Crimestoppers appeals for information on those carrying weapons
As society opens up, Crimestoppers appeals for anonymous information on those carrying weapons in the East Midlands & warns that violent crime remains a persistent but preventable problem
Charity’s appeal follows Silence Won’t Stop Violence campaign last November which led to significant rise in info on gangs, weapons, County Lines and cuckooing
With society returning to something closer to normal, the charity Crimestoppers has launched an urgent appeal for information on those people in the East Midlands carrying weapons.
Last November, Crimestoppers ran its first-ever Silence Won’t Stop Violence campaign which saw the public respond positively and anonymously. Information on gangs rose by 17%, County Lines up by 15%, cuckooing up by two-thirds and information on firearms rose by 5% compared to the period prior to the appeal.
Whilst official statistics reveal knife crime has now fallen for four quarters in a row, we should not become complacent. Last year:
- 275 people lost their life to a knife or sharp instrument in England and Wales
- 4,620 people were admitted to hospitals in England for attacks by sharp objects.
As the pandemic continues to impact the NHS, we should all help protect communities and health service from harm.
In 2019, over half of violent incidents across the UK were not reported to the police. Crimestoppers believes that Silence Won’t Stop Violence and is informing people across the East Midlands that everyone has the means and a voice to anonymously speak up to help stop or solve violent crime. Indeed, last year our charity passed on over 12,850 anonymous pieces of information about all crime types given to us from the public across the region.
The pandemic has also put young people in a vulnerable position, due to a lack of employment opportunities. In 2020, referrals of children suspected to be victims of County Lines gangs increased by 31%*.
Young people are at a greater risk of being exploited by these gangs due to false promises of easy money. We want to raise awareness amongst our older digital audiences of our youth service, Fearless.org, to ensure that anyone, regardless of age, feels comfortable speaking up and telling us what they know.
Here are some anonymised examples of information the charity has recently received nationally:
- Heroin and crack cocaine dealers, who carried knives and guns, arrested and charged after information we passed on led police to find thousands of pounds in cash, along with guns, ammunition and a large quantity of class A drugs.
- Suspects arrested thanks to Crimestoppers information regarding a violent attack on group of young people where baseball bats and knives caused serious injuries including knife wounds.
- Individual stopped in his car after anonymous information we had received over weapons which led police to discover a number of knives and an imitation firearm.
- Dangerous on the run individual wanted for firearms offences and for causing serious injury found thanks to anonymous information our charity received following an appeal.
For more information about the campaign, please visit our website.
Lydia Patsalides, Regional Manager for the East Midlands at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “With violence and gang crime being a persistent, but preventable problem, our charity is relaunching our campaign and supporting a public health approach to tackling violence. This means recognising it requiring a society-wide response, so we are encouraging people in the East Midlands – who are in the know about those carrying weapons or involved in violent crime – to not be silenced, but to speak up anonymously.
“We know that you may be personally close to crime but may also want to do the right thing and bring violence in your community to an end. No matter how far down the wrong road you’ve gone – you can ALWAYS turn back. You do have options. You have the ability to prevent violent crime through telling us what you know in advance of planned violent attacks, or passing on information that can help solve crime and bring justice to victims and their families.
“Our aim is to drive people to report what they know about violent crime incidents or planned attacks using our unique anonymous reporting service, via Crimestoppers-uk.org, by calling freephone 0800 555 111, or for young people to use Fearless.org. Together, we can help reduce the harm caused to young lives and communities across the country.”
To report what you know about crime 100% anonymously, visit the charity’s website Crimestoppers-uk.org and fill in a simple and secure anonymous online form or call their 24/7 UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111, 365 days of the year. In an emergency, always call 999. Young people can also use our resources, find advice and use our anonymous online form at Fearless.org.
Please note: Computer IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted Crimestoppers. For telephone calls, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and the charity has never traced a call.
First ever Lincolnshire Climate Summit
Are you looking for ways to be more sustainable? Would you like to know more about the amazing things going on in Lincolnshire to tackle climate change?
If yes, join us on 13th October at the Epic Centre in Lincoln for a day of looking to the future and discovering new ways of working together to reach net zero carbon emissions. Hear from our line-up of inspirational speakers, including the chair of the UK Climate Change Committee Lord Deben, the CEO of the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) Sarah Mukherjee and many more.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive member for environment at Lincolnshire County Council, comments: “We’re delighted to be bringing together experts, communities, individuals and businesses to inspire action, make changes and see how we can work better together to make a real difference to our environment.
