With the current COVID lockdown it is vital that we only travel if essential and when there is a lawful exemption to do so.

With a weather warning in place for snow and ice in Lincolnshire all day tomorrow (Saturday 16th), it is imperative to consider once again if your journey is essential.

If it can be rescheduled to another day, it should be. Snow and sleet will mean hazardous driving conditions tomorrow. Please only travel in your vehicle if absolutely necessary.

If you must use the roads and your journey cannot be delayed, please be prepared.

Make sure you have a fully charged mobile, warm clothing, blankets, boots and a shovel.

Please drive with extreme caution and in accordance with the conditions, allowing extra time for your journey.

A woman was rescued from her car by firefighters after her car became trapped in floods at Corby Glen yesterday.

Crews from Grantham and Bourne were call to Tanners Lane in the village at noon yesterday.

Theyn used a rescue sled and wading poles to rescue her

St Barnabas Hospice is inviting supporters to walk, run, cycle or swim their way to fitness while raising vital funds for the charity to kick off the new year. 

The Hospice has launched its new campaign ‘Don’t Quit – Get Fit’ to encourage not only its supporters to get fit, but to raise funds after a difficult 2020 for the charity. Those taking part can define their own challenge, whether that’s running the equivalent of a marathon, climbing the same amount of stairs as it would take to reach the top of Everest or just getting outside to exercise after the festive season.

Fundraising Officer at St Barnabas, Paisley Paddison said: “We’re so excited to be bringing this active campaign to life, we’ve had so much support for physical and active events before that we wanted to encourage people to work up a sweat again; making 2021 their year!

“Health and exercise are highly important to promote positive wellbeing and ‘Don’t Quit – Get Fit’ provides a great opportunity for those in our local communities to take on a fundraising challenge which will allow them to have fun, take in some fresh air and focus on something in a time that is very challenging and worrying for many.”

Caroline Swindin, Fundraising Development Manager said “With 2020 behind us, this is a great time to kick start your fitness in 2021, stay motivated, and whatever your age and ability set yourself achievable fitness goals and try something a little different to stay well.

“It is easy and free to sign up and  our team is here  to support you every step of the way. By raising just £71.40 will enable St Barnabas nurses to provide two hours of vital physiotherapy or occupational therapy for our patients helping to ensure that they live as comfortably as possible, for as long as possible.”

Supporters that register their JustGiving page also receive a free St Barnabas water bottle. You can register via a simple sign-up form, all the Hospice asks is that you try to raise a minimum of £71.40 in sponsorship money.

Emma Tatlow, Chief Executive from Active Lincolnshire said “Being active is so important for both our physical and mental wellbeing, getting outside and moving more boosts our mood, improves overall health and makes us more resilient to long term health conditions. 

“It is our vision at Active Lincolnshire for more people in the county to move more often – we should all be aiming for 150 minutes of movement a week (that’s 26 minutes a day) and this campaign will certainly help to keep Lincolnshire motivated and moving during in 2021, in addition to supporting the vital work of the hospice.”

Those taking part can also gain free access to the private ‘Adventure With St Barnabas’ Facebook group, advice from professionals and a discount car for retailers specialising in outdoor and sportswear.

A new 60-home development being built in the historic Leicestershire village of Bottesford will launch in the spring.

Bellway’s stylish The Vale development will consist of two, three, four and five-bedroom houses for sale, as well as nineteen affordable homes for rent or shared ownership.

Construction work has recently got underway on the site, which is located on land to the south of Grantham Road, around a mile east of the village centre.

The first homes will go on the market in the spring when a sales office opens at the development. A showhome will be unveiled shortly after, while the first residents are expected to move in during the summer.

Claire Black, Sales Manager for Bellway East Midlands, said: “We’re expecting these homes to sell quickly. After spending more time at home in 2020, more people are deciding to move to a property that better suits their needs, whether that’s a space for homeworking or a bigger garden, and we expect that trend to continue in 2021.

