Councils meet and agree co-operation on local government reorganisation

Stuart Pearcey
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Councils meet and agree co-operation on local government reorganisation
All ten greater Lincolnshire councils have met and agreed to work together on proposals for what local government reorganisation could look like for the county, including Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, and North East Lincolnshire. The Government has made clear its intention to change all remaining two-tier local authority areas in England and replace county and district councils with new unitary authorities. Jim McMahon, Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, wrote to all council leaders in two-tier areas and small neighbouring unitary authorities to invite them to develop unitary proposals. The invitation gave guidance for developing these proposals, including the expected population of each new authority area and that consideration should be given to existing district boundaries and reducing disruption to vital care services. It also set out the timeline; interim plans should be submitted by March 21st, with more detailed proposals following by November 28th. Greater Lincolnshire’s ten council leaders, listed below, have committed to work together to explore all options, and form plans.
  • Cllr Anne Dorrian, Boston Borough Council
  • Cllr Naomi Tweddle, City of Lincoln Council
  • Cllr Craig Leyland, East Lindsey District Council
  • Cllr Martin Hill, Lincolnshire County Council
  • Cllr Philip Jackson, North East Lincolnshire Council
  • Cllr Richard Wright, North Kesteven District Council
  • Cllr Rob Waltham, North Lincolnshire Council
  • Cllr Nick Worth, South Holland District Council
  • Cllr Ashley Baxter, South Kesteven District Council
  • Cllr Trevor Young, West Lindsey District Council

CEMS team helps Bernadette House residents receive compassionate care at home

Tess Egginton
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CEMS team helps Bernadette House residents receive compassionate care at home
The LIVES Community Emergency Medical Service (CEMS) team has been providing vital, compassionate care to residents at Bernadette House Residential Care Home in Lincoln, a facility specialising in dementia care. By bringing advanced medical expertise directly to the home, the CEMS team has helped residents maintain their dignity and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions. The CEMS team are part of the charity LIVES, and are dispatched by the ambulance service, requested by on-scene ambulance crews, or respond directly to cases where they can provide support. Acting as a ‘hospital team on the road’, CEMS clinicians can assess, treat, diagnose, and even prescribe medication, including end-of-life care. For patients with infections, for example, the team can administer initial doses of antibiotics and IV fluids. This often stabilises patients enough for oral medications, eliminating the need for stressful hospital visits. The team also has access to GP and medical records, ensuring seamless, informed care. One of the most profound impacts of the CEMS team is in supporting residents who wish to pass away at home. By providing palliative care, they ensure individuals remain comfortable, settled, and surrounded by loved ones. “Instead of being surrounded by machines, we can ensure people are settled and have their family beside them,” said Scott, an Advanced Clinical Practitioner with the CEMS team. Scott recently attended a patient at Bernadette House who was very frail and had a RESPECT form in place, indicating a preference for care at home over hospitalisation where possible. The patient, who had cognitive impairment and a deteriorating condition following a fall, was found to be entering the final stages of life. The team provided palliative medication, ensuring the patient was pain-free and comfortable. “We recognised that hospital treatment was no longer appropriate and that moving her would have meant passing away in the back of an ambulance,” Scott explained. “After consulting with the family, we focused on keeping her comfortable.” The patient passed away peacefully, with her family present. Bernadette House later contacted the LIVES team to express their gratitude for the dignified and compassionate care provided. In addition to palliative care, the CEMS team attends a range of emergencies, from cardiac arrests to road traffic collisions, always ensuring the patient remains at the heart of their work. Watch the full film and learn more about LIVES and the CEMS team: https://www.lives.org.uk/what-we-do/cems/

Fly-tipping drops by 13% across South Holland District

Tess Egginton
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Fly-tipping drops by 13% across South Holland District
 