“As a council, we’re committed to being zero carbon by 2050, or sooner if practically possible, and we’re well on the way to achieving this. We want to do more though, and we know there are other ways to make changes. We hope this event will help us meet new like-minded partners and inspire the change necessary if we are to work for a better future and reach our net zero target.”
A series of free virtual events will be running from 20 September, ahead of the Climate Summit event. These will cover a range of topics on how to be more sustainable at both work and home.
| Date | Webinar |
| Monday 20 September 10am – 11.30am | Make your business energy efficient |
| Tuesday 21 September 11am – 12.30pm | Sustainable transport for your business |
| Wednesday 22 September 6pm – 7.30pm | Community-led climate action |
| Thursday 23 September 6pm – 7.30pm | Create a low carbon home |
For more information or to sign up, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/green-masterplan
Collisions shuts A52 near Grantham
Emergency services including Leicestershire Police are in attendance. National Highways have deployed resources to assist.
Road users travelling westbound are advised to leave the A52 at Barrowby and take the northbound entry slip road onto the A1 north. Follow the A1 north for approximately 14 miles to the junction with the A46 at Newark and join the A46 southbound. Continue on the A46 southbound for approximately 13.5 miles back to the roundabout with the A52 at Saxondale and rejoin the A52 westbound to continue your journey.
Road users travelling eastbound should follow the above diversion but in reverse.
Police are also diverting traffic locally at the scene of the incident.
Please allow extra time for your journey if you are travelling in the area today and use alternative routes if possible.
Further incident information is available from Highways England by visiting our www.trafficengland.com website and travel apps, or via our @HighwaysEMIDS regional Twitter feed. Our 24/7 Customer Contact Centre is also available to provide up to the minute information on 03001235000.
Firefighters raise £500 in charity record hose challenge
Lincolnshire’s climate summit webinars to run next week
Looking for ways to become more sustainable? If so, then take part in Lincolnshire County Council’s first Climate Change Summit webinars.
From 20 – 23 September, residents and businesses can talk to experts about building design, sustainable homes, energy efficiency, biomethene power, electric vehicles and community climate action, amongst other climate topics.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive member for environment at Lincolnshire County Council, explains: “If you are looking for more ways to be more sustainable or would like to know more about the amazing things going on in Lincolnshire to tackle climate change, these webinars are perfect.
“We have some brilliant speakers including Richard Porter from Nettleham Parish Council who has been instrumental in developing Nettleham Parish Council’s climate change strategy and Roberta Bray from Plastic Free Sleaford on how we can help create plastic free communities.
“There’s also loads of helpful tips on how to be more sustainable at work, at home and in your community. There is something for everyone!
“Join us to be part of the debate on climate change, and help us explore new ways for our communities reach net zero and accelerate action towards a greener future.”
To sign up to the free webinar series visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/greenmasterplan
Local farmer warns of food shortages at Christmas due to lorry driver shortage
Grantham’s Poacher Line shortlisted in five categories at annual Industry Awards
The Poacher Line Community Rail Partnership (CRP) has had its hard work recognised by being shortlisted in several categories in the annual Community Rail Awards.
The awards night, which will take place in Southampton on 9 December, brings together all the community rail partnerships across the country to showcase the value of Community Rail.
Projects which have been shortlisted this year include the allotment at Sleaford station and the Community Vegetable Patch at Radcliffe station. The full shortlist can be found at https://communityrail.org.uk/events-training/community-rail-awards/community-rail-awards-2021-shortlist/
The partnership has also had one of their photographs entered into the Photo Competition; the winning entry will be decided by a public vote.
To support the partnership you can vote for photo H, ‘Roll out the Barrows!’ at https://communityrail.org.uk/events-training/community-rail-awards/community-rail-awards-2021-shortlist/photo-competition-sponsored-by-porterbrook/.
Voting closes on Monday 27 September 2021.
Jo Andrews, Community Rail Officer for the Poacher Line said:
“I am delighted the hard work of the partnership has once again been recognised by the industry, especially welcome after a challenging couple of years. We are looking forward to being able to celebrate the achievements of the partnership with our friends and colleagues in Southampton in December.
“Thank you to all of our supporters and volunteers and don’t forget to vote for us in the photo competition.”
Kaye Robinson, Community Ambassador for East Midlands Railway further commented:
“It is amazing to see the hard work and fantastic projects completed by the Poacher Line CRP being recognised at these national awards. The fact that all these schemes have been completed during a worldwide pandemic shows how important the CRPs are in their local communities.
“The projects shortlisted in these awards have transformed areas of our stations for the better and we wish the Poacher Line and partners the best of luck for the awards evening”.
