Grantham Lions Club would have been celebrating its 50^th birthday this month, if it hadn’t been for lockdown.

Instead, they can only dream about celebrating a belated golden anniversary in the not too distant future.

The club, which has raised £100,00s for local charities, was founded on 8^th April 1971, and included Terry Finnegan and Tony Wilde – who is still a member. The organisation has held its meetings at The Angel & Royal Hotel since its inauguration.

It is best known these days for the annual charity concert, which over the years has been stages at Priory Academy and Walton Academy. It had been held at BMARCo Social Club, Springfield Road, until its closure in the 1980s. Also the Santa Claus tour of Grantham estates.

Another innovation was the Beaujolais run, where members travelled to France for the first Beaujolais Nouveau of the season.

Godfrey Mackinder, who has been president since July last, and a member for 33 years, said: “Such a shame we can’t celebrate this milestone in the way we would like.

“Let’s hope for all our sakes we will be back to normal.”

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

It is set to reopen later this afternoon.

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 will fully reopen today (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.”

Road closed and queueing traffic due to accident on A1 Southbound between B668 (Stretton / Greetham Turn Off) and the Empingham turn off.

Congestion to the South Witham turn off.

The road is now fully closed to assist recovery.

ITV’s hit game show Tipping Point is returning for a 12th series and is on the lookout for Lincolnshire contestants.

The quiz show first aired on ITV in 2012 and is presented by Ben Shephard. Four contestants answer questions to win counters, which they then use on a large coin pusher arcade-style machine for a chance to win money.

The show is searching for “fun, confident people who enjoy quizzing and would like the opportunity to win thousands of pounds using a combination of skill, judgement and chance” to take part in the next series.i

Online applications can be filled out online here until the deadline of May 7, 2021.

The deadline for postal applications is May 3 and it is advised to email apply@rdftelevision.com for more information and applicants must be aged 18 or above.

Time is running out for residents to register to vote and ensure they have a say in next month’s local elections, with the deadline only days away.

SKDC is encouraging anyone not yet registered to go online before the deadline of midnight on Monday (19 April) to secure their opportunity to take part in the vote.

Thursday 6 May is polling day for Lincolnshire County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner for the Lincolnshire Police Area and three by-elections in South Kesteven.

There are also three Neighbourhood Plan Referendums for Old Somerby, The Deepings and Ropsley & District.

SKDC Chief Executive Karen Bradford said: “The majority of our residents are registered, which is good news – but there are still those who have yet to do so.

“We are encouraging residents to go online and enter their details at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, particularly those who have moved house or have recently turned 18. They will be asked for their date of birth, National Insurance number and the usual details of name, address, previous address and nationality.

“Some people wrongly assume that paying council tax means you are registered to vote. I am urging all those eligible to vote in South Kesteven to check that they are registered, or risk losing the right to have their say.”

Although every effort is being made to ensure venues are Covid-secure for voters and staff, those who prefer to vote by post this time instead of visiting their local polling station to cast a vote must apply before 5pm on Tuesday (20 April). Details can be found at the SKDC website:  southkesteven.gov.uk/elections2021

In addition to the LCC and PCC elections, SKDC is holding a by-election for a District Council seat at Glen Ward, a Parish Council by-election for Pointon and Sempringham Parish and a Town Council by-election for the St George’s Ward in Stamford.

Chicken farm plans approved near Grantham after second attempt

CLICK ON PICTURE ABOVE FOR DETAILS

Grantham and Stamford MP, Gareth Davies has expressed his delight at the news that Grantham College is to receive £1.5 million from the Getting Building Fund, as reported by GM last week.

The money will be used to refurbish and upgrade existing facilities to create the Grantham College Energy Centre allowing the college to offer construction and engineering courses based around sustainable and low-carbon technologies. 

Mr Davies said: “Following last month’s award of £2.1 million to Stamford College, this latest award brings to total funding for further education in Grantham and Stamford to £3.6 million from the Getting Building Fund

“I have highlighted the value of further education colleges on numerous occasions in the House of Commons and in discussions with Ministerial colleagues.

“I hope this funding will help prepare the next generation of engineers with vital skills for the future and continuing the town’s proud technical history.”

