Food safety failings cost deli £32,000
The owner of a delicatessen and bistro has been ordered to pay more than £32,000 for failing to comply with food hygiene regulations.
Twenty food safety and hygiene-related charges were issued after Environmental Health inspectors from South Kesteven District Council visited Oblio’s Deli & Bistro in Westgate, Grantham.
Steven Thorsen, 72, admitted all charges at Boston Magistrates’ Court.
During the hearing, magistrates saw photo evidence of the inadequate conditions and were told about unsafe food practices.
Across separate inspections in 2022 and 2023, inspectors found whipped and single cream, pastry, cheese and raw meat that were past the use-by date, contravening the Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations 2013.
Fridges in the premises were running at unsafe temperatures above 8°C to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and toxins. Expired cheese stored in the fridges had also grown mould.
The prosecution highlighted a continued build-up of grease on walls and surfaces due to unsuitable and insufficient ventilation, inadequate provision of hand-washing facilities and the poor condition of floor surfaces.
The court heard how the business was served two improvement notices in October 2022 but failed to resolve them in the time given.
Sally Burke, prosecuting on behalf of SKDC, explained the responsibilities of food business operators and how cleaning and ventilation, regular date code checks and temperature control checks fall within this.
She explained that despite guidance and support provided by the Council’s environmental health team, the defendant was unable to improve the conditions of the premises and practice safe food handling and storage.
The court heard how Mr Thorsen had re-packaged cheese using vacuum packaging, without indicating the contents or the date in which the cheese would no longer be safe to use.
The court also heard how the defendant had struggled with his health and had been let down by tradespeople he had contracted to carry out the improvement work, which has now been completed.
Mr Thorsen was ordered to pay a fine, costs and surcharges totalling £32,312.72. He was fined £25,000 and must also pay the Council’s costs of £5,312.72 with a victim surcharge of £2,000.
Cllr Rhea Rayside, SKDC Cabinet Member for People and Communities, said: “I hope this will send a strong message to all that the safety of our residents and visitors is a key priority.
“I would like to highlight the work of the team for their diligence in achieving this successful prosecution, having provided a significant amount of support to the business for a number of years.
“It is important that the Council takes court action in cases such as this, where the support offered by inspectors hasn’t been taken on board to ensure that food law is followed and that consumers are kept safe.”
Image courtesy of South Kesteven District Council
Dog charity re-launches its 60-mile in May challenge
Jerry Green Dog Rescue is urging supporters too take up its 60 Miles in May fundraiser challenge by completing 60 miles during the month by running, walking, skipping, swimming, cycling, or perhaps something more inventive.
Already ahead of the game, Snap Fitness in Gainsborough have five staff members signed up to take on the challenge and they are on a mission to sign up as many of their gym members as possible too!
The team at Snap Fitness are self-confessed dog lovers and have chosen Jerry Green Dog Rescue as one of two charities to support across 2023. Completing 60 Miles in May is just one way they plan on fundraising for us.
Club Manager Laura Markham said: “At Snap Fitness we’re here to encourage people to enjoy their training and make being active part of their lives in a fun and enjoyable way.
‘We are taking on the challenge individually in a variety of different ways from walking, running, cycling, walking our own dogs and some may say insanely, via the stair master.
‘We’ve broken it down into daily, bite size chunks to box off throughout the month to make it as achievable as possible and so people can integrate the challenge into their daily lives.
‘We ideally want to raise as much money as possible for Jerry Green Dog Rescue to help to care for and find homes for all the dogs in their care!”
Alex Drewett, Fundraising Manager at the charity, said: “Jerry Green Dog Rescue cares for hundreds of dogs in need every year, with the demand on our services increasing exponentially due to the pandemic, and now the cost of living crisis, and we are seeing more dogs, in more desperate need than we have for many years.
“We receive no government or lottery funding and so rely entirely on the generosity of our wonderful supporters to continue our vital work. 60 Miles in May offers a simple, accessible and fun opportunity for our communities to come together, get some sunshine, raise some precious pennies and earn some great prizes.”
Jerry Green Dog Rescue operates dog rescue and community support services in Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire & Yorkshire, and last year cared for almost 400 dogs, and supported hundreds more in our local communities, all thanks to the generosity of supporters like you!
Secretary of State for Transport visits Lincoln Eastern Bypass
The Rt Hon Mark Harper MP visited the Lincoln Eastern Bypass on Monday 26 February.