Man arrested after woman struck by car
POLICE are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a collision between a car and a pedestrian, in Grantham, on Wednesday evening.
At around 7.30pm a black VW Golf was involved in the collision with a female pedestrian in New Beacon Road. The vehicle did not stop at the scene and is believed to have travelled from the Harrowby Lane area of New Beacon Road towards Grantham town centre.
The driver, a 23-year-old man, was arrested shortly afterwards on suspicion of failing to stop at the scene of a collision. He has since been released under investigation and our enquiries are continuing.
A 57-year-old woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries which are not thought to be life-threatening.
The road was closed for several hours following the collision. It was re-opened at around 3am.
We would like to her from anyone who saw the collision, or who saw the VW Golf shortly beforehand. We’d also appeal to anyone who has dashcam or CCTV footage from the area at the time to get in touch.
Please contact police in one of the following ways:
- Call us on 101, quoting Incident 408 of 15 September;
- Email force.control@lincs.police.uk putting “Incident 408 of 15 September” in the Subject line;
- Contact Crimstroppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
A huge reservoir could be built in south Lincolnshire
New partnership supports social prescribing and community wellbeing initiatives
Lincolnshire Community Foundation are delighted to be working in partnership with Primary Health Properties PLC (PHP) to offer grants to charities and community groups that deliver social prescribing and community wellbeing initiatives to the communities that are served by the Primary Care centres owned by PHP.
PHP are a Real Estate Investment Trust committed to supporting the NHS in the delivery of primary care buildings which have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the communities they are located in.
They including Harrowby Lane Surgery in Grantham and Market Cross in Corby Glen.
Social prescribing enables a holistic approach to people’s health and wellbeing and PHP have created their Community Impact Fund to support GP practices and their communities with this model of care.
PHP have launched a pilot project targeting Scotland and Lincolnshire, working with the GP practice tenants and their social prescribing coordinators to promote the fund to organisations delivering social prescribing services to their patient list and local community within a ten-mile radius.
Staff at Lincolnshire Community Foundation will be administering the fund on behalf of PHP. Grants of up to £10,000.00 will be awarded to organisations that can demonstrate their ability to meet the following objectives:
Social prescribing has a vital role to play in helping communities recover and rebuild after the coronavirus pandemic, particularly given the increased demand for services to support mental health and combat loneliness. We look forward to working with PHP to establish this new fund to improve patient wellbeing outcomes, quality of life and emotional wellbeing.
Sue Fortune, CEO of Lincolnshire Community Foundations, commented: “We are pleased that PHP have chosen to work with Lincolnshire Community Foundations to distribute their new Community Impact Fund. It’s important we are able to support grassroots organisations, particularly as those who feel isolated and vulnerable start to re-engage with their communities. Social Prescription Link Workers will be able to refer patients of PHP onto local community organisations who will be funded to offer a lifeline to help improve the emotional and physical wellbeing of local residents across their communities.”
Harry Hyman, CEO Primary Health Properties at PHP said: “We are delighted to be working with UK Community Foundations, to ensure that our Community Impact Fund can be distributed to those services supporting the primary care and social prescribing provision within those targeted communities. The UKCF national coverage, their established community relationships and presence in the regions our portfolio covers will ensure that our fund is successfully promoted and delivered to those in most need. “[JP1]
Equinox 24 at Belvoir Castle this weekend
18/09/2021 – 19/09/2021 at Belvoir Castle, Belvoir, Grantham NG32 1PE, UK
Equinox24 is a 24 hour race around a mixed terrain 10k loop against the clock.
There is also a daytime 10k race and a night 10k race. The event is open to all abilities: whether entering to run solo or in a team of 2-8, whether you aim to win or just to take part, this race will be exhilarating, testing and rewarding with a great atmosphere.
The 10k route will take you around the picturesque Belvoir Castle Estate in Leicestershire.
There is on site camping available from Friday to Monday for competitors and spectators with toilets, hot showers, food and trade stalls. Equinox24 is renowned for its welcoming, supportive and friendly atmosphere and is a great experience for runners and supporters alike.
You’ll find the Equinox24 physically challenging and mentally tough but an amazing experience not to be missed.
A weekend you will talk about for years, especially with those who share the weekend with you.
More than a million Christmas lights at Belton
The countdown to Christmas has started, and National Trust’s beautiful Belton House in Lincolnshire is getting ready to welcome its glittering Illuminated Trail back this year, from
25 November to 2 January 2022.
Get your Christmas sparkle on, and be surrounded by over a million twinkling lights, colourful trees and amazing illuminated installations, all choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music, transforming Belton’s majestic gardens into a winter wonderland.
