Community grants totalling more than £18,000 have been agreed by South Kesteven District Council to help projects including youth work, culture, play area facilities and dance sessions to help Parkinson’s Disease sufferers.

Senior Community Development Officer Carol Drury said: “Community grants continue to help an incredible range of groups and volunteers right across the district.

“Our grant funding gets to the very root of what charities and organisations need to make a real difference to people’s lives.”

A £5,000 grant for the 2nd Stamford Scouts charity will help towards their New Scout HQ on Empingham Road to improve youth facilities in the town. With much of the £10,345 project costs covered, the grant supports the cost of architect design fees for a building to house scouts and be available to hire for other local groups.

Stamford currently has two scout huts, one built as a farm building around 200 years ago, but neither offers space that is accessible to all regardless of physical ability.

Caythorpe Playing Field Management Committee is to receive a £4,300 community grant to improve facilities at the village’s only playing field, used for cricket and football clubs as well as being the green open space for both Caythorpe and Frieston.

Play equipment was judged to be at medium risk in a recent inspection and the project, whose total cost is £5,428.22, will bring the horse spring mobile, nets on the large utility unit and the cradle swing up to required standard.

Dance for Parkinson’s sessions could be underway thanks to a provisional offer of a £1,964 community grant for Parkinson’s UK Grantham branch.

The project follows medical advice that exercise is as important as medication for treatment of the disease. With Covid restrictions likely to delay the project start date, the branch has been asked to prove that the project will still go ahead, with funding spent and the project completed within a year. The £2,024 project will organise weekly sessions by an instructor from Lincs Inspire.

They will be held in Grantham but will be available for the whole of the district. Other local clubs can join in if members could benefit from the exercises, promoting healthier lifestyle at the same time as encouraging social mixing to help combat loneliness, rural isolation and mental health.

Touring theatre company and registered charity Rhubarb Theatre will put its £2,000 community grant towards developing a high-quality online arts package that focuses on environmental elements.

The £20,000 project, aimed at young people and families, will be open to primary schools and to the public via a web link. It follows conversations with schoolteachers, children and families, establishing the environment as a top priority, and will start within their own communities. The story will be adapted into a full-length family show.

A short film, Dustbin Doris, will be included with themes of immigration, homelessness and the environment.

Stamford and Bourne Scouts can now develop their Mental Health First Aid Course for adult volunteers and a series of sessions for young people thanks to a £3,449.68 community grant.

The project, with a total cost of £4,312, will help to improve mental health for young people across the south of the district and reduce the sense of isolation that the pandemic has caused. It will take place at the Scout campsite and other sites, and will including outdoor activities, possibly the first in months, based on nature and mental health awareness. A COVID-19 autumn 2020 survey carried out by Young Minds showed that many young people with mental health problems are struggling to cope as they return to school, after months of living through the COVID-19 crisis. The sessions will also provide a model for other groups to run similar sessions making the project sustainable.

Event designed in a Covid safe environment

Touchpoint Live Media the organisers of the hugely popular Dogfest events are delighted to announce that their Big Dog Walk Series is back for 2021. Following the government’s green light to open up outdoor events, this is truly the time to start planning days out and booking things to look forward to. There are 6 Big Dog Walks planned across the year starting on the 30th May running through to 17th October at stunning locations across the country.

The Big Dog Walks are a unique opportunity for dog owners and their families to walk together in some of the country’s most beautiful stately parks. Dogs and their owners can choose from either a 2k, 5k or 10k route and walk times have been staggered this year for the comfort and safety of all taking part.

Brand new this year there will be a Puppy’s First Socialisation Walk at each of the venues, taking place at 10am, this will be a 2k walk for those with little legs and is a fabulous opportunity to introduce your new addition to other dogs and socialise them in a safe organised way.

The walks aim to bring together dog lovers and dogs and encourage socialisation and exercise. The walk will be the best walk ever for dogs and their families with fun games, surprises around the route.

