Exchange of contracts moves Stamford development a step closer

Stuart Pearcey
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Exchange of contracts moves Stamford development a step closer

Contracts have been exchanged in readiness for the planned transformation of the former Cummins site, a major brownfield location in Stamford.

South Kesteven District Council and landowner partner Burghley House Preservation Trust Ltd have reached purchase agreements with Morris Homes, Inspired Living and Burghley Land Ltd for the St Martin’s Park project, which covers almost 15 hectares.

The development will feature a designated commercial area; mixed-use area; retirement village; and a range of residential properties including affordable homes; and areas of green and open space.

The Council purchased the Cummins site in 2018 which, combined with adjacent land owned by Burghley House Preservation Trust, makes up the 14.7 hectare development site. The council bought the site in 2018 to ensure part of it would be used to provide jobs after the Cummins factory closed, and the designated commercial and mixed use areas will provide office space as well as a convenience store to serve the whole development.

Morris Homes will provide the residential development; Inspired Living the retirement village; and Burghley Land Ltd the commercial development.

SKDC’s Cabinet Member for Property and Public Engagement, Cllr Richard Cleaver, said: “This is a major development that will transform a derelict site into a thriving addition to the Stamford community. It will be a high-quality, well-designed and sustainable development with cycle routes and walkways into the town centre.

“It’s important to note that SKDC bought the former Cummins site in order to preserve employment use and we have remained true to that ambition.”

Outline planning permission for the site was granted in 2021 and the next stage in the planning process will see the three developers submit reserved matters applications early in 2025 for their parts of the development, along with an overall scheme to deliver joint infrastructure works on the site, including roads.

Cindy Cade, Group MD at Morris Homes, said: “We are pleased to be working with South Kesteven District Council to bring forward this exciting new development at St Martin’s Park in Stamford.

“This mixed-use scheme will offer a collection of premium and affordable homes ranging from two to five bedrooms. They will be designed to suit a range of demographics and lifestyles as well as some of the highest energy efficiency and sustainability standards.

 “Following the success of our Cecil Square development, we are thrilled to continue our commitment to quality housing in the area, creating homes that will support the needs and aspirations of the whole community.”

Spectacular Anglo-Saxon finds go on show in new museum exhibition

Stuart Pearcey
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Spectacular Anglo-Saxon finds go on show in new museum exhibition
Two spectacular Anglo-Saxon gold pendants unearthed by metal detectorists in a North Lincolnshire field are among the objects going on display in a new exhibition that opens at North Lincolnshire Museum on Saturday 16th November. The exhibition tells the story of the discovery and excavation of two Anglo-Saxon cemeteries at Sawcliffe in Roxby cum Risby during the 1990s, and what these and other sites in Winterton Vale, The Hidden Valley, can show about life in Anglo-Saxon England. The star of the exhibition is a stunning gold pendant dating to the seventh century. Unearthed in 1993 by metal detectorists Craig Allison and Glyn Nicklen, the pendant features an ornate design in the shape of a cross surrounded by beautiful red garnet gems – three of which survive. Craig Allison, owner of Crawfords Metal Detectors, said: “Although it happened more than 30 years ago, I remember the thrill of holding the pendant like it was yesterday. It’s a feeling that will never leave me. It was hard to believe it had spent over 1,400 years below ground, as I held it in my hand, it shone like the day it was made. “We spent a whole week poring through the soil trying to find the missing central garnet with no luck. No matter though – the pendant is still spectacular, and I’m proud and delighted more people get to see it.” The pendants will be exhibited alongside more beautiful objects from Sawcliffe, which was excavated between 1993 and 1998 by staff and volunteers from North Lincolnshire Museum. Visitors can expect to see everything from brooches and buckles to pottery and weapons – many of which will be going on display for the very first time.

Lincoln shines a light on Sutton on Sea for Christmas

Stuart Pearcey
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Lincoln shines a light on Sutton on Sea for Christmas

Christmas lights that once graced Lincoln are to be given a new home at Sutton on Sea on the Lincolnshire coast.

The city has invested £140,000 in new lights, but didn’t want to dump the old ones. Seeking to address the city’s commitment to its ‘Let’s Address the Challenge of Climate Change’, the plan had been to offer them to charitable and voluntary organisations in the city through Voluntary Centre Services.

But then City of Lincoln Council is pleased to announce the donation of its previous Christmas lights to Sutton on Sea, supporting the coastal community while reinforcing the council’s environmental goals.