There will be picture perfect colour changing spheres, trees interwoven with neon light, an immersive triangular tunnel filled with colour changing hues, giant water lilies, singing trees and a tunnel of hearts leading to larger-than-life mistletoe, so there’s plenty of selfie moments along the way.
Trail highlights for 2021
- Carol of the Bells – lighting up the night sky with colour changing spheres of light
- Triangulate Tunnel – walk through this triangular tunnel and immerse yourself in a sea of moving lights, colours and patterns that dance in time to the music
- Neon Tree – stand back and marvel at its branches interwoven with multicoloured neon lights
Independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist to tasty treats on offer. Have yourself a holly, jolly Christmas and complete your walk under the stars with *toasted marshmallows, a *spiced winter warmer or *hot chocolate shared with someone special.
Christmas at Belton provides a special way to celebrate the festive season with an unmissable outdoor experience. The trail is designed for visitors of all ages and is accessible to all to enjoy.
Tickets are selling fast, book now to avoid disappointment http://christmasatbelton.com
Christmas at Belton is brought to you by Sony Music Limited in partnership with the National Trust. The trail is created by Culture Creative.
Admission: Limited capacity with timed entry, early booking advised
Advanced From: Adult £20, Child £14, Family £66 (2 adults & 2 children).
Free entry for carers and children aged 2 & under.
Parking £8 per car. Free for National Trust members when booked in advance.Website: http://christmasatbelton.com | #christmasatbelton | #mychristmastrails.
Grantham road so bad it’s know as “Car Crash Corner”
A52 near Grantham – one lane closed both ways until tomorrow (Friday) evening
The A52 Grantham-Nottingham road has been closed at the Redmile turn.
AA Roadwatch says: “One lane closed and queueing traffic due to emergency repairs on A52 Eastbound at the Redmile turnoff.
‘A lane is closed for emergency repairs following an accident, affecting traffic between Nottingham and Grantham.’
‘The A52 in BOTH directions at Whatton in the Vale/ Aslockton ONE lane has been closed due to an incident off our network.
‘Congestion is building on the approach in both directions, please avoid the area if possible and plan for delays. Lanes expected open by 1700 tomorrow Friday, September 17.
Grantham man found guilty of child sexual offences
Alan Robert Henneberry, aged 33, of Shaw Road, Grantham, has today been found guilty of a string of sexual offences against children.
Henneberry, also known as Butcher, was charged with two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and one count of sexual assault of a child by sexual touching.
His offences took place in 2019 and 2020 against two victims aged under 13.
The jury returned the guilty verdict today at Lincoln Crown Court.
Hennneberry also previously pleaded guilty to charges of possession of, making and taking indecent images of children. The images ranged from category C to category A.
Investigating officer Helen Morris, of Lincolnshire Police Protecting Vulnerable Persons, said, “This man is guilty of some of the most grave offences, causing the most serious harm to children. I hope that the guilty verdict brings some sense of justice to those affected.
“Where victims and their families come forwards, we will always dedicate ourselves to the investigation, and do our utmost to bring offenders to court. We would like to pay tribute to the bravery of those involved, whose cooperation helped to secure the conviction of a very dangerous man. I hope that cases such as this give others the confidence and strength to contact us if they have any suspicions or concerns.”
Henneberry has been remanded pending sentencing at a later date.
Spectacular Christmas set for Belvoir Castle
A Regency Christmas: 15 November 2021 – 2 January 2022
Enlightened Light Trail: 26 November 2021 – 1 January 2022
The biggest and most spectacular festive season ever staged at Belvoir Castle will see the fairy-tale home transformed for A Regency Christmas and its historic gardens illuminated with a magical light trail.
Opening 15 November, the Regency Castle will be transformed into a festive spectacular by leading interior designer Charlotte Lloyd Webber. The hilltop castle is one of the finest surviving examples of Regency architecture and boasts a treasure trove of stunning binge-worthy interiors to thrill the most avid Bridgerton fan.
With the Netflix blockbuster igniting interest in all things Regency in popular culture today, and the eagerly awaited season two in production, the appetite for an authentic Regency experience this Christmas is set to be huge.
Taking inspiration the Duke and Duchess of Rutland’s family insignia, the castle will be dressed with Regency inspired décor; trees will be draped in the Belvoir colours of blue and gold along with a festive palette; opulent rooms set in readiness for a party and other surprises to whisk the visitor into the world of Regency romance. Rooms will be decorated to highlight the High Regency interiors from the Guard Room, Ballroom, Elizabeth Saloon, State Dining Room and Picture Gallery to the Kings Suite Bedrooms and Regents Gallery.
