Policeare investigating a fire at the Westgate Social Club in Grantham at 12pm on Thursday 13 February. Officers are treated this as arson.

While firefighters were at the scene, a woman made herself known to incident commander Atkinson, stating she had a video of the fire and had information about those who were responsible.

The woman later left the scene in the pictured Fiat 500. We are looking to speak with this woman as a witness.

If this was you, or you have information about who this was, please contact us through one of the following ways.

You can contact us in one of the following ways:

• By calling 101 quoting the reference 148 of 13 February 2020
• By emailing force.control@lincs.pnn.police.uk – please remember to put the reference 148 of 13 February 2020 in the subject box
• You can also contact us through the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org

FROM conferences and teambuilding to product launches and exhibitions, Belvoir Castle has launched its brand-new corporate offering for business across the East Midlands.

As the ancestral home to the Duke and Duchess of Rutland since 1067, Belvoir Castle has stood in various forms throughout the centuries, with its most recent incarnation taking shape in 1816 after a catastrophic fire.

One of the finest examples of regency architecture in the world, the Leicestershire venue has been used in Netflix’s TV series ‘The Crown’, and now businesses across the East Midlands are being invited to step into the castle and see what it has to offer.

Katie Fletcher, castle event manager at Belvoir Castle, said: “Belvoir Castle is an inspiring venue steeped in history with a variety of spaces suitable across the 16,000 acres for a whole range of events and conferences. From the castle itself, to the Engine Yard, Croxton Park and Moscar Lodge, each venue offers different experiences depending on what the customer is looking for.

“Our team is made up of experienced planners capable of creating bespoke, one of a kind events that are tailored to each individual’s criteria. We can cater for group sizes of ten to 120 and we are on hand each step of the way from initial meetings through to the completion of the event to ensure its success.”

Belvoir Castle hosted its first corporate launch event for in October last year with more than 60 companies in attendance. The evening comprised of a champagne and canapé reception, tours of the historic castle, as well as the opportunity for networking.

Katie added: “Our corporate offering has been in planning for years and we’re incredibly excited for more businesses to be able to experience it first-hand. That’s why we’re hosting another event to showcase Belvoir, on Thursday 26 March.

“The evening will offer a prime opportunity to explore areas of the castle that are available for hire to businesses as well as the chance to network with companies from across the region. We’re very much looking forward to meeting more local businesses and showing them what the castle has to offer.”

Come rain or shine, families in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire can look forward to a week of fun-filled adventures at National Trust places this February half term. 

Jo Armstrong from the National Trust says: ‘If you’re looking after little ones this half term, your local National Trust places are a great spot for enjoying some of the simple pleasures that Mother Nature has to offer at this time of year. You can don your wellies and splash through puddles, spot snowdrops peeking through the soil or use your imagination to turn a humble stick into a ship’s mast, a knight’s sword or a magic wand.  

‘You’ll also find activities like nature-inspired trails, wild art and welly walks. Even better – every visit you make helps the Trust to carry on looking after these special local places for everyone to enjoy.’ 

Here’s a sneak peek at what half term has in store at the National Trust places in and around Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.  

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/half-term-in-and-around-lincolnshire 

Belton House, Lincolnshire 

Pull on your wellies, snuggle up in your cosiest scarf and gloves, and have some fun at Belton House this half term. Join Belton’s play team in the outdoor adventure playground for the Friday ’50 things’ Challenge, where families will be challenged to complete a different activity each Friday. Or, trek across the parkland on our Winter Wildlife Hide and Seek Family Trail (£2 per trail) to discover what wildlife can be found at Belton during the winter, then visit the Discovery Centre for crafts and borrow a Ranger Pack.  

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belton-house 

Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire 

There’s something for everyone to enjoy at Clumber Park this half term, from animal-inspired crafts in the Discovery Centre to lakeside strolls. Pick up a bike from the Cycle Hub and explore more than 20 miles of cycle trails – perfect for the whole family. After your adventure, visit the ice cream parlour between 12noon and 3pm for waffles and ice cream.  For a different perspective, be sure to book onto one of the free pontoon tours to see the conservation work on the Ornamental Bridge.  

