Neighbouring residents in Scartho and Waltham are being encouraged to take part in a public consultation on plans to build two new primary schools. The schools, which would provide much-needed school places for children aged 4 to 11, will be built on land off Matthew Telford Park in Scartho and on the land known as ‘Sunningdale’ in Waltham. Both pockets of land are owned by North East Lincolnshire Council and have been earmarked as sites for education provision for some time. The plans for the two new schools were approved by the Council’s Cabinet in March this year, and are expected to go through the formal planning application process in the coming months, seeking permission to begin construction around spring and summer 2023. According to a letter sent to local residents in these areas, new housing developments has meant that there is an increased demand for the school places. Speaking about the proposed developments, councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children’s services, said: “New housing brings with it an increased demand for school places, so we have to plan carefully to ensure schools can cope with current and future demand. “It’s vital that we continue to put children at the heart of what we do, and access to a good quality education is key to ensuring our children can perform well and reach their potential. “These proposed new primary schools will each offer an additional 210 places for children and ensure families in these areas continue to have a choice over their children’s education.” Local people wishing to have their say on the planned primary schools can email assets@nelincs.gov.uk or write to The School Assets Team, 1^st Floor, Civic Offices, Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire, DN35 8LB. The Pre-Application Consultation period for these proposals will last for 14 days and will commence on the 29 September 2022, closing on 12 October 2022. Only responses received during the 14 days’ consultation period will be considered.   Image: A draft drawing depicting how the school on the Sunningdale education land might look.

Conservation repair work has begun on the Alfred Enderby Smokehouse on the Port of Grimsby which includes reinstatement of historic features. The building listed as a Grade II structure, is one of the few remaining smokehouses in the area which still uses the geographically protected cold-smoking method. The work is being funded by a PSiCA (Partnership Scheme in Conservation Areas) heritage grant worth £121,490, awarded earlier this year. The PSiCA is being delivered as part of the Greater Grimsby Heritage Action Zone. The scheme has a total pot of £1m and is a joint project between Historic England and North East Lincolnshire Council, with support from ABP and the council’s regeneration partner EQUANS. Other key works planned to the building include repairing and reinstating the traditional chimney cowls, reinstating traditional cast iron rainwater goods, constructing a new wooden loading bay on the first floor, and re-signwriting the advert on the side of the building using traditional sign writing. This is being done by Sam Delaney of Creative Start Arts in Health CIC. Simon Bird, regional director of the Humber ports, said: “It’s great to see work happening on the Port of Grimsby to revitalise these historic buildings. This smokehouse has been a landmark for many years and it’s right to see its unique character being restored, as part of instilling pride in the Kasbah.” Patrick Salmon, MD of Enderbys, said: “We’ve been wanting to do these repairs for a long time, but just haven’t had the opportunity to date, so it is great to see the work underway to secure the building for years to come.” North East Lincolnshire Council cabinet member for tourism, heritage and culture, Cllr Tom Furneaux, said: “Grimsby is known, and has a PGI in place for its smoked fish, and Enderby’s have led this work for many years. To see this project to restore these historic premises start feels like a real milestone. “The Kasbah is a unique place, and we must continue to look at how to make it safe and welcoming to work in, so we can attract a variety of industries and people to use this area as a base to work. Some of that change will come if we can find ways of working with people and businesses like Enderby’s who can help support that change.” David Walsh, Historic England lead for Grimsby HAZ, said: “It is very exciting to see work starting at Alfred Enderby’s smokehouse. Supporting local businesses is crucial to successful regeneration in the historic port. We are delighted to provide a grant to Enderbys as part of the Grimsby Heritage Action Zone along with partners North East Lincolnshire Council and Associated British Ports.” Old maps show this building was originally constructed as a smithy between 1896 and 1905, but between 1917 and 1928 was converted to fish curing and has remained so ever since. Alfred Enderby Ltd is one of four companies which form the Grimsby Traditional Fish Smokers Group, which received EU recognition for its method. The PSiCA grant scheme is open to businesses on the Kasbah on the Port of Grimsby or organisations that may be interested in moving to this conservation area.

