89,000 tonnes of rock armour delivered for Stallingborough sea defences
Aggregate Industries, a building materials supplier, has delivered 89,000 tonnes of rock armour as part of the Environment Agency’s £29 million Stallingborough Sea Defence Improvement Scheme.
Aiming to enhance coastal defences and protect critical infrastructure along the Humber Estuary, between the ports of Immingham and Grimsby, this ambitious project required 70,000 tonnes of granite to be shipped from Aggregate Industries’ Glensanda superquarry in Western Scotland via Immingham Dock.
The granite, with each piece weighing between 0.3 to 1.0 tonnes, made its two-day sea voyage aboard the 90-meter-long Hagland Saga. Each of the 17 shipments carried approximately 4,500 tonnes. Upon arrival at Immingham, the cargo was swiftly offloaded and transported by road to the Stallingborough project site.
Additionally, 19,000 tonnes of smaller grade rock armour, ranging from 60kg to 300kg, were sourced from the firm’s Bardon Hill quarry in Leicestershire and delivered in approximately 700-tonne loads.
In collaboration with Jackson Civil Engineering, Aggregate Industries ensured a seamless delivery, overcoming challenges such as unpredictable docking times and the migration of vital bird species which limit works within the designated Humber Estuary site between April and September every year.
Nick Gilbert, business development manager for Aggregate Industries, adds: “We are proud to have played a crucial role in protecting Stallingborough and its surrounding areas.
“Our comprehensive network and methods enabled us to meet the logistical challenges of this complex and reactive project which effectively saw the equivalent of a quarter of the Humber Bridge’s tonnage seamlessly delivered and discharged, directly contributing to the safety and resilience of the local community.”
The Stallingborough Sea Defence Improvement Scheme is the third phase of ongoing coastal improvements and is designed to provide a further 25-year design life to the current flood defence embankments.
This project will see the repair and fortification of a 4.5km stretch – including some 3km of rock armour – with the works comprising resealing and improvements of existing revetments, some of which date back to the 1953 North Sea flood. This effort will safeguard 2,300 homes, vital infrastructure and industry, as well as precious habitats in the Stallingborough area.
Nigel Priestley, Senior Project Manager for the Environment Agency, said: “Aggregate Industries have provided a great service to Jackson and the Environment Agency by supplying the smaller rock to allow installation to commence in 2023, and then the larger rock from Oban, through the winter, impacted by numerous storms, in time for a March 2024 start.
“The option to deliver by boat from the UK has also saved a significant amount of carbon too and minimised transportation by road.”
The granite used in this project, known for its durability and longevity, is an ideal material for modern sea defences. With a lifespan exceeding 100 years, these specialist aggregates are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and dissipate wave energy, mitigating soil erosion and maintaining the natural integrity of the landscape.
Beyond its protective capabilities, the rock armour also promotes vegetation growth and facilitates habitat creation, aligning with Aggregate Industries’ commitment to environmental sustainability.
Council calls on firms to employ more ex-forces staff
South Kesteven District Council is calling on local companies to follow its lead in recruiting ex-military personnel.
Sixteen former Armed Forces individuals, mainly from the Army, now play key roles in the council’s waste and recycling and Street Scene teams.
They have transferred valuable skills developed from service with the Royal Logistics Corps, Infantry regiments, Royal Anglian Regiment and the Armoured Corps.
Others served with the RAF and the RAF Regiment, Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers and even the Household Cavalry. Service has included tours of Afghanistan, Iraq and Northern Ireland.
Two members of the council’s keen-eyed and effective CCTV team are also ex-Army – the Royal Artillery and the Grenadier Guards – and the council’s head of economic development is from an Armed Forces background.
Cameron Greene now applies service skills developed with the Army’s Royal Engineers to managing the council’s Street Scene operation.
He said: “We now have nine ex-military on the Street Scene team, all dedicated to getting the job done as they used to do for the Armed Forces.
“In many ways the council suits those who have served in the military. There is a clearly defined structure, opportunities to progress and a great team spirit.”
Waste team HGV driver Cheryl Miller served with the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. She said: “I drove Land Rovers, armoured personnel vehicles and Bedford four-tonners. I have always been a driver and have been able to transfer those skills.”
Cheryl, who initially gained her HGV licence to drive her family’s American motor home, joined SKDC during the Covid pandemic.
“My husband had an accident and I needed to work,” she said. “The Council needed drivers, I applied and here I am. I love the job!”
Another HGV driver, Mick Toms, served with the Royal Engineers. “I was in engineering after coming out of the forces but then went back into driving and this role really suits me.”