Back at the Event Village there will be plenty of have-a-go activities for dogs such as a Dogstacle course for you and your dog to take on, shopping, expert advice, fun dog show, doggy splash park, and plenty of refreshments. We are delighted this year to have the Dogs Trust onboard as our Official Charity Partner. Participants can also raise more money for any charity of their choice upon signing up.

The first event in the series is taking place on Sunday 30th May at Belvoir Castle, Lincolnshire followed by Loseley Park, Surrey on 6th June, Borde Hill, Sussex on Sunday 13th June, Harewood House, Yorkshire on 27th June and a little later in the year St Clere, Kent on 3rd October and the final one Hylands Park, Essex on 17th October.

Prices are £10.50 per adult and children 5-16 years are free of charge.

Nicole Cooper, Managing Director of Touchpoint Live Media says; “The Big Dog Walk is a wonderful opportunity for all dog lovers to get out and walk with the four-legged member of the family. We are so thrilled to be hosting walks again this year at these six beautiful locations.

“These walks are a brilliant way to all get together in the great outdoors with all the family, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone”

Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire, NG32 1PE, 30th May  https://www.belvoircastle.com/

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage following a serious collision on the A52.

They believe this was a single vehicle collision and involved a white Suzuki Splash.

The collision happened in the westbound lane on A52 between Barrowby and Sedgebrook at around 7.20pm on Friday 16^th April.

The driver of the car, a 19-year-old man, suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital.

We would like to speak with anyone who witnessed the collision or may have dashcam footage and hasn’t already come forward. Or anyone who witnessed the vehicle as it travelled prior the collision taking place.  It is believed the vehicle has travelled from Grantham on the A52 Barrowby Road before the collision,

If you can assist with our investigation, please contact us in one of the following ways:

By calling 101, quoting incident 402 of April 16.

By emailing force.control@lincs.pnn.police.uk – remember to put quote the incident number of 402 of April 16.

Note: The incident number has been amended from 420 to 402. 

Policewould like to thank for the public for largely sticking to the rules during the first weekend since the latest relaxation of lockdown.

The most recent stage of the Government’s roadmap out of Lockdown came into play last Monday, April 12.

Last weekend was the first weekend since bars and pubs could open to customers sitting outdoors under the new rules and we are pleased to say that the majority of people enjoyed their time outside while following these. 

Chief Inspector Andy Morrice said: “We had a very busy weekend in terms of general calls for service – a 20% rise. This increase was to be expected as more people are out and about due to restrictions easing.

“We would like to thank the majority of people who have stuck to the rules and we would like to reinforce that lockdown has eased and not ended. The rules have been put in place to help people protect themselves and others and I would encourage people to continue to follow the guidance and ensure they meet in a group of no more than six outdoors. Gatherings indoors are not yet permitted.”

While we had no major issues in relation to Covid breaches over the weekend, we did have two main areas of concern.

Over the weekend we attended several locations in Skegness following reports groups of more than six youths gathering and drinking alcohol. Our officers attended and we are looking into what offences have taken place. These groups will be dealt with in due course.

Coastal Inspector Colin Haigh said: “These youngsters are the responsibility of their parents and parents should ensure they know where their children are. We attended numerous reports of youths drinking in groups larger than six and they will be dealt with.

“We will not tolerate this behaviour and we take these incidents very seriously and will take further action. Those breaking the rules are not only putting themselves at risk but others also. We will also be looking at any potential licensing breaches as to where the youths obtained their alcohol.”

Our officers also attended a report of a gathering of around 40 people in The Meadows in Stamford. A man was assaulted and received minor injuries, and one officer also suffered minor injury after an assault. Two youths were arrested and released. They will be required to attend a voluntary interview.  

The group dispersed and they will be dealt with in due course.

Grantham Inspector Gary Stewart said: “This behaviour is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We are looking into this further and those involved will be dealt with.

“A Dispersal Order will be in place across Stamford again on the weekend to ensure those who are out and acting responsibly can do so without having their day ruined by the minority.”

We are still in the process of collating the latest figures in relation to FPNs and these will be subject to review.