“The Vale will offer a wide range of homes to cater for those changing needs, all within walking distance of the attractive village centre, which boasts a number of historic buildings and a selection of restaurants and pubs.

“We anticipate that the development will be particularly popular with families, as Bottesford Church of England Primary School, and secondary school The Priory Belvoir Academy, are both located within the village and are both rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

“Bottesford also offers plenty of options for commuters. The Vale is just a 10-minute walk from the village’s railway station, and the site’s easy access to the A52 and A1 means Grantham, Newark, Melton Mowbray, Leicester and Nottingham are all within commuting distance by car.

“We have already received lots of enquiries from prospective buyers at The Vale and we are confident that many of the homes here will not only be built but also occupied by the summer.”

Bellway is contributing more than £170,000 towards education in the area, as part of the planning agreement for The Vale.

House-hunters wanting to visit the sales office at The Vale will be able to make an appointment in the spring, as strict social distancing measures are in place across all Bellway sites in-line with coronavirus guidelines.

For more information about The Vale, call 01949 222541 or visit bellway.co.uk.

Sgt Dan McCormack says police are dealing with many weather realated incidents.

Among them, Tanners Lane, Corby Glen (above) as well as Swaton is under water.

Officers dealing with multiple collisions and vehicles in watery conditions.

Four men were arrested on Tuesday (12th January) on suspicion of stealing a KTM motorcycle from a shed in West Street, Folkingham.

The victim was disturbed at 1.15am and ran after the suspects before losing sight of them.

The police were called and within 25 minutes, officers had located a man believed to have been involved in the crime in Walcot.

This led officers to locating two other men in the Newton Lane area and the vehicle involved in the theft was then located on the A15.

The vehicle, a Kia Ceed, contained the stolen motorcycle and another man was arrested.

The arrested men are aged 19, 26, 27 and 29. All have been released on bail while the investigation continues.

If you’ve been the victim of crime, support is available, whether you have reported the crime to the police or not.

Victim Lincs provide free, confidential advice and guidance, as well as access to specialist emotional support services. Visit victimlincs.co.uk or call 01522 947510 Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm.

The consultation which opens today (Wednesday 13 January) runs for two weeks and is an opportunity to comment on a proposal to increase SKDC’s element of council tax by £5 for properties in Band D – equivalent to an increase of just over 41p a month.

The consultation provides an overview of the financial impact of Covid-19 and highlights how the proposed increase would help the Council to deliver on its ambitions for South Kesteven. It closes on 27 January 2021.

Cllr Adam Stokes, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, said SKDC had worked hard to maintain a ‘business as usual’ approach throughout the pandemic during which it had overseen the distribution of more than £30m in business grants through InvestSK; processed around 3,500 benefit claims; provided 243 homeless people with accommodation; and responded to more than 1,100 enquiries about fly-tipping.

Cllr Stokes said: “SKDC is continuing on a path to becoming financially self-sufficient by 2025 by being more efficient in how we deliver our services and generating income by using our assets and reserves wisely. This is vital given the reduction in funding from Central Government and the uncertain financial situation that all local authorities are facing due to Coronavirus.

“As well as contributing to initiatives under each of the Council’s priorities, our residents play a vital role in helping to meet the costs of services we provide on a day-to-day basis and it is important that we are aware of their views before any decisions are made.

“The proposed increase will help fund the services we currently provide, as well as our priorities for the future, and ensure that we are in a position to support South Kesteven’s recovery, post-Covid.

“We  ask that as many residents and businesses  as possible complete the survey which should only take a couple of minutes. The views we receive will help inform the decision the Council makes at the beginning of March in respect of its element of Council Tax for 2021/22.”

To have your say on council tax proposals go to www.southkesteven.gov.uk/counciltaxconsultation2022

You can also access the survey by scanning the QR code (see attachment) with the camera on your smart phone.

For more information contact the Council’s Customer Services Team on 01476 406080.

