Stark warning to residents as illegal Fly Tipper served with £400 Fixed Penalty Notice

Tess Egginton
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Stark warning to residents as illegal Fly Tipper served with £400 Fixed Penalty Notice
West Lindsey District Council’s Community Safety Team is urging residents to make sure they check the credentials of any waste removal carrier to see if they are genuine. The message comes after a recent case where one resident had hired someone to remove their waste and it was then dumped at Linwood. Kim Enderby, West Lindsey’s Senior Licensing and Community Safety Officer received a report of the fly tip on 10 October 2022. He said: “My team attended and made a full search of the fly tip. They were able to retrieve items which, following further enquiries lead us to the owner of the dumped property. We contacted them and they informed us they had hired what they believed to be a genuine waste removal carrier who was advertising on Facebook. “They were shocked to find that they had employed a rogue operator who had just dumped the items he had been paid to remove, rather than dispose of them in a legal and responsible way. They were also able to provide evidence that proved they believed they were employing a legitimate operator and we were able to use this in identifying the individual involved. “Had they been unable to demonstrate this they would have been responsible for the £400 Fixed Penalty Notice themselves.” On this occasion, the person responsible for dumping the waste was traced. When he became aware of all the evidence against him, he admitted responsibility and paid the £400 fine in full. His details have been passed to the police and shared with other agencies. Chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee, Councillor Owen Bierley said the Council will not tolerate fly-tipping. He said: “West Lindsey District Council is committed to reducing the amount of illegal fly tipping taking place across the district. “We investigate every fly tip that is reported to us and if the evidence is found we will always serve a fixed penalty notice against the person responsible. This is why residents must always take the time to ensure that they are hiring the services of a legitimate business. “By doing a few simple checks they can prevent rogue businesses from operating, help prevent future fly tipping offences occurring and protect themselves receiving a £400 fixed penalty notice.” The message to the public remains the same – always to carry out a few simple checks before paying someone to remove your waste:
  • Anyone offering to remove waste of any type, should have a valid waste carrier’s licence, which they should be able to produce upon request. Or you can go on The Environment Agency website and check that the business is registered.
  • Don’t pay in cash and do ask for a waste transfer note or invoice – any legitimate operator will be using these.
  • Ask some simple questions to establish where your waste is going – you can even make a record of the registration number of the vehicle being used to transport the waste.

Sainsbury, Tesco and M&S Xmas supplies hit as Lincolnshire food factory strikes

Tess Egginton
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Sainsbury, Tesco and M&S Xmas supplies hit as Lincolnshire food factory strikes
More than 700 workers at Bakkavor’s food manufacturing factory in Spalding, Lincolnshire, will strike from late November until the New Year over “poverty pay.” Unite, the union, has said that many of the workers earn just 1p over the national minimum wage with some being forced to use food banks. The production line operatives, who make own brand soups, sauces and deli produce for Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S, have rejected a 6.5 per cent pay offer. Unite says this is a substantial pay cut when the real rate of inflation, RPI, stands at 14.2 per cent. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The situation these workers face is exactly what is wrong with Britain’s economy today: A company earning millions and millions in profits expecting already low paid workers to take a pay cut while prices soar. “Unite will not tolerate attacks on our members’ jobs, pay or conditions and our Bakkavor members have the union’s complete backing as they strike for a better deal.” The strikes, which begin on 25 November and will last until 2 January, will impact own brand food products for Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S. More strikes will be scheduled if the dispute is not resolved. Strikes were due to take place in early November but were postponed to allow for an amended pay offer to be voted on. The workforce rejected the offer and negotiations between Unite and Bakkavor have since collapsed. Unite regional officer Ravinder Assi said: “Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S all have a case to answer if they do not pressure Bakkavor to use some of its massive profits to give these workers a proper pay rise. “Supermarket customers will be appalled to know that the own-brand goods they are buying are made by supply chain workers who are being treated so disgracefully. Bakkavor can well afford to put forward an offer our members can accept and needs to do so.” The news comes after Bakkavor announced proposals to close Bakkavor Salads in Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire and Bakkavor Desserts in Leicester. Bakkavor said in a statement: “Bakkavor can confirm that following a ballot of its members the Unite union has rejected the proposed 6.5% pay increase and will move to take strike action at Bakkavor’s Spalding site. Around half of Bakkavor’s colleagues at Spalding are members of the union. “We have detailed contingency plans in place to ensure that we continue to serve our customers and that any disruption is kept to a minimum. “Across its UK sites, Bakkavor has been awarding pay increases for colleagues – a move to support its people despite the challenging economic context for the sector. Bakkavor believes its proposed 6.5% pay award for colleagues in Spalding is positive and sustainable and is part of a broader package of employee benefits. “Bakkavor’s proposed pay offer ensures we remain competitive in the local market at a time when current trading conditions are causing significant levels of inflation across its cost base. As with businesses all over the UK, we are having to take decisive action to adapt to the challenging macro-economic backdrop, as we seek to protect our business. This has recently included our proposal to close two sites; Bakkavor Salads in Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire and Bakkavor Desserts in Leicester as announced on 9 November. “Bakkavor is very disappointed the Unite union is going ahead with strike action based on pay claims that are simply unsustainable in the current trading environment.”   Image courtesy of Google maps