Cllr Richard Dixon-Warren, SKDC’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “Military personnel possess a wealth of transferable skills capable of enhancing any organisation.
“As a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant and holders of the Ministry Defence Employers Recognition Scheme, we are extremely proud to have so many military veterans working for the council.
“I would urge any company looking to recruit at any level to take a close look at employing ex-services personnel. There are really helpful employment websites supporting any company or organisation that signs the Armed Forces Covenant as a pledge to support defence.”
Employers can also claim National Insurance contributions relief if employing a veteran in their first year post-service.
Operator named for Campus for Future Living in Mablethorpe
East Lindsey District Council has named Acis Group as the operator of the Campus for Future Living in Mablethorpe.
In partnership, the Council and Acis will bring the campus to life to deliver significant benefits to support the health and prosperity of the local community.
The Campus for Future Living in Mablethorpe is East Lindsey District Council’s flagship project which will bring transformational health, wellbeing, research and community services to this area of the Lincolnshire coast for the first time, thanks to £8.6m government funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The Campus consists of two, two-story buildings and open green space all within easy access for the people of Mablethorpe. Beyond the physical structure, the vision is about creating learning opportunities, new jobs, and support for the local community. Alongside a wealth of community-based services the campus will also offer a café facility for all to enjoy.
Proposed plans for the Campus by Acis include a range of activities, networking space and room hire, with each initiative designed to make a tangible difference in the community.
Sited close to the Marisco Medical Centre, Mablethorpe Children’s Centre, Platform Housing and Mablethorpe Community Hub, the campus is primely positioned to become a thriving centre that links services together, creates new services that support local need and offers opportunities for learning, research and wellbeing for generations to come.
This flagship and internationally significant campus benefits from the commitment of the University of Lincoln and the Lincoln Institute for Rural and Coastal Health to use the Campus as a base to conduct research and learning into health inequalities affecting coastal communities.
This is just the start of realising the potential of the Campus vision. In line with the original business case, the collaboration of even more local, regional and national partners is set to grow over the next five years as the campus offering becomes established.
The partnership with Acis and the University of Lincoln further supports the original Mablethorpe Investment Plan which underpinned the bid for government funding to help turn health and medical challenges in this area into nationally significant strengths and opportunities to improve services and create jobs.
Cllr William Gray, Political Lead for the Campus for Future Living at East Lindsey District Council, said: “I could not be more thrilled that East Lindsey District Council has secured Acis Group as a partner to bring the vision of the Campus for Future Living alive. Acis already has a well established background in supporting people into work, housing, education and skills, including in Mablethorpe, and now the Campus for Future Living will support Acis in providing even more opportunities for local people.
“The Campus for Future Living is all about partnerships, all focussed on supporting people in Mablethorpe and the Lincolnshire Coast get the services and support they need. Mablethorpe has a very exciting future and by investing in the town through the support of government funding, a whole host of new opportunities are being created.
“As well as the services being developed by Acis, I am also delighted the University of Lincoln and the Lincoln Institute of Rural and Coastal Health have committed to the future use of the Campus as a research and learning facility.
“This is exactly the potential we want to realise for Mablethorpe – facilitating coastal health research, providing residents with greater access to health and wellbeing services they need on their doorstep, bringing more people to the town, creating social opportunities, growth and expanding employment and skills.”
Greg Bacon, CEO of Acis Group, said: “This is an exciting opportunity that aligns perfectly with our commitment to enhancing services, skills and education within our communities.
“In proud partnership with East Lindsey District Council, we will bring our knowledge and skills of delivering for local communities that we have grown across the Group over the last 25 years. We work in Mablethorpe and surrounding areas already through Community Learning in Partnership (CLIP) which has delivered there for over 15 years, and which joined the Acis family in 2022.
“Acis are thrilled to lead this project in delivering future services and helping to make a bigger difference in these communities.”
As part of this development, the existing CLIP centre on Seacroft Road will relocate to the new Campus, giving the team further opportunities to provide education, skills and wellbeing services.
Potential future partners, including those in the health and education sector, recently visited the campus to visualise the facility in use and the benefits it will bring to Mablethorpe and coastal communities.
The campus also provided a visit from hundreds of delegates from across Europe who attended the 13th EURIPA Rural Health Forum hosted by the University of Lincoln. The forum’s theme ‘Tackling Health Inequalities in Rural and Remote Communities’ saw high praise for the campus and the potential it offers in providing a welcome space for the community to access health and wellbeing services as well as coastal health research opportunities.
Image: The Campus for Future Living in Mablethorpe – credit: East Lindsey District Council
More than £100k awarded to Boston community projects
Community projects, sports clubs, parish councils and village halls are set to flourish after more than £100,000 was awarded to them through Lincolnshire Community Foundation’s Grassroots scheme.
