British Steel gets planning permission for Scunthorpe’s electric arc furnace
British Steel has been given planning permission to build an Electric Arc Furnace at its Scunthorpe HQ as part of its proposed £1.25-billion transformation – its biggest in more than a century of steelmaking – which is subject to appropriate support from the UK Government.
British Steel President and CEO Xijun Cao said: “We’re extremely pleased to have received planning permissions to build Electric Arc Furnaces at our Scunthorpe and Teesside sites. It is a significant step forward in our journey to net zero and we thank everyone who has supported our plans.
“The proposed installation of EAFs in Scunthorpe and Teesside is central to our journey to a green future as they would help us reduce emissions of CO2 by more than 75 per cent. However, it is crucial we now secure the backing of the UK Government.
“Our owner, Jingye, is committed to the unprecedented investment decarbonisation requires and our desire to dramatically reduce our carbon footprint, coupled with challenging market conditions, means it is imperative swift and decisive action is taken to ensure a sustainable future for British Steel.
“We are committed to working with the UK Government and need to reach an agreement quickly so we can achieve our ambitious goals, secure thousands of jobs and keep making the steel Britain needs for generations to come.”
Significant preparation works, including environmental and technical studies, and equipment selection, are underway to ensure the company’s ambitious proposals can be delivered at the earliest opportunity while discussions with the UK Government continue.
Both proposed EAFs would replace the aging iron and steelmaking operations at British Steel’s Scunthorpe site which are responsible for the vast majority of its CO2 emissions. The company proposes maintaining current operations until a transition to electric arc steelmaking.
British Steel has started preliminary talks with trade unions about electrification, and has promised to support employees affected by its decarbonisation plans.
Xijun said: “We are confident our proposals will help secure the low-embedded carbon steelmaking the UK requires now and for decades to come.”
Ayscoughfee Hall Museum & Gardens receive grant funding to plant new wildflower garden display
Ayscoughfee Hall Museum and Gardens have received nearly £1,000 in grant funding from East Midlands-based charity – Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) to help plant a new wildflower garden display, enhancing the already beautiful Gardens further for both residents and visitors.
The funding will come from PECT’s 30for30 Grant Fund, a celebration of the organisation’s 30th Anniversary, delivering support to community-led projects in and around Peterborough. The fund aims to support initiatives which enhance environmental sustainability and community engagement.
Taking place in an under-utilised part of the Gardens, the remedial work to create the wildflower display will take place in the Wilderness Garden. The finished display will provide an essential habitat for local wildlife such as bees and butterflies, aiming to increase pollination rates.
Alongside the environmental benefits, the finished display will also promote public health by drawing more residents and visitors to the Gardens, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.
Councillor Tracey Carter, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities and Operational Housing, said: “I’m very pleased to see that our team at Ayscoughfee have been successful in their application for grant funding, the new wildflower display will only enhance the Gardens further, ensuring they stay a vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike.
“Initiatives such as these are essential in maintaining and improving our public spaces and I’m sure this project will have long-lasting benefits… I can’t wait to see the finished result!”
Kirton in Lindsey receives £25,000 for new play equipment, CCTV, and community coordinator
Kirton in Lindsey Town Council has received funding from the first round of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to support three different projects totalling more than £25,000.
The first project was for £10,103 to buy and install play equipment as part of the redevelopment of the local play area on the Green at Kirton in Lindsey.
To improve safety, £2,500 funding was used to install CCTV on Kirton in Lindsey Library focusing on the Green and play area as there has been anti-social and criminal behaviour previously. The camera links in with North Lincolnshire Council’s Security Control Centre.
The town council has appointed a community coordinator using £13,040 funding (funded for 12 months). The role has been created to focus on linking businesses with organisations and groups, developing cultural and heritage events, sporting opportunities, and identifying gaps that need volunteers or other support.
Neil Taylor-Matson, Town Clerk, Kirton in Lindsey Town Council, said: “Kirton in Lindsey Town Council is pleased with the successful funding bids made to the UKSPF for the benefit of the town.