Fly-tipping incidents have dropped by 13% across South Holland District. The latest figures reveal that fly-tipping incidents fell from 2,732 cases in 2023 to 2,402 in 2024. Several areas have seen substantial reductions, including Crowland and Deeping St Nicholas (down by 51%), Pinchbeck and Surfleet (down by 33%), and Spalding St Mary’s (down by 25%). This success is a result of collaborative efforts between enforcement teams, volunteers and residents who actively report incidents. The Kingdom enforcement team has played a crucial role in this decline by patrolling the district, raising awareness about responsible waste disposal, and issuing Fixed Penalty Notices to offenders. Additionally, the council’s communications campaign has helped educate residents on the consequences of fly-tipping and the proper ways to dispose of waste. Cllr Anthony Casson, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection at South Holland District Council, said: “This fantastic reduction in fly-tipping proves that our enforcement measures and public awareness campaigns are making a real difference. “However, this success wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of our local residents and others who take pride in their communities. Thank you to everyone.”
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Ivan Westbrook

Plowright Theatre secures £160,000 for roof replacement

Tess Egginton
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Plowright Theatre secures £160,000 for roof replacement
North Lincolnshire Council is investing in the future of the Plowright Theatre, thanks to a £160,000 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The funding will enable the replacement of most of the venue’s roof, ensuring the theatre remains a community and cultural venue for years to come. Work has already begun on the project, with completion expected by the end of March. The Plowright Theatre, built in 1958 and owned by North Lincolnshire Council, is a key part of Scunthorpe’s entertainment scene. A recent survey confirmed the existing roof had reached the end of its lifespan and despite multiple repairs over the years, continuing with patchwork fixes meant there was a risk of leaks causing damage to the auditorium, performance equipment, and the building’s interior. Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for culture, heritage and arts, said: “This investment is fantastic news for the Plowright Theatre and for the local community. “By replacing part of the roof now, we are protecting this much-loved venue and ensuring it remains a vibrant space for live performances in North Lincolnshire.”   Image credit: Google maps

New information points installed in project celebrating Spalding’s historic town and riverside

Tess Egginton
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New information points installed in project celebrating Spalding’s historic town and riverside

Spalding Reconnected, a two-year project celebrating and reconnecting the historic Spalding town centre and riverside, is nearing completion, with the installation of new route-markers and wayfinding heritage information points.

Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project has been carried out in partnership led by South Holland District Council, working alongside Heritage Lincolnshire as project managers, Transported Arts, East Mercia Rivers Trust and Lincolnshire County Council. In total 11 (with designed mapping/artwork) wayfinding points have been put in place through the project, using historic images of the town and river to connect with contemporary areas of interest. The scheme is part of a pilot stage with ambitions to replace and renew information points and markers throughout Spalding. The wider Spalding Reconnected project has aimed to deliver immediate physical benefits to the town that celebrate its heritage and historic riverside, whilst developing a heritage strategy and fostering relationships that will help position Spalding to secure further, larger pieces of investment in the future. Beyond the wayfinding work, other physical enhancements have included willow sculptures along the river and new ‘riverbank biospheres’ and coir roll habitats being introduced to help support the river’s ongoing health and ecology. Councillor Gary Taylor, South Holland District Council portfolio holder for community development, said: “I am delighted to have reached another milestone with the Spalding Reconnected project, introducing these important wayfinding points that provide links to both the past and present day, and are a first step in developing new ways of highlighting Spalding’s special and unique history. “It is so important to recognise, protect and celebrate our town’s long and rich cultural past and beautiful riverside, and to harness these for residents and visitors to Spalding and to help us access further, larger investment and opportunities in the future.”
  Image shows Spalding. Credit: Stock.adobe.com/Steven F Granville