New report from Woodland Trust provides evidence of compounding threats that pose catastrophic consequences for UK woods and trees


A new report published by the Grantham- based Woodland Trust brings together evidence which highlights a barrage of compounding threats which could have catastrophic consequences for the UKs woods, trees and the flora and fauna within them. 

The State of the UK’s Woods and Trees 2021 examines the data and evidence behind the health of the nation’s woods and trees. It is the first of its kind to focus on native woods and trees, which are such an important part of our natural and semi-natural habitats in this country. It shows that 5 major threats are compounding to result in negative impacts that could spell disaster for wildlife including plants, birds, butterflies and insects. 

Abi Bunker, Director of Conservation and External Affairs, Woodland Trust said:
“The warning signs in this report are loud and clear. If we don’t tackle the threats facing our woods and trees, we will severely damage the UK’s ability to address the climate and nature crises. Our wildlife havens are suffering, and we are storing up problems for future generations.  

“The first step is setting legally binding targets for the recovery of nature, including our precious and irreplaceable ancient woodlands and trees.  The Government’s new Environment Bill must provide the foundation for ambitious, effective and well-funded woodland policies and grants so that landowners and communities can protect, restore and create wildlife-rich, healthy wooded and treed landscapes, in towns, cities and the wider countryside. There is no success in hitting creation targets if our existing woods and trees are struggling and in decline.” 

The major threats include:

1. Poor woodland condition  
2. Climate change affecting woodland lifecycles 
3. Direct loss and resulting fragmentation  
4. Pests, diseases and pollution  
5. Slow rate of woodland expansion 

Declining woodland condition

• Only 7% of native woodland is in good condition.  
• Lack of dead wood, veteran trees and open space are causing declining habitat variety.   
• 50% of ancient woodland is damaged by commercial forestry plantations or rhododendron invasion. 
• A large proportion of woodland SSSIs are in “unfavourable condition”. 

• Woodland butterflies such as white admiral, heath and pearl-bordered fritillaries are in steep decline.
• Dead wood beetles such as bee, noble and rose chafer beetles are in steep decline – a key food source for bats.
  • Woodland specialist birds have declined by over 80% since 1970: including willow tit (declined 94% since 1970 – Britain’s fastest declining resident bird), lesser spotted woodpecker, lesser redpoll, spotted flycatcher, and capercaillie. 
• Flowering plants like spreading bellflower, and lily of the valley are in decline.   

Climate change affecting woodland lifecycles

• Changing phenology (the timing of nature’s seasonal events) caused by climate change is impacting food supply and synchrony leading to reduced breeding success and species decline.  
• Trees are leafing earlier in warmer years – birds such as blue tit are struggling to adjust breeding times accordingly to benefit from leaf caterpillars. 
• Migratory birds like pied flycatcher cannot adjust behaviour to take account of early leafing in UK Spring, resulting in reduced breeding success and survival rates (down 43% since 1970 baseline).   

Loss and fragmentation of woods and trees

• Only 2.5% of UK land area is ancient woodland, many ancient woods are now isolated.   

• At least 1225 ancient woodlands are currently under threat from destruction by new built development. 
  • 85% of individual field trees have been lost over last 150 years, shown in a study of the ‘Eastern claylands’ of Norfolk and Suffolk likely to be replicated across the UK.  
• Habitat fragmentation causing declines in species abundance   
  • Marsh tit - one of the UK’s fastest declining birds – 70% decline in numbers since 1970, depends on well-connected woods for breeding success; 
• Hazel pot beetle, once widespread is now one of UK’s rarest insects due to loss of scrubby woodland edge habitats.  

Pests, diseases and pollution

• 19 new damaging tree pests and diseases have established in UK since 1990, and only 4 in the previous 40 years.   
• A ten-fold increase in imported live plant value since 1990 is likely fueling the increase in new tree disease and pests.  
• For every £1 earned from importing plants, it costs £50 to manage the resultant pests and disease. 
  • Tree disease and pests causing local extinctions of wildlife species across the UK; 120 million ash trees alone to be lost to ADB meaning at least 106 ash -dependent species could see dramatic declines. 
  • Nearly all UK woods exceed thresholds for nitrogen pollution which is wiping out lichens and other species leading to disruption and decline of ecosystems and causing micro-extinctions. 
• Clean air lichens (e.g. beard and horsehair lichens) are disappearing from tree trunks and branches.  
  • Nitrogen-tolerant grasses and plants are wiping out woodland flowers such as violets, bugle, heather and bilberry. Fears that Bluebells might be decreasing in some woods as other woodland plants like wild garlic dominate. 