See the region’s greatest wedding suppliers at the Lincolnshire County Wedding Show this weekend!

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See the region’s greatest wedding suppliers at the Lincolnshire County Wedding Show this weekend!
Ready to see the region’s greatest wedding suppliers at the Lincolnshire County Wedding Show? Have you downloaded your FREE tickets? All is set for a brilliant event, with amazing suppliers showcasing their incredible services including photographers, beautiful bridal wear, fabulous formal hire, stunning venues, luxury travel experts, entertainment to wow, videography, delicious cakes, candy floss treats and even fabulous wedding tipi’s! You really will find it all! Join us THIS SUNDAY at the Lincolnshire County Wedding Show, Lincolnshire Showground  – 11am – 3pm. Free tea and coffee or glass of bubbly and gift are available for every couple and catering can be found on site. You can even pick up a copy of Lincolnshire Today’s handy Wedding Guide! Fabulous fashion shows will also take place at 12pm and 1:45pm.   Find out more and get your tickets at www.cupidsweddingshows.com

Great British Bake Off star amongst line up of exhibitors at this year’s Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair

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Great British Bake Off star amongst line up of exhibitors at this year’s Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair
Lincolnshire Showground has revealed further details about this year’s upcoming 21st annual Food and Gift Fair, which will be taking place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November, 9am – 4pm. Located at Lincolnshire Showground’s EPIC Centre and Exo Centre, each year the popular event features a wide range of food, gifts and demonstrations along with bags of festive cheer. The weekend will see special guest and Great British Bake Off star, Sandy Docherty take to the Lincolnshire Kitchen stage, a popular spot for foodies looking to catch a live demonstration. There, Sandy will be showcasing her baking expertise while whipping up her favourite Christmas recipes for audiences on both days at 11:40am and 2:10pm. The kitchen will also play host to Stephanie Dexter, head chef and director of The Cross Keys Grasby, which recently won Restaurant of the Year at The Taste of Excellence Awards, as well as the Best Pub in Lincolnshire at The Pub & Bar Awards. Stephanie will be demonstrating on both days at 1:20pm how to prepare a whole turkey and explain how to use every single part of the bird and be left with no waste. As well as the Lincolnshire Kitchen, this year will see the return of many favourites as well as lots of new, local and exciting exhibitors. These include first-time exhibitor, Bugvita, which offers food mixes that contain edible crickets, providing visitors with an unusual option for stocking fillers this Christmas. Adam Banks, director at Bugvita, said: “I came across the idea of eating insects while I was living in Mexico. They are not only high in protein but also have a range of other health benefits. “As a Lincolnshire local myself, I’m really looking forward to this year’s Food and Gift Fair and to meeting and talking with visitors about edible insects and why they might want to consider them. I especially can’t wait to see their reactions when trying our samples, we even have some edible locusts especially for the show.” This year also marks a first for Dorrington Homestead, a Lincolnshire company that has made a name for itself selling homemade products from its farm in Dorrington. Its products include natural soaps, candles, hampers, jams, cured meats, cheese and cider. Sam Owen owns Dorrington Homestead alongside his wife Amanda. He said: “We started Dorrington Homestead in lockdown in pursuit of the good life. We wanted to go back to being self-sufficient and producing what we consume with a real focus on animal welfare. “Everything we sell is made by hand and the jams, for example, are made from berries we’ve foraged ourselves. We’re really excited to share our passion and our story with the visitors at Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair.” Foodies should also look out for The Chocolat Story, Fudged Up and Homemade Sweetness for a taste of scrumptiously indulgent handmade treats. For those after something a bit different, be sure to check out what artistic and creative gifts and treats you can find at Hannah’s Craft Cottage, Lynda Martin Lincolnshire Artist and Skyebubble Canine & Equine Gifts. Alongside this, there will be plenty of activities to keep little ones busy, including the famous Santa’s Workshop area which will be returning and ready to provide hours of free entertainment for the family to enjoy. Sarah Duxbury, business development and trade sales manager at Lincolnshire Showground, said: “We’re all really excited about this year’s exhibitor line-up and look forward to the return of some visitor favourites as well as welcoming so many fantastic new exhibitors too. “We have a range of very special guests too and are delighted to have Great British Bake Off’s Sandy Docherty join us at the Lincolnshire Kitchen, as well as the very talented Stephanie Dexter.” The Food and Gift Fair is one of several events organised by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, and organisers are preparing for the biggest and busiest fair to date. Sarah added: “The Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair really is a great way to step into the festive spirit and find the perfect Christmas gift for loved ones of all ages, while enjoying a brilliant day out with fun for the whole family. From a visit to Santa, exquisite festive treats and spectacular demonstrations, there really is something for everyone.” Tickets for the Fair can be bought online for £5.50 each (plus booking fee) in advance, and are valid for either day of the event. Tickets will be available on the gate for £7 each on either day, and all attendees will also have access to free parking. Children under five years old go free when accompanied by an adult. As the event is held indoors, only assistance dogs will be permitted. To buy tickets or find out more about this year’s Food and Gift Fair, visit https://lincolnshireshowground.co.uk/food-gift

Local businesses urged to act now as free flood help “won’t be available forever”

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The Flood Innovation Centre is urging local businesses to take action to better protect their premises, employees and other assets against the risk of flooding by requesting a free flood survey and follow-up support before it’s too late.

