Our ambition to give everyone A Green Future YOUR POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER JONATHAN EVISON Issue 37 PRINT • EMAIL • WEB • PODCAST • VIDEO I'm made out of recycled paper. Put me in your blue box and keep my journey going Accuracy of information While the information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information contained in this magazine. Please refer to our website at www.northlincs.gov.uk for up to date information. See page 3 for more information PAGE 4 Improving community safety in North Lincolnshire PAGES 20 & 21 Multi-million pound transformation plans to create jobs and homes for town centres “Greg was keen to see the progress we are making on transforming North Lincolnshire and was impressed with our future plans for regeneration as part of the levelling-up agenda. “Huge sums of money from the Government and the council are being used to improve local infrastructure and the economy to create a brighter future for our residents. “We have already seen massive investment from the Government – including the near £25m towns deal and £10m Future High Streets Fund. We have this month submitted an ambitious bid for £70m to carry on the transformation of the area. The visit was a great opportunity for Holly Mumby-Croft and myself to talk to Greg in detail about these plans.” After a visit to Scunthorpe Steelworks the minister was taken on a tour of Scunthorpe town centre where he was given an update on developments at Church Square and the Enterprise and Innovation Hub before meeting shoppers at St John’s Market. “The Government has recognised the need for extra cash investment to be made across our communities and we’ve worked very closely with our local MPs, Holly Mumby-Croft, Andrew Percy and Martin Vickers, to deliver these projects which will make generational change across the area.” The proposals detail how the Levelling-Up Fund will support communities in realising their vision and aligns with the council’s Economic Growth Plan, emerging Local Plan and Towns Fund Programme. The cash, if approved, will be in addition to the near £25m towns deal, £10m Future High Streets, £75m for a new port on the South Humber bank, £5m for A15 enhancements, £4m for the M181 Northern Junction and £7m for the Southern Junction, investment in the new university campus and additional investment in local further education colleges and the £200m plus paid to support jobs throughout the pandemic. With millions of pounds of Government cash being invested in the area, the Rt Hon Greg Clark visited Scunthorpe last month to discuss progress and the exciting new plans for the area’s future. Following the visit, Cllr Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: A £70m proposal to Government includes ambitious plans to supercharge investment in new cycle routes, improved transport links and to enable access to rural green energy projects. These plans to the Levelling-Up Fund include proposals to continue the transformation of Scunthorpe town centre, revolutionise transport and travel across Barton and Brigg and enable rural homes and businesses to access clean, green, energy. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, welcomed the opportunity to bid for funding. He said: “This latest round of levelling-up cash complements other Government funding that is already being spent here in North Lincolnshire. We are seeking to make a huge impact on the lives of people across our county. “Huge sums of money from the Government and the council are being used to improve local infrastructure and create new futures for our towns and these latest proposals will further add to this. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, Holly Mumby-Croft, MP for Scunthorpe and Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, pictured in Scunthorpe town centre. Save money on your energy bills by making small changes2 NewsDirect Enabling economic growth and renewal Help for your household Universal Credit does not cover the full cost of someone’s rent. North Lincolnshire Council also helps vulnerable homeowners to carry out essential repairs or improvements to their homes such as severe damp and mould, faulty electrics, structural collapse or issues around food safety. For anyone who is worried about money, struggling with debt, or looking for ways to budget and manage their money there are several independent organisations that provide tips, information and advice regarding debt. To reduce your outgoings there are several initiatives available to help with this, from oil bulk buying schemes and collective switching to reduce energy bills to improving the energy efficiency of your home. For more details go to www.northlincs.gov.uk/ housing. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “In addition to local support, the Government continues to provide unprecedented resources to assist people and businesses that need it most. With the global situation causing rising energy and food bills, I am delighted that the Government has stepped- up yet again to support the most vulnerable in North Lincolnshire.” Many households could be missing out on a range of support available to them, from lowering bills to extra financial support. Childcare costs can make a huge dent in many family’s incomes. However, lots of help is available to help ease the strain and lower those costs, depending on a family’s individual circumstances. For information on any of the schemes and for other help with childcare costs schemes visit the Childcare Choices website at www.childcarechoices. gov.uk. For people who are struggling to pay their council tax and in arrears there is support available. Call 0300 3030 164 and speak to the Debt Management Team who