The rules, as of 12th April, are: 

• non-essential retail will be able to reopen 
• personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons will be able to reopen 
• public buildings such as libraries and community centres will be able to reopen 
• outdoor hospitality venues will be able to reopen, with table service only 
• most outdoor attractions including zoos, theme parks, and drive-in performances (such as cinemas and concerts) will be able to reopen 
• some smaller outdoor events such as fetes, literary fairs, and fairgrounds will be able to take place 
• indoor leisure and sports facilities will be able to reopen for individual exercise, or exercise with your household or support bubble 
• all childcare and supervised activities will be allowed indoors (as well as outdoors) for all children. Parent and child groups can take place indoors (as well as outdoors) for up to 15 people (children under 5 will not be counted in this number) 
• weddings, civil partnership ceremonies, wakes and other commemorative events will be able to take place for up to 15 people (anyone working is not included in this limit), including in indoor venues that are permitted to open or where an exemption applies. Wedding receptions can also take place for up to 15 people, but must take place outdoors, not including private gardens 
• self-contained accommodation will be able to open for overnight stays in England with your household or support bubbles
• you should continue to minimise the amount that you travel where possible 
• care home residents will be able to nominate two named individuals for regular indoor visits (following a rapid lateral flow test) 

The rule of six remains for outdoor socialising, which means that group of up to size people form any number of households can meet. Children of all ages count towards the limit of six. A group of any size which is made up of two households can also meet. Each household can include an existing support bubble. 

People must not meet indoors with anybody they don’t live with unless they are part of the same support bubble, or another legal exemption applies. 

For more on how we are responding the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit https://www.lincs.police.uk/news-campaigns/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19/ 

Dr Emma Egging, CEO of the youth charity Jon Egging Trust, has successfully completed a gruelling 33-mile ultramarathon along the Grantham Canal to mark JET’s 10^th anniversary and launch the charity’s national JET10 Virtual Relay initiative.

This year also marks ten years since the tragic crash of her husband, Red Arrows Pilot Jon Egging at Bournemouth Air Show,

Emma’s epic run has already raised over £12,199 for JET’s vital work with vulnerable youngsters, but she isn’t hanging up her trainers just yet. Instead, she has set herself the daunting challenge of completing ten epic events this year in an effort to shine a spotlight on JET’s work and push towards an anniversary fundraising target of £100,000.

“It’s definitely the hardest run I’ve ever done, but it was also hugely rewarding – hearing news of donations coming in as I ran really kept me motivated,” says Emma.

“In the past decade we’ve worked with over 30,000 young people across the UK. Young people are facing unprecedented challenge and uncertainty in the wake of Covid-19. Many of the students we work with have been affected emotionally and educationally.

“We’ve seen careers and further education dreams put on hold, exams cancelled, and anxiety for the future rise; we’re acutely aware of the mountain we have to climb to help youngsters recover from the impacts of the past year. At the Jon Egging Trust we’re more determined than ever to expand our programmes to support as many youngsters as we can to get back on track towards the futures they deserve.”

Setting off from the centre line of Nottingham Forest’s City Ground stadium on the morning of 18^th April, Emma was waved off by former Scottish football pro and Notts Forest ambassador John McGovern.

She was then joined by ex-Red Arrows leader and JET supporter Sqn Ldr Martin Pert for the first 13 miles. Thereafter, she was partnered by ex-Battle of Britain Memorial Flight boss Sqn Ldr Dunc Mason, and JET Patron, Air Vice-Marshal Harv Smyth who ran the final ten miles to the finish in Grantham.  

The ultramarathon marks the start of an ambitious year of fundraising for the charity, and launches its JET10 Virtual Relay, a national initiative in which teams of 10 are invited to walk, run or even paddleboard 10x10kms.

Money raised by Emma’s challenges and the JET10 relay will help to support JET’s ambition to reach out to one million youngsters by 2031.

