At the Full Council meeting on Wednesday (14 December) councillors voted to enter into the Section 30 Agreement with the Environment Agency, which sets out the Council’s liabilities towards any uplift in future sea defence improvement costs over the next 50 years as a result of the redeveloped site.
With the agreement now in place the Council can now seek detailed planning consent for the approved technical and construction works on the project, targeting to start physical construction in Spring 2023 and to be completed and operational by May 2024.
The Colonnade project is part of the Connected Coast Town Deal and has been approved by the Government to receive £4.2m of Town Deal funding, with the remaining costs funded by the Council. The proposed development is designed to deliver economic growth to the area and provide residents and visitors with state of the art facilities. The Section 30 Agreement will also help to ensure future community safety as provided by the sea defences.
Shaped alongside feedback and consultation with local residents and businesses, the final plans for the site now include a Changing Places toilet and a first-floor viewing platform within the main pavilion, as well as two new craft studios beneath the seasonal overnight lodges.
The enhancements to the Pleasure Gardens will also create new sensory play facilities, additional seating areas, and space for pop-up events and markets. There will also be increased planting and community gardens, a new dunes landscape and additional walkways, as well as the popular paddling pool, anchor water feature, and tennis courts remaining available for public enjoyment.
Councillor Steve Kirk, portfolio holder for the coastal economy, said: “I am delighted that councillors have this week supported us in taking another major step towards delivering this long-planned and transformative project for residents and visitors in Sutton on Sea.
“We have worked with our partners and in consultation with the local community to create something capable of having long-lasting benefits for the local area, replacing and reinvigorating the historic Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens and bringing fantastic new facilities that will not only benefit Sutton on Sea but the entire Lincolnshire Coast.”
Councillor Martin Foster, the Council’s champion for the project, said: “This crucial agreement with our partners at the Environment Agency will help to ensure that these game-changing plans for a new Colonnade and Pleasure Garden can keep moving forwards and bring new opportunities, investment and facilities for our residents and visitors for many years to come.
“We are now just a matter of months away from when we hope to be able to start physical works on the site, and make these much anticipated and exciting plans a reality for Sutton on Sea.”
Chris Baron, chair of Connected Coast, added: “The approval of this agreement is an important milestone in the redevelopment of the Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens, taking us ever closer to bringing new facilities and opportunities for Sutton on Sea.
“By working in partnership, we have arrived at an agreement which clearly demonstrates the shared commitment to maintaining the vital sea defences.
“We look forward to seeing further progress in the new year as we look to deliver the long-held ambitions to revitalise the Colonnade.”
Key Sutton on Sea Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens agreement approved
A multi-million pound project to bring new investment, opportunities and facilities to Sutton on Sea moved a step closer this week, as East Lindsey District Council approved a key agreement for the redevelopment of the Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens.
Investment in communities and businesses confirmed for West Lindsey
This week the Government have supported plans by West Lindsey District Council to invest £2.7m of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) into businesses and communities across the area.
Much of this funding will be available to communities and businesses through two flagship grant schemes and the Council are working with the Government to launch the schemes by April 2023.
This announcement comes hot on the heels of the submission of plans to support rural community infrastructure and connectivity and rural businesses through the investment of just under £800,000 as part of the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).
In order to access the REPF, the Council has been asked to identify activities that concurrently match the objectives of the fund and address local rural business and community challenges. This capital grant fund provides an opportunity to address those rural challenges – linked to lower productivity rates, poor connectivity and limited access to services.
Four specific interventions have been selected for Government approval by the Council including:
- Supporting non-agricultural farm diversification e.g. conversion of a redundant farm building into a holiday let;
- Supporting the development of West Lindsey’s Agri-Tech sector e.g. procurement of a 3D printer to develop concept models;
- Improved community broadband provision and rural connectivity e.g. installation or upgrade of WiFi in a village hall or pub; and;
- Improving rural community infrastructure e.g. procurement of equipment to deliver a community service.
