New images have been issued for the Pier Gardens redevelopment in Cleethorpes, confirming progress on one of the town’s major regeneration schemes.

Technical design work has recently been completed, allowing the construction tender to close. The council is now moving through the formal contractor-appointment process.

Most elements of the project do not need planning permission. The exception is the set of central play structures, which require approval due to their height. The planning application has been validated and will appear on the council’s online portal under reference DM/0882/25/FUL.

The revamped gardens will include a defined arrival area at the Sea Road end with a compact skate facility designed with specialist and community input. The plans also outline a play zone with water features, an education area with a small amphitheatre for presentations, and a quiet section focused on existing memorials near the Remembrance Gate.

The scheme forms part of wider efforts to enhance Cleethorpes’ offer and attract increased visitor activity.

• We are establishing a new staff team to recruit, assess, support and retain FOCUS foster carers.
• We are developing our extensive training pathway and supporting all foster carers with their continued professional development.
• We are collaborating with wider children’s service teams and seeking greater levels of clinical and forensic support for children and foster carers.

• You are an existing foster carer who is interested in this scheme and have experience of supporting adolescents and teenagers with complex needs, providing long-term care and stability.
• Are a professional with experience of supporting and/or working with adolescents and teenagers and are interested in supporting a child full-time, in your own home.
• Have parenting or care experience of children who meet these criteria and are looking to support a child within your own home.

Lincolnshire is giving away 5,000 trees and planting packs to create around 16,000ft (5,000m) of new hedgerow as part of a county-wide push to increase tree cover, which currently sits well below the national average. The initiative, delivered by Lincolnshire County Council in partnership with the Woodland Trust, aims to support farmers, community groups, and local residents who have space to plant.

Now in its second year, the giveaway coincides with Tree Week, running from 22–30 November. A total of 100 tree packs and 100 hedgerow packs are available. Each tree pack contains 50 young trees, while each hedgerow pack includes plants enough for 160ft (50m) of new hedging. Species include oak and wild cherry for tree planting, and hazel and hawthorn for hedgerows.

The plants, all around 18 inches tall, are intended to encourage small-scale woodland creation across the county. The scheme supports Lincolnshire’s broader ambition to increase tree numbers, strengthen habitats, and help address climate impacts.

Anyone with suitable land—including individuals, farmers and community groups—can request a pack. Distribution is scheduled for 27 November at Bardney Dairies.

 Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Anselm Baumgart

Families in North East Lincolnshire with children born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022 can now apply for a Reception place for September 2026. The admissions window has opened and runs until 15 January 2026.

Details on how to apply have been shared with nurseries and early years providers across the area and are available on the North East Lincolnshire Council website. Most families are expected to apply online through the Parent Portal, where they can access guidance, submit their preferences securely, and receive their offer by email. Paper forms remain available for anyone unable to complete the digital application.

School places will be confirmed on National Primary Offers Day on 16 April 2026 for all on-time applications.

The council’s School Admissions Team continues to support families throughout the process and can be contacted by email or telephone for impartial advice.