will discuss your account and work with you to clear the debt. There is also Council Tax Support and a further support fund for low- income households who have received an increased council tax bill and need additional help. This can be claimed by anyone whether they work or receive state benefits. Individuals who are unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits may also be entitled to financial support with paying their rent and can access this through the housing element of Universal Credit. Further short-term financial support in the form of Discretionary Housing Payments are available for households who are experiencing severe financial hardship and can help with housing costs when the housing benefit or According to the Money Saving Expert, to save energy, it can help to know just how much each appliance is costing. They crunched some numbers, using standard appliances and the upcoming 1 October price cap charges for electricity (51.89p/Kwh). These are ballpark figures as different models use different amounts of power, but it should give you a rough idea. Appliance Kwh Power Kwh Cost per hour ——————————————— ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Tumble Dryer.................. 3,000 W..... 3 ............... £1.56 Oven............................... 2,000W ..... 2 ............... £1.04 Kettle .............................. 1,800W ..... 1.8 ............ 93p Electric Hob.................... 1,700W ..... 1.7 ............ 88p Vacuum Cleaner ............. 1,400W ..... 1.4 ............ 73p Microwave ...................... 1,200W ..... 1.2 ............ 62p Toaster ........................... 1,200W ..... 1.2 ............ 62p Dishwasher ..................... 1,200W ..... 1.2 ............ 62p Iron ................................. 1,100W ..... 1.1 ............ 57p Air Fryer ......................... 1,000W ..... 1 ............... 59p Washer ........................... 700W........ 0.7 ............ 36p Slow Cooker ................... 225W........ 0.225 ......... 12p Playstation 5.................... 201W........ 0.201 ......... 10p Sky Q Box ....................... 45W.......... 0.045 ......... 2.34p TV ................................... 30W.......... 0.03 ........... 1.56p Fridge ............................ 28W.......... 0.028 ......... 1.45p BT Hub ............................ 12W.......... 0.012 ......... 0.62p Light Bulb ....................... 10W.......... 0.01 ........... 0.52p Sky Q Box (standby) ....... 9W............ 0.009 ......... 0.47p Microwave (standby) ...... 7W............ 0.007 ......... 0.36p Phone Charger ............... 5W............ 0.005 ......... 0.26p Playstation 5 (standby) ... 0.36W....... 0.00036...... 0.02p Kwh (Kilowatt hours) are the unit used to measure how much power is used by an appliance. It works out as the watt power of an appliance divided by 1000 (when used for one hour). Prices based on upcoming October 1 average price cap rate of 51.89p/Kwh. Energy Bills Support Scheme will deliver a £400 non-repayable discount to eligible households to help with energy bills from October. This is an £11.7 billion scheme which forms part of the £37 billion cost of living assistance package for consumers over winter 2022 to 2023. Councils have been given an extra £65m to support low-income households with rent debts. £500m Household Support Fund to support millions of households with essentials. Find out more at www.northlincs.gov. uk/financialsupport. Warm Home discount provides a £140 rebate on energy bills each winter to over 2.2 million low-income households. Winter Fuel Payments to over 11.4 million pensioners at a cost of £2 billion annually. Increased the value of Healthy Start vouchers by over a third to help those in need with young children, supporting them to buy fresh fruit and vegetables to boost the long-term health of their children. Nationally, support measures have been put in place, some of those are: Do you know how much energy your appliances are using? £1.56 per hr 93p per hr 57p per hr 10p per hr £1.56 per hrIssue 37 3 W ith the summer holidays now over, this edition of News Direct focuses on all that is to come in North Lincolnshire throughout the next few months, including significant investments, celebrating the wonderful people in North Lincolnshire and progress being made on our ‘Green Future’. An ambitious £70m bid has been submitted to the Government for Levelling-Up Funding to transform our town centres across North Lincolnshire. This includes developing infrastructure and improving transport, which is in addition to the millions of pounds being invested via the Towns Fund. We have a bold pledge to go net zero by 2030, meaning we will add no more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. It enables the council, residents, communities, and businesses to all play their part in making this happen. We are already making great strides towards this with many projects underway including solar panels for schools, the ambitious tree planting scheme and installing more electric vehicle charging points. There are many brilliant events and activities taking place in coming months, including the second Discover event. Young people and their families can take part in fun, free activities to help them discover their future. You will see that The Baths Hall and Plowright Theatre have got a brilliant line up of shows coming up including the ever-popular Christmas pantomime. This year the cast are performing Cinderella, which you and your family won’t want to miss. We are continuing the search for more foster carers, supported lodgings hosts and adoptive parents to open up their homes to care for children and young people. If you feel you could make a difference and offer the supported