International Bomber Command Centre and University of Lincoln sign historic partnership agreement
The Lincolnshire Bomber Command Memorial, which owns and runs the International Bomber Command Trust (IBCC) and the University of Lincoln, UK, have entered a twenty-year partnership agreement.
The agreement to help promote the IBCC as a key visitor attraction for the region and to continue preserving and sharing the heritage of the bombing war was signed by Professor Neal Juster, Vice Chancellor of the University, and ACM Sir Michael Graydon, Chair of the IBCC, on behalf of the two organisations.
The University of Lincoln and the IBCC have been partners in delivering the IBCC Digital Archive and exhibition since 2014, with Lincoln’s newest heritage attraction opening in 2018. It is part funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and has won numerous awards for its excellent visitor experience and sensitive heritage interpretation.
The University’s strategic role in the partnership has been to devise the interpretive approach to the heritage of RAF Bomber Command, and to develop and manage an ambitious digital archive to preserve and share this. The new agreement ensures delivery of these vital roles for a further twenty years.
In addition, the Archive will play key roles within the University, leading impactful research and teaching in the sphere of digital cultural heritage, extending the archival reach of the IBCC project and using staff expertise to generate income and future bids for grant funding.
Dr Craig Marsh, Pro Vice Chancellor for the Lincoln International Business School and a member of the University-IBCC Partnership Committee, said: “I am delighted that the University has helped to deliver an important element of an attraction that reflects such an important part of this nation’s history. This partnership signifies our continued commitment to its success.”
Nicky van der Drift, CEO of the IBCC, added: “We are delighted to be reaffirming our partnership with the University of Lincoln for the IBCC Digital Archive. The Archive is something of which we are enormously proud, particularly it has set the standards for digitisation and the preservation of endangered heritage. This international story can now be freely shared with our international audience.”
Founded in 2009 by then Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Tony Worth CVO, the International Bomber Command Centre project was brought to life with the completion of a memorial that commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of those who served and supported Bomber Command, and recognises the impact of the Bombing Campaigns as well as the significant contribution of Lincolnshire to the outcome of World War II.
Investment sees Grimsby foundry open new production facility
Grimsby-based foundry Fowler & Holden, part of TGM Industrial Group, has opened a new purpose-built plant building and has enhanced and expanded its production facility at its foundry in Lincolnshire, that is set to expand its production and manufacturing capacity by up to 80%.
The move follows a £500,000 investment from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance, which is managed by FW Capital and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund. Thanks to the new production facility, the company is also set to increase its headcount from 24 to 27, with plans to boost this to 40 employees across the next few years.
The news follows an influx of activity at the foundry since the pandemic began. Previously, many of its clients imported products from China and India, however in the face of international trade limitations at the height of the pandemic, the foundry saw high levels of customer demand to onshore its suppliers. Debt finance helped the business meet these demands, by investing in more space and necessary equipment to help the production line meet sustained growing demand.
Fowler & Holden’s significant growth, in site capacity and headcount, proves fundamental to the future of the UK’s status as a manufacturer and not just a service sector economy.
Elsewhere, investment has been utilised to improve Fowler & Holden’s sustainability practices. The foundry used to transport 2,500 tons of new sand from Cheshire each year and send a similar amount of waste sand to landfill each year, now this has reduced to just 500 tons. The reduction is down to investment in new machinery that recycles sand waste back to better than new sand. Elsewhere, Fowler & Holden has reduced its use of 100% new iron down to 25%, with a long-term goal to utilise 90% recycled scrap. This will reduce its use of new iron to just 10%.
Investment has ensured Fowler & Holden remains competitive in terms of their production capacity and reduction of carbon footprint.
Tim Brooksbank, director at Fowler & Holden, said: “Expansion of the foundry is an exciting moment for Fowler & Holden, as we look to expand its capabilities, add to its team, and grow the business.
“At TGM Industrial Group we seek to grow our group companies as well as their employee levels, this next step for Fowler & Holden is crucial for the business, environmental credentials are crucial to our long-term plans.
“Whilst it goes without saying that foundries can never be completely sustainable, with the support of our NPIF and FW Capital we can now lead by example and continue to reduce our carbon footprint.
