One in five women and one in ten men have experienced stalking at some point since the age of 16.*

Stalking Prevention Orders (SPOs), a new measure introduced by the Stalking Protection Act 2019, go live across the country today and will be a vital safeguarding tool for Lincolnshire Police. 

SPOs offer an effective means of managing a suspect through use of prohibitions and requirements. They will 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. 

Our 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 take proactive and urgent action where this is the case. Upon conviction, a breach of the order will mean a prison sentence of up to a year, or a fine, or both. 

There are FOUR signs of stalking. The behaviour of a stalker is Fixated, Obsessive, Unwanted, Repeated.      

If you have concerns for yourself or someone you know, please see our stalking and harassment guidance section.   

You can report any concerns you have to us via 101 or 999 if it’s an emergency.

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

After long discussions, Harrowby United FC are pleased to announce that Kevin Newman will be Joining Harrowby United and will take on the roll as Joint Chairman with current Chairman Michael Atter.

Michael commented ” We are an ambitious club, and with big ambitions comes an ever increasing workload for all involved. Kev brings a vast amount of experience and with his drive and enthusiasm it will definitely help me and the club achieve our goals.”

Kev will start the roll with immediate effect.

On his appointment Kev said: ” I am delighted to join Harrowby United and work with Mick and the rest of his team.

“The club is ambitious and I look forward to being part of its success on and off the pitch.”

The Sir Joseph Banks Society and the Lincolnshire Community Foundation have created a county wide TotalGiving campaign to raise funds towards the restoration of wild habitat destroyed by bush fires in South Australia.

The Lincolnshire Community Foundation is the largest private grant making organisation in the county and recently ran the successful Wainfleet flood appeal. This joint appeal, which launched on Monday 20^th January, will donate to the Australian Wildlife Recovery Fund. 

The National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia and Nature Foundation SA, partners for almost 40 years, have again joined forces to establish and manage this fund. While many community groups have mobilised to provide an immediate response to caring for injured wildlife, the Wildlife Recovery Fund will be used to re-establish habitat, particularly for threatened and vulnerable species.

Donations will go to local landholders, farmers, and community groups in fire affected regions to urgently assist natural regeneration through activities including feral animal and weed control, and fencing. This will give both threatened animal and plant life the best chance of recovery. Funds will also be directed to restore habitat in fire-devastated national parks – particularly on Kangaroo Island.

Teams will consult with local communities to identify and assess impacts and to prioritise recovery activities. Working together they will make sure sound planning, good science and local advice ensures funds raised are put to use quickly in the most important places and achieve the best possible outcomes.

This work is part of a longer-term campaign to ensure that Australia’s unique wildlife and plant life are saved. It sits particularly well with the work of the Sir Joseph Banks Society and is part of our contribution to support our patron Sir David Attenborough who is campaigning vigorously to highlight the effects of global warming.

To donate vist either – www.lincolnshirecf.co.uk or www.joseph-banks.co.uk

Grantham firefighters attended a fire at commercial premises on Londonthorpe at around 5pm today.

The fire was out on arrival, so crews used one hosereel jet to dampen down hot spots

Nigel Wedgwood has resigned as chairman of Grantham Town.

Wedgwood took up the role at the BetVictor Northern Premier League Premier Division club in July 2018. His resignation has been confirmed with the following club statement:

“Overnight, Nigel Wedgwood informed the Board of Directors that he has resigned from the Board of both Grantham Town FC and Grantham Sports Academy.

“A full statement will be released in due course, but we would like to thank Nigel for all his hard work and dedication over the last two years.”

Army veterans who fought at Arnhem have inspired a flurry of pledges to help a funding appeal for a Heroes Orchard in Grantham reach its target.

Major contributions have been promised in support of wartime heroes who trained locally and flew from Barkston Heath on the Arnhem mission in September 1944.

The £12,130 target for the orchard has been hit,  but crowdfunding continues until 8 February, say appeal organisers the Wyndham Park Forum. Extra money will allow the project near Wyndham Park to expand and include additional features.

Pledges include a substantial amount from John Chatfeild Roberts, whose father Captain Graham Roberts was ADC to 1^st Airborne Division commander Major General Roy Urquhart at Arnhem and with him on the infamous night-time Rhine River crossing as British forces were forced back.

1^st Airborne Division Signals driver Larry ‘Lol’ Martin, who clung to the side of a boat on the river crossing as he was unable to swim, made his annual visit to the Arnhem commemorations in Caythorpe village in September with his family.

