New car park to be created on Sleaford’s derelict ambulance station site
A new car park is to be created on Sleaford’s derelict ambulance station site, offering additional free and low-cost parking.
North Kesteven District Council has bought the old ambulance station on Kesteven Street to create additional public parking close to the town centre.
Being easily accessed off Eastgate, one of the town’s main arterial routes, a significant advantage is that it can serve vehicles before they reach the one-way system, helping to address congestion, vehicle idling and car dominance in the centre.
Through an early decision to offer the first hour for free, and charge £1.50 for up to three hours and £3.50 for longer, it will support workers, shoppers and visitors to the Hub and nearby leisure centre, in particular.
Having now agreed to use the site for parking, the Council’s Executive Board was advised that plans and approaches will be developed to make the site available as soon as possible in order to respond to perceived parking need.
Across District Council-run car parks, a freeze on charges, without any increases since 2019, continues into the forthcoming year.
David Steels, Assistant Director of Environment & Public Protection who has overview of parking services, said that this new additional provision, coupled with the imminent replacement of parking machines and introduction in December of phone, text and app technologies to facilitate payment, were complementary measures enhancing parking provision, broadening customer choice and supporting the town’s economic renewal.
Image credit: North Kesteven District Council
Modernisations come to historic Boston Market
A series of modernisations and new initiatives are coming to the historic Boston Market to enhance the experience for traders and visitors.
To modernise and rejuvenate the market, Boston Borough Council are introducing brand-new Boston Market UK branded gazebos, replacing the old stalls. These vibrant gazebos, along with new branding and bunting, will give the market a fresh and inviting look, making it a more enjoyable place to shop and explore.
To support traders and engage with the community, the market will launch a weekly promotion scheme on its social media accounts. Each week, a different trader will be featured, providing them with exposure and helping to attract more customers to their stalls.
The rent for a pitch at the market is also becoming more affordable, with new incentives available for traders. This initiative aims to encourage more traders to join the market and create a diverse and vibrant trading environment.
Boston Market UK will host three Teenage Markets on 24 May, 2 August and 16 August 2025. These events will provide young traders with a platform to showcase their products, contributing to the market’s dynamic atmosphere.
Meanwhile, starting this month, a new Makers and Farmers Market will be held in the Market Place within the town centre. This market will take place on the last Saturday of every month until October 2025, from 9am to 2pm. It will feature a variety of local produce and handmade goods, offering visitors a unique shopping experience.
David Smith, Markets manager for Boston Borough Council, said: “Boston Market is now somewhere you can find a variety of quality goods whilst enjoying a friendly chat with our traders.
“Some of our traders have been on our market for over 20 years. Without them, and their continued support, Boston Market wouldn’t be the same, so I encourage the local community and visitors to come to Boston Market to shop local and be part of our new journey.
“Whilst remaining as one of Lincolnshire’s largest outdoor markets, we have also now reduced our market fees which I’m confident will result in more traders joining the market, meaning a better shopping experience for the customer.”
Image shows Boston, Lincolnshire – credit: Stock.adobe.com/Tony Lincoln student accommodation to be converted into HMO and flats
Portland Halls, a student accommodation block on Portland Street in Lincoln, will be converted into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) and flats following approval from the City of Lincoln Council.
C Student Services Ltd submitted the application to split the building into four units, including a seven-bedroom HMO on the ground floor, two four-bedroom flats on the first floor, and another four-bedroom flat on the second floor. The property, located near High Street, has housed students for over 20 years.
The council approved the plans with the condition that development must begin within three years. The application did not provide a reason for the change of use.
Since 2016, Lincoln has required special planning permission for HMO conversions to regulate unregistered and unlicensed properties.
The Petwood Hotel springs into action with new season of events
Woodhall Spa’s Petwood Hotel is springing into action with a new season of events.
On Sunday 20th April, the historic venue will host a delicious Easter twist on its Sunday lunch menu, with roast lamb and Creme Egg brownie for dessert, served from 12pm – 4pm.