The popular grants scheme has been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), distributed by Boston Borough Council, and aims to support projects in bringing people together through many methods, including improving facilities and boosting volunteering opportunities.
The GRASSroots scheme has now awarded almost £300,000 of funding to 20 projects across the borough. This, in turn, has leveraged additional match funding, meaning that the total investment in parish, village hall and community projects through the scheme in Boston has totalled more than £500,000.
In this round, a total of £103,441 has been distributed among:
The Community Growers CIC – Replacement of the timber frame, glass frame, doors and roof vent system of a glasshouse used for community planting activities plus internal paving.
Wigtoft Village Hall – Renovations throughout, including re-decoration, new flooring and updating of toilets.
Brothertoft Village Hall – Renovation works to the hall and addition of equipment including hot water heater, electric oven and renovations to toilets.
Old Leake Community Centre – New suspended ceiling and hall redecoration.
Thistles Market Garden, Sutterton – Purchase of a larger mini bus to enable more local residents to access the services offered by the Market Garden.
Boston Tennis Club – Updating clubhouse seating and carpets.
Wigtoft Bowls Club – Relaying the patio area and improving access to bowls green, to enable a greater range of residents to access the club.
Steps To The Future Good Neighbourhood Scheme – Supply and enable craft activities.
Councillor Anne Dorrian, leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “This UKSPF funded grant scheme has been extremely popular, and I’m delighted to see the profound impact it is having on many communities across our borough.
“I want to congratulate the latest recipients, who I’m sure will make the most of the funding they have been awarded and will use the money to really make a difference to their communities.
“We are lucky to have some funds left and I would encourage community organisations such as sports clubs, community learning clubs, parish councils and village halls to make contact with the Lincolnshire Community Foundation team and enquire about the next round of GRASSroots support because this is likely to be the final round.”
Boston Borough Council reports progress in tackling fly-tipping
Boston Borough Council has reported progress in reducing fly-tipping across the borough. In the first quarter of last year, 1,439 fly-tipping incidents were reported. This year, the same period has seen a 10.63% decrease.
Key to the success has been a multi-faceted approach that includes increasing fine levels to meet government limits, installing new CCTV systems, conducting more targeted patrols, relocating litter bins, and implementing an identifiable waste scheme. Additionally, a recent education scheme has played a vital role in reducing these incidents.
Councillor Butler highlighted the council’s efficiency in clearing waste, thanking the dedicated crews and partners for their hard work. “We are one of the most efficient councils in tackling fly-tipping, and this achievement is a testament to our committed team and community partners.
“In the past 12 months, the council’s enforcement team has issued 237 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for fly-tipping. We will continue to advocate for central government to take fly-tipping more seriously nationwide, ensuring our efforts contribute to a cleaner, safer environment for all.”
Image: Boston, Lincolnshire – credit: Stock.adobe.com/Tony
Final South Holland GRASSroots awards take investment in community projects to almost £800k
The final awards for the UK Shared Prosperity Funded (UKSPF) GRASSroots grant scheme have been announced, with almost £650,000 awarded over the past year through the South Holland District Council scheme, distributed by Lincolnshire Community Foundation.
With match funding leveraged, just under £800,000 has been invested in parishes, village halls and community projects in South Holland through the programme, which is now closed for new expressions of interest.
GRASSroots first began awarding grants 12 months ago, and has supported 40 community projects, sports clubs, parish councils and village halls to meet their aim of bringing people together through many methods including improving facilities and boosting volunteering opportunities.
This latest round of funding, which totals £235,981, brings the scheme to an end in South Holland, however applications are still being accepted elsewhere in the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, in Boston Borough and the East Lindsey district.
In this round, awards have been distributed to:
Surfleet Play and Recreation Charity – To repair and replace equipment in the children’s play area, install a shelter for the Forest School and install safety signage around the park.
West Pinchbeck Village Hall – Replacement of existing boiler, installation of disabled toilet/improvement to toilet blocks and disabled access, resurfacing of car park and replacement of two windows.
Holbeach Amateur Theatrical Society – New lighting and sound equipment.
Deeping St Nicholas Parish Council – Redevelopment of St Nicholas Park.
Sutton Bridge Parish Council – Development and refurbishment of play area.
Crowland Town Bowling Club – New clubhouse.
Gedney Drove End and Dawsmere Village Hall – Upgrading of electric wiring, installation of kitchen extractor fan and signage for the hall.
Fleet Parish Council – Renovation of the playing field with more accessibility for disabled users.