His proud daughter Sue pledged a contribution and added this comment to the appeal website; “Dad was at Caythorpe prior to flying over to Arnhem and goes to the commemoration every year. An orchard is a great idea as it is something that keeps giving and will provide also a place for reflection.

“It’s so moving that people are still remembering what our boys (and girls) gave. We are proud to support this worthy cause.”

For businessman Tim Gale, a meeting with another Signals campaign veteran at Arnhem in September was the prompt to donate. He added a personal message saying;

“I am happy to support your orchard and the wonderful way in which it will recognise the region’s role in the heroic exploits of the British 1st Airborne Division and others.”

“I would like to dedicate this donation to John Jeffries, Royal Corps of Signals, 4th Parachute Brigade, who was wounded on the 18th September 1944 at Arnhem. I had the great pleasure of meeting John at the 75th Commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem, and if ever there was a man who deserved celebrating, John is that man!”

For SKDC, whose CrowdfundSK panel approved a contribution of £5,615, Cllr Robert Reid, Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing, welcomed the news that the orchard will now become a reality.

“This has been an exciting project from the word go, and one which has really gripped the public imagination.” he said. “It will be a valuable addition to Grantham’s publicly accessible greenspace, at the same time honouring the town’s military heritage.

“To see the scale and variety of pledges shows that this has resonated with not only local people, but also the military community to whom we owe so much.”

John Knowles, chairman of Wyndham Park Forum, thanked everyone who has pledged money to the appeal. He said;  “The support is amazing. We have  had everything from a £2 donation to a Christmas present pledge, a £1,000 anonymous donation and now all this terrific military support.

“We are continuing to fundraise so please keep giving, and we can make the project even more special.”   www.spacehive.com/heroes-commemorative-orchard

Some of the UK’s most successful musicians will be working with more than 350 GSCE and BTEC music students from 10 schools throughout Lincolnshire, at the unique VOICE IT 2020 event, organised by the Lincolnshire Music Education Hub.

The event on Thursday 23 January at the Engine Shed, University of Lincoln, offers hands-on interactive sessions with renowned music industry professionals including choir leader Mark De-Lisser.

Mark is recognised for arranging Stand By Me, performed at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 2018 wedding. He has also worked as a vocal coach on TV shows ranging from The Voice to Eurovision to The Masked Singer, and his choir, Singology Choir has supported Stormzy on tour. Mark also worked on Children in Need Got it Covered as a mentor to the actors and was the presenter for Meet the Street at Christmas for BBC1. 

Mark said, “VOICE IT 2020 is a brilliant immersive experience which gives students the chance to try out song writing, being in a choir and beat boxing. It’s a joyous occasion where many people can get together and have lots of fun.”

Students will have the opportunity to take part in workshops on songwriting, stagecraft, performance techniques, beat boxing and many more. Plus there’ll be an open mic session and a chance for everyone to perform together at the end of the day.

Jennifer McKie, senior music adviser, Lincolnshire Music Service, added, ‘VOICE IT 2020 is a fantastic opportunity for young musicians and singers to learn from some of the best in the music business. Whether their passion is singing in a choir, playing an instrument or writing their own songs, students will be able to perform alongside and pick up some top tips from musicians who are at the top of their game.”

Other musicians leading the live workshops are:

• Elliott Morris – a singer songwriter who was raised in Wales and Lincolnshire. He tours almost constantly across the UK, from Orkney to Plymouth and Boston to Belfast, and has supported numerous top acts from Ed Sheeran to Big Country and The Levellers.
• Carl Hudson – a pianist and keyboardist who has performed with numerous acts including Professor Green, Emeli Sande,  Tina Arena and Boy George / Culture Club. 
• Simon Bates, (saxophonist) and Harry Harris, (pianist) have played with the celestial stars of pop, rock, jazz and blues, from David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Rick Astley, Charlotte Church, Andrea Bocelli, Kylie Minogue to Julie Andrews! 
• Bellatrix – three-time former female world champion beatboxer who performs  regularly and gigs up and down the country.

 Registered between 13 – 17 January 2020

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

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

S19/2092  Grantham Proposed development for 1 residential bungalow to the rear of 197 Bridge End Road including the demolition of existing garage and creation of new parking spaces for the existing bungalow in the existing front garden. Applicant: Mr David Scoffield c/o Origin Design Studio Ltd.       