Slow rate of expansion 

• • Only 290,000ha of new woodland created over last 20 years – next 20 years need to create at least 600,000ha. Speed of expansion not fast enough. 
  • Over last 5 years only 45% of new woodland comprised broadleaf trees – need to increase proportion of new native trees to tackle nature crisis.  
• Trees outside of woods not being replaced, yet the two most common species – oak and ash – are threatened. 

Compounding effects

• Most woods and trees impacted by more than one of the above threats at the same time.  
  • e.g. Scotland’s rare rainforest habitat is under threat from overgrazing by deer, plantation forestry, invasive rhododendron, tree disease (especially ash dieback), nitrogen air pollution, and climate change. This results in increased rates of wildlife decline and loss.   
  • Groups of indicator species for all UK woods are showing steep declines. Average 47% decline in woodland specialist birds, 41% decline in butterflies 18% decline in woodland flowering plants. 
  • The willow tit is the fastest declining woodland bird because of poor woodland condition, climate impacts, and habitat fragmentation.   
  • Even our iconic oak is under threat from climate change, disease and pests and pollution.    
     

To reverse these threats and avoid catastrophic consequences for wildlife and plants the 
below key recommendations need to be implemented. 

1. Native woodland must be a major part of woodland expansion, to help nature recover. We need more native woodland connecting and expanding existing woods and replacing lost trees outside woods.* 

2.Enhance existing woods and trees. Existing native woods and trees must be protected and enhanced to become a source of widespread nature recovery and improve people’s lives. ** 

3. Improve evidence and monitoring. *** 

4. Invest in the future. ****

A healthy society needs healthy woods and green spaces, not only to help tackle climate change, but also greatly benefits people’s health and wellbeing. 
-ENDS- 


Notes to editors:
For copies of the full report, interviews or more details on this release, please contact Woodland Trust press office Steve Marsh 07971 164 517, stevemarsh@woodlandtrust.org.uk

Full report can be found here : https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/state-of-uk-woods-and-trees

About the Woodland Trust   
The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK. It has over 500,000 supporters. It wants to see a UK rich in native woods and trees for people and wildlife.    
The Trust has three key aims:      

1. Protect ancient woodland which is rare, unique and irreplaceable    
2. Restore damaged ancient woodland, bringing precious pieces of our natural history back to life    
3. Create new native trees and woods with the aim of creating resilient landscapes for people and wildlife.    

Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 29,000 hectares. Access to its woods is free so everyone can benefit from woods and trees.  

*1. To deliver for nature, native woodland must be a major part of woodland expansion.  Woodland cover has nearly tripled since the beginning of the last century, but most of this is low diversity forestry plantations and over half the woodland species we have data for are in decline. We need more native woodland connecting and expanding existing woods and replacing lost trees outside woods.

**2. Protect and enhance existing woods and trees. Existing native woods and trees must be protected and enhanced to become a source of widespread nature recovery and improve people’s lives. At present, they are subject to a barrage of coinciding threats from direct loss to more insidious influences such as climate impacts, imported diseases, invasive plants, mammal browsing and air pollutants. These threats diminish the benefits of woods and trees for people and for wildlife.  

***3. Improve evidence and monitoring and the tools to look after our woodland heritage. Data provides the tools for viewing past trendsand tracking progress towards targets and in developing the tools for the future. Yet in some cases data to allow monitoring and an assessment of the state of UK woods and trees is incomplete, lacking or not readily available. Baseline inventories must be regularly updated, data gaps filled and regular assessments of woods and trees undertaken.  

****4. Invest in the future. Significant resources will be required to rise to the size and scale of the challenges and opportunities for more and better woods and trees.  

Full report can be found here : https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/state-of-uk-woods-and-trees

UPDATE: Bridge now clear but Asda roundabout closed due to accident. Police on scene

A road has been closed due to bridge struck by vehicle on A52 Barrowby Road both ways between Asda and Winchester Road.

