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Fraudsters are taking advantage of the response to coronavirus by duping the public into handing over personal information including financial details. That’s the warning from Lincolnshire County Council, as scammers are actively trying to exploit people during the coronavirus lockdown. Matt Drury, Principal Investigator from the council’s counter fraud team said:”We know that scammers have tailored their activity in light of the coronavirus outbreak and are playing on people’s fears and financial concerns. “We are seeing more ‘phishing attacks’ where bank account details or sign-in information is stolen. “This is carried out through encouraging the recipient to visit fake websites promising tax refunds and even a recent attempt encouraging parents to claim refunds for school meal payments. We’re now seeing scams where people are being told they have been fined for leaving the house. This is designed to obtain personal or financial details.” Lincolnshire’s Trading Standards team is also warning about people offering miracle cures or vaccines for coronavirus – there is no specific treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19)Andrew Turner, Scams Awareness and Prevention Officer from Lincolnshire Trading Standards, said: “We’re seeing new false online suppliers targeting both organisations and residents in Lincolnshire offering items in high demand such as hand sanitiser and face masks. But also, many new fake online retailers for a range of products – exploiting the increase in online shopping. Please use trusted and reputable suppliers. “Similarly there are people impersonating healthcare workers, claiming to be offering ‘home-testing’ for coronavirus – this is a scam and these kits are not currently available to buy. Councillor Alex Maughan, Lincolnshire County Council’s Counter-Fraud Champion said: “During these times where we are seeing the best in many people who are volunteering and looking after loved ones, it’s horrible to think that we are also seeing the worst in others. “Please be extra vigilant when you see claims about coronavirus, or if you see others sharing information which may be false. The best way to check is with the official government and council advice which you can access on our website.” |
Rector of St Wulfram’s, Fr Stuart Cradduck, has said he would have loved to have bathed his church in blue floodlights on Thursday evenings, in support of those still at work on the public’s behalf.
While Lincoln Cathedral did, the floodlights at the Grantham church just aren’t up to it.
He said: “Part of the £16.8 million heritage award that Lincoln Cathedral received was to update its lighting, which means that at a touch of a button they can colour the cathedral in whatever way they wish.
“Sadly, the flood light system which is at St Wulfram’s (which I feel was put in to celebrate the jubilee of Queen Victoria!) is not so easy.
“There are 14 different lamps on different levels which shine up on St Wulfram’s and each of these would have to have a coloured gel placed on the lamp.
“As people will know, we are not allowed to open St Wulfram’s to the public, this work would be considered not essential and therefore, very sadly we aren’t able to do this.
“Of course we are encouraging everyone to clap for the NHS each Thursday.
“I sincerely wish we could light it up blue in the same way which have lit it up different colours to respond to other events and organisations but in this time of lockdown, we simply can’t.”
Police are urging the public to protect the vulnerable and support the NHS this weekend as the predicted hot weather may tempt people out.
Please follow the Government instructions on what you need to do.
Thank you to everyone who is supporting the national effort. We all have a part to play. If you play your part in staying home, you will help us play our part in coming to work and policing the County.
Our coastal resorts are closed say Council and Police.
Those considering travelling to the Lincolnshire Coast this Easter, against Government advice, have been told to stay at home instead.
That’s the message from East Lindsey District Council, which has also announced the closure of its main tourism car parks as they ramp up measures to combat the spread of Coronavirus.
The message is echoed by Lincolnshire Police. East Area Commander Chief Supt Chris Davison said, “The Council are asking people to follow the Government instructions and not travel to the coast. We are supporting the message wholeheartedly. We will be friendly, but firm to ensure people only travel when necessary. A frivolous visit to the coast could literally cost lives. It would be a selfish and dangerous thing to do and would fly in the face of the vast majority of people who are taking every step they can to stop the spread of the virus and help protect our NHS. We have a beautiful County and a lovely coast. Save your visit for a better time, when the restrictions are lifted and you can enjoy it properly.”
The East Lincolnshire coast has seen a huge reduction in visitors over recent weeks as the message to stay at home begins to take effect, but with Easter fast approaching the Council has brought in the measures in a further effort to deter visitors. The Council confirmed that the closure of the car parks would remain in place for a number of months.