The NHS trust which provides mental health and learning disability services in Lincolnshire has been reaccredited by the Carers Trust ‘Triangle of Care’ programme for their work with families and carers.

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) has retained its two-star status, the highest level of accreditation that can be obtained through the programme

Developed by the Carers Trust, the Triangle of Care programme asks NHS mental health trusts to make a commitment to change the way they communicate with and include carers in decisions about the person they are supporting.

Donna Bradford, Service Manager for Carers and Relatives at LPFT, said: “I am delighted that the Trust continues to receive national recognition for the progress we have made and continue to make in improving how we involve carers and relatives”.

“I’d like to thank all teams for their hard work in helping us continue to meet the Triangle of Care standards. Carers play such a big part in many of our patients’ care so it is important that this role is recognised and we support carers as individuals to safely and effectively continue their support.

“Despite being reaccredited the work does not stop here, we will continue to ensure carers are appropriately involved and develop further information and opportunities,”

According to figures released by Carers UK, 3 in 5 adults have a caring responsibility, which equates to 9 million people.

To find out more about the Triangle of Care programme, go to www.carers.org.

Beezr Studios (Spark Media) – the team that created ‘Escape to the Chateau ‘and its spin-off ‘Escape to the Chateau DIY’ – is looking for people to take part in its latest venture.. 

They are currently casting in and around the Grantham area for a new DIY series.

Spokesman Ronan Osborne said: “We are looking for homeowners with a DIY crisis.

“This could be someone who wants to up-cycle a bargain-buy but not sure how to do it, or a household item that needs upholstering/painting/fixing. 

“We’re really keen to get as many applicants as we can from Grantham.”

Gastroenterology patients are being treated in 5-star facilities after a £1million hospital ward transformation. Staff and patients have returned to Dixon Ward at Lincoln County Hospital following a comprehensive seven-month refurbishment. This saw the 28 bed gastroenterology ward gutted and rebuilt into a 20 bed ward, with the addition of the Saxon Suite day unit to help treat patients without the need to be admitted for overnight stays. All of the work has been undertaken during what has been an unprecedented time for the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes dedicated areas for staff to put on their personal protective equipment, making sure they are following all of the new infection prevention control guidance to be able to provide safe care for patients today and in the future. Ward Sister, Cheryl Butler, said: “I am so proud of my team. Over the last seven months they have stuck together and supported each other while being moved to several locations around the hospital. Now, we have returned home to a ward that is simply the best for our patients and for staff too. “It really has been a team effort to make sure that it really is perfect. Every member of the team has been involved and consulted on the changes.” The Saxon Suite was named by Nurse Cadet, Eleanor Leslie, who researched the name Dixon as originating from the Anglo-Saxons. Gastroenterologist, Dr Glenn Spencer, said: “This is a great new environment in which we can offer our patients the best quality care and provide our staff with the ward they deserve.” Head of Gastroenterology, Dr Anthony Norman-Swift, added: “It is amazing to think this has all been done during the pandemic. Without the amazing collective team work from everyone involved this would never have been possible. “Sister Butler has played a pivotal role in supporting the project and helping to pull it all together, while at the same time managing a busy COVID ward. The efforts everyone has gone to in order to make this happen cannot be overstated and our patients are the ones who will benefit most.” The ward was officially opened by Deputy Chief Executive, Mark Brassington, shortly before the ward staff began transferring patients into the new bays and side rooms.  Chief Executive, Andrew Morgan, said: “There really has been a huge amount of work in such a reasonably short space of time to make this into a fantastic ward during the COVID-19 pandemic. It really is a credit to everyone involved, in what has been a very challenging year.” Pictured below is Chief Executive, Andrew Morgan, with Ward Sister, Cheryl Butler, and some of the team involved in the £1million transformation of Dixon Ward at Lincoln County Hospital. Pictured below is some of the staff with Ward Sister, Cheryl Butler (front left), and Matron, Donna Gibbins (front right), in one of the new bays on the ward.