This gesture comes following the council’s recent £140,000 investment in new seasonal lighting for Lincoln, prompting the need to find a sustainable solution for the old lights. As part of the council’s Vision 2025 and its commitment to , the council prioritised reusing and recycling to avoid waste. Recognising the opportunity to reuse the lights and bring joy to another area, the council decided to initially make these lights available to However, Sutton on Sea’s ward councillor Robert Watson said Sutton would like to have them after a culture meeting with City of Lincoln Council’s Events, Tourism and Culture Manger on the Lincolnshire coast. City Cllr Joshua Wells said: “We’re delighted that the lights were able to go to a good home in Sutton on Sea, where they can be enjoyed by the community. “Sutton on Sea’s LightWaves event was a huge success and saw many crowds celebrating the colourful illuminations, projections, and performances on offer. We hope the lights donated by City of Lincoln Council will continue to be an extension of this joy over the festive period. “City of Lincoln Council is committed to supporting our neighbouring towns and making choices that reflect our green focus and Vision 2025 goals.” City of Lincoln Council’s new Christmas lights go live on 28 November.

Mablethorpe’s badger problem turns out to be even worse

Stuart Pearcey
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Mablethorpe’s badger problem turns out to be even worse
Badger burrowing beneath Mablethorpe has caused even worse problems than was at first thought, with a second set of tunnels discovered, meaning a greater impact on road users. Specialists digging under the road after safe removal of the badgers to repair the problem discovered more tunnels, this time up to 1.5 metres deep, and running beneath service pipework. That’s going to make repairs more difficult, but the deadline set by Natural England can’t be extended. Lincolnshire County Councillor Richard Davies said: “The frustration with getting these badger works sorted is growing. We are working as hard as we can to restore this road so that the people of Mablethorpe can get on with their daily lives in the way they expect. “We can’t move the badgers without a road closure, Natural England also says that we must finish the work by the end of November otherwise we can’t get this collapse repaired until next year. “And now we find that there’s more tunnels, this time under the rest of the road. And this is going to complicate matters further, not in small part because of the restrictions placed upon us. Whilst the badgers are being very well accommodated, Mablethorpe road users are having to bear the brunt of some serious disruption in their area. It feels very unfair.” LCC will now NOT be able to lift the road closure on the road and return to temporary traffic lights as first planned. Because of the extra excavation, and the A1104 roadworks that are happening nearby, the authority has had to come up with a new plan, speedily. Seaholme Road will remain under full closure whilst the new set of badger tunnels are dealt with, and the road reinstatement works are carried out. LCC crews will be working flat out to get the works completed as quickly as possible. Cllr Davies added: “We have spoken to the bus companies as a matter of urgency, and we are putting extra people on shift to get this work done. “Because everything has to be completed by the end of the month, we can’t try a temporary traffic light fix to ease traffic flow because if it doesn’t work and the badgers’ damage can’t be fixed quickly enough, then there is the risk that the road won’t be useable until next July. “We can’t have that for Mablethorpe. It’s not the road user’s fault that this has happened and we need to get this issue sorted out, even with all the time restrictions that Natural England have placed on the works. “I want to express our thanks to everyone affected by this so far. Your patience and understanding of what we’re trying to do in order to have the road usable and open again for December is very much appreciated. We will get this work completed as quickly as we possibly can.”

Police need more money to provide a better service, say councillors

Stuart Pearcey
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Police need more money to provide a better service, say councillors
West Lindsey District Councillors want Lincolnshire Police to have more money to strengthen community-focused policing efforts and enhance public safety. Councillors unanimously supported a motion calling on local and national officials to support funding that enables Lincolnshire Police to restore the principles of neighbourhood policing established in 1829 by Sir Robert Peel, the founder of modern policing. Cllr Stephen Bunney said police officers needed to build trust within communities, focusing on preventing crime and disorder through public engagement rather than punitive measures. Peel’s model has inspired Chief Constable Paul Gibson’s current Making Lincolnshire Safe Strategy 2024-25, which prioritises neighbourhood policing as a pathway to building public confidence and reducing crime. Cllr Bunney said the strategy had worthwhile aspirations, but was not being fully met across our district. “The limited number of officers and resources available are focusing on detecting and solving serious crime – leaving precious few resources and individuals to carry out ‘preventative work’. “In some areas, levels are so low that neighbourhood teams are providing minimal part-time cover for less than half the week, hardly working with the police to bring about community safety and welfare. In fact, it harbours the opposite, because residents do not have confidence in the force and so do not report issues etc, taking the attitude there’s no point as there’s no officers to deal with a concern anyway.” However, the council notes that inadequate funding threatens the fulfilment of these objectives in Lincolnshire, which has the least-funded force in the country with the third lowest number of officers per 1,000 head of population. Cllr Bunney added: “This is detrimental to our low-density rural area where the numbers of officers per head of population need to be higher than the national average to compensate for the time taken travelling between communities and to visit the myriad of hamlets and ‘isolated’ standalone properties. Cllr Paul Howitt-Cowan said: “We had the police come to Overview and Scrutiny Committee only a few weeks ago. One of the things we learned was that there was a suspicion of underreporting and it’s so important that we report incidents because that will help to give support to our police to reinforce the vigilance by the police on the ground. It’s so important that we report all incidents.”