To donate to Emma’s epic events, or to learn more about the JET10 Virtual Relay visit www.joneggingtrust.org.uk/JET10

• Emma’s 10 Events:
  • Grantham Canal 33-mile ultramarathon (April 18^th)
  • 5km PB challenge – beating 22 mins (May)
  • Tadpole Round – fell run and open water swim – groggrahamround.co.uk (July)
  • JET10 Virtual Relay –  www.JET10.joneggingtrust.org.uk – (July 10^th / 11^th)
  • Potholing in Britain’s most complex cave system – Ease Gill, Yorkshire (Aug)
  • Triathlon (Aug)
  • Orienteering and wild camping challenge (5^th / 6^th Aug)
  • Great North Run (12^th Sept)
  • JETRide – 100-mile cycle (26^th Sept)
  • Virtual London Marathon (Sun 3^rd Oct)

Today Lincolnshire Police join the nation in raising awareness of stalking, and highlighting how people can get the help and support they need.

Detective Superintendent Martyn Parker, Head of the Protecting Vulnerable Persons Unit, said: “Stalking is defined by fixation and obsession. A victim is likely to feel vulnerable and isolated, feelings which will, no doubt, have been compounded by the restrictions faced over the last year.

“It is vital that stalking is a priority. It is vital that victims seek help. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If it’s not an emergency, call 101. If you need someone to talk to, you can call the Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300.”

The National Stalking Prevention Week begins today (19 April) and runs until 23 April. During the week police will be taking to social media to share information on the characteristics of stalking, and how we, and other organisations, can help.

They will also raise awareness of Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs). These were introduced to protect victims under the Stalking and Protection Act 2019, with the orders made possible from January 2020. We are able to immediately arrest anyone breaching an SPO and this could result in up to five years imprisonment.

Detective Superintendent Martyn Parker explained, “SPOs are a vital safeguarding tool for Police. SPOs offer an effective means of managing a suspect through use of prohibitions and requirements.

“SPOs allow an opportunity for early intervention in a stalking case, before the criminal threshold is met, and can also be used at any point during the course of an investigation up to the point of conviction. 

“Officers will consider applying for an SPO at the start of each stalking investigation, be it a case against a former partner, family member or stranger.  

“A person who breaches an SPO without reasonable excuse commits a criminal offence and we are committed to taking proactive and urgent action where this is the case.”

Stalking facts and figures 

• There are FOUR signs of stalking. The behaviour of a stalker is Fixated, Obsessive, Unwanted, Repeated.  
• There are currently eight SPOs live in Lincolnshire.
• 1523 crimes of stalking recorded between 01/04/2020 and 31/03/2021.
• 36% of these offences related to a domestic stalking situation.
• One in five women and one in ten men have experienced stalking at some point since the age of 16.*

Help and support 

If you have concerns for yourself or someone you know please call police on 101, or 999 if it’s an emergency.

For more details, please follow the link to advice about stalking and harassment 

You can also seek support and information by calling the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300. More information is available here from the Suzie Lamplugh Trust 

 *Source: Office for National Statistics – Crime Survey for England and Wales 2018/2019  

Three lads, Sean Footitt, Graham Canham and Rob Holbrook, who all work for EMBC doing building control for SKDC, Rushcliffe and Newark and Sherwood All enjoy a good walk so have agreed to raise a bit of money for a good cause.

Aware that the last year has been tough for everyone, physically, mentally and financially. but this will be for charities lsuch as Macmillian Cancedr Support which can only run from people’s donations.

Due to covid and the lockdowns, this hasn’t happened for almost a year now. But any little bit you can spare, even £1 would go to help Macmillian keep helping the people they support.

Macmillan help 1000s of people a year with the battle with cancer, so this is just one small we can help them to carry on helping the people who really need it.

They are taking part in the Hike a Marathon through the Lake District National Park. Starting in the beautiful grounds at Dalemain House the route follows the Ullswater Way with stunning views across Ullswater Lake. 

This got cancelled last year but MacMillian have issued a email saying it will be going ahead this year on the 19th of June 2021**

All three are walking in the memory of former family and friends.