needed, please get in touch. There are only a few weeks left until the nomination deadline for the 2022 Community Champion Awards. Make sure you nominate your local heroes to ensure they get the recognition they deserve. I have heard first- hand the amazing things people have done throughout the pandemic to help others, and they would all be worthy winners. I hope you enjoy this latest edition of News Direct. Cllr Rob Waltham MBE, Leader, North Lincolnshire Council The future of North Lincolnshire 6. Careful with your washing. You can save around £28 a year from your energy bill just by using your washing machine more carefully. Use your washing machine on a 30-degree cycle instead of higher temperatures. Reduce your washing machine use by one run per week for a year. 7. Avoid the tumble dryer. Avoid using a tumble dryer for your clothes. Dry clothes on racks inside where possible or outside in warmer weather to save £60 a year. 8. Spend less time in the shower. Keeping your shower time to just four minutes could save a typical household £70 a year on their energy bills. 9. Swap your bath for a shower. Swap one bath a week with a four-minute shower could save you £12 a year on your energy bills. 10. Don’t overfill the kettle. Avoid overfilling the kettle and save £11 a year on your electricity bill. 11. Fill your dishwasher. Only run your dishwasher when it is full to reduce the amount of water you use. Doing one less run a week for a year could save you £14. 12. Top up the insulation. Effective insulation of your hot water cylinder could save you £35 a year in the process. Insulating your water tank, pipes and radiators is a quick and easy way to save money. 13. Use eco mode on appliances. Many appliances have modes which make them operate at different speeds, temperatures and levels of power. For most appliances, 'eco' mode means operating at a lower speed, which is marketed as being more environmentally friendly and cost saving. There are lots of ways you can reduce your energy use in your household – every little change makes a difference. The average home, containing four occupants, now uses 13 electronic appliances (including TVs and laptops). That’s a huge leap compared with 1990, when just four appliances were typically used, according to the Energy Consumption in the UK (ECUK) 2017 report. Here are some handy tips: 1. Switch off standby. You can save around £55 a year by turning your appliances off standby mode. Almost all electrical appliances can be turned off at the plug without upsetting their programming. You may want to think about getting a standby saver or smart plug which allows you to turn all your appliances off standby in one go. Some satellite and digital TV recorders may need to be left plugged in so they can keep track of any programmes you want to record. 2. Draught-proof windows and doors. Unless your home is very new, you will lose some heat through draughts around doors and windows, gaps around the floor, or through the chimney. 3. Cook clever. Using the microwave or a slow cooker is a cheaper alternative to using the oven. Cooking a baked potato in the oven costs 27p, compared to 3p with a microwave. Cooking a casserole in the oven costs 54p, but only 22p in the slow cooker. 4. Turn your thermostat down. This is one of the easiest things to do on this list. For each degree you cut the thermostat, expect to cut bills by around four per cent, or about £142 a year on average for a typical home. 5. Turn off lights. Turn your lights off when you’re not using them or when you leave a room. This will save you around £20 a year on your annual energy bills. Replacing all the lights in your home with LED bulbs could help you save even more. Top tips for energy saving and money at home Cook clever Use a microwave or slow cooker Draught- proof windows and doors Turn off lights when not in use This could save you £20 a year Turn your thermostat down This could save you £142 a year Swap your bath for a shower This could save you £12 a year Top up the insulation This could save you £35 a year Our ambition to give everyone A Green Future Rolling out the third phase of the Green Homes Grants, which help low-income households insulate their homes, so they save energy and carbon and stay warm this winter. To make a real difference to the environment and secure A Green Future for generations to come everyone needs to come together and make a difference. Residents are also showing their commitment. Recent achievements include: The planting of a native British meadow by the Friends of Lincoln Gardens -Transforming Jubilee Parks community group. Volunteers helping to clear the reed beds and paint bird hides at Alkborough Flats. Organising a Community Clean Day in Crosby with the support of Scunthorpe Litter Pickers, Broughton Wombles and other local volunteers. More than three tonnes of waste was collected. Litter picking and clearing of invasive Himalayan balsam by Friends of Twigmoor Woods at a special family fun day. How can you ensure A Green Future? Plant a tree – help, advice and even funding is available for everything from planting a single tree in your back garden to a community orchard or a whole forest. The council has committed to planting 172,000 trees – one for every person in North Lincolnshire. At 92,600 we are well on the way to hitting this target. Go to www.northlincs.gov.uk/tree planting/for information. Become a picker – Hundreds of people across the region are part of a growing army of litter pickers. You can get information about how to receive your litter picking kit by emailing neighbourhoodservices @northlincs.gov.uk. Travel green – take fewer car journeys, go by bike, walk short distances instead of driving or try out the network of electric