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumber-park 

Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire 

Tattershall Castle reopens on 15 February, after a winter of conservation work. Discover the secrets of the past on a trail that sheds light on a once sprawling castle that existed during the medieval period. The Castle grounds are a great place to tick off some of those ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities; get to know the trees and spot wildlife (including a special family of Egyptian geese) as you explore. Climb the winding staircase to the top of the battlements and observe the bustling rookery as you gaze across the Lincolnshire landscape.   

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tattershall-castle 

The Workhouse, Southwell, Nottinghamshire 

Explore The Workhouse with plenty of indoor adventures that won’t be ruined by a downpour. On 19 February, find inmates carrying out their daily jobs or go back to school and discover how education prepared pauper children for life outside of the institution. Why not try on some of the specially recreated pauper children costumes in the schoolroom?  

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-workhouse-southwell 

Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire 

There’s lots to keep minds busy at Woolsthorpe Manor, whatever the weather. Get hands-on and test Newton’s theories in the Science Centre and board a Lego® model of the Soyuz Orbital Module, constructed from 160,000 Lego bricks. Learn more about Pluto and the other planets in our solar system on the ‘How to Discover a Planet’ trail, running daily during the half term, then book onto our Stargazing at the Manor event on 18 February to explore the skies on the anniversary of Pluto’s discovery in 1930. If you’re a ‘50 things’ fan, get to know a very special tree that inspired Isaac Newton’s work on gravity.  

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woolsthorpe-manor 

A van driver was rescued by fire crews from Melton Mowbray after his van became stuck in floodwaters at Bottesford ford.

Policeare appealing for help and information to find a witness who may be able to help with an investigation into an arson.

On Thursday 13^th February two juvenile males are believed to have entered the former Westgate Social Club in Grantham and started a fire on the first floor.

When firefighters from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue arrived on scene a woman spoke to the Incident Commander and said she had video footage that could help with identifying the suspects. But the woman left the scene in a Fiat 500 (pictured) before her contact details could be taken.

Police would like to trace that woman because she may have information that could help officers investigating the arson.

If you are her or know who she might be please contact us via one of the following ways:

• Via our non-emergency number 101, quoting incident number 148 of 13/02/2020
• By emailing force.control@lincs.pnn.police.uk- please remember to put the reference 148 of 13/02/2010 in the subject box.
• Through the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at crimestoppers-uk.org
• In an emergency always call 999

Easton Walled Gardens gardens were closed on Saturday and today due to the River Witham bursting its banks.

On top of high winds they are now also expecting extensive flooding.

Lady Ursula Chomonley said: “The gardens look so beautiful and the exhibition and indoor displays are perfect and we are all so sad that we won’t be able to share this with you this weekend.

“We really hope that you will be able to visit us later in the week.

“Please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience.”

THE A1 southbound is closed north of Grantham due to flooding on A1 between Barrowby and Long Bennington.

The road closed around 06:30 . Detour in operation –

Traffic is being diverted locally..

The A52 west of Bingham is closed eastbound between the A46 (Saxondale) and the A6011 (Gamston) due to flooding at Stragglethorpe. This is following heavy rainfall. Road users are advised to plan ahead and consider alternative routes.

However please be aware that there are number of other roads in the local area also affected by flooding.

Winchester Road is closed due to construction ond between A52 Barrowby Road and Chichester Close.

Walton Academy’s year 12 English Literature students had the opportunity to visit the National Theatre in London on Tuesday.

They enjoyed a private backstage tour of the theatre, rehearsal rooms and production spaces and learnt about the different careers on offer within the arts industry, seeing sound engineers, stage management and construction crew at work.

The theatre guide, Rupert, answered students’ questions on apprenticeship opportunities and training routes within the arts. Students got the chance to view costumes and props from world-famous productions including War Horse, His Dark Materials and Peter Pan.