To support their challenge go to….

Team EMBC fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support on JustGiving

A man was seriously injured following a crash on the A1 near Grantham yesterday afternoon.

The van driver, in his 60s, was involved in a collision on the A1 at Barrowby at 3.15pm yesterday, (Saturday)

Emergency services attended the scene. The man was cut free by Grantham firefighters and attended by paramedics.

 Although his injuries are said to be serious, they not believed to be life threatening

Traffic between Barrowby and Gonerby Moor was halted in both directions for two hours.

Police say no other vehicle was involved and that a man was seriously hurt.

A spokesman said: “Anyone with any information can call us on 101, quoting incident 273 of April 17.”

The road was fully reopened by 5.30pm.

Richard Lake David Lake (left) Private Richard Lake (right)

A Grantham soldier’s almost completed 30 marathons in 30 days to help fundraise for two veterans charities and make a world record attempt in the process., says Lincs FM.

He’s doing it while carrying a rather hefty backpack with 28 kilograms in there.

Private Richard Lake was inspired to raise the money after his friend Simon suffered a life changing injury and had to leave the army. He’s got two more days to go, and is aiming to raise £5,000.

It’s all in aid of charities that help those who can no longer serve.

Richard Lake has been walking with a 28 kilogram backpack each day down Grantham Canal

Private Richard Lake told Lincs FM: “I’m walking 26.2 miles minimum everyday with a Bergen backpack weighing 28 kilograms. It’s 28 kg because Simon served 28 years in the Army. So for each year that he served I put a kilo in the Bergen”

“Simon’s been a family friend of ours for years, and he suffered a life changing injury in 2015 and suffered mental health issues. I’ve had the same mental health issues as Simon, not as bad as Simon though. And I wanted to show to him that he’s appreciated by all of us, we all love him dearly”

“I’m doing it for two charities, Battle Back Golf, and Detecting for Veterans – which is basically the same as battle back golf but they’re using metal detecting to help them get back into society really , and help them cope with their mental health and PTSD”Richard LakeDavid Lake, Private Richard Lake, Simon Auckland

Simon Auckland is the inspiration for the world record attempt and fundraising drive. He says:

“Rehabilitation through the sport of golf is amazing. It’s amazing what such a little white ball can do for your mental health. I play golf with people who’ve got double leg amputees, single leg amputees. All different kinds of life changing injuries and illnesses. When we’re on a golf course – it’s like we’re back in again, the banter and the camaraderie – it’s amazing”

And on the Richard’s challenge he says “It’s crazy! he’s a crazy man but I have great admiration for him”

Two fire crews from Grantham were called to Gorse Road, Grantham, around midnight.

This was due to a hedgerow fire, which they extinguished using a hosereel jet.

The chairman of SOS Grantham Hostal said today the Judicial Review outcome in the case of Jayne Dawson v. United Lincolnshire Hospital Trust ( ULHT), announced publicly this week, is a welcome vindication of the concerns of Jayne Dawson and other local people reliant on Grantham and District Hospital, whose outpatient, inpatient and A&E services were snatched from them in June last year.

At that time, in response to the pandemic, ULHT decided to make Grantham & District Hospital a Covid-19 free only ‘Green site’.

The controversial decision, was made by a Hospital Trust board already in ‘special measures’. 

Coun Charmaine Morgan says: “The judgement was clear, that under no circumstances, even a pandemic, is it legal to make key decisions about health services without proper consultion.

“Whilst the judge believes action was taken in good faith, neither adequate time nor sufficient information were provided by ULHT to the community. Nor were we given an opportunity to influence the decision to turn Grantham into a ‘green’ site in the first place. This decision had a huge impact on the 120,000 people. 

“Inpatients and outpatients from the Grantham and District Hospital catchment area, which includes Sleaford, Newark, Melton Mowbray and villages in- between found the doors to the hospital closed virtually overnight.

“Thousands were displaced and forced to travel to other sites including Nottingham and Peterborough for care.