Work starts on Hornbeam Business Park in Horncastle

Tess Egginton
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Work starts on Hornbeam Business Park in Horncastle
Lincolnshire County Council has invested £1.5m into the creation of Hornbeam Business Park at Spratt Close in Horncastle. When complete, the site will offer around four acres which will be split to create 3 plots of serviced development land. The total cost is around £1.9m with East Lindsey District Council contributing £400,000. It’s hoped that the development will generate more than 65 new jobs. Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This is another great project led and predominantly funded by the county council that ensures businesses have the land and facilities to grow and develop. Businesses in the area have told us that they really needed space to relocate and grow, and we’re committed to doing all we can to help. “And it’s not just in Horncastle that we’re investing in business growth. The council has committed £20m over the next four years, to boost Lincolnshire’s business facilities. This includes office blocks and industrial parks for our world leading sectors such as manufacturing, defence and agri-food, in Grantham, Lincoln, and Holbeach. “We’re also planning more expansions to industrial estates like this one in Horncastle, in West Lindsey, East Lindsey, and Boston. This will provide 3000 job opportunities across the whole of the county.” The site management is being carried out by Lindum Construction. Lindum director Kevin Damarell said good infrastructure was essential for economic growth, and that the new road would help unlock potential for investment and job creation in Horncastle. “We’re pleased to be working with Lincolnshire County Council to deliver this project, which was procured via the Scape regional construction framework. By improving access, the council is laying the foundations for future economic growth, supporting existing businesses, and encouraging new ones to set up here.”

Win a BOUNCY CASTLE for your wedding at Cupid’s Spring Wedding Show!

Tess Egginton
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Win a BOUNCY CASTLE for your wedding at Cupid’s Spring Wedding Show!
Win a BOUNCY CASTLE FOR YOUR WEDDING at Cupid’s Spring Wedding Show, Springfield’s Exh. Centre, Spalding, THIS SUNDAY 2nd March! Not only will you see the region’s greatest wedding suppliers offering you all the help and advice you need to ensure your wedding day is the most special day of your life, but you will also get the chance to enter a competition to win a white bouncy castle for your wedding! And it gets even better – it comes with a sweet cart and ball pit, perfect to keep your guests entertained all day! Whether you have just started planning your wedding or you only have a few things left to organise, you will get so much out of visiting the show – you will be able to smell the flowers, try on the jewellery, taste the cake, feel the fabric, hear your favourite music, and most importantly you can talk directly to the experts to discuss you own unique and personal requirements. You can see new wedding ideas and start ticking everything off that wedding planning ‘to do’ list! See amazing wedding venues, beautiful wedding gowns to suit all budgets, incredible photographers to ensure you capture every special moment, stunning wedding transport to ensure you get to your wedding in style, decor to wow and much, much more – you will find everything you need to plan your special day at this fantastic event! To ensure you get the most out of your day…
  • Visit www.cupidsweddingshows.com for your FREE tickets
  • You could create a temporary Wedding email address to pass on to suppliers. Many people do not like passing on their personal email address – this way suppliers can still send you information and offers after the show
  • Bring swatches of material or ribbon in your chosen colour scheme to help when talking to exhibitors (for example Florists could recommend certain flowers in season the date of your Wedding which will match your chosen colours)
  • Talk to as many suppliers as you can – many will have gifts for every couple
  • Most importantly – enjoy the day!

East Lindsey announces investment of more than £7.8m in district

Stuart Pearcey
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East Lindsey announces investment of more than £7.8m in district

East Lindsey District Council has this week announced investment of more than £7.8m in the district, as part of a transformational fund designed to create welcoming places, support events, attract visitors, develop local communities and enable business growth.