Councillor Steve Kirk, Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy at the Council, said: “It seems strange to be asking visitors to stay away and to be introducing measures to deter them from coming, but this is a wholly necessary step. We want to keep those would-be visitors and our residents safe and the best way we can do that is by encouraging people to stay at home. The threat posed by Coronavirus is incredibly high and, and as much as we love people visiting our district, it’s not worth the risk of getting ill and spreading this virus further. So please, follow Government instructions and stay at home and when this situation is resolved, we’ll gladly welcome you back to the Lincolnshire coast.”
The District Council are also calling on local businesses, including accommodation providers and visitor attractions to continue to play their part too, by ensuring they remain closed in-line with the Government closure orders.
Councillor Kirk added: “I’d like to thank businesses for following the guidance so far – we know this is a tough time.”
| New service launched to connect hospital patients and their families |
| A new Family Liaison Team has been launched to link patients and their families after visiting was suspended at Boston, Lincoln and Grantham hospitals in response to coronavirus. Being in hospital at any time can be unsettling for patients. Recognising the added anxiety of being isolated, the aim of the Family Liaison Team, which is run by the Chaplaincy Service and manned by volunteers, is to act as the link between patients and their loved ones. With bases on the three hospital sites, services will include:Taking and passing on non-urgent messages for patients and contacting them to confirm if there is a responseSupporting patients to enjoy a Skype or FaceTime video call if they do not already have the technology to do soReceiving and delivering personal items patients may need (To minimise the risk of cross infection the team cannot pass on: clothing – other than those brought in for when someone is being discharged; food and drink as all nutrition and hydration needs will be catered for; flowers or plants; and anything made of fabric or materials that cannot be wiped clean). Visitors are asked to ensure any items brought in to the Family Liaison Team are kept to an absolute minimum, as everything needs to be cleaned regularly. The team also asks that:Any items brought in are small and can be kept safely in or on a bedside locker. Valuable items should not be brought in as responsibility cannot be taken for items retained by patients at the bedside and there is limited ability to secure valuables. Any messages or drawings on paper are placed in a plastic pocket which can be wiped over.Items are placed in a plastic bag clearly labelled with the patients name, date of birth and the ward in which they are being cared.Phones or tablets and chargers, books and framed photographs should only be brought in if absolutely essential. For more information and to access the services offered by the Family Liaison Team, patients and their families should contact: Lincoln: 01522 573080 Boston: 01205 445243 Grantham: 01476 464616 Please leave a message on the answerphone if your call is not answered. |
South Kesteven District Council is asking residents to look out for their neighbours, particularly those who live near key workers who are vital in the fight against Coronavirus.
Those key workers across South Kesteven and the rest of Lincolnshire are leading from the front in ensuring essential services are maintained.
SKDC Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Annie Mason, said: “This is a very challenging time and we are simply asking people to think how they can make small gestures that show much the work of others is appreciated.
“I have been very impressed with how people in South Kesteven have followed Government advice by keeping social contact to an absolute minimum and adhering to social distancing guidance.
“But there are things that people can do to help others, particularly for those working long hours or unsociable shifts. This could be as simple as going to fetch some shopping or a prescription.”
Key workers include those employed in health and social care – from medical consultants to cleaners; supermarket staff and others in the food supply chain; the emergency services; utilities staff making sure electricity, oil, gas and water supplies continue; transport workers who make sure the supplies get to where they are needed; and others.
Many people now confined, for the most part, to their own homes may know a key worker who lives next door or close by for whom even the smallest gesture could make a big difference.
Cllr Mason said: “Whilst at home many of us are completing DIY or getting around to doing the gardening and having occasional bonfires to dispose of the waste.
“This can be good for our mental and physical wellbeing but please be mindful that there may be key workers living locally who are working very hard, often through the night and may need to sleep or work from home during the day.
“We are asking our residents to be extra considerate and, for example, do noisy garden jobs such as mowing the lawn at tea-time rather than early in the morning.