“This judgement should make all hospital trusts sit up and listen. 
SOS Grantham Hospital are proud to have supported Jayne Dawson as witnesses in the legal case against ULHT.

“Jayne remained steadfast despite personal ordeals this year.”

Mrs Morgan sai that as a result of having campaigned for Grantham and District Hospital for over a decade, Solicitors Irwin Mitchell called for SOSGH to help with supporting evidence.

She said they used it wisely to build such a strong case that ULHT have decided not to appeal the decision.

Mrs Morgan said: “Our community is indebted to them. We will be pleased to support Irwin Mitchell again if necessary in future. We would like to publicly thank Jayne and all who subsequently worked with SOSGH gathering evidence to support Jayne’s case at a critical time, especially all who came forward to be witnesses.

“The judge was mindful of the experience of local people and recognised the impact the decision has had on our community.” 

She said she has gone through the judgement in detail but main points are:
1. ULHT failed to consult, which they are legally obliged to do.
2.Whilst recognising the decision was made in good faith, had they consulted, there could have been a different outcome. Would GDH become a ‘green site’? 
3.Thousands of people in the Grantham area were negatively affected by the decision. The actual loss of service without consultation has been far worse than any ‘stress’ caused by ULHT breaking the news of the changes. 
4.Unless ALL services are fully restored, not only are our most vulnerable most at risk, but the future of our hospital is at stake.
Unfortunately there is still much to fight for. The hospital trust have not fully restored the services that were on site in June 2020. 

ULHT announced a plan to restore some services in March. Although welcome, yet again, in March 2021 ULHT did not properly consult over its future plans for the hospital.

She said: “We were given 1.5 working days to respond. 

“Key services were lost in June 2020. All must be fully restored, but some are missing from the ULHT restoration plans announced in March 2021.  There have been no subsequent assurances the missing services will be fully restored.”

They include:
A. The Acute Care Unit – a fully supported unit for short and longer stay patients must be returned 
B. Long stay medical wards – which had support of specialist consultants including cardio, stroke recovery and respiratory. We had up to 76 beds which changed seasonally and catered for winter pressures. 
C. Full training facilities –  Return all trainees including core/integrated medical trainees and all the facilities used for training including lecture theatres and 1:1 mentoring. 

Without the restoration of theses services:-
Critically ill patients, including cancer patients are not being operated on at GDH because there is no ACU on site and other hospitals have backlogs. They are not supporting these patients. How many local patients have/will die unnecessarily as minor surgery only has been allowed at GDH? Patients admitted via the A&E will be transferred elsewhere if longer term acute care is needed. 
Our most vulnerable elderly and chronically ill residents are at risk and facing painful long distance journeys away from their families when long hospital stays are required. We have accounts of people refusing care elsewhere faced with such an ordeal. Visitors are hugely helpful providing emotional and practical support to such patients. 
The trainees are vital for the future of our hospital. They are also staffing the specialist wards as they learn. Their loss impacts on the viability of future plans for GDH and staffing levels now. 

Coun Morgan continued “We are seeking legal advice as to whether the failure to FULLY restore services would amount to key changes. The loss of services referred to is hugely concerning.  ULHT still have an opportunity to review their plans. We hope they will. 

“However, if necessary, SOSGH will be prepared to support a further court case should Jayne, or anyone else affected, wish to pursue this matter. 

“Our call for A&E 24/7 also remains. Our A&E at night was removed in August 2016 by ULHT without public consultation at 2 weeks notice. This outcome brings into question the legality of that decision too.

“We have to remain vigilant. It is clear from past experience that whilst public campaigning helps, it has taken legal action to make ULHT rethink their plans. SOSGH are willing to support any such action again if necessary. We would far rather however that ULHT reassessed their plans and followed due process in future.

“Better still, actually listen to our concerns, fully restore and maintain Grantham and District Hospital services for the benefit of all. 

CLICK ON PICTURE ABOVE FOR VIDEO

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage following a serious collision on the A52.