“Concern has grown about anti-social and criminal behaviour within the town, having CCTV linking back to the Security Control Centre acts as both a deterrent and a means to collect evidence and help the police with investigations.
“Funding has also enabled the Town Council to replace an existing piece of popular equipment at the town play area.
“The Community Co-ordinator role was developed through the Connecting Kirton Project work in 2021-22 which identified the need for a coordinated approach to providing information about activities, organisations and amenities within the town and to develop options for community transport opportunities and volunteer schemes to better support the residents of Kirton in Lindsey.”
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This funding from the Government is making a real difference to organisations and businesses in North Lincolnshire. It is great to visit and see how the money is being used and put to beneficial use.
“Kirton Town Council has made some positive changes for the community. The outdoor play area is a fantastic place for families to go and what is more, the safety has been improved in the area due to the new CCTV.
“The community coordinator has been appointed and will be able to go out and about working with different groups to put on events and create opportunities.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG Crowds celebrate official opening of historic footbridge
After 9 months of work, refurbishment and regeneration, Saxilby Footbridge, which crosses the Fossdyke, has had an official opening to the public.
The steel footbridge, which was gifted to the village by British Rail in 1986, has been restored by West Lindsey District Council to ensure a long life and minimise the length of time between maintenance for up to 25 years.
Residents and visitors gathered together smiling, talking and reminiscing the history of the bridge.
The bridge went from green to heritage black; a request of Saxilby Parish Council to coincide with the wider plans they have for the area.
The refurbishment works to Saxilby Footbridge included: shot blasting, rust treatment, steel repairs, bolt replacement, re-painting with a railway grade paint system.
Sally Grindrod-Smith, Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities at West Lindsey District Council, said: “Seeing everyone come together was a pleasure and a privilege to witness. This has been a significant project for the local community and now all the refurbishment works have been completed, the waterfront looks marvellous.
“We know many people have used the bridge already, but the regeneration of Saxilby Bridge means that people can continue using it for many more years to come. I’m excited to see the area develop and what the Parish Council has planned for the future.”
Chair of Saxilby with Ingleby Parish Council, Cllr Elizabeth Hillman, said: “It’s great to have the footbridge back and looking in such good condition following its refurbishment. The parish council lobbied for this refurbishment for six years as part of the regeneration of Saxilby Waterfront.
“It’s wonderful to see that work coming to fruition. Thank you to West Lindsey District Council for all their work on this project, their project team have been a pleasure to work with.”
Heather Degand is a landscape architect from Welch Designs who helped create the masterplan for the area from community consultation. She said: “Welch Design were absolutely thrilled to produce the masterplan for the regeneration project. It’s fantastic to see the unique landscape of the Conservation Area renewed and benefitting the wonderful, enthusiastic community of Saxilby.”
Image courtesy of West Lindsey District Council
Scouts learn circus skills in Cleethorpes
Due to the increased interest in Scouts (boys and girls aged 10 to 14), a new section has launched at 4th Cleethorpes Scouts. Through the support of people within the local community who wanted to share their skills and love of adventure more young people in the area can access the fun and develop skills for life.
Since opening, the Scouts have been learning circus skills and finished off with a celebration of this by visiting a real circus.
The Scouts are always busy learning new things like morse code through activities across the Humber, heading out on an ice-skating trip, kayaking and a visit to Ghetto Skate Park with lots more in the (half) pipeline.
Kelsey, a Scout from the group, said: “I like making new friends and doing new activities. I’m not even joking, you should join 4th Clee Scouts!”
In a recent poll 94% of Scouts said they had developed useful skills. Scouts offers over 200 activities from abseiling and coding to drama and water-zorbing.
Chief Scout, Bear Grylls said: “I’m so excited to see the positive impact 4th Cleethorpes Scouts will be making in the community. But this has only happened because of the hard work and dedication of an amazing team.
“Scouts relies on the kindness and commitment of our adult volunteers. They give as much or as little time as they can spare, and they get out more than they put in – new skills, new friends and the reward of seeing young people grow into fantastic members of their community.”