We know during Christmas period more drivers take a risk and drive while they are impaired through both alcohol and drugs. 

So officers prioritise this area of policing,  by stopping drivers in their tracks, before they kill or seriously injure someone on the county’s roads.  

It’s hard to understand that so many people took a decision to drive, putting other road users at risk and putting themselves at risk. 

During December, 62 people were suspected of driving or being in charge of a vehicle while over the legal alcohol limit and 77 people who were suspected of driving while impaired through controlled drugs.  That’s 139 people who were arrested, face an investigation, most likely face court proceedings and will lose their driving licence.

Police Sergeant Adie Scargill, Roads Policing, Lincolnshire Police, said: “We target drink and drug drivers throughout the year and the results show how important it is we keep our focus on drivers who continue to break the law driving while impaired. 

“Many of the arrests will lead to drivers being disqualified and this affects their employment and life in general.  We will target those who chose to continue to drive while they are disqualified from doing so.  I ask for the help of our communities with this.  If you know someone is driving when they have been disqualified please tell us.  Ring, report on-line or via Crimestoppers anonymously, we will do the rest.

“The decisions drivers make are impaired when they have alcohol or drugs in their system.  The more alcohol or drugs the worse their driving and the more dangerous they become.  Disqualified drivers will not be covered by insurance policies.  Help us take these irresponsible and dangerous drivers off the road and make our counties roads a safer place to use.”

PreciousLittleOne, based in a warehouse behind B&Q, on  London Road Industrial Estate, has gone into administration.

In a statement yesterday, joint adminstrators Andrew Smith and Kenneth Marland announced the company had ceased trading with immediate effect with many customers left in limbo over their outstanding orders. They said in a statement:  “We advise that Preciouslittleone Limited was placed into Administration today. Formal notice will be sent to you in due course.

“The administrators are reviewing the company position but are aware that some customers had placed and paid for orders where the goods have not been provided.

“It is unlikely that the company in administration will be fulfilling those orders in the near future.

“If you paid with a credit card, and the cost of the goods or services was between £100 and £30,000, you may be able to get a refund from your card issuer.

“This is known as a Section 75 claim and is a statutory right under the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

“Under Section 75, if you have a claim against the retailer for breaking the terms of any contract you have with them or for making untrue statements, you can bring the same claim for a refund against your credit card issuer. Paying for any part of the price of the goods or services on your credit card will allow you to make such a claim.

“Your claim can include any circumstances where the product is faulty or the retailer does not deliver what they promised, including if they go out of business.”

To raise this type of claim with a credit card issuer, you should speak to your card company/bank within 6 years of buying the goods or services or, in case of non-receipt, when you were due to receive the goods or services.

If the payment was made though another business such as Paypal or Sagepay, you will need to review their terms and conditions and your ability to make a claim against them for undelivered goods or defective goods.

“Please do not contact the Preciouslittleone Limited or the joint administrators as we will be unable to supply any further information at this stage.”

The joint administrators will contact each customer and creditor individually in due course in relation to this appointment.

Couples who have adopted a pet during the pandemic can save themselves the unnecessary heartache of losing shared pets by arranging a ‘pet-nuptial’ agreement in case of future separation with their partner.

When going through a divorce, deciding what happens to shared pets can be difficult and having a plan in place can really help.

For custody of furry friends, there is currently no official legally binding measures in place for what happens to pets after a breakup.

Legally a pet is seen as an asset, and as with any assets in a divorce, ownership will be decided by the court – however having a prearranged agreement in place, commonly known as a prenuptial agreement, can assist the court to make a decision.

To decide the future home of a pet during a separation, couples can include a clause in a wider prenuptial agreement regarding ownership of an animal in the same way they can for material goods, such as furniture or a TV.

Pre-nups are seen as a reflection of the parties’ intentions regarding ownership of property and assets prior to marriage, and although they are not legally binding in the UK, they will be taken into consideration by the court in the event of a relationship breakdown.

