up and down the country are fighting hard to be part of a new future.
“These latest plans will reshape the experience people can have in the heart of the town, there will be more reasons for people to come along and that will mean more people shopping and spending money with local traders.
“The cash from Government is being used to develop a range of projects that connect people – physically and virtually – to jobs, culture, leisure and retail. It’s really exciting and I am looking forward to seeing the church transformed and a new science and technology centre developed.”
This latest cash is just part of the more than £80m of Government funding which has backed the council’s plans for creating a new future in North Lincolnshire. This includes cash for roads, new motorway junctions, enabling people to develop their skills and supporting communities.
Cash from the Towns Fund, Future High Streets, Levelling-Up, UK Shared Prosperity and through other Government departments comes alongside £75m for a new port development, £5m for the A15 enhancements, investment in the new university campus, tens of millions for education and the £200m plus paid to support jobs throughout the pandemic.
New housing development in the centre of Grimsby takes a step forward
Proposals for a new housing development in the centre of Grimsby will be taken forward following a North East Lincolnshire Council Cabinet meeting.
The Town Centre Masterplan identified the Alexandra Dock area as a major asset for Grimsby, with significant potential for it to be used in a more intensive way, including development of a major residential district, which takes advantage of access to the water space and key improvements to the nearby spaces and facilities available.
Brownfield land near Alexandra Dock was identified in the Grimsby Town Centre Masterplan as a key area that could be used to generate that new housing stock.
Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the council, said: “Our main objective of this work is to create a place that connects the town and its community with its waterside, creating a fantastic urban living environment that’s kind to the planet.
“There’s a long way to go yet, and developments of this scale don’t happen overnight. We are working to improve the town centre as a whole, including increasing the leisure offer with our redevelopment of the western end of Freshney Place, and, through other Towns Fund projects, changing how the town is used as a whole.”
The first housing phase is proposed to be the site behind the Onside Youth Zone, accessible from Fisherman’s Wharf. The area was put forward, and formed part of, the Towns Fund projects that were agreed with Government in 2020/21.
Significant recent work has been done with Homes England to consider how the opportunities for the area might be taken forward. The council has managed to secure funding from Homes England, which has funded initial studies into the potential regeneration of Alexandra Dock.
Further discussions are ongoing to try to secure additional funding for initial technical studies required to progress the plans for the area, and to start the procurement of a development partner to work with the council on this scheme.
Alongside this, it’s planned to submit a bid to the Brownfield Land Release Fund, administered by One Public Estate (a locally-led partnership in partnership with DLUHC, funding works to regenerate public sector owned land and buildings). If secured, this money would increase the available budget to help deliver higher quality ultra-low-carbon homes.
Some initial land remediation work will be done this year to begin preparing the site for future phases of the work. Public will be able to have their say about the plans as the project develops.
Warren Wood View welcomes home movers
Warren Wood View in Gainsborough is calling all home movers to make 2023 the year of your big move with the use of Easymove.
Offering a stunning range of two, three and four-bedroom homes, Warren Wood View, developed by leading UK homebuilder Keepmoat, boasts a semi-rural location with an abundance of amenities close by.
If you are wanting to move to a new Keepmoat home but still have a property to sell, as the name suggests, Easymove, makes selling your property easy. The sale of your existing home is managed for you, leaving you more time to think about how great your new one is. Plus, your estate agent fees will be paid for which could save you a small fortune.
Don’t just take our word for it, meet newly wed customers Rebecca and Paul Foottit. Rebecca and Paul came to Warren Wood View and sold their old home using the Easymove scheme, leaving time for them to plan their wedding ahead of the big move to their new 4 bedroom detached Hardwick home.
So, if you and your soul mate have decided to tie the knot, why not come say ‘I Do’ to your new home too!
You’ll never tire of the green open spaces, beautiful walkways, and stunning woodland views, all while being just 1.5 miles from the bustling town centre of Gainsborough. Not only that, the development is a connectivity hub, with a bus stop and train station all within walking distance, ready to connect you to Lincoln, Doncaster, Peterborough and beyond.
If you’re looking to buy your first home, or you’re a home mover, let the Warren Wood View team be by your side every step of the way. Ask about 5% deposits with the ‘Deposit Unlock’ scheme for all and use their free mortgage advice service.
To view four stunning showhomes, open Thursday to Monday 10am – 5pm, get in touch today on 01427 857950 or take a look at https://www.keepmoat.com/warren-wood-view-gainsborough
Works get underway on new 20-acre Lincoln employment site
Local contractor and property developer, Stirlin, has commenced works on a new commercial site in Saxilby, Lincoln, which will create hundreds of new jobs.
The new site, known as Enterprise West Lindsey, will provide up to 350,000 sq ft of commercial development opportunity, delivered by Stirlin in partnership with Castle Square Developments.
Enterprise West Lindsey is prominently located on Skellingthorpe Road, opposite Stirlin Court and adjacent the established Riverside Enterprise Park (by Stirlin and Castle Square), benefitting from convenient access to the A1 and A46 Lincoln bypass.
Stirlin are well underway with the first phase of works on site, while working alongside a general ecologist to ensure protection of the natural environment. Phase one includes all main infrastructure works, such as the installation of a pumping station and foul drainage, as well as surface water and access roads, taking it from a greenfield site to development parcels which are ready for building out.
Tony Lawton, Stirlin, says: “We are delighted to commence infrastructure works at Enterprise West Lindsey. This scheme has been several years in the making, so this is a real milestone for all involved. Enterprise West Lindsey will provide employment opportunities for years to come, supporting the continued growth of the economy in Greater Lincoln.”
Surveyor at Banks Long & Co, Harry Collins, says: “We have been working alongside Stirlin and Castle Square Developments for some time to bring this scheme together, it is fantastic to see the hard work coming to fruition and to bring this excellent scheme to the market. Enterprise West Lindsey will conclude another exciting development within Saxilby – an ever growing industrial/employment location near Lincoln.”