The message from the team at the Flood Innovation Centre, which is part of the University of Hull but is funded to provide support to eligible Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in several areas of the country, is that the funding won’t be around forever. Eligible businesses are rapidly running out of time to take advantage of the funding that’s on offer because it comes from European Regional Development Fund and is only available for a few more months. As well as offering free flood surveys, the Flood Innovation Centre team works with business owners to help them understand the findings of their survey and how to make changes aimed at making their businesses more resilient to flooding. Pip Betts, project manager at the Flood Innovation Centre, said: “We’re now entering the final few months of the project so we’d urge any businesses that are concerned about flooding to contact us as soon as possible if they’d like to arrange a free flood survey and take advantage of the fully funded support that’s on offer. “The funding won’t be around for much longer, so this is a golden opportunity to take steps to boost the flood resilience of your business, ensuring that you’re better protected for future flooding events. You’ll be supported by our friendly, knowledgeable team every step of the way. “Communities across the Lincolnshire area face a variety of different types of flood risk, but climate change, coupled with increasing urbanisation, means that flood events are happening more frequently.” The Environment Agency estimates that the average cost of damage suffered by businesses during a flood event is around £82,000. As many as 40 per cent of businesses never reopen after being flooded, and a further 25 per cent of businesses that do reopen go on to fail within a year. Thankfully, by taking a few simple steps to protect their premises, businesses can give themselves a fighting chance of surviving future flooding events. In fact, every £1 spent on property flood resilience measures can save businesses around £5 in flood damage. Property flood resilience is a term used to describe measures that reduce the risk of flood damage to properties, speed up the recovery process and enable people to get back into their properties quicker after flooding. These measures are installed in business premises, as well as people’s homes, to make them less vulnerable to flooding. Property flood resilience solutions are bespoke to each property; the aim is to identify the measures that are most appropriate for your premises and the type of flooding you face. To find out more about the fully funded support on offer, contact the Flood Innovation Centre by telephoning 01482 462275, emailing flic@hull.ac.uk or completing the online registration form.

Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance crew awarded Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal

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Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance crew awarded Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal
To mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a special commemorative medal has been awarded to serving frontline members of the police, fire, emergency services, prison services and the Armed Forces. On Friday 12 November, Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Toby Dennis, presented the prestigious medals to Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance crew which included doctors, paramedics and pilots – all who provide advanced care to the people of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire involved in life-threatening incidents every day. After the ceremony, he said: “It has been wonderful to award the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medals to such a dedicated team. The recipients are a rare and wholly deserving