Meanwhile, as spring takes centre stage, the Petwood’s gardens are coming to life with vibrant colour, and soon, its stunning rhododendrons will be in full bloom.
Wander through the grounds, take in the award-winning Long Walk, admire the fountains and enjoy a slice of cake or coffee.
The Petwood will also be hosting VE Day celebrations.
Join the hotel on Thursday 8th May, from 4pm – 7pm, in the gardens for an afternoon of entertainment from Miss Sarah-Jane and The 78DJ to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day! While no booking is required, please bring your own picnic blankets and chairs. Food and drink will be available for purchase from the Terrace Bar.
Image credit: The Petwood Hotel
New nursery and improved classrooms for New Waltham school
New Waltham Academy is set to expand thanks to a £2.3 million refurbishment scheme that will create new classrooms and see the construction of a new nursery.
The academy is relocating some classrooms and having new buildings added to provide the correct space for cohorts in the coming years.
The scheme, managed by North East Lincolnshire Council’s delivery partner EQUANS, will construct new accommodation on land purchased from the neighbouring church over a decade ago.
There will be a number of additions to the site, including:
- Relocation of reception classrooms into new build accommodation which will have access to bespoke outdoor play and integral toilets
- Relocation of two Key Stage 1 classrooms into new accommodation
- Creation of a new staffroom
- Creation of a specialist space to enable the academy to deliver a wide range of lessons such as nutrition, cooking, art and technology as well as small group intervention
- A new build nursery to replace the current mobile accommodation which will include bespoke outdoor play and integral toilets
- Reorganisation of circulation space to ensure pupils a more cohesive route around the site
- Dedicated SEN Group space
- Enhanced library space
Skegness hotel sold
The Queens Hotel in Skegness has been sold to Sodhi Managements Ltd.
The family-run hotel has been owned and operated by Ran and Yuan since 2020, who said: “We are happy to pass the hotel to Sodhi Managements Ltd.
“Skegness is England’s fourth most popular holiday destination, with over 1.4 million visitors each year, attracted to its sandy beach and seafront attractions including Nature land Seal Sanctuary, museum, aquarium and more.
“There’s also the town’s annual carnival, arts festival and other activities, attracting people from all over the country. We wish Sodhi Managements Ltd every success in the future.”
Matt Hill, Senior Business Agent at Christie & Co, who managed the sale process, said: “The Queens Hotel has been a very popular hotel opportunity, and demonstrates the strong demand we are currently seeing in the market for well-positioned and well-maintained businesses in tourist locations.”
The hotel was sold off an asking price of £450,000.
Food festival makes Market Rasen return
Market Rasen’s Food and Drink Festival makes its return on Saturday 29th March, offering a feast of local flavours.
Set in the heart of the town’s Market Place from 10am to 4pm, the festival provides a day filled with gourmet delights, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun.
Organised in partnership with the Advocate Arms, Heneage Arms, and Market Rasen Town Council, this year’s event builds on the success of last year’s festivals, bringing together food and drink vendors.
Matt Horsefield, head chef and owner of the Advocate Arms and Heneage Arms, said: “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another fantastic day of food, drink, and community spirit. Last year’s turnout was amazing and we’re hoping this year will be even better – so come along, bring your friends and let’s make it a day to remember.”
Visitors can also sample local gin or a Lincolnshire pint, and live music from Pelham Road will keep the atmosphere abuzz.
Nicola Marshall, West Lindsey Towns Manager, said: “This festival is a brilliant opportunity to showcase the best of our local producers while bringing the community together and attracting visitors to discover Market Rasen’s high street shops and businesses.
“With great food and live entertainment, it’s the perfect way to spend time with family and friends.”
Image credit: West Lindsey District Council
Lincolnshire artists to showcase creative talents at contemporary craft exhibition
A new exhibition called Made in the Middle will arrive at Hub, Sleaford on April 5, showcasing the work of thirty-seven regional artists – two of whom are from Lincolnshire. There will be every style of craft with subject matter as diverse as model robots made from junk to Asian Pop-Art dragons.