Holbeach United Community Sport Academy – New lighting and redecoration of academy building.
Weston St Mary Village Hall – Upgrading the village hall, replacing the floor, fire doors, patio and fencing.
Marjorum Beehive Association Ltd – Replacement of hall’s warped wooden floor and redesign of male toilet to include ramp and changing facilities.
Sutton St Edmund Parish Council – Installation of outdoor gym equipment.
Councillor Paul Redgate, deputy leader and portfolio holder for finance, said: “I am so pleased that we have marked this milestone just 12 months after the first awards were made by Lincolnshire Community Foundation.
“This investment marks a once in a generation investment by the council.
“There has been a huge demand for this grant scheme and those who have been successful have demonstrated what can be achieved with the right combination of suitable funding and passion.
“All of the recipients have used the funding to help to build their communities and improve their facilities or volunteering opportunities – and that’s exactly what we wanted to see happening with the UKSPF funding.
“I hope that these final recipients make the most of their awards, and I look forward to seeing the results of their work.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG
Classic Ibiza brings Balearic vibes to beautiful Burghley House
Classic Ibiza made a triumphant return to Burghley House near Stamford on Saturday evening, with Stephen Hussey’s 32-piece Urban Soul Orchestra leading a capacity audience on a five hour journey of the very-best in Balearic-infused house music.
Performing 16 new orchestrations in a set of over 40 dance classics, the show clearly hit a chord with the Lincolnshire crowd, with one attendee saying: “You blew us away!!! Utterly amazing.” You can check-out all the feedback for yourself on Classic Ibiza’s Facebook page.
Classic Ibiza’s Lisa Ward comments: “What a way to mark our return to the absolutely stunning grounds of Burghley House. A huge shout out goes to Urban Soul Orchestra, our DJs and crew for serving up a delicious taste of the White Isle right here in Lincolnshire.
“A massive thankyou also goes to our incredible Burghley House audience – you are the ones that bring the Classic Ibiza vibe that makes the show so special. We can’t wait to party with you again next summer.”
The concert began at 5.30pm with a Chill-Out DJ Set, as the crowd settled into the show’s family-friendly atmosphere over their picnics. Former Pacha Ibiza resident, DJ Jose Luis then took control of the decks for his Afro/Latin House Set, which included a live jamming session with members of USO. Next up, USO and former Ibiza Rocks resident, DJ Krystal Roxx, took centre stage for the San Miguel Sundowner Set, reinventing these iconic dance tracks:
Go (Moby), The Cure & The Cause (Fish Go Deep), Killer (Adamski), Unfinished Sympathy (Massive Attack), Theme From S-Express (S’Express), Missing (Everything But The Girl), Cola (CamelPhat), What Is Love (Haddaway), Rhythm Is A Dancer (Snap!), You Don’t Know Me (Armand Van Helden), For An Angel (Paul van Dyke), We Come 1 (Faithless), Children (Robert Miles), 9 PM (Till I Come) (ATB), Destination Calabria (Alex Gaundino), Needin’ U (David Morales).
USO took a break during Krystal Roxx’s Deep House DJ Set, a generation-busting mix of Ibizan anthems. They were then reunited on stage for the Dance Set, performing these knock-out tracks, accompanied by an incredible laser light show:
Don’t You Want Me (Felix), Castles In The Sky (Ian Van Dahl), Pump Up The Jam (Technotronic), Superstylin’ (Groove Armada), The Key, The Secret (Urban Cookie Collective), Zombie Nation (Bass Drifter), Adagio For Strings (Tiësto), Insomnia (Faithless), Breathe (The Prodigy), Gonna Make You Sweat (C & C Music Factory), King Of My Castle (Wamdue Project), Need U 100% (Duke Damont), On A Ragga Tip (SL2), Silence (Dilerium), Anthem (N-Joi), Dirty Cash (Money Talks) (Adventures of Stevie V), Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless) (Crystal Waters), Space Cowboy (Jamiroquai), U Sure Do (Strike), I’m Not Alone (Calvin Harris), Freed From Desire (Gala), Not Over Yet (Grace).
The concert then drew to a close at 11pm following an encore of these firm Classic Ibiza favourites: Born Slippy (Underworld), Waiting All Night (Rudimental), Sandstorm (Darude).
Classic Ibiza will return to Burghley House on Saturday 26 July 2025, with tickets going on sale this Thursday, 1 August, via classicibiza.co.uk. The show was proud to support East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.
Image credit: David Evans Photography
Lincoln Castle welcomes 100,000th visitor after three-year restoration
Lincoln Castle guide Mike Lewis has welcomed the 100,000th visitor for a tour of the grounds of historic Lincoln Castle since its three-year restoration was finished in 2015..