In the afternoon, the students enjoyed a walk along the South Bank to take in the sights of the London skyline. Afterwards, they were lucky enough to enjoy a performance of ‘The Welkin’ – a brand new play by Lucy Kirkwood, starring Maxine Peake.

It was a truly fabulous day – a real ‘world class’ experience – with award-winning actors at arguably the most important theatre in London.

		The brand new Edith Smith exhibition is in the final design phase and is on course for its opening at Grantham Museum in March. Amanda Schonhut, Fundraising Director says: “Thanks to the generous donations of the Grantham Public our team has designed and are now putting together an exhibition fitting of Edith Smith”. Edith Smith, the first official police woman in the British Isles, was sworn in at Grantham Police Station in the Guildhall in November 1915 to deal with prostitutes, female witnesses and children. She became a midwife when her husband died, before joining the Woman’s Police Volunteers in 1914 when the war broke out. The Woman’s Police Volunteers eventually reformed as the Woman’s Police Service. Although Grantham already had volunteer police women, Smith was the first to receive pay. Once established, she earned £2 a week. Edith served in Grantham until January 1918  after working seven days a week throughout, to become matron of the Lindis Nursing Home, Dudley Road. She died six years later after taking an overdose of morphine. So far, £1,500 has been raised but are on the final push to reach the £2,000 needed to create something special for visitors . Donations can be made online at www.granthammuseum.org.uk or in person. The Museum is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10am until 4pm.You can contact the Museum on 01476 568783 or email amandaschonhut@granthammuseum.org.uk You can also contact them via Facebook and Twitter, just search Grantham Museum.

National construction companies are set to meet local suppliers at an event aimed at ensuring developments across the Midlands are delivered by trades from within the region.

Buyers from a range of companies including Henry Boot Construction, Willmott Dixon and GF Tomlinson – are set to showcase their schemes next Wednesday (19 February) at the event, which has been organised by Grantham-based construction software company, Local Supply Chain.

Requirements for public and private sector schemes, including education facilities, infrastructure and new housing will be discussed to allow relevant trades and suppliers to discuss how their services can support the delivery of the projects they’re interested in.

Richard Ratcliffe, CEO of Local Supply Chain, said “With 2020 set to be a huge year for development in the region, our aim is to bring individuals from trades across all levels of the construction industry together to enable them to interact and marry their business and project needs. It’s set to be a very productive day for all!”

Kevin Beck, Director of Kingsley Specialist Roofing Ltd, said: “We deliver a range of roofing services across the commercial, industrial, public and residential sectors – not only in the Midlands, but also the South East and London. Therefore it’s really important we have quick and easy access to buyers so we can express interest in their projects.

“Local Supply Chain’s event is the perfect opportunity to showcase our services, network with framework owners and developers, whilst building contacts with buyers across the region.”

Local Supply Chain is a cloud-based construction project management platform that allows sub-contractors, consultants and suppliers to co-ordinate all frameworks, projects, procurements and associated supply chains in one place. It’s an online community of more than 25,000 sub-contractors, consultants and suppliers across a vast range of sectors.

The construction software company’s Meet the Buyer day, which is free to attend, is taking place from 8.30am until 2.30pm, at Belton Woods hotel on the outskirts of Grantham.

Tradespeople can still register for the event at www.localsupplychain.co.uk/meetthebuyer or calling 0800 197 6958.