S19/2103  Grantham Conversion of office building to create 2 no. flats and construction of 6 no. dwellings :at 65 South Parade Grantham NG31 6HT   Applicant: Mr David Moore County Consultants Ltd Victoria House Victoria Road Farnborough  GU14 7PG   

 S19/2146 Swayfield Change of use of detached domestic garage to dog breeding business Applicant: Mrs Eniko Kovacs The Barn, High Street Swayfield NG33 4LL     

S19/2171 Grantham Change of use from residential to mixed use of residential and dog care/boarding Applicant: Mr Robin Barker Absolutely Barkers Absolutely Barkers 24 Rushcliffe Road Grantham  Lincolnshire NG31 8ED   Location:

S19/2180 Grantham Various tree works including felling and pruning at 1 Arnoldfield Court Grantham NG31 8GL; Applicant: Mr William Deegan Longhurst & Havelok Homes 5 The Triangle Enterprise Way NG2 Business Park  Nottingham NG2

 S19/2199 Grantham Approval of details required by condition 3 (construction method statement), 4 (materials), of planning permission S19/1609 (Proposed detached garage with study over) Applicant: Mr & Mrs Andrew Baty 108 Manthorpe Road Grantham NG31 8DL     

 S19/2210 Carlton Scroop: Change of elevations brick to render, timber windows, alterations to single storey roofs to front and rear and other external alterations to include removal of chimney at Field House Heath Lane Carlton Scroop NG32 3AS  Applicant: Mr And Mrs Taylor Church House Boothby Graffoe Lincoln  LN5 0LE   

 S19/2212 Denton Lawful development certificate (Proposed) for the use of two bedrooms as a Bed & Breakfast Applicant: Mrs S Skelton Ferneley Church Street Denton  NG32 1LG  

 S19/2217  Great Gonerby  Single storey extension to side of dwelling. Applicant: Mr J Neal 41, Long Street Great Gonerby NG31

 S19/2242  Grantham Single storey side and rear extension Applicant: Mr J Askham 78 Denton Avenue Grantham NG31 7JH     

 S20/0007 Barrowby/Grantham Application to approve details reserved by conditions 2 (play areas) and 3 (boundary treatments) of S19/1056 on land south of Barrowby Road, Grantham. Applicant: Countryside Properties (EM) Countryside Properties PLC 1 Penman Way Grove Park Leicester  LE19 1SY   

S20/0040  Grantham Application to approve details reserved by conditions 3 (tree protection) and 4 (construction management) of S19/1390 former Magistrates Court Harlaxton Road Grantham Lincolnshire NG31 7SB  Applicant: Ladhar Crown Care Developments Limited 15-16 Stockholm Close Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate NE29 7SF     

 S20/0045  Grantham: Construction of a stand alone Hydropool building within the existing carpark to the front of the school. New parking bays to the rear of the school with associated new fences and gates Applicant: Mrs Stela Plamenova Sandon School  Sandon Close Grantham  NG31 9AX   

 S20/0047 Barkston Fell x3 horse chestnut trees due to disease, Fell 1 Laburnum due to disease. Applicant: Mrs Charlotte Bailey The Yews Barn  Church Street Barkston  NG32 2NB   

As part of the new bridge’s construction, the northbound lanes of the A1, between Harlaxton and Little Ponton, will be temporarily diverted to a new section of A1 carriageway starting on Monday 27 January.

Subject to suitable weather, the lane diversion is expected to be in place for seven months while the first half of the new bridge is built.

Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “Over the past four months, Galliford Try has been hard at work widening the A1 so it can be re-aligned as part of the new Grantham Southern Relief Road.

“And starting next week, we’ll be moving traffic off of the A1’s northbound lanes to this newly-widened section of road so we can make a start building the first half of the new grade-separated junction which will connect the trunk road with the B1174.

“Once that section is finished, we’ll move over to the south side of the A1 to complete the bridge ahead of fully opening phase two up to traffic in 2021 and the whole of the relief road by Winter 2022/23.

“Once the entire relief road is complete, it will not only reduce congestion and improve journey times in and around Grantham, but it will also boost the local economy by opening the door to more homes, job opportunities and community facilities.”

The Grantham Southern Relief Road project is being led by Lincolnshire County Council and supported by South Kesteven District Council, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Highways England, Department for Transport, Network Rail, Homes England and local businesses.

 Geodesys – part of Anglian Water and a leading provider of conveyancing searches for residential and commercial properties throughout England and Wales – is announcing its first Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminar of the year.

The event will provide attendees with a comprehensive update on recent changes to the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) assessment.