Cllr Martin Hill, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “It was a pleasure welcoming the Secretary of State for Transport to us so he could see the Lincoln Eastern Bypass first-hand – a project made possible thanks to £50 million of Central Government funding.
“Since opening in December 2020, we’ve seen an average of 16,000 vehicles and 70 cycle trips on the bypass every day. The road has also unlocked land for 5,400 new houses, in addition to ten hectares of employment land.
“We’ve also seen a significant 37% reduction in the number vehicles using Broadgate and traveling over Pelham Bridge and a big drop in HGV traffic within the city, which has helped improve both air and noise quality for both residents and visitors.
“The Lincoln Eastern Bypass has proven to be a great success since opening and we’re very excited to now be working towards the final piece of Lincoln’s ring road – the North Hykeham Relief Road.”
Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “When complete, the North Hykeham Relief Road will unlock even more benefits for the area. These include reducing congestion in and around North Hykeham, Lincoln and the surrounding villages while unlocking seven hectares of employment land and space for 4,500 new houses.
“Without the combined £160 million we’ll have received from Central Government for the Lincoln Eastern Bypass and North Hykeham Relief Road, neither would have been possible. With that said, we’d like to thank the Department for Transport for recognising the significant short and long term benefits of both projects.”
The Secretary of State for Transport visited the Lincoln Eastern Bypass as part of yesterday’s announcement about Lincolnshire County Council receiving £262 million in transport funding through reallocated money from the cancelled HS2 project. The funding will be distributed over seven years, meaning Lincolnshire will receive around £37 million each year from 2025.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “It was fantastic to visit Lincoln to witness first-hand the benefits of the Lincoln Eastern Bypass – a project we have already delivered, which is making a huge difference to people’s journeys.
“We have also announced a game-changing increase in local transport funding of more than £262 million for Lincolnshire – part of £4.7 billion extra for the North and Midlands. This is all made possible by reallocated HS2 funding and will drive local transport improvements that will benefit residents and grow the economy.”
Image courtesy of Lincolnshire County Council Business appointed to lead the design for Pier Gardens regeneration
Pier Gardens is a 14,000 square metre garden area in the heart of Cleethorpes, and is the subject of one of the three Levelling Up Funded projects in the town, alongside Market Place and Sea Road.
In the Masterplan, developed with local people and approved by the Council in 2022, local residents and businesses wanted to see the gardens changed and refreshed, to include new activities for children to do, a space for quiet contemplation, but also as a better space for hosting markets and other entertainment. This concept was included in the Masterplan, and subsequently received Government funding to progress.
Last year, the Council tendered for landscape designers to take the concept plans to the next stage, and the contract has been awarded to WSP, who have, as part of their team, Hemingway Design, who worked on the Masterplan.
Anson Forrester, from WSP, said: “We can’t wait to get going on this project. It’s a fabulous resort and can only be enhanced by the work in the gardens. We’ll be looking for input from local people in to take the works from concept to final design – please do take part, ultimately, these are your public gardens, and like the council, we want to see these used. The design of the gardens will be key to that – creating spaces that people want to spend time in.”
Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader of the council, said: “Cleethorpes has a wealth of assets that can enable it to be at the forefront of regeneration. Opened in 1885, Pier Gardens’ location is at the heart of the resort and the scope for re-development is vast. The area for regeneration presents a unique opportunity to create a space that will become an attraction for residents and visitors alike. The linear park raised above Central Promenade is a hidden and an underutilised gem of a public green space that could offer so much more.”
WSP has recently completed projects in Swansea, Lowestoft and Blackburn, and has a track record of working with coastal communities delivering projects that change how people feel about spaces in their towns.
The next stage of the Pier Gardens work will involve drop in sessions where people can find out more and give their detailed views about the space – how it could work, what could be included, how the space needs to change and adapt for our future climate and mobility.
The first drop in session is a joint one with the Market Place project on 29 February at Cleethorpes Town Hall between 12noon and 7pm.
Sessions will also be held with community groups and local stakeholders, as well as being able to feedback your thoughts online.
The final design for the gardens will be based on feedback, as well as budgetary considerations, and is planned to be developed over the first half of this year, with construction starting in the autumn / winter of 2024.
District Council installs 7 new defibrillators in Spalding
South Holland District Council has completed work to refresh and improve the availability of defibrillator equipment from council owned buildings in Spalding, installing seven new life-saving kits across the town.