scooters in Scunthorpe. Go to ginger.town/scunthorpe for details. Be a friend – ‘Friends of’ groups are appearing across the area and are a great way of meeting like-minded people and putting something back into the community. A Facebook search will put you in touch with one near to you. Recycle – North Lincolnshire has one of the best kerbside recycling services in the country. Check out our recycling pages on https://www.northlincs.gov.uk/ bins-waste-recycling/ to find out how to recycle everything from aerosols to zips. Plastic-free hydration – cut down on single use plastic bottles by buying a reusable flask and filling it up at a tap. · Let us know what you are doing and inspire others by sharing your commitment on social media using the #OneGreenFuture hashtag. You can also read more about the A Green Future strategy and what we are doing to achieve it on our website – www.northlincs.gov.uk/ Green-Future/. Our ambition for North Lincolnshire’s environment. We all work together to protect our environment, end our contribution to climate change and we all benefit from the wealth of the natural and economic opportunities we have in North Lincolnshire. The council’s far-sighted A Green Future policy permeates everything we do as we strive to achieve our ambitious pledge to go net zero by 2030. This means we will add no more greenhouse gases to the Earth's atmosphere than we take out and we will end out contribution to global warning. The new policy is designed to enable every part of the council, each resident and community, together with all businesses, to play an active and involved role in achieving the best possible environmental outcomes for North Lincolnshire. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We already have an enviable track record when it comes to protecting and enhancing the environment; slashing our carbon emissions in the last decade, planting more than 92,600 trees and re-establishing vast areas of urban wildlife habitats – but we can and will go further.” Since the Green Future policy was established earlier this year, we have already rolled out electric vehicle charging points in car parks across the region. We are also using Towns Fund cash to bring solar panels to local schools, enabling them to access clean cheap energy. We are encouraging local businesses to make a commitment to the environment by cutting their carbon and offsetting emissions. Even replacing light bulbs with LED versions can make a difference. However, the Green Future policy doesn’t just embrace emissions and energy – it is a wide-reaching commitment to leave the environment in a better state than we find it. It means we will make sure our environment is safe, self-sustaining and provides opportunities for everyone. Recent developments that support this aim include: Planning and planting a Carbon Garden in Central Park with the help of local students. Retaining Green Flag status for five of our green spaces – Central Park, Kingsway Gardens, Woodlands Memorial Gardens and Sheffield Park in Scunthorpe and Baysgarth Park in Barton. Working towards getting Green Flag status for the Humber Bridge viewing area in Barton. Extending the Scunthorpe Ridgeway thanks to a £500,000 cash injection. The hugely popular walking and cycling route helps support active travel. Replacing old fencing with laurel hedges on the Queensway in Scunthorpe. Launching a new litter policy to improve recycling rates, clean up the streets and clampdown on litter louts. 4 NewsDirect Enabling economic growth and renewalCommunity energy scheme will give schools cheap green energy A ground-breaking new scheme to help schools go green and reduce their energy bills is being rolled out. Schools in Scunthorpe will be fitted with solar panels free of charge – reducing carbon emissions and dramatically slashing energy costs. The initial pilot will be funded with £1.4m of Government cash alongside money from community investors before being rolled out to all of North Lincolnshire’s schools and other community buildings. Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is an incredible scheme that will enable schools to future- proof their energy needs – it will bring down bills at a critical time. “We are working with a number of schools to pilot the project and we are in discussions with many other school leaders about a wider roll-out – the response has been massively enthusiastic across the area. “The pilot has been made possible thanks to Government cash backing projects designed to help the local economy and reduce carbon emissions – it is another clear example of levelling-up here in North Lincolnshire. Cllr David Rose, cabinet member for the environment, added: “This aligns with our ambitious Green Future plans which are designed to not only reduce our impact on the environment but also help other organisations too. “It touches every single community, every single business and every single resident and recognises that we all play our part in making our area a cleaner, greener, healthier and more sustainable and attractive place to live, work and visit.” As part of the project the council has set up a community benefit society called North Lincolnshire Community Energy. It will run the scheme which sees schools get the solar panels for free and pay the society for the energy they use at heavily reduced rates. Any profits generated by the society are ploughed back into other green initiatives in North Lincolnshire. Cllr Waltham added: “We are in partnership with Energy4All to deliver the community benefit society – that is being run for North Lincolnshire. As well as the Government cash, investors, including local people, will be able to invest in the scheme, with investments starting at just £100. Their capital is secured, and they will receive interest well above current high street offers. For more details on the scheme and to register interest in the community share offer, go to the North Lincolnshire Community Energy website at: https://community energy.northlincs.gov.uk. Frederick Gough School in Bottesford is one of the first schools to benefit. Headteacher Ben Lawrance said: “We are absolutely delighted to be part of the North Lincolnshire Community Energy project. “Not only will it save us money on our energy bills which will mean we can spend our savings on resources for the children in our school, we will also be contributing clean energy to help ensure the planet is habitable for future generations of Frederick Gough pupils to come.” Green boost for schools with solar panel rollout Pictured with pupils at Frederick Gough School are Cllr Margaret Armiger, Cllr John Davison, Cllr Janet Longcake, Holly Mumby-Croft MP and Cllr David Rose. A forward-thinking scheme to install solar panels free of charge on every school and community building in the area is up and running. The first schools have signed up and are currently undergoing surveys and evaluation so the work can be carried out. A community benefit society called North Lincolnshire Community Energy (NLCE) has been set up to administer the scheme, which is being initially funded with £1.4m of Government Towns Fund cash. The council has been working closely with community energy not- for-profit company Energy4All to get the scheme up and running. Three founding board members have now been appointed to NLCE: Scunthorpe MP Holly Mumby-Croft, North Lincolnshire Council Cabinet Member for Environment David Rose and Mary Allen, secretary for both the Northern Lincolnshire and Yorkshire and Humber sections of the countryside charity CPRE. Council leader Rob Waltham welcomed the appointment of the board and added: “This important scheme has been made possible thanks to Government cash designed to help the local economy and reduce carbon emissions. “It will also give people the chance to invest in the green economy and earn a good return.” Holly Mumby-Croft MP said: “North Lincolnshire Community Energy is a fantastic initiative, and I was absolutely delighted when I was asked if I wanted to be a director. “The Government has set some really ambitious targets on climate change – enshrining in law the pledge to be carbon neutral by 2050. As a country, this is going to take a lot of work. NLCE will show that we’re more than pulling our weight in our corner of the world, removing barriers and accelerating uptake. “We have some fantastic people here in North Lincolnshire with some really great ideas, and NLCE will give them the opportunity to put those into practice, giving local people a real stake in the future of our community. “I know from speaking to pupils in my constituency that they are really passionate about the environment and the climate. Getting schools involved in this is a fantastic way to show them that we’re committed to passing on the planet to later generations in a better condition than we inherited it.” Cllr David Rose said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity of promoting a more sustainable future through the North Lincolnshire Community Energy Scheme. “This is an opportunity for the community to get involved in practical action to mitigate climate change. “The scheme will engage young people in the opportunities and importance of renewable energy.” Mary Allen said: “CPRE the countryside charity is fully supportive of this excellent initiative which will generate clean, green, renewable electricity. “The North Lincolnshire Community Energy scheme will support the local community in benefiting from reduced energy costs, reduced carbon footprints and help tackle climate change.” You can find out more about NLCE at https://communityenergy. northlincs.gov.uk/. Issue 37 5 Enabling economic growth and renewalEnabling resilient and flourishing communities 6 NewsDirect T wenty new electric vehicle chargers are being installed in car parks across North Lincolnshire – giving drivers unprecedented access to clean, green energy. The project, designed to create a future-proof network of charging infrastructure ahead of the global transition to electric vehicles, has been developed. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We know electric vehicles are the future of transport and, with £80,000 of Government cash, we have started the transition to ensure the infrastructure is in place to support the anticipated growth – clear evidence of levelling-up. “And, at the same time as future- proofing North Lincolnshire for the global transition to electric vehicles, there is an immediate benefit to those people already driving electric vehicles. “Many more drivers can now more conveniently charge their vehicles – and take advantage of the two hours free parking available across the area.” Chargers in the Parishes car park, Scunthorpe, have already been installed and are now live. More are scheduled for Robert Street and King Street/Winterton Road car parks. Others will follow in the car parks at Bottesford Road, Ashby; Old Courts, Brigg; Cottage Lane, Barton; Potts Lane, Crowle and Church Street, Epworth. The council is exploring other technologies including solutions to enable access to charging points in communities where off-road parking spaces are at a premium. Cllr David Rose, cabinet member for the environment, said: “This latest cash from Government will make a huge difference to the way people travel across North Lincolnshire and further encourage the transition to electric vehicles. “This latest project is a part of our Green Future environmental agenda, which is