type of person. These medals are especially well deserved following the extraordinary resilience and courage of all the crew in treating countless patients during the pandemic.” Acting as a token of the nation’s thanks, the Platinum Jubilee Medal follows a long history of awarding medals to mark Royal Jubilees, with the first one awarded to mark the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign in 1887. After receiving their medal, LNAA pilot Llewis Ingamells, Chief Pilot explained: “It was an honour to receive the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal; celebrating our achievements as a crew and commemorating this special occasion.” LNAA Chief Executive Officer, Karen Jobling, shares her joy and said: “We are so happy to see our amazing doctors, paramedics and pilots included in the Queens Platinum Jubilee medals distribution, and thankful to The Lord Lieutenant, who is also our patron, for awarding the medals. Day after day, all our crew members serve our communities, treating patients in extreme life-threatening emergencies, 24/7.”

Prison for fake builder who preyed on Alzheimer’s patient

Tess Egginton
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Prison for fake builder who preyed on Alzheimer’s patient
Lincolnshire Trading Standards has secured a prosecution against Martin Paul Jacks, after he fraudulently charged a man in Grantham for building works that he had no intention of doing.
Mr Jacks – 41, of Greystoke Drive, Bilborough, Nottingham – was sentenced to six months in prison at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday 11 November 2022. Between 2014 and 2017, Martin Jacks visited Mr A at his home in Grantham on a number of occasions to sell him building work on his property, claiming he worked for a company called ‘Riverside’. Over his visits, Mr Jacks took several cheques from Mr A, amounting to over £12,000. Mr Jacks had shown the victim brochures from other companies to try and legitimise his false backstory, and on one occasion, neighbours saw him force his way into Mr A’s house to try and get more money from him. After the neighbours called the police, officers came to Mr A’s house and Martin Jacks answered the door. He then ran but was chased and apprehended by police who handed the case to Lincolnshire Trading Standards. Principal Trading Standards officer, Andy Wright, investigated the case. He said: “Jacks drove specifically from his home in Nottingham to Grantham to prey on his victim. “Mr A was a frail, elderly man who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and Jacks clearly thought of him as an easy target. Mr A was undoubtedly scared of Jacks. “Our investigation revealed that Jacks had visited his victim on a number of occasions over three years and taken cheques for fictitious building work. He then used a cheque cashing service in Nottingham to obtain his ill-gotten gains. “Court backlogs have delayed this case coming before a judge, but we’re pleased to see the judge agree that Mr Jacks should be behind bars. “In this case it was only the vigilance of a close neighbour who saw Jacks force his way in, and the rapid response of Lincolnshire Police in Grantham, that helped us brings Jacks to justice.” Martyn Parker, assistant director for public protection at Lincolnshire County Council, added: “On this occasion, simply looking out for a neighbour helped bring this career criminal to justice. Mr A lived alone, and so his neighbours keeping an eye on him, and their quick action in calling the police, helped stop Martin Jacks from continuing to target him. “This case also highlights the close working relationship between Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire Trading Standards; both organisations work tirelessly to protect vulnerable residents like Mr A and stop the criminals who choose to take advantage of them.”