The work, carried out by the Council’s assets team, means that there are now nine council maintained defibrillators in the District, alongside dozens of others managed by other organisations and businesses.
Through the new installations the Council hopes to provide quicker and reliable emergency response resources to residents and visitors should they ever need them, and is made possible through a Government scheme offering councils subsidised purchase of the vital equipment.
Whilst carrying out installation the Council has also funded upgrades to equipment and cabinets to ensure the longevity of the facilities, which will be checked monthly to ensure batteries, pads and other equipment is within date and operational.
The Council’s defibrillators can be found at the following locations:
Accessible 24/7:
• Public toilets, Winfrey Avenue.
• Broadgate House, Westlode Street.
• The Lighthouse, Haverfield Road, The Lighthouse.
Accessible during opening hours:
• South Holland District Council offices, Priory Road.
• South Holland Centre, Market Place.
• Ayscoughfee Gardens.
• Council Depot, West Marsh Road.
• Council Depot, Bervor Close.
• Spalding Cemetery, Pinchbeck Road.
Exact locations of all defibrillators, as well as your nearest available one, can be found at www.defibfinder.uk. All council defibrillators are registered with The Circuit, the British Heart Foundation’s national network for ambulance services across the UK.
If ever needed, they can be accessed by calling 999 who will share the best available location and the key code to access them safely.
Councillor Henry Bingham, portfolio holder for assets and strategic planning, said: “I’m very pleased that we have been able to increase the availability of defibrillators in the District, by making sure we are doing all we can to make life-saving equipment available should the worst happen.”
You are now engaged and have set the date…time to get planning!
Every bride dreams of their special Wedding Day, but to make that dream come true takes a lot of planning and organisation.
Whether you have just started your Wedding planning or only have a few things left to organise, you will find everything you need at the Cupid’s Spring Wedding Show taking place at Springfield’s Exhibition Centre on Sunday 3rd March.
With over 50 stands, fashion shows, and gifts for the first 250 brides, this event remains the biggest Wedding Show in the region.
Experts in the Wedding Industry, from local independent specialists to larger high street retailers, will display their products and services, giving you an idea of their work and price ranges which will assist you in establishing a budget for your special day.
You will be inspired by the ideas and options available and most importantly you can talk directly to the experts to discuss your own unique and personal requirements.
The exhibitors are the best at what they do, meaning they have tons of ideas and want to work with you – cake specialists can find a cake recipe to meet any special diet requirements, venue dressers will be able to turn any venue into a magical wonderland for your wedding day. Struggling to find that perfect ring? Jewellers will be able to design this for you, bridal gown experts will help you find THE perfect dress, and photographers will help you capture the most important day of life to treasure forever.
Top tips to get the most out of your day:
- Download your FREE tickets at www.cupidsweddingshows.com
- If you already have your bridesmaid dresses or colour theme finalised, take swatches of material to match and book other aspects of your Wedding such as venue décor
- You could set up a temporary Wedding email address where all of your Wedding related emails from suppliers can be sent to
- Talk to as many suppliers as you can – many will have gifts for every couple and offer special show discounts
- Try to watch the fashion shows. Here you will see new trends, colours and designs not just for the bride but for the whole bridal party…and most of all, enjoy your day!
Further £2.5m promises to create more skilled workers for vital sectors
A further £2.5m from the second phase of the Higher Technical Education Skills Injection fund promises to help the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology support learners across Lincolnshire to achieve highly-valued qualifications within priority sectors, such as engineering, construction, manufacturing, health, science, agriculture and environmental technologies.
Partners that are set to benefit from the funding include Boston College, Grantham College & University Centre, Lincoln College, Riseholme College, University Campus North Lincolnshire, and University Centre Grimsby.
£1.5m of capital investment will go towards state-of-the-art equipment, which will ensure that students and employers have access to the latest technologies.
The remaining £1m of resource funding will be invested in ensuring that LIoT partners can meet future employer and student expectations, including upskilling delivery staff in upcoming industry techniques.
Mick Lochran, Director at Lincolnshire Institute of Technology, said: ”This additional funding couldn’t be more valuable to us. If Greater Lincolnshire is to tackle the county’s long-term productivity gap and train the highly skilled professionals modern industry needs, education providers must be able to invest in the latest technologies.
“That being said, our work can only continue to succeed if more employers are investing in their workforce to build the higher level skills of the future. We’d urge all firms within these industries to upskill and develop their employees.