Construction has started on a new multi-purpose short-break care centre in Scunthorpe designed to support local young people who have complex disabilities, and their families, by offering access to opportunities and bespoke support. Hull-based Hobson & Porter, which operates throughout Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, is delivering the £6million project on behalf of North Lincolnshire Council, via its Construction & Highways Framework. The development, which is being supported with funding from the Government’s Department for Education (DfE), is being built on the site of a former community wellbeing hub that was demolished earlier this year, approximately one mile from Scunthorpe town centre on Alvingham Road. The single storey building will include multiple sensory rooms, dining and lounge areas, staff bedrooms, 13 specialist accessible residential bedrooms for children with complex needs, accessible kitchens and bathrooms, a medical room, administrative spaces and family rooms. The centre will also feature gardens and outdoor spaces for staff, residents and their families. Work is due to complete in spring 2023. In addition to offering care to children with complex needs, young people using the new facility will be able to participate in a wide range of activities that will help them build important life skills. The centre will be the new home of Cygnets, which currently offers these services in the area and was recently rated outstanding by Ofsted. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “With Government support, we are investing millions of pounds of local taxpayers’ money in people supporting our most vulnerable children. “We know how vital it is to local families that their children have access to this brilliant support here in North Lincolnshire rather than going out of the area. It ensures they can stay safe and connected in their own community.” Joe Booth, business development director from Hobson & Porter, said: “This is a significant contract for Hobson & Porter and further strengthens our position in the health and social care sector. “It’s also very rewarding to win another good-sized project through North Lincolnshire Council’s Construction & Highways Framework and follows a £4million MRI project in Grimsby, for Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which we won through the same framework and completed last year. “Seeing work start on this latest project is a big moment for everyone involved, especially because it is such an important project for North Lincolnshire that will make a big difference to children with learning and physical difficulties, or other health needs, as well as their families.”

A new park and gardens in Scunthorpe town centre has been officially opened – the first part of major transformation plans backed by Government cash. The new park and gardens – complete with ultra-modern stonework, weathered steel and a dramatic green makeover – has transformed the former Church Square part of town. It will complement the soon-to-be-started revolutionary new business hub being built nearby, and with new trees, grass, plants, fountains and seating areas, the park provides a perfect place to relax while visiting the town. It is ideally located next to Scunthorpe Central, the visual arts centre, the University Technology College and only a stone’s throw from the town’s shops and facilities. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This fantastic space will be enjoyed by the students at the UTC, the visitors to the amazing visual arts centre and the many people who live and work nearby. It is only just the beginning, however. “The opening of the square is a landmark moment ahead of the rest of the incredible developments coming into town – this is just the beginning of a major programme which will invigorate and reignite the town centre – offering people many more reasons to be here and supporting the hundreds of independent traders. “We also plan to rename the area in memory of Queen Elizabeth II – with an application being submitted to Buckingham Palace this week.” The park was officially opened by Scunthorpe MP Holly Mumby-Croft on Saturday, 24 September 2022 with representatives from the Towns Fund Board in attendance. The park and gardens, completed by Esh Construction, is part of the Government’s national £3.6bn Towns Fund initiative and forms part of North Lincolnshire Council’s multi-million pound plans to re-invent Scunthorpe town centre. Holly Mumby-Croft is a member of the Towns Fund Board. She said: “It is a pleasure to open the fantastic new public space and I am certain it will be enjoyed by families for many years to come. “It has been a bit of journey but its amazing to be able to appreciate it in all its glory – I know a great deal of work has gone into getting hold of the materials and the people to get this over the line. “The funding for this came from Government when we were deep in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic – showing confidence in the development plans the council had put forward and ensuring the economy was kick-started after the challenges that were presented.” The modern space is designed to become the heartbeat of town centre communities, hosting public events and major celebrations like the Christmas lights switch on. Alongside the opening was the popular Discover event that saw the town buzzing with hundreds of families enjoying interactive activities, fascinating science experiments and hands-on entertainment.