River Trent becomes more fish-friendly thanks to new fish pass

Stuart Pearcey
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River Trent becomes more fish-friendly thanks to new fish pass
A £12m Environment Agency project to make the Trent more fish friendly has been opened in Colwick Country Park, opening up the river and its tributaries to migratory fish including salmon, trout and eels, and making more habitat accessible for fish. It’s been two years in the making, and Steve Lawrie, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency said: “The fish pass provides a significant step in restoring the River Trent catchment to its former glory for salmon and other coarse and migratory fish.  It also includes an eel pass to help support the critically endangered European eel. “We also have a public viewing platform above the water, with highly visual interpretation boards. They inform and advise visitors about the local wildlife in and around the river, including the fish that are expected to use the pass.” The Colwick fish pass is 200 metres long, 6 metres deep and 6.5 metres wide, and means fish can navigate past the Environment Agency-owned Holme Sluices built in the 1950s as part of a large-scale flood defence scheme helping to protect Nottingham from flooding. The pass is divided into 20 ascending chambers into which water flows through narrow slots. Fish of all species can swim upstream to lay their eggs in the gravel riverbeds of the Trent tributaries such as the River Dove and the River Derwent. They will be able to pass through these slots and rest in the chamber above before continuing. The direct environmental benefits of the fish pass will be £18.6m. This includes 60 kilometres of river improvement from poor to good status for fish, as well as 60 kilometres of new spawning habitat immediately upstream of the barrier. It will also aid interconnectivity with numerous other fish passage schemes previously constructed upstream by the Environment Agency. The decline of migratory fish in the Trent catchment dates back to the Industrial Revolution, when large weirs were built to open up the river for trade. While some fish were able to overcome these barriers not all of them could.

Tourism Excellence Awards shortlist revealed

Stuart Pearcey
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Tourism Excellence Awards shortlist revealed
Just five places in Lincolnshire have been shortlisted for a brand new category in the Tourism Excellence Awards for Lincolnshire and Rutland. Barton Upon Humber, Gainsborough, Grimsby, Horncastle,  and the John Dawber Gardens at Lincoln are in the running for the Pride of Place Award, the winner of which will be revealed on February 28th next year during an event at the Lincolnshire Showground. Charlotte Goy, Chief Executive of Destination Lincolnshire, said: “Created to shine a light on businesses across the county, The Tourism Excellence Awards celebrate every aspect of the visitor economy – I’m thrilled to see so many fantastic businesses from across Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland shortlisted in this year’s celebration of tourism. “Seeing applications come in from all areas of our LVEP region, and in numbers which have exceeded our previous years, I know the judging panel had their work cut out for them when it came to marking each submission. A heartfelt congratulations to everyone who made it onto the shortlist. I truly hope to see more of our incredible Lincolnshire businesses represented on the national stage at 2025’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.”

Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award | Sponsored by AVH Parks Ltd

  • Docks Academy
  • Elms Farm Cottages
  • International Bomber Command Centre
  • Lincoln Cathedral
  • North Lincolnshire Museum
B&B and Guest House of the Year
  • Bridleway Bed and Breakfast
  • The Old Posthouse B&B
  • The Poplars Boutique Bed and Breakfast
  • The Rufford Hotel
  • The Singlecote Hotel Ltd

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

  • Ashleigh Farm Caravan and Glamping
  • Away Resorts, AppleTree
  • Cleethorpes Pearl
  • Grange Farm Park
  • In the Stix

Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award | Sponsored by Knapton Wright

  • Fulbeck Craft Centre – The Old Coach House Store
  • International Bomber Command Centre
  • Louth Distillery
Experience of the Year | Sponsored by insight6
  • Baytree Owl and Wildlife Centre, Eagle and Vulture Experience
  • Lincoln Free Walking Tour, The Lincoln Free Walking Tour
  • Lincolnshire Cookery School Limited,
  • Louth Distillery, Gin School Experience
  • Skydive Hibaldstow, 15,000ft Tandem Skydive Experience