“With most of our production used for public and infrastructure projects, we are looking forward to accelerating further, with more talent onboard and with more environmentally responsible choices.”
Toby Butcher, portfolio executive at FW Capital, said: “The team at Fowler & Holden are making excellent progress and helping change the landscape of the UK’s manufacturing economy. Their growth is testament to how, with the correct support, businesses can expand their offerings in a sustainable way.
“We’re looking forward to using our own expertise and experience to help the business progress even further, with its sustainable goals and employment plans over the coming years.”
Lincolnshire dairy farm secures funding to invest in carbon efficient cowshed
Lincolnshire-based dairy farm, White House Farm, has significantly increased its productivity after investing in a new carbon-efficient cowshed, using £1.05 million of funding from Lloyds Bank.
Located in Bourne, the fourth-generation, 800-hectare dairy and arable farm is owned by the Dorrington family and its herd of nearly 300 cows produces milk exclusively for Arla.
The seven-figure loan from Lloyds Bank has supported the construction of a new 2,700-metre square cowshed and will significantly improve the farm’s natural slurry filtration by using deep channels to move liquid manure below ground quickly and without the need for electric pumps.
The large, open-plan pitched-roof building uses natural ventilation and LED lighting in a further boost for the farm’s net-zero credentials, while its passages are wide enough for an electric robot slurry scraper to operate, helping to further improve cow welfare by reducing the number of mastitis cases and the need for antibiotics treatment.
Investing in the new state-of-the-art cowshed supports Dorrington Farm’s long-term sustainability commitment on both the dairy and arable side of the business. The shed’s new slurry separator has allowed the farm to move separated manure away more efficiently and use it to reduce the artificial fertiliser needed to grow the crops, with fields of maize grown entirely from slurry and solid manure applications this year.
Zara Dorrington, who’s great-grandparents moved to White House Farm in 1924, runs the business along with her father Ross and uncle Simon. Commenting on the investment in the new cowshed, she said: “Slurry management was a key area we wanted to improve when designing the new shed. We knew it was where we could significantly strengthen our sustainability agenda, turning what was historically a waste product into a useable asset with many benefits.
“With Lloyds Bank’s support, we’ve taken great lengths to make sure its design and build is as carbon-efficient as possible, whilst also providing a comfortable and nurturing environment for our herd.”
The finance package comes via Lloyds Bank’s Clean Growth Finance Initiative, which provides discounted funding to help businesses transition to a lower-carbon, more sustainable future.
Steven Withers, agricultural relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, added: “Every industry is under pressure to improve sustainable practices, and with agricultural land making up 70 per cent of the UK’s land area, farming has a particularly crucial role to play.
“Our Clean Growth Finance Initiative is designed to support businesses with their environmental and sustainability goals, and so the build of the new cowshed at White House Farm will not only improve efficiency and production levels, but allow Zara and her family to operate more sustainably. We will continue to be by the side of land-based businesses like this to help them thrive in the most carbon-efficient way.”
Convicted sex offender jailed
A 35-year-old man has been jailed for 5 years and 6 months after committing further sexual offences against children two months after he was released on licence.
Jamie Lee Tye of Normandy Road in Louth was charged with two counts of breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), three counts of creating indecent images of children, and one count of possessing indecent images of children.
These offences took place between April and October 2021 when he was released on licence.
Detectives from the Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT) received intelligence that Tye had committed further offences involving indecent images of children.
Following several enquiries, a warrant was executed on 13 October 2021 and Tye was arrested for making indecent images of children and for breaching the order. He was subsequently recalled to prison to complete the rest of his sentence.
Investigations continued whilst Tye was still serving his sentence and on his release on Friday 14 October this year, detectives re-arrested him. He was remanded in court on Saturday 16 October and was returned to prison.
Detective Sergeant Sam Ward from POLIT said: “Teamwork was paramount to the success of this operation in keeping a dangerous offender off our streets. I’d like to give thanks to my team of dedicated officers for their hard work in securing this conviction.”