The road has been closed as a lorry has become stuck under the railway bridge.

Police have confirmed reports of a sudden death in Grantham over the weekend.

The incident took place on Saturday, where a person was found dead at a property on Springfield Road.

The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Officers attended the address just after 12pm on Saturday lunchtime.

Lincolnshire Police have provided a short statement confirming the details of this incident.

A spokeswoman for the force said: “We responded to a report of a sudden death on Springfield Road, which was reported at 12.08 pm on April 10.

“There were no suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

Police have not revealed the gender of the person involved.

Registered between 6-9 April 2021

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

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

S21/0131 Braceby Replacement of rainwater goods. Applicant: Mrs Jo Webber Church Farm House Village Street Braceby NG34 0TA

S21/0619 Ingoldsby  The proposed new building is a steel portal framed construction.; Applicant: Mr A Jasinski, TJasinski&SonLittle Scotland Farm Scotland Lane Ingoldsby NG33 4ES

S21/0593 IStoke Rochford Equestrian manege at  Rochford House Village Street Stoke Rochford NG33 5EB. Applicant: Mr and Mrs R Ellingworth Plan It Design Limited Long Bennington Business Park NG23 5JR

S21/0598 Harlaxton: Removal of condition 8 (obscure glazing) on pp S17/2502.Applicant: Brett Hartley4 Willow Brook Harlaxton NG32 1GA

S21/0599 Grantham Discharge of Condition 11 (external lighting) of permission S20/0384. Applicant: Mr Daniel Armitage at Springfield Lane Grantham NG31 7SA; Zarafa Group C/O UMC Architects Zarafa Group 6 Isaac Newton Way Grantham NG31 9RT –

S21/0601 Ropsley Apple tree which has failed to produce fruit for two years.; Applicant: Mr William R Hanmer 29 High Street Ropsley NG33 4BQ

S21/0605 Pointon Extension and change of use of garage to annex.; Applicant: Mr Liam Palmer Ashlodge 7 Pethley Lane Pointon NG34 0ND

S21/0641 Edenham The installation of a 20m monopole supporting 3 no. antennas, 2 no. equipment cabinets and ancillary development thereto including 1 No. GPS module at Grass Verge On Main Street(A151)Between Grimsthorpe And Edenham  Grimsthorpe PE10 0NG;  Applicant: Cornerstone & Telefonica Ltd 260 Bath Road Slough SL1 4DX

S21/0616 Lenton Construction of 40m x 20m menage.Applicant: Mr S Wiles, Mr S & Mrs S WilesThe Stables Keisby Road Lenton NG33 4HG

S21/0622 Harlaxton  New portal frame building. Applicant: Pearce Compliance House, Gorse Lane Grantham NG32 1AP

S21/0627 Oasby  Discharge of condition 3 (materials) of pp S20/1468.  Applicant: Ms Claire Mills Clowder House Village Street Oasby NG32 3NB

S21/0632 Barrowby Proposal: Submission of details reserved by condition 14 (acoustic attenuation) of S14/2953  (Residential Development of 227 dwellings, public open space, play area,  associated infrastructure including highway and pedestrian facilities and drainage  infrastructure). Land North Of 372-400 Dysart Road Grantham NG31 7LY.Applicant: Mrs Emily ChristieIlke Homes Land LimitedRegus Fort Dunlop Fort Parkway Birmingham B24 9FE

S21/0662 Little Bytham Erection of single storey rear extension.Applicant: Basden3 New Estate Little Bytham NG33 4QL

S21/0649 Grantham Lawful Development Certificate (Existing) for the conversion of an office to residential dwelling.  Applicant: Mrs Jennifer Davies12 Swinegate Grantham NG31 6RJ

S21/0650 Corby Glen Proposal: Removal of T1 – Copper beech, T2, T3 and T4 Silver Birch.; Applicant: Mr Ben Mead The Barn, 4A, High Street Corby Glen NG33 4LX

S21/0653 Pickworth Proposed replacement roof construction, extension and remodelling works. Applicant: Mr & Mrs M Davidson Laurel Lodge Village Street Pickworth NG34 0TD –