Patients needing knee replacements are now able to have surgery and get home all in the same day, thanks to innovative changes in Lincolnshire’s hospitals.   Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Prasad Antapur and his team have pioneered new ways of working to make day case knee surgery possible for patients at Grantham and District Hospital.   Mr Antapur said: “Previously, knee replacement surgery would usually require a hospital stay of around three days, particularly because of issues with pain, joint mobility and recovery. Enhanced recovery and getting patients mobile and pain-free as soon as possible is something I am very enthusiastic about.   “But introducing advance physiotherapy support, better pain relief and faster recovery is getting patients home quicker.”   The first patient to have a knee replacement as a day case in Lincolnshire was Andrea Rodda, who had the surgery on New Year’s Eve.   Andrea, 55, from near Gainsborough, thanked Mr Antapur and staff at the hospital and says she is looking forward to going on long walks with her Jack Russell Alfie.   Andrea said: “The pain in my knee stems back to an accident I had 20 years ago when I worked at Gatwick Airport and was hit by a passenger’s trolley full of bags. I had an operation at the time and over the years my knee has just got worse. It got to a point there was no cartilage left, it was literally bone rubbing on bone and causing me so much pain.   “I jumped at the chance to have day surgery rather than a one or two night stay in hospital which is what I was expecting. I am already well on the road to recovery and cannot thank Mr Antapur and the team enough for what they have done.   “I have been able to recover at home and have been busy doing all of my exercises. I can’t wait to take the dog out for a long walk as this has not been possible up until now.”   Mr Antapur said that patients are delighted with getting home so quickly.   “We all know that hospital is not the best place to be for your recovery. Your own bed and your own surroundings are always more comfortable.   “We have worked with physiotherapists and anaesthetists to make small tweaks to how we work to speed up the process and get people home sooner, and so far it’s gone really well.”   The transfer home is made possible thanks to patients seeing physiotherapists in advance of their surgery, so that they already know what to expect and what exercises they will need to do.   It is also down to the use of modern anaesthetics, which are short-acting and so wear off quicker, enabling patients to start their recovery sooner.   “Pain is often the big issue for knee replacement patients, and advances in medicines have meant that we now have better pain killers that can help people to get mobile sooner,” said Mr Antapur.   “The other little trick is giving patients a sugary drink just before surgery. This takes effect so that they feel more lively when they wake up, giving them a good head start on recovery.”   Mr Antapur believes that day case knee surgery will now become the ‘norm’ for most regular knee replacements carried out at Grantham, with more complex cases carried out at Lincoln County Hospital.

Lincolnshire Trading Standards is advising those who are looking to start a new relationship online or via a dating app to watch out for romance fraud.

Sally Gray, senior trading standards officer at Lincolnshire County Council, explains: “Online dating can be a great way to find romance and companionship. Unfortunately it’s also a very common way for scammers to target people, try and form relationships, and ultimately steal money from you.”

The council has shared the story of Tracey*, a Lincoln woman who fell for the charms of a scammer she met online.

“A man on Facebook asked to be my friend, and I was in a bad place at the time so I thought ‘well, there’s nothing wrong with having a male friend’“, Tracey explains. “So I started chatting with him and straight away he kind of started to get friendly with me, and it progressed“.

The scammer coaxed Tracey away from Facebook and onto a private messaging app, where their conversations could get more personal, and would be encrypted and untraceable.

As the relationship progressed, Tracey began to notice what she called ‘discrepancies’ in her conversations with him, and when he sent her a copy of a flight ticket he said he’d bought to come and visit her.

“I started to get suspicious, so I researched him and, eventually that’s how I found him out“, she says.

When Tracey realised she’d fallen for a scammer, she was devastated. “He’d made me fall in love with him and when I found out I was just heartbroken completely. I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through that.

“It made me feel worthless and it made me feel ugly.”

Tracey is reluctant to disclose how much money she sent to the fraudster before finding him out. Shockingly, across the UK, victims of romance fraud lose an estimated £50m each year.

You can watch Tracey’s full story on the Lincolnshire County Council Facebook page and YouTube account.

Sally Gray continued, “Unfortunately, the shame and humiliation victims of fraud feel means they often are afraid to get help and report their scammer. As such, we may never know the full extent of the problem.

“There are steps you can take to keep yourself, your family and friends safe from scammers online, and I’d urge residents to be careful not to fall for a scammer, at Valentine’s Day, or any other time of year.”

If you have you think you have been the victim of fraud, or you know this is happening to someone, contact the Police on 101 or report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

If somebody has been affected by fraud and scams – even if they have chosen not to report the crime to the police – Victim Lincs can provide emotional support and practical advice. You can contact the service 01522 947510 or victim@lincs.pnn.police.uk.