Detective Constable Laura Gavin, who led the investigation, said: “Lincolnshire Police is committed to keeping children safe from harm and we will robustly pursue anyone who is suspected of this type of offence.”
More patients helped by reminiscence therapy in Lincolnshire
Elderly patients are being helped by reminiscence therapy, following an £86,000 investment by the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity.
RITA (Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities) is a digital therapy system that allows patients to listen to music, watch old films, use apps, games and other activities as part of their hospital recovery.
Used primarily for elderly patients living with conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, the user-friendly technology has been in place across United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust for the last four years. Following its success and popularity with patients and staff, the Trust has invested in 20 new machines through its charity.
The interactive touch screen system allows patients to enjoy music, watch archive news footage, view old photographs and listen to famous speeches, to help spark memories and start conversations on the wards.
In addition to the popular reminiscence apps, other well-used activities on the system include karaoke, bingo, quizzes and jigsaws.
Zoe Chapman, Safeguarding and Vulnerabilities Nurse Specialist for Dementia at the Trust, said: “Patients with confusion, delirium or dementia can often become agitated in unfamiliar hospital surroundings.
“Caring for these patients can often become very complicated and challenging for both the patients, their loved ones and our staff.
“Over the last four years RITA has been invaluable. It provides something very familiar and comforting for our patients in an environment that may cause confusion and anxiety.
“I have seen patients transform from being aggressive and confrontational to asking nurses to sing along to hymns with them in a matter of moments.”
The staff on the wards have welcomed the rollout of the new machines to wards in Lincoln, Boston and Grantham hospitals.
Sister Imogen De Benedictis works on Scampton Ward at Lincoln County Hospital. She said: “The music is so popular for many of our patients as they can pick their favourite artist or even a decade of music to listen to. We all really love RITA and we cannot thank the ULHT Charity enough for supporting this investment as it is really making a massive difference to our patients.”
Patient Betty Hester added: “Years ago we never had anything like this when we came into hospital. Now I can listen to all of my favourite Elvis songs and it really does help me to pass the time. I think RITA is wonderful.”
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Fundraiser, Gary Burr, added: “As a charity we are in a position to be able to fund the extras that really do make a difference for patients in our hospitals.
“RITA is a brilliant example of something that has been helping our patients for a number of years and so we know the difference it makes and how it benefits patients in our wards. By supporting this upgrade and expansion it will ensure many more patients are helped and supported through this therapy for many more years to come.”
£20k of drugs uncovered in Grimsby
Four people were arrested last week after a warrant was carried out in Grimsby.
Officers conducted a misuse of drugs act warrant at a property on Bonby Grove, Grimsby and upon entering are thought to have discovered what is believed to be an estimated £20k worth of crack cocaine and heroin.
An 18-year-old man, a 26-year-old woman, a 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
They have all since been released under investigation whilst officers continue with lines of enquiry.
Local councils join pilot project to ensure nutritious meals are served in schools
Two local councils have joined a national pilot project to ensure that nutritious, healthy meals are served in Lincoln-area schools, helping children grow and learn.
Lincolnshire County Council and the City of Lincoln Council will provide guidance on serving safe, balanced school meals that will encourage healthy eating habits and ensure that pupils have the energy and nutrition they need to get the most from their school day.
The councils are among 18 local authorities taking part in the School Food Standards compliance project, recently launched by the Food Standards Agency and Department for Education.
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “A healthy, balanced diet can help children make the most of their time at school. With increasing pressure on family food budgets, nutritious, enjoyable school meals have never been more important, particularly during the colder, winter months. Our food education team already provides a wide range of support to local schools to help pupils eat well, and this new pilot will further this work, giving Lincolnshire children the food they need to flourish.”
The pilot will find out if food safety officers can also raise instances of non-compliance with School Food Standards when carrying out regular hygiene inspections in schools. This will help inform the role that councils could play in ensuring the food served in schools delivers the best possible health outcomes for children.
Louise Harding, food, health and safety team leader at City of Lincoln Council, said: “We work closely with the food education team at Lincolnshire County Council to ensure that children are eating safe and nutritionally balanced food.”