The doors are open – the group would love to welcome more people to join. For further information about 4th Cleethorpes Scouts or to try it for yourself, please contact Michelle on dc@gycscouts.org.uk
4th Cleethorpes Scouts meet at Albert Road, Cleethorpes, DN35 8LX on Thursdays 19:00-20:30.
Ruby Lewin voted the winner of Spotlight! The Big North Lincolnshire Talent Show
Spotlight! The Big North Lincolnshire Talent Show took place at The Baths Hall on Saturday 20 April 2024 to a packed audience of over 500 people.
The event was opened by The Baths Hall Vocal Collective, one of Scunthorpe Theatres’ resident community singing groups, and from there, all 12 finalists took their own memorable moment in the spotlight.
Compere Darren Johnson (aka local panto star Annie Fanny) entertained the crowd with his usual wit and comedic timing and guest act, local singer Henry, gave a captivating performance which led into the show’s grand finale and announcement of the winner.
The Mayor of North Lincolnshire, Cllr Janet Longcake, led the panel of judges, who had the very difficult task of deciding the final top three acts of the evening. The standard of the 12 finalists was so high, that it was difficult to guess who would eventually be crowned the winner.
The judges’ decision saw Flyn Watson (freestyle dancer), Street Beat Elite (street dance group) and Ruby Lewin (classical singer) named as the final top three, and with a nail biting, clock ticking countdown, Darren Johnson gave a final dramatic pause before announcing that the audience had voted Ruby Lewin as the overall winner.
Ruby’s rendition of ‘Time To Say Goodbye’ had the audience enthralled and her clear and effortless voice saw her crowned the champion of Spotlight! The Big North Lincolnshire Talent Show.
Mayor of North Lincolnshire Cllr Janet Longcake says: “I was absolutely blown away with the array of talent we have right here in North Lincolnshire, and it was an honour to be part of such a special and entertaining evening.
“It was extremely difficult to separate the 12 finalists, but Ruby’s performance at the end of the show was just breathtakingly flawless and secured her the number one spot at the top. She is a very deserving winner and all the finalists delivered a show of such quality and professionalism, that ensured the talent show was a great evening for all who came.”
Sponsors of the event Jason Threadgold Funeral Directors attended The Baths Hall last week to present the deserving winner, Ruby Lewin, with a cheque for £1,000.
Jason Threadgold said: “We are all about the community, especially locally and if we can help give somebody a leg up in doing what they really want to do, we will.”
Nichola Threadgold added: “Ruby thoroughly deserves the prize; she has done extremely well and we wish her all the best in the future.”
Ruby is making plans to study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester later this year, where she will make good use of the prize money.
Speaking at the presentation evening Ruby said: “It was just incredible, and I couldn’t believe it when they said my name! It’s been an amazing experience and opportunity. Everybody was so lovely and supportive on the day, and I would advise anybody thinking about applying in the future to just go for it!”
Image shows: Jason Threadgold, Ruby Lewin, Nichola Threadgold
‘Pint of Science’ event returns to Lincoln for fourth year
A group of 18 researchers from the University of Lincoln will share their scientific discoveries in venues across Lincoln, with the return of the global science festival, Pint of Science.
The three-day annual celebration of science will take place between 13 and 15 May, and scientists from the University will discuss a range of thought-provoking topics from ghost stories to Lincoln’s famous swan population, and the science behind gambling.
Kay Ritchie, Associate Professor in Cognitive Psychology at the University of Lincoln and Lincoln Pint of Science lead, said: “We’re really excited to bring Pint of Science back to Lincoln for our fourth year in our local venues. We’re looking forward to showcasing some University of Lincoln research in a fun and interactive way. With nine events across three nights, there’s something for everyone.”
University of Lincoln Professor Anna Wilkinson will give a unique insight into gambling addition at one of Monday night’s events, “Mind Control”. She said: “As addiction develops, the brain changes in response to ‘highs’ and develops ‘cravings’. Research has shown that people who experience gambling addiction share similar alterations in the brain as people with drug addiction.
“When hooked, a physical withdrawal occurs when individuals attempt to stop gambling. My talk will look at what happens in the brain when someone gambles and explore what it is about gambling games that make them so attractive.”