Hotel of the Year (small and large)

DoubleTree by Hilton

The William Cecil

The White Hart Hotel

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year | Sponsored by Heart of Lincs

  • Belton Estate
  • Burghley House
  • Lincoln Castle
  • Lincoln Cathedral
  • Normanby Hall Country Park

New Tourism Business of the Year | Sponsored by East Lindsey District Council

  • Dibley Lodge
  • The Drill, Lincoln
  • Fulbeck Craft Centre – Artisan Market
  • Meadow Lodges at Boothby Pagnell
  • Polish Bomber Squadrons Centre

Pub of the Year

  • Bull & Swan
  • The Cross Keys Stow
  • The Horse & Groom

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

  • Dibley Lodge
  • Holly Cottage
  • Meadow Lodges at Boothby Pagnell
  • Stretton Lakes
  • Treetop Hideaways

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

  • Baytree Owl and Wildlife Centre
  • Cogglesford Watermill
  • Lincoln Bishops’ Palace
  • North Lincolnshire Museum
  • The Village Church Farm Museum

Taste of Lincolnshire and Rutland Award 

  • Milly’s Bistro
  • San Pietro

Arts, Heritage and Culture Award | Sponsored by West Lindsey District Council  

  • 20-21 Visual Arts Centre
  • The Beonna
  • Lincoln Free Walking Tour
  • The Ropewalk
  • Trinity Arts Centre

Event/Festival of the Year Award 

  • Festival of History
  • Festival of the Sea
  • Go Festival
  • Lincoln 1940s Weekend
  • River Light Festival

Homegrown in Lincolnshire and Rutland

  • The Lincoln Tea & Coffee Ltd
  • Mayfield Retreats and Vineyard
  • The Rutland Vineyard
Pride in Your Place Award | Sponsored by Boston Borough Council
  • Barton Upon Humber
  • Gainsborough
  • Grimsby
  • Horncastle
  • John Dawber Gardens, Lincoln

The Going Places Award

  • Emma Haigh, Jailhouse Frock
  • Kat Anderson, Sessions House
  • Leah Tuan Phan, University of Lincoln
  • Lucy Russon, Events and Culture Apprentice at City of Lincoln Council
  • Luke Doyle, Assistant General Manager at Healing Manor Hotel
The Outstanding Contribution Award | Sponsored by Lincolnshire Showground
  • Geoff Burton, The Polish Bomber Squadrons Centre – RAF Ingham Heritage Group
  • Jason Allen, The Fox, The Paddocks and Discover Rutland
  • Michele Simms, Lincoln Visitor Information Centre

Lincoln confirms it’ll host Steampunk Festival next year

Stuart Pearcey
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Lincoln confirms it’ll host Steampunk Festival next year

The Weekend at the Asylum Steampunk Festival will return to Lincoln over August bank holiday weekend next year.

The event attracts around 100,000 visitors to the city, but concerns had been raised that it may have to move to another location due to the lack of affordable accommodation in the city. Event organisers The Ministry of Steampunk have confirmed the event will continue in Lincoln after councils, the city’s universities, and Lincoln BIG offered their support. Ministry of Steampunk spokesman John Naylor said: “The 15th event will be the largest celebration of steampunk as a creative artform and community the world has ever seen attracting visitors from around the globe. It is only fitting that we can do this in the city. “Both Lincolnshire County Council and Lincoln City Council have been instrumental in securing the agreements needed to allow us to run ‘Weekend at the Asylum XV’ in the city and we are extremely grateful for their help and support. “The festival had been under threat due to the affordability of accommodation in the city. We are thankful for the kind support of  both University of Lincoln and Bishop Grosseteste University in building a solution allowing us to stay for 2025.” Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, executive councillor for culture at Lincolnshire County Council, added “I’m so pleased that Steampunk will be staying in Lincoln for 2025. Months of hard work by officers and members at Lincolnshire County Council, and John Naylor at the Ministry of Steampunk, has paid off so that the event can be held in the city next year. “Huge thanks go to the University of Lincoln for talking with us and offering their support to make sure there will be a range of accommodation options for the increasing visitor numbers this unique event attracts.”