“When you are working in your garden, playing music, using power tools or involved in any other activity that could impact your neighbour please think about them.”
South Kesteven District Council is calling on landlords to follow new measures during the Coronavirus pandemic which aim to protect renters, ensure they have a decent place to live, and provide clarity for landlords.
The Government has brought forward a support package which means that most tenants in either social or private accommodation will be protected and not forced out of their home during the pandemic.
However, the measures are clear that there is also a responsibility on renters to work with their landlords more than ever during these difficult times and to seek help sooner rather than later if problems arise.
Leader of SKDC, Cllr Kelham Cooke, said: “It has never been more important than in these difficult times that landlords and tenants take a pragmatic, common-sense approach to resolving issues. Tenants should let their landlords know early if there is a problem and landlords should take the appropriate action and adhere to the new measures.
“Most tenancies work very well, and we continue to support the positive partnership that exists between the majority of landlords and tenants. But there is a need for new measures to provide clarity for all, as we work our way through this unprecedented period.”
Landlords now have to give all renters three months’ notice if they intend to seek possession (serve notice that they want to end the tenancy). This will apply until 30 September and both the end point, and the three-month notice period, can be extended if needed.
Any possession claims in the system or about to go into the system will now be affected by 90-day suspension of possession hearings and orders. At the expiry of the three-month notice, a landlord cannot force a tenant to leave their home without a court order.
For landlords, this will mean not expecting tenants to move even where they have already issued notice of their intention to regain possession of the property, or if they go on to issue notice for any reason during the next three months.
Cllr Cooke said: “Tenants are still liable to abide by the terms of their tenancy agreement and should pay their rent as usual. If they face financial hardship and struggle with this, support is available.
“In the first instance they should speak to their landlord if they think they will have difficulty meeting a rental payment, but they must remember that the rent amount agreed in the tenancy agreement is legally due.”
Landlords repair obligations have not changed even though routine inspections may now be more difficult. They will, however, not be unfairly penalised, and are advised to document all attempts and correspondence with their tenants.
Where reasonable and in line with Government guidance, tenants should allow landlords or contractors access to the property to inspect or remedy urgent health and safety issues.
| Statement from ULHT…. |
| United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust is working hard to prevent the spread of coronavirus and to protect our patients and staff from becoming seriously ill. We have, therefore, made the difficult decision to suspend all non-urgent outpatient appointments. We are asking patients to not attend your outpatient appointment unless we have contacted you directly. The Trust is conducting some outpatient appointments by telephone or video calling too, and we have contacted these patients individually. Appointments will be rearranged for a future date at a time when it is safe to do so. We thank you for your patience at this difficult time |
South Kesteven District Council is expected to decide next week whether Grantham’s Gravity Fields Festival will take place in September.
The festival, combining science, arts, heritage, music and drama, is organised by SKDC and celebrates the legacy of, and local links to, Sir Isaac Newton.
Three options are being considered: to continue planning the festival for this year; to postpone it to next year; or postpone it to 2022. The third option has been recommended for approval and the final decision is due to be taken by 8 April.
SKDC Leader, Cllr Kelham Cooke, said: “This is not a decision that will be taken lightly, Cllr Trollope-Bellew as the Cabinet Member for Culture and I have discussed this at length and public safety is our main priority and in the current circumstances we have to be looking ahead.
“There is no guarantee that movement and gathering restrictions will be lifted by September, to the extent that the Gravity Fields Festival can take place. In addition, from a practical and financial perspective, as with any major event, there are plans and preparations that need to take place in the run-up period and in the current circumstances, those can’t happen.”
The festival usually attracts funding from Arts Council England for the event’s traditional Saturday night outdoor spectacular, but funds have been redirected to a creative arts crisis funding package.
The public are being urged to take part in another mass round of applause for frontline healthcare heroes battling the coronavirus pandemic as part of Clap for our Carers.
The initiative, which saw residents from all corners of the UK including Grantham coming together to salute NHS staff and carers from doorsteps, windows and balconies, will take place again this evening at 8pm.