Despite pets being a big part of the family, animal charities such as The Blue Cross and Kennel Club both advise against joint custody of an animal as it can be unsettling and negatively affect the animal’s wellbeing. Splitting up animals who have lived together for a long time may also cause distress to animals so it’s not advisable.

It is suggested to appoint a primary caregiver of the animal upon adopting, with a pet-nup clause outlining who this will be and what the duty of care will entail.

Neil Remnant, head of family law at JMP Solicitors, said: “With many couples adopting pets during lockdown, it is important to implement safeguarding in case of an eventual relationship breakdown to ensure you, your family and your pet are put through the least amount of distress possible.

“Once divorce proceedings begin, the custody of the pet is in the hands of the court. They will look at a number of factors such as who can best meet the animal’s needs, who has the most suitable home and what is best for the animal.

“A pet-nup clause can have a significant impact on any decision the court is asked to make and sets out the intentions of the parties prior to marriage. It can outline custody agreements, as well as financial responsibilities such as veterinary and grooming bills. Whilst it is not officially binding, it is certainly an influential factor in deciding what happens to your pets.

“When drafting the agreement, it’s important to bear in mind what would be best for the animal, and agreed primary owners must adhere to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and agree to be responsible for caring for the animal in all eventualities.”

To find out more about pet-nups and available family law services, please contact JMP Solicitors.

The Lincolnshire Music Service has been named ‘Youth Organisation of 2020’ by the Classical Music Digital Awards in recognition of their amazing achievements in online music teaching, and video collaborations during the pandemic.

The awards were established by music entrepreneur David Taylor, who wanted to recognise the incredible innovation, resilience, and creativity shown by musicians, ensembles, orchestras, and projects during 2020, who embraced digital forms of music and performance, while live performance wasn’t possible.

Lincolnshire Music Service moved their delivery of music teaching online at the start of the pandemic to reach out to around 800 young people weekly through fully subsidised instrumental/vocal lessons. This was done quickly and efficiently, creating a lifeline of playing music, which supported the well-being of many young people during these difficult times.

In addition, although the music service students couldn’t be together physically to rehearse and play music, they have taken part in numerous online music collaborations, all shared on YouTube. These include a joyous tribute to the NHS with ‘We’re still standing!’ from the Boston Youth Jazz Orchestra’; Horncastle MAT Jazz Band performed Adele’s ‘Rolling in the Deep’, and Lincolnshire Youth Virtual Ensemble Orchestra entertained with ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’. Perhaps most spectacular was the virtual concert released in December, and the performance of Skyrim, by County Group members with the Manchester Video Gaming Orchestra.

Jennifer McKie, senior music adviser said, “It’s such a fantastic boost for Lincolnshire Music Service to have received this award. This has been a very difficult year, and our team went over and beyond the call of duty teaching during the day as well as evening and weekends, to ensure that young people could access their music lessons.

“Our students also put in huge efforts to continue their music learning, and fully embraced taking part in numerous online collaborations. I’m delighted that we were able to offer many students the opportunity to perform with prestigious orchestras such as the Manchester Video Gaming Orchestra and Chineke! Orchestra.”

Other winners read like a who’s who in classical music, including Amelia Conway-Jones, Royal Opera Violinist, who has raised over £46,000 for other musicians during 2020; the Philharmonia Orchestra, for its combination of digital projects, social media, and livestreaming  and London Handel Festival for their livestreamed performances, including Handel’s Messiah.