The artists represent the region’s vibrant and diverse creative community and include both emerging talents and established names.
31 artists, ranging from 22 to 82 years old, were selected by a panel of curators and craft sector specialists.
A further six artists have been invited by Guest Curator, Jazz Swali, with Curatorial Support from Marta Marsicka to emphasise the enriching cultural impact of global migration to the region. Their work highlights powerful stories about the world we live in.
Featured artists from Lincolnshire include Robert Maurice King and Oxana Geets.
Deirdre Figueiredo, Director at Craftspace, said: “In 2025, the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, the exhibition shows how artists are playing their role in evolving the cultural voice and identity of the Midlands. The curation of the exhibition gives artists an unusual opportunity to experiment, speculate and make work freely without commercial constraints and audiences will be amazed and inspired.
“The exhibition is the ninth in the Made in the Middle series and will tour galleries across the Midlands into 2026 raising the profile of regional artists and providing an opportunity to sell. For the public and collectors, it’s a chance to commission a unique artwork or buy existing pieces to suit all budgets.”
Picture shows Oxana Geets. Image credit – Aleksei Geets
Community facilities get £100k funding boost at Hemswell Cliff
Almost £100,000 in funding has been approved by West Lindsey District Council for a series of community projects at Hemswell Cliff.
Councillors approved the funding at the Prosperous Communities Committee for projects aimed at enhancing sport, leisure, path works, and accessibility in the village.
The £95,042 in funding was earmarked from the council’s Hemswell Cliff Investment for Growth capital budget.
Chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee, Cllr Lesley Rollings, said this latest award was part of ongoing funding set aside for the village.
“This is a significant amount of money and is part of our ongoing commitment to improving the lives of residents in Hemswell Cliff and across communities throughout West Lindsey. It has been wonderful to see so many young people getting involved in various aspects of the community project, making signs and planting an orchard.
“In the past Hemswell Cliff has experienced higher than average levels of anti-social behaviour and other crimes. However, in recent years, partnership work between ourselves, volunteer groups, the parish council, and the primary school, has shown what a difference can be made when everyone works together.
“Improving provision available, particularly for young people, will play an important role in helping create a safe environment with lower instances and risk of crime.”
The funding will support the delivery of works by Hemswell Cliff Parish Council, which aims to improve the accessibility of The Green in the heart of the village and improve sport provision in a bid to reduce the need for residents to travel to access such facilities elsewhere.
Parish Council Chairman, Graham Prestwood, said: “We would like to thank West Lindsey District Council for their continued support of Hemswell Cliff. This work will result in improved access to green spaces, and places for people to meet, socialise and play.”
Image credit: West Lindsey District Council
Time running out for Lincolnshire artists to showcase work at The Usher
Time is running out for Lincolnshire artists to showcase their work to thousands of people in the city’s Usher Gallery this summer.
The deadline for submissions to The Usher Gallery Trust’s open exhibition, called ‘Art of the Now’ is Monday 7 April 2025.
The judging panel will consider all work from Lincolnshire-based artists that has been completed in the last three years. Paintings, video, photography, textiles, drawing, collage, mixed media, works on paper and sculpture will all be accepted.
Age and experience are no barrier to entry as the open exhibition looks to celebrate the wide variety of Lincolnshire’s art scene.
Laura Garner, exhibitions and interpretations assistant at The Usher Gallery, said: “We’re incredibly excited to open up The Usher to showcase some of the best work from Lincolnshire’s amazing local artists.
“We’ve already received lots of wonderfully creative entries but still have room for a few more so don’t miss the fantastic opportunity to display your art in The Usher. On top of that, there’ll also be five cash prizes up for grabs too!
“We’re always blown away by how talented the county’s artists are, and we can’t wait to display all your fantastic submissions in all their glory.”
Submissions are open until 7 April, and it is free to enter work.
Image credit: Lincolnshire County Council 