at the forefront of everything we do, and this is a big step forward in making sustainable living accessible for everyone. “This is a significant step-forward towards our ongoing commitment to protecting and enhancing our environment now and into the future.” The chargers – which have been part-funded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV)- are all fast, 22kw charging points. An RFID card is needed for access – go to www.swarcoeconnect.org, which also has tariff and availability details. Boost for electric vehicle drivers as more charging points installed Cllr Carl Sherwood, Andrew Percy MP and Cllr Rob Waltham at at the electric vehicle chargers in Brigg. Families will soon be able to enjoy an attractive new public space as Scunthorpe’s eagerly anticipated urban park nears completion. The landmark development, which features a statement water feature surrounded by beautiful trees, plants, benches and more, provides a welcoming environment in Church Square. Many visitors will get their first look at the park at Discover, the council’s hugely popular family- friendly event, which takes place at the neighbouring Engineering UTC Northern Lincolnshire on 24 September. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council and Towns Board Member, said: “It has been a long journey, but I am absolutely delighted that residents will soon be able to enjoy this amazing park. “Our driving ambition, with Government support, was to create a vibrant, dynamic open-air space in the heart of the town that people will want to experience. “The park will not only benefit shoppers, visitors to the visual arts centre and students who attend the UTC, the events it stages will make it a destination in its own right. “It will be a real game-changer in Scunthorpe town centre’s regeneration and there’s so much more to come.” Last year, the Towns Fund Board unveiled ambitious plans to transform the heart of the town centre, backed by more than £25m of Government investment fast- tracked through the Future High Streets Fund. The council has recently submitted an additional £70m proposal to Government to further supercharge the investment programme. As well as the urban park, work is also driving forward to create an Enterprise and Innovation Hub. This groundbreaking development is set to welcome expanding businesses, and NHS staff, with the increased footfall in the town centre benefitting Scunthorpe’s hard- working retailers. The first event to take place near the park, at the UTC, will be Discover. See page 9 for more details. Earlier this year thousands of families flocked to the event for hands-on activities that helped children discover their future skills. The interactive event returns bigger and better this autumn, with dozens of activity zones giving young people a taste of everything from engineering and horticulture to acting and wellbeing. Urban park opens soon thanks to Government cash Aerial view of the multi-million pound urban park at Church Square. Photo courtesy of: Esh Construction.Fabulous five: North Lincolnshire’s parks are among the best in the country Issue 37 7 F ive parks in North Lincolnshire have retained the coveted Green Flag Award and are officially recognised among the country’s best parks. They are Central Park, Kingsway Gardens, Sheffield Park and Woodlands Memorial Park in Scunthorpe and Baysgarth Park in Barton. Cllr David Rose, cabinet member for environment, welcomed the prestigious awards, commenting: “It is brilliant to see our parks in North Lincolnshire being recognised nationally once again. We have a team that works really hard to protect and develop our green spaces, which is vitally important. “Receiving the Green Flag Award is testament to our commitment to providing vibrant areas that keep our communities safe and well. “Our parks are a great place for friends and families to meet, relax and exercise – somewhere everyone can enjoy. “Congratulations to everyone involved in making our parks and green spaces the best they can be.” The award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. After two years that have seen parks and green spaces play a vital role for people to enjoy through lockdowns, the news that five North Lincolnshire parks have achieved the Green Flag Award is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that make the green places great spaces that everyone can benefit from. Commenting on the news, Keep Britain Tidy’s Accreditation Manager Paul Todd said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making Central Park, Kingsway Gardens, Sheffield Park, Woodlands Memorial Park and Baysgarth Park worthy of Green Flag Awards. “They are vital green spaces for the community in North Lincolnshire. This award is recognition of all the hard work of staff and volunteers, who do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.” The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world. A fleet of clean, green and affordable electric mopeds are helping homecare workers to deliver care across North Lincolnshire. The scheme makes travelling easier for care staff, enabling residents to stay safe and well across the county. It comes as part of Proud to Care, the region’s biggest ever recruitment drive for care workers. With the council’s popular free childcare for care workers scheme also being extended to December 2022, there has never been a better time to start a career in care. Cllr Richard Hannigan, said: “We have spoken to lots of people who are eager to help their fellow residents by pursuing a career in care but who are prevented from doing this due to travel difficulties and childcare costs. “I’m thrilled the council has listened to their feedback, stepped in and implemented creative