They believe this was a single vehicle collision and involved a white Suzuki Splash.

The collision happened in the westbound lane on A52 between Barrowby and Sedgebrook at around 7.20pm on Friday 16^th April.

The driver of the car, a 19-year-old man, suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital.

Police would like to speak with anyone who witnessed the collision or may have dashcam footage and hasn’t already come forward. Or anyone who witnessed the vehicle as it travelled prior the collision taking place.  It is believed the vehicle has travelled from Grantham on the A52 Barrowby Road before the collision,

If you can assist with the investigation, please contact us in one of the following ways:

By calling 101, quoting incident 420 of April 16.

By emailing force.control@lincs.pnn.police.uk – remember to put quote the incident number of 420 of April 16.

The re-opening of Springfield Road railway bridge after four months led to traffic chaos last night.

The removal of ‘road closed signs, led to lorries heading for the A52 leaving Harlaxton Road at KFC instead of the Sankt Augustin Way/Wharf Road route.

At one stage, four lorries had reached the nearly repaired bridge, realised they were unable to pass beneath it, and were forced to turn around using side streets.

One rsident said: “Once again there is poor signage for people turning right off Harlaxton Road.

“We need either chains or more advanced laser devices to stop them entering in the first place.

All pictures by Callum Smedley.

Wyndham Park Bowls Club will be open on the 24th April at 12-00 till 14-00, and look forward to welcoming anyone who would like to try outdoor bowls.

The club is covid safe and adheres to all recommended procedures,

Bowls mats and jacks are sanitised before, during and after use.

All they ask is you bring with you is a pair of trainers or flat soled shoes to wear on the green.

For further information contact Ian on 07752641152.

The vast majority of children, 99%, have been offered a place at one of their preferred primary schools this year.

There are around 7,000 children wanting a primary school place this year, and 6,745 (95.39%) children will receive their first preference school. This is an increase on last year’s impressive 94.19% and 2019’s 95.02%. 

A further 334 children (3.31%) have been offered their second preference, and 33 (0.47%) their third preference. A small minority of children, 58 (0.83%), will be offered a local school that isn’t one of their three preferences.

The vast majority of parents/carers will receive an e-mail containing a secure link to their offer letter on 16 April – go to http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions for further information.

Parents have until noon on 17 May 2021 to lodge an appeal against a school’s decision not to offer a place. If they return the appeal by the deadline, it will be heard before the start of the school year. If it is received late, it will still be heard, but this may be in September.

Because of appeals and movement on the reserve list, it is usual for the percentage of first preference to increase by the time children start in September.

Martin Smith, assistant director for education, said: “I’m delighted to see so many children getting their first choice school and this should be even better by September.

“It’s always our intention to support as many parents as possible with their preferences, and, yet again this year, the overwhelming majority of parents have been successful in gaining admission to the school of their choice.”

Network Rail yesterday completed a £2.7million project to upgrade two railway bridges in Grantham which carry the busy East Coast Main Line.

The work to strengthen the bridges – spanning Barrowby Road and Springfield Road – will keep the railway running reliably and make sure people can pass safely underneath it for years to come.

Over the last seven months, Network Rail teams have carried out vital repairs to the steel and brickwork on the bridges, as well as re-waterproofing them and re-painting sections.

The work was carried out in stages to make sure one of the two roads could stay open for the vast majority of the project. The improvements to the railway bridge at Barrowby Road were completed in early December 2020, before work began at Springfield Road in January.

The wintry weather which hit the region in February caused some delays to the work, and Springfield Road fully reopened yesterday (Friday 16^th April).

Paul Rutter, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast route, said: “This vital work to strengthen the two railway bridges in Grantham means they are fit for purpose for the future – to carry the East Coast Main Line and for people in the community to safely pass underneath them.

“We carefully planned the project to minimise disruption for people in the community as much as possible. The weather brought some challenges and we want to thank drivers, residents and businesses in Grantham for their continued patience while the work was carried out.”

Grantham council will return alternative Thatcher statue to artist

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