Refurbishment of Deepings Leisure Centre to be reconsidered in light of financial challenges

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Refurbishment of Deepings Leisure Centre to be reconsidered in light of financial challenges
Members of South Kesteven District Council are being asked to decide on the future of Deepings Leisure Centre at a meeting next week. Growing pressure on local government finances brought about by higher energy prices, increased staff, fuel and maintenance costs, coupled with significant additional costs identified for refurbishing the centre, means the Council must review spending proposals in order to balance its budget. Refurbishment of the leisure centre, at an estimated cost of £10.55 million, was given the go-ahead by the Cabinet in April 2022, but the scheme will be re-considered at a Full Council meeting on November 24th 2022, in light of financial challenges. The centre has been closed since July 27th 2021, due to serious health and safety concerns. Rapid deterioration of the building was highlighted after heavy rainfall caused significant damage to the roof and there was widespread water ingress throughout the building. A spokesperson for SKDC said: “Along with other public authorities, the current financial outlook remains very challenging for South Kesteven District Council. “While the advantages of providing publicly accessible leisure facilities are well known, many Councils across the country are having to make the difficult decision to either temporarily or permanently close their leisure facilities. “The Council does not underestimate the hugely significant impact a permanent closure of Deepings Leisure Centre would have on the local community. “The building is 48 years old and requires significant investment to bring it back into use. Regrettably, the reality of the situation is that it may no longer be viable to continue managing a leisure centre at the site.” UKactive, a national organisation that promotes the interests of commercial and community leisure centres, reports that up to March 2022 one in six swimming pools in the country either temporarily or permanently closed, and predicts as many as 79% could close in the face of rising utility costs, the cost and availability of staff, and a post-pandemic change in the behaviour of customers. The existing leisure centre building and associated land are owned by Lincolnshire County Council, along with the nearby Linchfield playing fields. Since the centre was built in 1974, SKDC has been responsible for managing the centre and playing fields. The Anthem Trust, which runs The Deepings School, had exclusive use of the sports hall, swimming pool and playing fields during the day in term-time, although no formal agreement for this was in place. Since the refurbishment approval in April 2022, design consultants have been appointed and a first-phase construction contract awarded. The impact on construction costs of the Covid-19 pandemic has been exacerbated by the effects of the war in Ukraine on energy prices and rising inflation, as a result of which the cost of raw materials in the UK is also rising. In addition, shortage of labour alongside inflationary pressures could increase the total project cost by around 40%. SKDC faces across-the-board budget pressures as a result of significant utility price increases. In 2023/24 electricity costs to the Council are expected to increase by £1.1 million compared to budget, and gas costs by £149k. Fuel is expected to cost £200,000 more compared to budget, and a national pay award will mean an increase of £900,000 compared to budget. Loan repayments to finance the refurbishment were originally estimated at £641,000 a year over 25 years, but since then significant national and international events have had a major impact on interest rates. The spokesperson said: “We have an over-riding duty to ensure the Council is on a secure financial footing for the future. The changing financial climate over the last 12 months means that the level of expenditure required for a major refurbishment of the leisure centre has increased considerably. “The updated borrowing rate for the same period at the same level of borrowing is now 5.81%, increasing the annual cost to £1.048m a year over 25 years – a 48% increase.” SKDC operates three other leisure facilities in the District, in Bourne, Stamford and Grantham, which all need investment following condition surveys that have identified repair and maintenance issues. Members of SKDC are also being asked, should a decision be made not to proceed with the refurbishment project, to consider handing the Deepings Leisure Centre buildings over to Lincolnshire County Council, and provide direction on the future management and leasing arrangements for the Linchfield Road Playing Fields.