The key decorative notes of individual rooms will inform the designs with an immense Peacock Tree in the Elizabeth Saloon. Inspiration is taken from other stunning Regency interiors such as the Brighton Pavilion built for the Prince Regent who was a frequent visitor to Belvoir along with his brother the Duke of York, reportedly the lover of Elizabeth, 5th Duchess of Rutland.
A Regency tree will be decorated in the style of the era while a spectacular Kissing Bough will add to the features typical of the time.
Charlotte Lloyd Webber said: “We are delighted to be working with Belvoir to design its first major Christmas event that will highlight in spectacular festive fashion some of the most famous and gorgeous interiors of this fairytale Regency castle, which happily is currently very in vogue on the back of the Bridgerton Netflix series.
“A common misconception is that Christmas was largely invented by the Victorians. However interior trees were used by the Georgians, following the German tradition particularly in aristocratic houses but would more commonly have been a Yew tree. We will be adding our own interpretative twist and the house will display contemporary decorations that hark back to this beautiful decorative period.”
Archivists at the Castle are poring over the diary entries and other memorabilia to bring out stories of the era as part of the festivities.
Emma, Duchess of Rutland, said: “This Christmas, we invite you to become our guest for the festive season at Belvoir and allow us to transport you back to a world ruled by elegance and etiquette. We are so excited to be presenting A Regency Christmas set in what is surely England’s finest Regency home, the scene of many glamorous balls, elegant parties, intimate suppers along with a good dash of romance and intrigue.”
There’s more to see and do at Belvoir Castle this Christmas than ever before. Brand new for 2021, the Enlightened Light Trail will see the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden and Spiral Walk transformed into a magical trail lit by thousands of twinkling lights. A 3D projection will be beamed onto the facade of the castle while interactive light up games and a custom soundscape will create a breathtaking experience suitable for all the family to enjoy.
The Old Kitchen will be transformed into a Regency Santa’s Grotto for weekend visits while the Engine Yard will have its own Santa’s Grotto open every weekend over Christmas. Tickets available online.
During the run-up to Christmas 2021, there will be late night shopping events at the Engine Yard with quirky, not-on-the-high-street presents and treats as well as plenty of festive food and drink enjoy on site.
Individual Christmas experience tickets for Castle and Garden and Combined tickets are available for the Regency Christmas and Enlightened Light Trail with pre-booking for the timed slots essential.
Peak and Off Peak Tickets are available for children aged 4-15, adults and families (2 adults, 2 children) starting from £12 child, £ 21 adult and £62 family for A Regency Christmas; £13 child, £17 adult, £56 family for Enlightened and £18 child, £27 adult and £90 family for the Combined offer.
Discount for groups of 15+, coach parking included, free entry and lunch for coach driver/ group tour organiser. Email groups@belvoircastle.com
To explore Belvoir at Christmas and pre-book visits, go to www.belvoirchristmas.com/event-category/christmas-2021/
Kids invited to celebrate Emma’s stunning victory with a free session at Grantham Tennis Club
Following Emma Raducanu’s sensational US Open Women’s Singles victory last Saturday, Grantham Tennis Club & Gym is excited to offer a COMPLETELY FREE Mini drop-in session on Saturday morning from 9am to 10am for any girl aged 6 to 9 years old.
The offer is also open in the Junior drop-in session from 10am to midday for any girl aged 10 to 18 years old.
It’s the perfect chance to try a new sport and, who knows, take Raducanu’s path to the top!
All equipment is provided.
Please email info@granthamtennisclub.co.uk or call the club on 01476 591391 to register your interest.
Police blame error after cancelling almost £2m of A1 Grantham speeding fines
4×4 stolen in overnight in Grantham farm theft
We are appealing for information and the public’s help after a farm theft overnight in Woodnock, Grantham.
Between midnight and 7am today, Thursday, September 16, an £8,000, green Polaris Ranger utility 4x 4 vehicle registration mark FJ17 ENH was stolen.
Included in this release is a picture of similar vehicle.
Police have not received any other reports in the area.
T.Detective Inspector Paul Sands said: “These rural crimes are not acceptable and we are committed to both preventing them and bringing those who commit them to justice.
“I know the huge impact this has on the farming community, even more so at their busiest time for year, so I would urge anyone with any information to please get in touch with us today and don’t put it off.
“The quicker you act the better chance we have of recovering the stolen vehicle.
“You can do this by contacting Lincolnshire police quoting incident number 58 today or alternatively if you wish to remain anonymous crime stoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