Those behind the campaign wrote on its website: “Healthcare workers, emergency services, armed services, delivery drivers, shop workers, teachers, waste collectors, manufacturers, postal workers, cleaners, vets, engineers and all those who are out there making an unbelievable difference to our lives in these challenging times… bravo, you are amazing!”
It comes exactly a week after the first nationwide round of applause was held at 8pm last Thursday.
Since then, the coronavirus death toll has risen to 2,352 while confirmed cases have totalled 29,474 as NHS workers continue to risk their lives in the fight against Covid-19.
Unlike last week, tonight’s clap will take place during the last moments of daylight with sunset taking place at 7.49pm after the clocks sprung forward to British Summer Time on Sunday.
Last Thursday, Brits ventured into the streets in the dark to applaud and cheer while motorists joined in by tooting their horns.
Many people took to social media to share videos and messages of support and admiration for healthcare workers.
The NHS official account tweeted shortly after: “That was emotional.”
The Clap For Carers campaign, which started online, was staged because “during these unprecedented times they need to know we are grateful”, according to the organisers.
| Essential road maintenance will still be carried out across the county to ensure that life-saving medicine, equipment, supplies and healthcare staff can travel to wherever they are needed most. From 1 April 2020, Balfour Beatty Group Limited and Colas Limited will take to the streets as Lincolnshire County Council’s new highways contractors, alongside existing contractor, WSP UK Limited. Following guidance from the Department for Transport and Public Health England, the county council’s new contractors will still be carrying out essential highways maintenance and improvement over the coming weeks. Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The Government’s current policy is that works should continue where they can be undertaken in accordance with Public Health England and industry guidance. It’s critical that those making necessary journeys during this pandemic can do so safely on our roads. “The council has been working with our new contractors to allow planned surface dressing, footways schemes and other essential work to go ahead, with staff following advice on social distancing. “I’d like to thank our previous partners – Kier and Dynniq – for their work over the years and for helping us achieve a seamless transition from one contract to the next, especially during these unprecedented times.” Roadworks will continue to be advertised on site ahead of work starting, and online at roadworks.org. Worth a combined £762m, the new highways contracts will run for an initial period of six years, with the potential to be extended for a further six years. WSP, the engineering professional services consultancy, retained its Professional Design Services contract with the council. David Stephens, WSP Head of Local Government Services, said: “WSP are delighted to be appointed under the Highways 2020 Professional Services contract and to continue our very successful relationship with Lincolnshire County Council. “We look forward to collaborating with the council, Balfour Beatty Living Places and Colas to deliver high quality services which help to sustain and develop prosperity in Lincolnshire.” New contractor, Colas will provide routine and emergency repair services for traffic signals in Lincolnshire. Faïçal Lahmamsi, Colas Executive Director National and Regional Operations, said: “Our traffic signals team look forward to delivering a full support package of planned and reactive maintenance and we are excited at the prospect of a great collaboration with all our alliance partners on delivering the needs of our client and the community around Lincolnshire.” |
Three females were arrested following a police raid on a house in Brook Street.
Mariah Fraiser, aged 20, from Daybrook, Nottingham has been charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs, possession of criminal property, and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon. She has been bailed with conditions, not to enter Lincolnshire, to Lincoln Magistrates Court on 3 June 2020.
A women, aged 33, from Grantham was arrested for being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and permitting the use of premises for supply of class A drugs. She has been released under investigation.
A 15 year old girl was also arrested for possession with intent to supply and has been safeguarded and bailed with conditions not to enter Lincolnshire.
DS Paul Sands, Grantham CID, Lincolnshire Police, said: “I’d like to thank the public for calling in and passing information to us yesterday. I’d encourage anyone who has information about drug dealing to contact us or the independent charity Crime Stoppers.”
We are appealing for anyone with information to this investigation to get in touch. There are a number of ways you can do this:
Work on the Grantham Southern Relief Road continues, despite other county road projects being put on hold.
A county council spokesman said that due to the nature of the work, at the junction with the A1 south of Grantham, most employees were ‘isolated’ in separate machinery.
Work where people operated on close proximity has been put on hold.
Photos: Rigger Mortiss
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