Future of Grade II Listed building under spotlight

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Future of Grade II Listed building under spotlight
One of the East Marsh’s grandest buildings, which remains under council ownership, will be the focus of a new plan to look at options for its future. The former Holme Hill School, most recently known as the Education Development Centre, is Grade II Listed, with the centre piece being its clock tower, and sits on the corner of Heneage Road and Wellington Street. At a North East Lincolnshire Council Cabinet meeting this week, members agreed to support the start of further investigative work to determine what happens to the premises now. A report considered by Cabinet stated how there were two separate business cases that were set to run in parallel. The focus of the Cabinet report was the main buildings, with an independent case for the clock tower already underway as part of North East Lincolnshire Council’s ‘Heritage at Risk’ programme. The report detailed how an ideal plan for the main building would be to combine services, with a focus upon children and families, from five buildings – some currently leased – into one central ‘hub’ at Holme Hill. The process now needs to move on, to look at the finances surrounding the cost of renovation against the proposed savings and borrowing costs to achieve the aim. The report added how the success of this plan would “allow investment into a Council owned Grade II Listed Heritage building, leading by example in regenerating the local area and improving the street scene.” It further said: “This could also act as a catalyst for other property in the vicinity, owned by others, to be improved and used, which will result in a positive reflection to the street scene within this part of the borough. The use of the site will reduce miss-use, vandalism and/or antisocial behaviour and will ensure there is the opportunity for co-location of Council Services as well as partner, Third Sector and community use, all located within the East Marsh.” It also stated how ward councillors would be involved in any process, and risks identified included the current spiralling costs of materials and labour. To mitigate that risk any approved plan would be reviewed at each stage. Following the decision, North East Lincolnshire’s portfolio holder for finance, resources and assets, Cllr Stephen Harness, said: “As with a number of other projects across North East Lincolnshire, we have already shown how we can work with partners to successfully restore some of our buildings and structures, often attracting grant funding and support to do so. I was delighted, for example, to see the recent result of continued work to restore the retail fronts and balconies along Alexandra Road in Cleethorpes. “These projects can take a long time to plan, to arrange the funding and to execute but we are determined to do all we can to look at our options and support where possible, but we do so however being mindful of our overall council responsibilities with regard to the people of our borough and our priorities.”

Grimsby councillors sign off on Riverhead Square development

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Grimsby councillors sign off on Riverhead Square development
Plans drawn up by Arup Landscape Design to transform Riverhead Square in central Grimsby have been approved by councillors, providing the green light for work to start on site early next year. The remodelled area is being funded as one of the projects included in the Town Deal, the money for which was secured in 2020 and is ringfenced for specific projects. The new designs will incorporate a lot more green space and planting, as well as providing new seating, lighting, security and a flexible event space with improved infrastructure to support future events and activities. There is also space for outdoor café seating at the entrance to Freshney Place. Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council, said: “We’re really starting to press ahead with schemes on the ground now. This, along with our plans for the other end of Freshney Place that are now in the planning system, and our acquisition of Freshney Place itself, will really make a difference to how the town centre operates. “It is vital for our whole borough that we look at Grimsby Town Centre with a real determination to attract families and people of all ages, so we can bring vibrancy back and make it a place where people want to visit at all times of the day.” The approval means that some Town Deal money for the scheme will be released and allow it to progress, with work starting on site early next year.
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