Registered between 04 and 08 January 2021

You can click on the following link to view the forms and plans of any planning application.

http://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/planningsearch

S20/2108 Colsterworth Details of the reserved matters for i. Layout; ii. Scale; iii. Appearance followingoutline consent (ref:S18/1335) for 2 x large buildings for B1, B2 and B8 uses andassociated hardstanding and landscaping (Phase 2).Applicant: Mr David WilsonDavid Wilson Trailers Ltd, Jubilee Park, Honey Pot Lane Colsterworth NG33 5LZ

S20/2155 Grantham Refurbishment and reconfiguration of existing theatre toilets and public toilets. Creation of new theatre changing rooms and cycle changing rooms at Guildhall Arts Centre St Peter’s Hill Grantham NG31 6PY. Applicant: Mr Gyles Teasdale South Kesteven District Council Council Offices St Peters Hill GRANTHAM NG31 6PZ

S20/2170 Ropsley  Erection of side porch; Applicant: Lorna Groom The Cottage The Green Little Humby NG33 4HW

S20/2179 Great Humby  Re-use of an existing traditional agricultural building for the provision of 2no. dwellinghouses at Manor Farm Great Humby NG33 4HW; Applicant: Yareal Humby Ltd c/o Bidwells Bidwell House Trumpington Road Cambridge CB2 9LD C

S20/2180 Fulbeck Removal of tree 5157 – Sycamore (S19/1251) at The Grange Lincoln Road Fulbeck NG32 3JN; Applicant: Mr Craig Harrison14 Greendale Avenue Edwinstowe Mansfield NG2 19NA

S20/2216 Londonthorpe And Harrowby Without Proposed two storey side extension Applicant: Mr Sam Turner 12 Wentworth Drive Grantham Lincolnshire NG31 9QQ

S20/2221 & S20/2222 Great Humby Prior notification for a Change of Use of Agricultural Buildings to Dwellinghouses(Class C3), and for building operationsreasonably necessary for the conversion under Schedule 2, Part 3, Class QApplicant: Yareal Humby Ltdc/o BidwellsBidwell House Trumpington Road Cambridge CB2 9LD

S20/2223 Londonthorpe And Harrowby Without Parish: Additional pitch on private travellers site; Applicant: Mr George Gaskin Green Acres Harrowby Lane Harrowby  NG31 9HB

S20/2224 Barrowby Fell Willow Applicant: Mr Peter Boneham 3 High Road Barrowby LNG32 1BH

S20/2183 Grantham Single storey extensions to front and rear. Applicant: Mr & Mrs David Bird 112 New Beacon Road Grantham NG31 9LL

S20/2185 Stoke Rochford  Display of digital 48-Sheet free-standing advertisement at Stoke Rochford Golf Course Great North Road Stoke Rochford NG33 5EW; Applicant: Kyle TideyMy Club Europe Limited, Quadrant House 47 Croydon Road Caterham CR3 6PB

S20/2190 Oasby Erection of detached garage, coversion of existing garage to gym, extension of existing bedroom to include balcony with terrace to rear elevation; Applicant: Mr Curtis Dingley Highfield House, Ancaster Lane Oasby NG32 3NA

S20/2191 Marston Submission of details reserved by condition 4 (surface water drainage) of S17/2399(Demolition of existing petrol filling station to provide a new petrol filling station facility with forecourt shop/sales building , customer car parking, staff car parking spaces, HGV parking and associated services.) Toll Bar Service Station Toll Bar Road Marston NG32 2AD; Applicant: Motor Fuel Group Gladstone Place 36-38 Upper Marlborough Road St Albans AL1 3UU

S20/2192 Rippingale Conversion of an existing agricultural barn into two dwellings and associated access, parking and residential garden area at Rippingale Fen Farm Long Drove Rippingale PE10 0TG Applicant: Kylie Roberts, The Crown Estate Comissioners c/o Carter Jonas Carter Jonas 12 Waterside Way Bedford Road Northampton NN4 7XD

S20/2199 Grantham Single storey rear extensionApplicant: Mr D Baker16 Signal Road Grantham NG31 9BL

S20/2203 Grantham T1,T2-Horse Chestnut trees – Reduce in height pruning on or above previous reduction points. Applicant: Mrs J Sharp 11, Woodlands Drive Grantham NG31 9DJ