Kim Vickers, Lincoln Castle general manager, said: “We are thrilled to celebrate the milestone of welcoming the 100,000th person to experience one of our guided tours at Lincoln Castle, a testament to the dedication and passion of our volunteer guides from the Friends of Lincoln Castle.
“Their commitment to delivering exceptional tours and providing comprehensive training and recruitment for new guides is truly remarkable.
“The positive feedback we continually receive from our visitors highlights the significant impact these tours have on their experience. We are incredibly grateful for the invaluable contribution of our volunteers, and we look forward to continuing this successful collaboration for many years to come.”
Guided rounds tours are available to visitors with a day ticket and Annual Pass holders, and are led by one of FOLC’s specialist guides.
Lasting between 45 minutes and an hour, the tours explore the area of the bailey within the castle walls, and is ideal both for those who seek an introduction to the historic site, as well as for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the colourful history of the castle.
Buyer sought as Lincolnshire manufacturer falls into administration
A Lincolnshire manufacturer has fallen into administration, with a buyer being sought for the business.
Gareth Harris and Deviesh Raikundalia of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP were appointed as Joint Administrators of MTAG Composites Ltd, MTAG (Holdings) Ltd and Electric Future Group Ltd on Friday 12 July 2024.
Based in Coningsby, MTAG Composites is the trading company in the group and is a manufacturer of moulded composite parts for the rail, aerospace, automotive, construction and leisure sectors, producing items such as train interiors, aircraft seating and boats.
Whilst viable options were being considered, the administrators took the decision to temporarily cease day-to-day operations immediately upon their appointment.
Following an accelerated and detailed review of the financial position, the administrators have decided to recommence day-to-day operations on a limited basis to align with the timetable for an accelerated sales process.
Thus far, the administrators have made minimal redundancies but have retained all of the operational and production staff on a ‘lay-off’ basis. The administrators understand that employees had not been paid for some time prior to their appointment and they are working with the Redundancy Payments Service (RPS) to ensure that those affected receive their statutory entitlements at the earliest possible opportunity.
Gareth Harris, restructuring advisory partner at RSM UK and joint administrator, said: “The decision to recommence operations demonstrates the commitment of all stakeholders to attempt to save this business and the livelihoods of the staff. Although not at full operational capacity, ongoing production will assist us in finding a buyer for all or part of the businesses.”
Deviesh Raikundalia, restructuring advisory director at RSM UK and joint administrator, added: “We have received significant interest in the acquisition of the business in the short time that we have been undertaking the sales process. We are continuing to engage with all parties who have expressed an interest in acquiring all or part of the businesses.
“Staff that we have retained since our appointment will continue to be paid and we appreciate the commitment and patience shown by the employees to date.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/NAMPIX
East Midlands Railway encourages people to get on board with volunteering
Charity Carers First and East Midlands Railway are joining forces in a project that will raise the visibility of local services for Lincolnshire’s unpaid carers and support more people to benefit from volunteering.
Carers First works directly with, and for carers to provide personalised information and tailored support in the way that suits them, helping them find balance, and to live their lives to the fullest.
In Lincolnshire, Carers First volunteers have the opportunity to support unpaid carers in a range of activities, as well as helping raise much needed funds for local carer events.
The Community Fundraiser and Promotion Volunteers will help with fundraising events and organise activities in their local community. For example, volunteers have previously helped to raise over £700 in a bucket collection at Lincoln City Football Club.
Ellie Boon, Volunteer Manager at Carers First, said: “Volunteering can be such a good thing to do, whether you’re looking for a way to connect with your community, learn some new skills, find a job, or feel committed to supporting carers.
“We really value our volunteers here at Carers First, and we provide them with support and training. We’re a small and friendly team, and volunteers make an enormous difference to the work we do and to the support we can provide to unpaid carers.”
Increased community presence for Carers First will help more people recognise themselves as carers and raise awareness of the support and services available to them.
The project, funded by the East Midlands Railway Foundation, aims to attract new community fundraising and promotions volunteers to increase awareness and raise funds for carer events, activities, and projects.
Those who volunteer will be given all the training and support they need and will have the opportunity to volunteer for additional roles available within Carers First or other local organisations.
For carers, the outcomes of this project will include improved emotional wellbeing, greater recognition, feeling more valued and included, more people identifying as carers, and reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Locally, they aim to increase the awareness of Carers First services and of carers within communities, as well as improving relationships with local support organisations.
For Carers First, the project will create an expanded support network and an increased awareness of the needs of carers, as well as stronger referral pathways.