Gainsborough gears up for Christmas Lights Festival

Stuart Pearcey
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Gainsborough gears up for Christmas Lights Festival
Gainsborough’s Christmas Lights Festival takes place on 15th and 16th November. It’s being organised by West Lindsey District Council with support from Gainsborough Town Council and sponsorship from businesses Gainsborough Building Services, Elm Cottage, Elite Signs and The Egg Stop, Heapham. The two-day event includes live music in Market Place over both days, and local schools, choirs and community groups taking centre stage. Music will also be provided by a DJ on Friday evening, and on Saturday with live bands, Bikraley and Back Chat Brass, bringing this dazzling event to a close. There will also be a vintage funfair, and the Giant Snow Globe, which proved so popular last year. Rides are 50p each (sold as £2 tokens). Tokens can be purchased on the day at the booth in the Market Place. 50% of funfair proceeds will go to The Brain Tumour Charity, this year’s chosen charity by West Lindsey District Council Chairman, Cllr Stephen Bunney. Street entertainers will be mingling among the crowds over both days, and there will be festive market stalls offering a variety of food, drink and gifts; and Santa’s Post Box will be there to ensure everyone gets the chance to get their letters to North Pole in plenty of time. Cllr Lesley Rollings, Deputy Leader of the Council and Chairman of Prosperous Communities at West Lindsey District Council, said: “Everything is in place now to ensure the event is another spectacular success and I like many other people am looking forward to the start of the festival in just two weeks’ time. I look forward to seeing you all down there.” Parking in Council-owned car parks is FREE from 6pm on Friday 15 November and all day Saturday 16 November

George Barnsdale celebrates 140 years of craftsmanship and community impact

Michael Fisher
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George Barnsdale celebrates 140 years of craftsmanship and community impact
George Barnsdale, a highly respected manufacturer of premium timber windows and doors, is proud to announce its 140th anniversary. Since its founding in 1884 by George Barnsdale, the family-run business has become a cornerstone of the Lincolnshire village of Donington, contributing to both the local community and the broader construction industry. To commemorate this landmark anniversary, George Barnsdale is set to publish a special commemorative newspaper that details its rich history, milestones, and the significant impact it has had on both the local community and the timber industry. A staff celebration will also take place, honouring the dedicated team whose hard work and craftsmanship have been vital to the company’s success. The story so far The journey began when a young George Barnsdale purchased a modest plot of land in Donington Market Place, establishing a small carpentry workshop that quickly garnered a reputation for quality craftsmanship. Over the decades, the company, which offers a nationwide project management and installation service, has evolved significantly, transitioning from steam-powered machinery to advanced robotic technology, all while staying true to its roots and commitment to high quality timber products. Impact on the local community George Barnsdale has played an instrumental role in sustaining the local economy of Donington. By providing valuable, highly skilled jobs, the company has supported hundreds of families over the years. The Barnsdale family’s involvement extends beyond employment; they actively contribute to local charities, educational initiatives, and community events, solidifying the company’s position as an integral part of village life. Innovative manufacturing practices The company’s state-of-the-art factory is a testament to its dedication to quality, sustainability, and innovation. With a commitment to environmentally responsible practices, George Barnsdale takes pride in its proactive sourcing of timber from certified sustainable forests, ensuring that every piece of wood is traceable and responsibly harvested. The company also employs a multitude of energy-saving measures, including using recycled fuel made from timber waste to power its generator. The factory is equipped with CNC-controlled machinery, humidity-controlled environments, and stringent glazing standards, ensuring that each product not only meets but exceeds industry expectations. However, it is the significant investment of time and expertise in design and software setup that truly sets George Barnsdale apart. This commitment has enabled the company to efficiently adapt its range of products for precise customisation, allowing for the creation of unique, high-performance windows and doors tailored to individual client needs. Furthermore, George Barnsdale’s rigorous testing processes—including weather performance, security evaluations, and paint durability—ensure that its products deliver long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance. A legacy of excellence Throughout its 140-year history, George Barnsdale has embraced its role as a custodian of heritage buildings, ensuring their preservation for future generations. The company has been involved in numerous pan-European industry research projects, collaborating with organisations like the Building Research Establishment and the British Woodworking Federation to enhance the longevity and performance of timber fenestration. Tom Wright, Managing Director of George Barnsdale, commented on the anniversary: “As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we reflect on our heritage and the strong ties we have with our community. Our legacy is not just about producing exceptional timber products; it’s about the people who make this company what it is. We are dedicated to maintaining our family values while continuously innovating to meet the needs of our customers. Our commitment to sustainability and excellence remains unwavering, and we look forward to another 140 years of success and community engagement.” As the company looks to the future, it remains committed to its mission of uplifting communities and providing exceptional products that enhance the beauty and functionality of homes and businesses. For more information about George Barnsdale and its 140th anniversary celebrations, please visit https://georgebarnsdale.co.uk.
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