S21/0657 Sempringham Proposed extension, alterations and detached garage building.Applicant: Mr Richard WellsCrown Cottage 3 Neslam Road Sempringham NG34 0LA

S21/0659 Colsterworth  2 no. common beech. T1 reduce canopy by 30%, this will remove approx. 2.5-3m of  outer canopy. T2 reduce canopy by 30%, this will remove 2.5-3m of outer canopy  thnk and reduce back over extending limb over footpath. T3 reduce canopy by 30%,  this will reduce 2.5-3m of outer canopy, reduce back over extending limb over the  neighbours property.Applicant: Mr Andrew MumfordBeech House 7A Woodlands Drive Colsterworth NG33 5NH

S21/0660 Ropsley T1 – 9HS To reduce 1no silver birch tree by approx 40% as its outgrown area.; Applicant: Amanda Underwood The Pantiles 9 High Street Ropsley NG33 4BG

S21/0677 Grantham: Confirmation of lawful implementation of planning permission reference S17/1262  (Hybrid planning application for the Grantham Designer Outlet Village). Land Off Tollemache Road North Spittlegate Grantham Applicant: Giles Membrey Rioja Developments C/o Agent  NTR Planning 118 Pall Mall London SW1Y 5EA –

S21/0678 Old Somerby Loft conversion with flat roof dormer to rear and rooflight to front.; Applicant: Sally SimonsLuarca School Lane Old Somerby NG33 4AG

S21/0697 Fulbeck: Proposed alterations and extension including loft conversion, raising the ridge height, introduction of gable, single storey rear extension and garage replacement. Applicant: Mr And Ms S A Ashfield Briggs Ashlea Old Lincoln Road Fulbeck NG32 3LG

Households in South Kesteven are being urged to tell the District Council if there has been a change in circumstances that affects their Council Tax discount.

SKDC gives a 25% discount to more than 21,000 households where there is only one adult living at the property.

The Council will shortly be comparing its Council Tax information with other databases to identify cases where more than one adult is living at an address and a discount is still being claimed.

SKDC’s Director of Finance, Richard Wyles, said: “We believe most Council Tax discounts are claimed honestly and legitimately, but we know there are times where a household’s circumstances change and people forget to tell us that their eligibility to a discount should be ended.

“However, it is a statutory requirement for council taxpayers to inform us within 28 days if they think they should no longer qualify for a discount.

“If you receive a discount but think you should no linger do so, this is your final chance to tell us before we contact you.“

Richard Wyles said the Council had to amend any incorrect records back to the date of the change of circumstances. That meant householders would not benefit from withholding information, making the system fair for everyone. It could mean some households having a considerable amount of Council Tax arrears to pay.

Richard Wyles added: “While we are cracking down on the incorrect discounts granted, we are still keen to make sure that everyone gets the discounts they are entitled to. You should also contact us if you think you should qualify for any discounts and exemptions.”

For more information about the available discounts and exemptions, go to www.southkesteven.gov.uk

After 196 days away as a group, Grantham Rivercare were delighted to return to their adopted stretch along the River Witham for their 101st group clean-up, on Saturday.

Working to Government COVID19 rules they had 15 river heroes working in three teams across a 1.8 mile stretch of river and nearby roads and fields.

Volunteers have been doing a sterling effort of lone and pair litter picks along the riverside during lockdown and this was reflected by the amount of rubbish overall collected.

Despite this they still collected one shopping, two footballs, a flatbed trolley, carpet and the usual small pieces of litter such as crisp packets, sweet wrappers and drink bottles and cans and masks.

Nine bags (3 recyclables), 63 cans, 17 glass bottles, 22 plastic bottles and 10 masks.

A hard-working GCSE student and carer from a village near Grantham has become one of the youngest people in the UK to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Ellie Goldsmith, 16, works in a care home in Dowsby, near Billingborough, every weekend alongside her studies.

The teenager made the decision to get the vaccine in order to protect herself and the residents at the Yew Tree Residential Care where she works on Saturdays and Sundays.

Despite her age, her part-time job at the care home makes her eligible for the AstraZenca vaccine, and she received her second jab on Friday, the Mirror reports.