A new museum could champion the pivotal role of RAF College Cranwell and the history and importance of aviation in North Kesteven and the county, if approved. A new planning application details an expanded aviation museum with a café and educational space, which if given the go ahead would be developed by North Kesteven District Council to replace its current Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum near North Rauceby. The application if approved would see the creation of the new museum through changing the use of an existing farm building which sits adjacent onsite. Previously the Carlight factory and currently an industrial unit, this farm building would be reimagined into a cutting-edge tourism and heritage destination marking the advances in aviation history made at RAF College Cranwell and by its servicemen and women past and present, while further cementing North Kesteven’s aviation heritage in the heart of Lincolnshire. The building’s total footprint would be 6,700 sq ft, up from the current museum which measures around 1,800 sq ft. In addition to bigger and improved exhibition spaces, the bespoke café and learning and conference facilities, there would also be dedicated retail space and car parking under the plan. These expanded facilities could help create additional jobs and volunteer roles. An outdoor children’s play area would also be added, along with a new access road off Main Street which will help make the museum more visible from the A17 with submission of this signage to follow at a later date. The new museum would incorporate use of green energy too and electric vehicle charging points, with the Council’s aim in mind for the District to be carbon neutral by 2030. North Kesteven District Council leader councillor Richard Wright said: “The planning application if approved would see a much larger space made available to display aviation heritage in North Kesteven. “The next steps will follow the usual planning application process that includes seeking views from various statutory and local consultees. Should the application need to be put forward for consideration by Planning Committee then I look forward to viewing it in more detail as a committee member.” Delivery of it would be subject to securing funding opportunities. If the planning application submitted is approved, it would become an ‘oven ready’ project to be implemented when all funding is in place and a contractor secured through procurement for the works. When complete all current exhibits would be moved over from the current museum building and this then handed back to the owner. As part of the project there would also be volunteer opportunities and chance to help shape the implementation of the new museum if approved.

Hospitals run by United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust have returned to the normal visiting arrangements that were in place prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors no longer need to book an appointment to see their loved ones and two visitors may be at a bedside at a time during a ward’s usual visiting times. Outpatient services, emergency departments and maternity services have also returned to their pre-COVID arrangements. Infection prevention and control measures will remain in place across all hospitals, including the use of hand sanitiser on entering and exiting areas and visitors are required to wear a hospital-provided mask in all clinical areas. Director of Nursing at ULHT, Dr Karen Dunderdale, said: “We understand how valuable visiting is to our patients and their loved ones and we have worked incredibly hard to accommodate this wherever possible during the COVID-19 pandemic in a way that is as safe as can be for our patients, their visitors and our staff. “We recognise that some wards and departments remain high risk and it may be necessary to introduce local precautions as advised by our Infection Prevention and Control team. Where this is the case, our ward teams will be working directly with patients and their families about updated arrangements to avoid any disappointment on arrival. “Alternatives to visiting in person, such as video calling, remain in place to make sure everyone can stay connected.” Anyone with recognised symptoms of COVID-19, or other illnesses such as diarrhoea and vomiting, are asked not to visit hospital until they have been clear of these symptoms for at least 72 hours.

Police are appealing for witnesses after criminal damage was caused to a play area in Boston. Lincolnshire Police’s Force Control Room received a report of a suspected arson at the play area in Woodville Road, Boston, at around 9.30pm on 16 September. Around £32,000 worth of damage was caused to the equipment. No arrests have been made. The park is owned by Boston Borough Council. Leader of Boston Borough Council, Cllr Paul Skinner, said: “It is extremely disappointing that anyone would commit such a mindless and needless act of vandalism to a popular piece of play equipment which was funded by Boston Big Local and was used by the children in our community. “These actions have meant that certain parts of the park are now out of use. I urge anyone with any information to come forward and help the police with their investigations.” Anyone who may have witnessed anyone acting suspiciously or witnessed the incident taking place can call the police on 101. Police would also like to hear from anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage of the area. Please call 101 and quote reference 22000541413 if you can assist with the investigation.