The seminar, which is free to attend and includes brunch, will take place on January 29^th at Belton Woods Hotel. Industry-leading experts including Eleanor O’Reilly-Joe, Head of Accreditations at the Law Society, Denise Butler, Director, Peacock Risk Management and CQS Assessor Peter Rodd, will be presenting throughout the event. Sessions will include:

• Is my firm CQS-compliant? CQS assessor Peter Rodd focuses on the key CQS elements and recommends areas to focus on.
• Preparing for CQS re-accreditation. Denise Butler explains how to best tackle the required actions and paperwork to keep up to date with CQS protocol. 
• Using the right tools. Kay Toon, Account Manager at Geodesys, gives an overview of how various tools can facilitate CQS knowledge management and AML risk assessment.

First launched in January 2011, the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) offers regulators, lenders, insurers and home movers a recognisable standard of excellence in the provision of residential conveyancing services.

Changes to the scheme, including additional assessments and the introduction of on-site visits, were introduced in 2019, to encourage improvements in conveyancing best practice, client service and practice management.

Kay Toon, Client Account Manager at Geodesys, comments: “Geodesys has been involved in providing CPD opportunities for conveyancers for over 10 years, as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting industry best practice.

“We look forward to welcoming delegates and have put together a fantastic line-up of incredibly knowledgeable experts who can share their extensive knowledge of the latest developments.”

To attend the event or find out more about Geodesys visit: https://www.geodesys.com/events/2020/01/grantham-compliance-cpd-2019/ or contact Kay Toon on events@geodesys.com.

Lincolnshire Co-op has reported positive Christmas trading, with food store sales rising 7.2% in the period from 14 December to 4 January.

The retailer said its customers bucked the national trend and stocked up on traditional Christmas treats, with Christmas pudding sales up 35%, according to Retail News.

There was also growth for another classic festive sweet, with sales of mince pies up by 36% and a total of nearly three quarters of a million individual mince pies sold.

All of the society’s food store stocks the Love Local range, featuring goods from Lincolnshire Co-op’s trading area, and sales increased by 9.5%. Local products – from suppliers including Lymn Bank Farm, Cote Hill and Lincolnshire Poacher – contributed to overall cheese sales increasing by 22%.

In addition, consumers bought more locally-sourced meat from suppliers – including Grasmere Farm, Mountain’s Boston Sausage and Uncle Henry’s – and the Society’s bakery Gadsby’s, based in Southwell, saw sales increase by 11%. More than 156,486 individual Gadsby’s mince pies contributed to the total sold, and treats like amaretto and rum truffles proved popular.

Chief retail officer, Mark Finn, said: “We’re delighted to buck the national trend, both with the popularity of the traditional Christmas pud and with our positive sales performance.

“It’s a great achievement in a tough market. It shows that our customers appreciate our colleagues and the service they provide and the quality of our products, especially those sourced locally. The dividend bonus also means that our members start the festive period with an extra dose of cheer.”

Operation Encompass is an innovative project that Lincolnshire Police are launching; it will help Lincolnshire schools to safeguard and support children who are experiencing domestic abuse.

Children and young people who witness or endure incidents of domestic abuse can be left frightened, confused and conflicted – they might directly witness the abuse, hear the abuse from another room, see injuries or distress in a loved one, or be physically hurt trying to stop the abuse. All of these scenarios can be incredibly distressing for a child.

Following such an incident, children will often arrive at school upset and unprepared. Where previously a school may not have been made aware of police attending a domestic abuse incident at the home, Operation Encompass will see that appropriately trained Safeguarding staff have this information so they can offer support and understanding to the child in the best possible way.

Assistant Chief Constable Kerrin Wilson said, “Domestic abuse has a ripple effect. Children within the household will suffer, sometimes to a devastating extent. Operation Encompass is a fantastic nationally recommended scheme, which we are pleased to launch with primary and secondary schools in Lincolnshire. It is another safeguarding route that we will use to ensure children are supported and we recognise that schools play a pivotal role in their student’s ongoing wellbeing and safety.”

How does Operation Encompass work?

After we receive a report of abuse from a home where children were present or usually reside, brief information will be shared with the school directly from Lincolnshire Police. This information will be handled by the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead. This ensures support can be provided as quickly as possible so the child involved can feel safe and listened to.  

Each Designated Safeguarding Lead has been fully trained. They are able to ensure the right support is made available to the child following the disclosure of a domestic abuse incident.

By knowing that the child has had this experience, the school is in a better position to be supportive and understanding of the child’s needs and possible behaviours.

Please see our advice section for further details on Operation Encompass.