The East Lindsey Investment Fund, approved by councillors in September, created a £10m budget, with the council’s Executive Board this week approving the award of £7.83m for use across the Fund’s four distinct target areas of community development, promoting the visitor economy, business support and to boost the attractiveness of the area. Among the major awards was a new £1million ‘Pride in Place’ community grant fund scheme. This will support community groups, parish and village halls, voluntary and third sector organisations in leading and delivering local projects and initiatives that help improve community safety, deliver environmental benefits, improve local transport and connectivity, enhance local amenities and facilities or deliver events and activities that increase footfall and pride in the area.
  • Further allocations were also given:
  • £1.8million for tourism related activities
  • £1.25million for place and asset improvements
  • £650k for cultural events and arts engagement
  • £250k for heritage projects, including support for the development of vibrant markets across the district, public car park enhancement and resurfacing works in popular destination such as Sutton on Sea, a wayfinding strategy to include new signage, lighting and street furniture, works to enable shop front improvements and the creation of a business case for new visitor facilities and infrastructure that promote the Lincolnshire Wolds as a tourist destination.
One of the major tourism-based allocations is to The Woodland Trust to buyHarrison Woodlands near Louth. This ancient 483-acre site is currently badly damaged and closed to the public, with the Trust committing to removing invasive and diseased trees, restoring the woods and opening them to the public for the enjoyment of East Lindsey residents and visitors, meeting the council’s investment ambitions to further develop its market towns and stunning countryside, including the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as a leading tourist destination. A selection of the projects receiving community development funding allocation included a continuation of a successful crowdfunding platform, support for local community hubs, the creation of new mental health focused town maps and programmes around digital inclusion and teaching basic budget skills. Business support funding included the hosting of networking and other business events, a strategy to increase access to skills and jobs with local education and training providers, sector specific grants for investment in green technology and the delivery of new employment sites in the district. Councillor Craig Leyland said: “I am delighted that we can make this incredible investment into East Lindsey and its residents, businesses and visitors, supporting an array of fantastic projects and initiatives across an unprecedented number of themes and priorities. “We are in a fortunate position, that very few councils are, to support these bold investment opportunities and bring about the changes that people want to see. The awarding of these funds is just the start though, and I am looking forward to continuing to work with our local communities in the months and years ahead to make these ideas a reality, and to establish East Lindsey as a wonderful tourist destination, s flourishing economy and, most importantly, a place to call home.”

Lincolnshire will still go to the polls on May 1st

Stuart Pearcey
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Lincolnshire will still go to the polls on May 1st
Lincolnshire County Council intends to go ahead with elections on My 1st in spite of other authorities postponing them in the wake of impending devolution. Council leader Martin Hill says they’ll run alongside elections for a new Mayor, adding: ““We have been planning for our elections to go ahead as usual, and it is not a surprise that we are not included in the list of councils that are postponing theirs. “We expressed an interest in Greater Lincolnshire being part of the first wave of local government reorganisation, and had said we would be open to deferring our elections if needed. We did not request specifically to defer our elections.
“Although it’s disappointing that we won’t be in the first phase of reorganisation, we will keep pushing for more straightforward local government across Greater Lincolnshire. I believe we must look at what is best for residents and what will offer the best value for money, and develop proposals that deliver this.”

Brigg’s The Rabbit Hole named Regional Finalist for Independent Bookshop of the Year

Tess Egginton
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Brigg’s The Rabbit Hole named Regional Finalist for Independent Bookshop of the Year
Independent Brigg bookshop The Rabbit Hole has made it to the Regional Finalist Stage for The Independent Bookshop of the Year award at the 2025 British Book Awards. 72 independent bookshops are listed as finalists across nine different regions and countries, with judges seeking out the best independent bookshops across the UK and Ireland, with a keen interest in what independent bookshops do in their local community and how this impacts their bookselling and range. The Regional and Country Winners of the Independent Bookshop of the Year award will be announced on Tuesday 11th March, whilst the overall winner will be revealed during The British Book Awards ceremony at Grosvenor House London on Monday 12th May 2025.

The Rabbit Hole is a friendly, community-focused Indie Book Shop in Brigg, with a little bit of something for everyone.

The shop is especially passionate about books for children, with a dedicated, large and varied selection of fiction and non-fiction books for kids. However, you will also find a selection of books for older children, YA fiction, grown up fiction, and an eclectic selection of non-fiction. 

​The Rabbit Hole additionally hosts author/illustrator events and workshops, as well as being behind the No Limits Festival, featuring an action-packed programme brimming with authors, inspiring illustrators and live performances, bringing the magic of books and creative arts to life.

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