“I’m very excited to see what the next few years hold for all of the partners of Lincolnshire Institute of Technology – it’s fantastic to be a driving force in upskilling our area.”
Image: Mick Lochran, Director at Lincolnshire Institute of Technology
Construction gets underway to create new multi-million pound Emergency Department in Boston
Work has begun on constructing the new multi-million pound Emergency Department at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston.
The demolition of the building next to the existing Emergency Department has been completed, foundations have been poured and the concrete infrastructure is being installed for the two-storey new build extension.
Once the concrete floors, stairwells, lift shafts and other structural elements are in place, the exterior brickwork, walls and windows will be installed. Work will then begin on the interior and once completed the current Emergency Department will then relocate into this area early next year.
This will then enable practically everything to be demolished, replaced and transformed in the current department, before the two areas merge in 2026.
Once completed, the finished transformation will see the new department more than treble in size and include state-of-the-art innovations and infection prevention control measures. It will also have more cubicles to treat patients and a larger resuscitation zone for the sickest patients.
It will also include a separate area dedicated to providing emergency care for the hospital’s youngest patients and their families.
There will also be a dedicated calm space away from the busier areas of the main department where trained staff will be able to provide mental health support to patients.
To support the Emergency Department the new build will also have a new X-ray and CT scanner to perform the necessary diagnostics to help assess patients. There will also be more training spaces available to help staff develop.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust Chief Executive, Andrew Morgan, said: “This is a really exciting stage of the transformation as we are seeing the construction work developing out of the ground. There is still a lot of work to be done, but it is great for everyone to see the progress that is being made.
“I would also like to thank all of our patients, visitors and staff for their understanding and support. This is just the start of our transformation journey and we could not do it without your ongoing co-operation.
“By working together, we are going to give our patients and staff the first-class Emergency Department that they need and deserve for the future.”
Image courtesy of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
New solution helping those in need in Grimsby welcomes first residents
A new council complex for people without homes and facing difficulties in supporting themselves to live independently, has welcomed its first residents.
North East Lincolnshire Council has taken a long-term lease on Swan House – a 29-apartment building in New Haven Terrace, Grimsby. Developed and refurbished privately, the building was empty when the council stepped in.
A welcome alternative to putting those who are eligible for statutory homelessness assistance in bed and breakfast or other alternative and expensive accommodation, clients are offered recently-furnished smart one and two-bed apartments within the secure complex.
Once there, residents have fully fitted kitchens and appliances, such as washing machines, that enable them to live safely and do their own cooking and washing. They are also responsible for their own cleaning and managing their budgets to pay bills.
Importantly, support is also available from the council and its partners to help those who may have issues with money, benefits, or health and wellbeing. Round-the-clock housing management, and external and internal CCTV also ensures security.
The authority’s Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, who also has responsibility for housing, welcomed the initiative as a blueprint for the future.
“We were very excited at the idea of Swan House when we approved it at Cabinet last year, and now having seen it in person, it brings the idea to life. This facility will have such a positive impact on the lives of the most vulnerable people in our borough.”
Image courtesy of North East Lincolnshire Council
New mini-orchards to be planted across South Kesteven
New mini-orchards will be planted thanks to a Coronation Living Heritage grant awarded to South Kesteven District Council.
The Council is hoping to plant up to 31 new orchards next winter using money from a fund created to celebrate the King’s Coronation.
Parish councils and community groups can apply for up to £1,500 to plant at least five fruit trees on publicly accessible sites, plus protective spirals and canes, information signage and protective fencing if required.
Parent/teacher associations with public accessible space can also apply, and planting could be particularly popular for schools with an Eco Schools Green Flag Award.
Cllrs Patsy Ellis and Rhys Baker, who share SKDC Cabinet responsibilities for Environment and Waste, said: “It’s great news, and we are looking forward to seeing these new orchards in flower all over the district as a living reminder of the accession of King Charles lll.
“Orchards deliver on so many counts, from the organic fruit they provide to engaging the community, not to mention helping us to withstand climate change, help carbon sequestration and filtering of pollution.”
The choice of fruit trees is down to local preferences, but successful applicants will need to outline plans for aftercare of the orchard to ensure it is maintained permanently.
There are two funding rounds for groups and organisations to bid into with closing dates of 28th June and 27th September 2024. Planting is expected to start in November, with all projects to be finished, complete with dedication services, by the end of March 2025.
Image: Stock.adobe.com/gpointstudio