Professor Susan Jebb, FSA Chair, said: “Schools play a crucial role in providing children with healthy food to help them concentrate and thrive in the classroom and beyond. We all want to ensure that the food served in schools meets the standards that have been set. This project will give insight into what’s happening in schools today and identify whether additional support is needed to help them to do the very best they can for children and drive positive change in the school food system.”
Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust sees 36.36% increase in over 60s staying in employment amid cost of living crisis
A new study has shown that Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust has seen one of the highest increases in people aged 66 and over choosing to stay in employment, past the state pension age.
The research, compiled by financial planning experts, Money Minder, sent Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to more than 50 NHS Foundation Trusts across England to reveal how many workers aged 66 and over were staying within permanent contracts within the NHS.
With surging inflation, energy bills and food prices, senior citizens could be choosing to work past retirement age to cope with these rising new costs and help them maintain a good quality of life.
Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust came in 26th place in the list of NHS Hospital Trusts employing more people past retirement age and has seen one of the highest increases of people staying past 66 with a 39.9% increase. The hospital saw a rise from 22 to 30 in the last four years.
In 2018, there were 5,900 seniors working past retirement age in the UK. In 2022, that number currently stands at 6,849.
TOP 10 NHS TRUSTS WITH PEOPLE AGED 66+ ON A PERMANENT CONTRACT
Commenting on the research, Ray Black, Managing Director and chartered financial planner at Money Minder, said: “The rising cost of living has meant that some seniors have decided to adapt their way of living to afford the increase in bills, or potentially, they are still working in order to fund a more rewarding retirement lifestyle. That means for many, even though they have reached state pension age, retirement may not be an option, or they have retired, drawn their NHS pension and then decided to return to work.
“While we are facing these challenging times of high inflation and low interest rates, for some seniors that have been working and saving for retirement for decades, having to stay at work or re-entering the workforce will be a bitter blow. For others, it will be a positive decision they have made because it allows them to enjoy more time with their family while also enjoying a similar net monthly income to when they were working full-time.
“Having delivered retirement and investment planning workshops to NHS staff for around 20 years, we have seen the ‘retire and return’ option become more and more popular. For some, they will have decided to return to work after drawing their NHS pension scheme because they want, or need, the extra income it provides them with.
“For others, it will be because they are not quite ready to retire and feel they have more to offer but would prefer to do so on a part-time contract, rather than full-time. And for others, the extra two or three days a week helps pay for the longer holidays and trips abroad that they want to enjoy. In my experience, semi-retirement as opposed to full retirement has become much more appealing in the 60 to 66 plus age group over the last few years in all industries, not just for NHS workers.
“Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust has witnessed the increasing trend of people choosing to work past their expected retirement age firsthand and it helps to confirm how important it is to make sure you’re aware of your retirement options, what your pension income will be and what to do with your savings in a high inflation period.
“By using our online budget calculator you can identify how much money you need to maintain or even enhance your retirement lifestyle. Where applicable, you can also use our online pension drawdown calculator to assess the risk of running down your pension funds too soon and to consider the pros and cons of putting in place a guaranteed income for life in comparison to keeping your pension funds invested over the longer term.
“These are really important steps to take for anyone considering retirement to ensure this chapter of your life is as enjoyable and rewarding as it can be by taking full account of the commitments and plans you have for a satisfying retirement. In the current climate, staying one step ahead can help to slightly ease the financial pressures and will help you to make well-informed decisions.”
|
Rank |
Hospital |
% increase between 2018 – 2022 |
|
1 |
Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust |
170.83% |
|
2 |
Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic and District Hospital NHS Trust |
163.64% |
|
3 |
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust |
115.63% |
|
4 |
East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust |
96.30% |
|
5 |
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust |
92.98% |
|
6 |
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust |
87.8% |
|
7 |
Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust |
86.21% |
|
8 |
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust |
71.11% |
|
9 |
Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust |
69.86% |
|
10 |
Devon Partnership NHS Trust |
67.35% |
