News :west-butterwick

The Spalding Town Board has submitted a bid to become the first UK Town of Culture.

People can now submit stories and photos of their walks along the route over the past 50 years.

RAF sergeant says some of the behaviour of spectators is “out of hand” and is a safety risk.

RAF Tutor Display Team returns to Lincs with the aim of sparking interest in RAF careers.

Thousands of older and disabled residents will continue to benefit from free and extended bus and rail travel in North Lincolnshire, as councillors confirmed the concessionary travel scheme for another year.

The decision keeps the long-standing scheme in place from April, helping people stay independent, connected and active while supporting local bus services and high streets.

The scheme includes the national free off-peak bus pass, alongside a package of additional concessions that councillors in North Lincolnshire have chosen to maintain for nearly a decade – going far further than the national minimum.

Locally, the scheme includes:

• Free bus travel throughout the day, including early mornings before 9.30am and late night journeys after 11pm for local passholders.
• Discounted local rail fares, and in many cases free local rail travel.
• Companion passes for disabled residents who need support to travel.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is about protecting the things that matter most to local people. Thousands of older and disabled residents depend on free travel to stay independent – to get to the shops, attend medical appointments, see friends and family and remain part of their communities.

“We have deliberately chosen to invest in our older residents to help them stay independent and connected. That investment also supports our town centres and helps keep local bus services viable.

“We promised to go further than the national minimum and we’ve kept that promise for almost a decade now.

“If you are eligible and haven’t applied yet, I would strongly encourage you to do so. The pass helps people stay connected, can be used as a form of identification, and every journey helps support the local services our communities rely on.”

The concessionary offer supports more than 25,000 local passholders, giving them the freedom to travel without worrying about costs or rigid timetables. These enhancements go well beyond the national minimum standards and have been protected locally since they were first introduced in 2017.

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for independent families (children), said: “Accessible, affordable travel changes lives. Whether it’s attending vital appointments, staying active or simply getting out for a coffee with friends, this support helps people stay connected.

“For our children with disabilities, independent travel on public transport is a really important life skill that opens up opportunities for them.

“We are working with schools and bus operators to expand our travel training programme so more young people can gain the confidence and skills to travel independently.

“By confirming the scheme for the coming year, we’re giving residents certainty that this support will remain in place at a time when household budgets are under real pressure.”

The scheme will continue from 1 April, taking North Lincolnshire’s enhanced concessionary travel offer into its tenth year.

The post Investment in older people’s travel keeps lifeline for 25,000 residents for tenth year appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

Young people in Scunthorpe with additional needs have been taking part in a unique creative project thanks to a £4,611 Positive Activities grant awarded by North Lincolnshire Council.

The funding has enabled The Way Youth Club (SEN), based at Connect Church on Ashby Road, to launch a Puppet Club, a creative and inclusive programme designed to support the emotional wellbeing, communication skills, and confidence of young people aged 11 to 19.

The project provided a series of workshops here young people explored a range of exciting activities, including:

• Music creation for puppet performances
• Script writing and storytelling
• Dance and movement routines
• Voiceovers and microphone technique
• Filming and editing puppet shows
• Exploring black light puppetry
• Prop-making workshops

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is a fantastic project that combines fun, creativity and learning while giving young people with additional needs the chance to grow in confidence and develop new skills.

“The fund is all about creating opportunities where young people can thrive, and The Way Youth Club’s Puppet Club will do just that. I’m delighted we can help make it happen.”

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children and families, added: “The Puppet Club is a brilliant example of how community-led projects can make a real difference for young people with additional needs. It will help them express themselves, build friendships, and enjoy brand-new experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

“Supporting children and young people is one of our top priorities, and I know families will really value this innovative new programme.”

The cash is part of the council’s grant programme – which has pumped millions into grassroots projects across the region – from sports clubs and youth groups to charities and parish councils – helping to strengthen communities and support local talent.

Grants are available for junior and youth groups, charitable bodies, co-operatives, not-for-profit organisations, and individuals demonstrating excellence in sport, art, or culture. Support is also available for venue hire, helping keep community spaces open and active.

The post Council supports puppet club for young people with additional needs appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

A by-election will be held to fill a vacancy in the Axholme Central and Brumby wards of North Lincolnshire Council on 26 March.

There’s just 1 day left to apply for a proxy vote or a Voter Authority Certificate – the deadline is 18 March, 5pm.

Go to: northlincs.gov.uk/elections.

A community diagnostic centre is being built on the former home of Boston United FC.

The family of Sir Barnes Wallis, from Effingham, is auctioning the marbles used to invent the bombs.

The disused borehole in Market Deeping is leaking water in the town centre and nearby roads.