Top five tips to help you steer clear of a romance fraud:

1. Take your time. Get to know the person and ask plenty of questions.

2. Analyse their profile. Check the person is genuine by putting their details (photo and name) in to Google. Also put the phrase ‘dating scam’ in next to their details. 

3. Talk more. Talk to your friends and family about who you are talking to online. Be suspicious of anyone who asks you to keep quiet about your relationship.

4. Don’t give money. Never send money or share your bank details with someone you’ve met online.

5. Don’t overshare personal details. Revealing your full name, date of birth, home address or workplace could lead to fraud, identity theft or even personal harm.  Protect the names, details, and locations of your children or family members.

For more information on keeping safe from fraud, visit www.actionfraud.police.uk.

*Tracey’s name has been changed to protect her identity. 

Firefighters from Sleaford used Holmatro cutting equipment to remove a car door to release a casualty following a collision on the Grantham-Sleaford Road.

It happened at Ancaster at about 7pm yesterday evening.

The casualty was taken to hospital by ambulance. Their condition is unknown.

Six life-saving defibrillators could soon be installed in Grantham after South Kesteven District Council pledged £7,000 to the project.

SKDC Cabinet Member Robert Reid, Grantham Councillor Charmaine Morgan and local groups have worked together to identify areas where they could be installed.

Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Annie Mason, said: “This initiative has a real potential to save lives and is an important step towards giving residents and visitors peace of mind.

“As part of SKDC’s £7,000 investment, the existing defibrillators in our Customer Services area and the Guildhall Arts Centre will also be moved outside so they are accessible around the clock. We’re now looking to see how we can further support this important contribution to the health and wellbeing of the area.”

Cllr Morgan said they were grateful to organisations and businesses who provide publicly accessible defibrillators.

“Through this project new defibrillators that will be available 24/7 will be installed across our town and surrounding area,” she said.

“We have a large area to cover and the more defibrillators we have, the less distance someone may have to go to access one in an emergency.

“Progress is being made and any organisation or business that wants to help provide more defibrillators is welcome to get in touch with me on 07398 156296.”

The Rotary Club has also installed a defibrillator in the George Centre, in Westgate, with the Lions adding one at Wyndham Park and Walton Girls’ School positioning one on its fence. The project partners are now set to liaise on additional sites.

Potential sites identified by Cllr Morgan include Grantham town centre, including Market Square and St Peters Hill; Commercial Road; the area near Somerby Hill; Dysart Park; Bridge End Road/London Road; Harlaxton Road/Springfield Road; Trent Road; Chieveley Park; Harrowby Lane shops; Manthorpe Estate shops;  Barrowby Gate; Earlesfield Estate shops; Harrowby Estate shops; Arnoldfield/Gonerby. All would be added to the emergency services database for easy access.

The Government and NHS have issued advice for members of the public following the confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK.

Typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

The UK Chief Medical Officers are advising anyone who has travelled to the UK from mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days and is experiencing cough or fever or shortness of breath, to stay indoors and call NHS 111, even if symptoms are mild.

More information about the virus, as well as symptoms and advice, is available to view at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirusinformation-for-the-public

Or on the NHS England website at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2020/02/statement-from-nhs-england-and-nhsimprovement-on-coronavirus/

Winchester Road is liable for closure from Monday until mid-May.

This is due to major gas main repairs by Cadent.

New research¹ by The Salvation Army has shown that more than one hundred and forty-thousand people in the East Midlands risk being unable to access their benefits when Universal Credit is rolled out due to faults in the Universal Credit system.

Researchers interviewed Salvation Army service users who are part of the first wave of Universal Credit claimants and found 85% of people surveyed struggled to complete their claim.

Of these, nearly two thirds (60%) cited not being able to use a computer or not understanding the complicated system as the main reasons they struggled to complete the process.