solutions – providing free childcare and now the fleet of electric mopeds. “This will make a huge difference, removing barriers to employment and helping even more people to discover the life- changing benefits working in care can provide.” As well as offering flexible hours and opportunities for career progression, working in care is a hugely varied and rewarding role, as Phillip, a local care worker, explains: “Care work provides rich rewards. Clients constantly surprise me. Making the small breakthroughs is an amazing feeling. When you help them achieve something that they’ve never done before, those moments are priceless. “I would say give care work a go! I’ve known people who have changed their career to be able to work with people and help them, they never regretted it.” As well as buying the mopeds, Proud to Care has also funded the compulsory CBT training, meaning the care worker only has to pay £99 per month to rent the bike and get on the road. The new electric mopeds are part of the council’s Wheels 2 Work North Lincolnshire. Homecare workers can apply for one of the mopeds by completing a form on the council website: www.northlincs.gov.uk/ wheels-2-work. To find out more about the scheme, or for help completing your application, contact the Proud to Care North Lincolnshire team by email: proudtocare @northlincs.gov.uk. To find and apply for the latest local care jobs, visit the Proud to Care North Lincolnshire website: Start your career in care: Green transport deliver care support Cllr Richard Hannigan, Cllr Julie Reed, Holly Mumby-Croft MP and Cllr Rob Waltham pictured with mopeds. Pictured with grounds maintenance staff are Holly Mumby-Croft MP and Cllr Rob Waltham. Kingsway Gardens.For more inspiration follow the Visit North Lincolnshire Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ VisitNorthLincs or go to: www.visitnorthlincolnshire.com Isle of Axholme and Hatfield Chase Landscape Partnership Exhibition 19 Mar to 9 Oct 2022 at North Lincolnshire Museum The IoAHC Landscape Partnership is helping people to rediscover the unique landscape around them and their rich cultural heritage. This Heritage Funded exhibition shares pictures, videos and reports of the fascinating discoveries volunteers have uncovered in the Isle. We’ve Got the Power! Keadby: Industrial Heart of Axholme with Rob Jollands Wed 21 Sept, 1pm to 2pm, online or at North Lincolnshire Museum Since the Industrial Revolution, Keadby has been the industrial beating heart of the Isle of Axholme: a busy port, railway hub, major crossing of the River Trent and purveyor of the finest black gold from South Yorkshire coalfields. Join local history enthusiast Rob Jollands to find out more about the incredible people behind this powerhouse! (Please book tickets in advance from www.northlincolnshiremuseum. co.uk). ‘Picture This’ exhibition 22 Oct to 7 May 2023 at the visual arts centre The exhibition explores the early history and development of photography, focusing on local photographers. Museum Minis, Dudley’s Den at North Lincolnshire Museum Every Wed during term- time, two sessions: 10.30am and 1.30pm The popular Museum Mini’s session take place in Dudley’s Den, North Lincolnshire Museum's under-fives area. Take part in fun, hands-on activities designed for you and your little ones to play and learn together. Sessions are free and suitable for children under five. No booking required, just turn up. Dudley Discovers Make and Take - Weekend and School Holiday Crafts, North Lincolnshire Museum Drop-in sessions, every Sat and Sun, and weekdays during school holidays. 10.30am to 3.30pm Mon to Sat and 1.30pm to 3.30pm Sun Join free, fun themed craft activities that explore the museum collections. A changing programme of museum themed crafts throughout the year. Suitable for all ages. No need to book. Dale Christopher-Wells Exhibition 2 Jul to 1 Oct at the Visual Arts Centre Artist and professional model- maker Dale Christopher-Wells makes intriguing and sinister artworks that explore themes of emotional turmoil, through a series of elaborate scale- models of livestock being farmed in decaying industrial landscapes. New Icons 16 Jul to 5 Oct at the Visual Arts Centre One of the UK’s largest exhibitions of street art is in Scunthorpe! Featuring artworks by legendary artists Blek le Rat, Rachel List, KAWS, Invader, and Pure Evil, along with iconic works by street art legend Banksy. Entry by ticket only. Free to North Lincolnshire residents! Junior Park Run at Brumby Wood Recreation Ground in Scunthorpe This takes place every Sunday morning from 9am and is for children and young people aged 4 to 14 years, with adults welcome to join the children too. Jobs Expo Wed 21 Sept at The Baths Hall, 12.30pm to 4pm Change your future at North Lincolnshire’s next Jobs Expo, where thousands of jobs will be showcased. Anyone looking to break into the jobs market, improve their career prospects, or simply see more money in their back pocket at the end of the month is encouraged to come along. Discover Sat 24 Sept in Church Square, 11am to 4pm An amazing free event for children and young people to explore future skills whilst having fun. No Limits Festival 24 and 25 Sept at Normanby Hall Country Park Get hands-on with dozens of fun, free activities when the first ever No Limits Festival storms into Normanby Hall Country Park! Take part in the action-packed programme brimming with best-selling authors, inspiring illustrators, and wonderful live performances, all bringing the magic of books to life. Entry is free. Curly’s Athletes Hedgehog Half Marathon 2 Oct at Normanby Hall Country Park This all on road half marathon sees runners taking in the picturesque villages and views of North Lincolnshire. They work with the