Ellie, who also lives with her grandmother who has a range of health problems and has been shielding during the pandemic, she didn’t think twice about getting the jabs.

The teen had the injections at Grantham Meres Leisure Centre and said: “It was fine, but I’m not really bothered about needles.

“I just feel really protected and safe. It’s good because I don’t have to worry as much for nan and the residents and everyone else, so it does make me feel better.

“This pandemic has been really hard for everyone so to get both vaccines is just a really good feeling.

“But I don’t believe any of the conspiracy theories there are as from studying GCSE biology I know a vaccine can’t make you spurt extra limbs.

“It’s good because then you’re fully protected.

“Working at the home is great and I really like it. Everyone’s so nice and really lovely so I don’t really see it as a job it’s just really nice to work there. I love the residents and helping them.”

Ellie, who is studying for her GCSEs at Bourne Academy after spending months remote learning, added: “It’s been so stressful thinking about GCSES throughout the pandemic.

“We don’t have the final exams which is good but I think people are giving young people a bad reputation at the minute. They should probably go easier a bit because it’s been really stressful on us as well.

“But I’d say to anyone my age that they should take the vaccine.

“I didn’t even have any side effects but it’s just a jab like you would get at school or the flu jab.

“It’s just normal and everyone should get it to protect yourself and others.”

Ellie works every weekend at the care home, making hot drinks, tidying bedrooms.

She also enjoys playing games with the residents, who love her being there.

Her mum Emma, 36, also works at the care home with her daughter and added: “We are just so proud.

“Ellie was really positive about getting it as she felt like she was doing her bit. She wasn’t worried and didn’t listen to the conspiracy theories.

“She was really fearful going to school about bringing back the virus. When she got her first jab in Grantham, vaccinators told Ellie she was the youngest person who had been there.”

Lincolnshire Police has offered reassurance to the public that they will support the safe lifting of some of the current lockdown restrictions when new rules come into place today (Monday 12th April). 

Lincolnshire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable, Kerrin Wilson, said: “Lockdown has hit practically every aspect of life as we know it, and perhaps the hardest part has been not being able to connect with family and friends in person. 

“The easing of restrictions will come as a great relief to many, and I hope the new rules, which afford us the chance to socialise safely as well as get back to doing some of the things we all took for granted, will contribute to a feeling of wellbeing for us all.   

“While many of you will already be busy making plans, some of you may feel a sense of nervousness or worry about society opening back up, and we want to assure you that we are still here to protect you and enforce the rules when needed. If you plan to take advantage of hospitality venues opening, please drink responsibly and remember to arrange alternative transport home. 

“The easing of restrictions does not mean that lockdown has lifted completely. It is a journey that we are all on, and to enable later restrictions to be lifted in June we must all do our bit to continue to follow the rules now. Legal limits on the number of people allowed to gather at one time remain in place, social distancing must be maintained, and masks worn in public settings such as shops or public transport to keep yourself and everyone else safe. Let’s continue to be sensible and watch out for each other.” 

From Monday, those town enquiry offices which were temporarily closed will be reopened across the county to the public. Police volunteers (V-PCSO and other volunteers) can return to supporting police in the roles they were previously doing. This coincides with new rules which allow non-essential retail shops, hairdressers and nail salons, outdoor attractions and indoor leisure facilities to reopen, and outdoor hospitality venues to welcome customers.  

Police officers and PCSOs will maintain their patrols around towns and villages, and Neighbourhood Policing teams remain available should you wish to raise concerns or report incidents of any nature. A Public Space Protection Order, which prohibits drinking alcohol in the street, also remains in place in the city of Lincoln.  

The new rules from 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/ 

A garden bonfire left unattended led to several sq m of field off Harrowby Road catching alight at 9pm last night.

Grantham firefighters extinguished it using a hosereel jet and a thermal imaging camera to inspect.

The service will be both in person and online.

No need for tickets

Rector, Fr Stuart Cradduck, said: “We’re honoured to be able offer this requiem mass for HRH Prince Philip,

“Prayer is central to all we do at St Wulfram’s.

“Despite the choir not being able to sing until recently under Covid restrictions we know this will be a beautiful service.

“Sadly we have a limit of 200 seats and they are offered on a first come basis.

“However people can watch online via our Facebook page.”