Popular community grant schemes relaunched in Boston
Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC) have relaunched their popular community grant schemes and begun accepting applications for 2024/2025 from local groups, organisations and charities who require support with projects that will improve Boston town centre.
The BTAC Small Grant Scheme, originally introduced in 2005, and the Empowering Healthy Communities Grant Scheme, introduced in 2021, were both effective in supporting key initiatives across the town centre in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping recovery efforts and building future resilience.
Combined there is nearly £27,000 of funding available, and local groups, organisations and charities can apply for up £1,000 from each scheme towards a large project or to fund it entirely. Previous successful application funding has been used for venue hire, to purchase equipment, cover insurance costs or produce publicity materials.
Organisations which received funding from schemes previously include: Boston Centenary Methodist Church, Butterfly Hospice Trust – Therapy Service, Boston & South Holland Talking Newspaper, and Boxes of Hope CIC.
Councillor Barrie Pierpoint, Chair of Boston Town Area Committee, said: “We’re really pleased that as a Committee we’re able to relaunch these two schemes for the new financial year, they’ve proved very popular previously and serve a great purpose to support local initiatives which improve our historic town centre.
“I would encourage all local groups, organisations and charities who may be interested in receiving grant funding for an upcoming project, to please check the Boston Borough Council website and see if you might be eligible.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Chris Loneragan
Contract awarded to develop next major investment on North Lincolnshire’s road network
A contract has been awarded to develop the next major investment on North Lincolnshire’s road network – a new southern junction on the M181.
Following a multi-million-pound tender process, the appointment will mean a bypass for Burringham now moves a step closer, unlocking land for new homes, reducing congestion at Berkeley Circle and cutting commuting times to and from Scunthorpe.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We have to thank our local MPs Andrew Percy and Holly Mumby-Croft for supporting us to receive this money from the Government through the levelling up agenda.
“Over the last few months we have met with ministers and officials to enable the council to start this vital piece of infrastructure that will improve connectivity for residents, whilst also serving as the bypass for Burringham.
“This is the second major investment in the motorway in recent years and its impact will be felt by drivers using Berkeley Circle, commuters coming from Bottesford, Ashby and Messingham and the people living in Burringham.”
Cllr Josh Walshe, ward council for the Burringham and Gunness ward, added: “I know that many Burringham area residents will be pleased to see the benefits that this new roundabout will bring. This project will deliver the Burringham bypass and improve connectivity for residents across the area.”
It comes after a new junction was completed further north along the same route.
Work is expected to be completed on the new southern junction by Spring 2025. North Lincolnshire Council is leading the project with cash from the Government through National Highways.
Image: Stock.adobe.com/Ondra Mystery Roman find to go on public view in Lincolnshire for the first time
An ultra-rare Roman artefact found at Norton Disney is to go on display next month.
Discovered last summer by members of the North Disney History and Archaeology Group, it’s this hollow dodecahedron, made of copper alloy and brought to light after being buried for 1,700 years.
At 8cms tall it’s one of the largest of only 33 such artefacts found in the UK, made even rarer because it’s undamaged.
But what was its purpose? No-one knows. There are no references to them in Roman texts, but it is believed they were not practical items, but associated with Roman rituals and religious practice.
Richard Parker, Secretary of the North Disney History and Archaeology Group, said: “Despite all the research that has gone into our dodecahedron, and others like it, we are no closer to finding out exactly what it is and what it might have been used for. The mystery that surrounds it has provoked quite a reaction. Our find received worldwide press attention earlier this year and many people have left us messages with varied and somewhat contradictory suggestions about its purpose.
“The dodecahedron is an extremely tactile object and, having been privileged to have handled it after its 1,700 year burial, the imagination races when thinking about what the Romans may have used it for. Magic, rituals, or religion? Perhaps we may never know.
“What we do know is the Norton Disney dodecahedron was found on the top of a hill in a former large pit of some kind. It seems it was deliberately placed there. Why would someone bury an object like this? Did it have religious or ritualistic significance? What else might we find nearby?
The Norton Disney dodecahedron will exhibited in its home county for the first time when it goes on display at Lincoln Museum from Saturday 4 May until early September 2024.