amazing team at Andrews Hedgehog Hospital to help raise awareness of the work they do and raise money for charity. Battle of the Nations Strongman Competition 16 Oct at Normanby Hall Country Park Come and watch the finalists compete for the strongman crown in live events such as log press, deadlifts, yoke run and atlas stones. Hall-o-ween Spooktacular 30 Oct at Normanby Hall Country Park The popular fright night returns! Join the spooky activities if you dare! People are welcome to wear fancy dress on their visit. Pumpkin Festival at Pink Pig Farm Pick your own pumpkin and carve it to take it home. Meet Windle the witch in her coven, and enjoy specially themed food and drink, plus lots more. Visit www.pinkpig farm.co.uk to find out more. Save the date... Scunthorpe Christmas light switch on 26 Nov, 10am to 5.45pm Funfair rides from 10am to 5pm along the High Street. Local festive food stalls trading from 3.30pm in Church Square and entertainment on the main stage in Church Square. 8 NewsDirectIssue 37 9 Discover the future at free event for families Lincolnshire together to protect the environment for generations to come. A range of local businesses and organisations will be staging activities, games and challenges for children to enjoy across a range of different zones. Each zone will feature exciting interactive displays and exhibits, including Lion Learners animal handling, Alpacas and Friends, a glider simulator, a massive graffiti wall and Mini Medics. Panto star Annie Fanny will also be at the event – oh yes, she will! The stage star will be helping children improve their acting skills. Humberside Police will be in attendance giving youngsters a taste of what it is like to be a real-life crime fighter. R-evolution will help families discover the fun and benefits of cycling and will host a bike balance challenge - how long can you keep your balance on a bike? Lab Rascals will also be inspiring children with the joy of science with a mini wind turbine challenge (must be prebooked via Eventbrite – see our website for details) and there will be a range of other experiments and demonstrations, including a fun rocket challenge, an introduction to CAD and coding, a buzz wire, making solar-powered colour- changing bracelets, an interactive crime scene exhibition – and much more. Local author Jane Keightley will be hosting creative writing activities at Scunthorpe Central and families can discover what the people of North Lincolnshire did during the world wars affects our environment today. A range of emergency service vehicles, as well as North Lincolnshire Council recycling trucks, will also be on hand. Anesta McCullagh, Principal of Engineering UTC Northern Lincolnshire, said: “We are excited to announce that again we will be hosting North Lincolnshire Council for their successful Discover event this autumn. “The event earlier in the year saw hundreds of families engaging in STEM activities at the UTC with our amazing UTC STEM Leaders from year 9 and 10. “We welcome the opportunity to co-host with our colleagues from North Lincs Council, Cycle R- evolution, St John’s Market, and all of the businesses leading on this great family event.” Discover zones include: Discover Animals Discover Engineering Discover Flying Discover Art Discover Horticulture Discover Shopkeepers Discover Food Discover Sensory play Discover Saving the planet Discover 999 Discover Words Discover Creative Writing Discover Play Discover Wellbeing Discover is taking place on Saturday 24 September, 11am to 4pm, at Engineering UTC North Lincolnshire, visual arts centre, St John’s Market, Scunthorpe Central and Church Square, Scunthorpe. ————————————————————————— If you take part in six activities on the day and scan the QR code, you will get a small prize. ————————————————————————— St John’s Market will be hosting the Food zone and giving a 10 per cent discount on the day. ————————————————————————— Visitors to Discover will also receive free entry on the day to the amazing New Icons exhibition, featuring world famous street art from the likes of Banksy and Blek le Rat and Tracy Emin. The next North Lincolnshire Jobs Expo is on Wednesday 21 September at The Baths Hall, Scunthorpe, 12.30pm to 4pm and is open to anyone. The Expo showcases jobs from dozens of local employers including McDonalds, Humberside Police, Ongo, Tayto, Kcom, 2 Sisters, Cooplands and British Steel. There are also employment advisers on hand ready to help anyone who needs practical advice and support about getting on, and climbing up, the career ladder. It is a one-stop-shop for anyone looking for a new challenge, to take the next step in their employment journey and improve their life. T he amazing Discover event is back, featuring free, fun activities for families aimed at helping youngsters discover their future potential. The first ever Discover in March attracted thousands of people to the Engineering UTC in Scunthorpe and the next Discover will be even better. Interactive activities, fascinating science experiments and hands-on entertainment will all be taking place on Saturday 24 September, 11am to 4pm, at Engineering UTC Northern Lincolnshire, visual arts centre, St John’s Market, Scunthorpe Central and Church Square, Scunthorpe. Discover encourages five to 12-year-olds gain and explore future skills – even including how to build a rocket! It will also help them, and their parents understand the wealth of career opportunities North Lincolnshire has to offer. Centred around the theme of sustainability, Discover will help youngsters gain and explore future skills – setting them on the right path for a brighter, greener future. This ties in with the council’s A Green Future policy, designed to bring the whole of North Next >