The Government’s own research² shows that 20% of Universal Credit claims are dropped before they are completed. The Salvation Army is warning that there is now overwhelming evidence that unless the Government provide more support for people to apply, vulnerable people will struggle to access their benefits when the system is rolled out fully. Across the UK, millions could be left unable to buy food, pay their rent, and take care of their children.

In May 2019 the Department for Work and Pensions data showed there were 148,560 recipients of Employment Support Allowance in the East Midlands, which can be claimed by people who are out of work due to illness or disability.

Rebecca Keating, Director of Employment Services at The Salvation Army said: “Rolling out Universal Credit in its current form will steamroll vulnerable people into poverty but the Government has time to turn this around by accepting our recommendations and making it easier to apply.

“Millions of people need extra support accessing a computer or understanding how to fill in complicated online forms. It is these vulnerable people who also claim Employment Support Allowance (ESA), a benefit for those who need extra help to get back into work. Over two million people are currently claiming ESA and are due to be moved onto Universal Credit³. Our research shows that many of them are going to struggle to access a system that is complicated, bureaucratic and digital by default.”

The Salvation Army is calling for the following improvements to be made to the system to ensure the most vulnerable don’t find themselves locked out of the system:

• Better identification of vulnerable people and those with mental health issues so they have tailored support to move on to Universal Credit.

• Investment to ensure smaller caseloads for Jobcentre Work Coaches so they have more time to properly identify and support clients who need extra help.

• More partnership working between Jobcentres and organisations like The Salvation Army, which has expertise in helping vulnerable people into work, including digital and budgeting support.

• Claimant Commitments to be personalised so that specific needs around issues like homelessness and domestic abuse are taken into account and people get the right support to help them find a job and stay in it.

Those adversely affected by Universal Credit include 36-year-old father, Michael, he said: “I suffer from anxiety and depression and have been coming to The Salvation Army’s foodbank since I was put on Universal Credit two years ago. It’s really tough and I’ve been sanctioned for missing appointments when I was ill. I’ve also been sanctioned for not looking online for work, but I don’t have access to the internet now because I had to pawn my laptop and my phone to get money to look after my kids.”

The Salvation Army’s, Rebecca Keating, continued, “Universal Credit is already the main reason⁴ people are coming to our foodbanks. They come to us for help at the point when they have given up and got themselves into debt trying to manage without the money for rent and food. We are helping those we can but the system is complicated even for those who are not classed as vulnerable and are applying for the standard Job Seekers Allowance who may also struggle.

“Half of people we surveyed said that mental ill health meant they struggled to move on to Universal Credit. The Government needs to seriously rethink the implications of what that means for moving more people onto the benefit.”

The Salvation Army’s report, ‘Understanding Benefits and Mental Health: A national rethink on how government supports vulnerable people moving onto Universal Credit’ surveyed people who are currently out of work and being helped to find employment with its Employment Plus service.

We are getting reports that a lorry has struck Barrowby Road railway Bridge, at about 2pm.

This is leading to long tailbacks on Sankt Augustin Way, Barrowby Road and other roads in the area.

All pictures above by Rigger Mortiss

With #StormDennis due to hit this weekend, please secure trampolines, garden furniture & hanging signage. The storm, which begins around midnight, brings 70mph winds and up to 100mm (4 inches) of rain.

For trees down in public places (road etc) contact Lincolnshire Police on 101

For power outages/issues call 105

Road users across the country are being advised to check the weather forecast and road conditions before they travel this weekend (Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th February) as strong winds and heavy rain are forecast. 

Highways England is working closely with the Met Office in monitoring the weather conditions. Met Office weather warnings for wind and rain will be in effect from 8am Saturday 15th until 9pm Sunday 16th February.

Road users are advised to take care when travelling, allowing plenty of time to complete your journey and consider whether your journey is necessary before setting out. 

You can find up-to-date information about road conditions on England’s motorways and major trunk roads at http://www.trafficengland.com/ or by calling our 24/7 Customer Contact Centre on 03001235000. For information on weather conditions across the country you can also visit the Met Office website at www.metoffice.gov.uk.