Author Archives: Tom Cassidy

South Holland District Council Elections LIVE BLOG

 

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Crowland paedophile jailed for rape and indecent assault

A Crowland man who admitted sexually abusing three young girls was today (Wednesday) jailed for 17 years.   Edward Church (68) raped one of his victims in a car when she was just 12 years old.   A jury at Lincoln Crown Court found Church guilty of the rape which occurred ten years ago.   Church, of Alderlands Close, Crowland, ...

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Sir John Hayes MP’s lucrative charity pay day

South Holland and the Deepings MP Sir John Hayes has taken on another job, with a charity founded and chaired by a Tory donor and that will pay the South Holland and The Deepings MP £24,000 a year for 16 days work. He’s listed on the Register of Interests for MPs as taking up a role as non-executive director to ...

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Piano tuner punched during Land Rover argument

A row over a vehicle sale boiled over into violence on a Cowbit drive, a court heard. Graham Stephen York, who was under a suspended sentence order imposed for an ABH offence, punched piano tuner Warren Goodwin “hard” in the face, magistrates in Boston heard today (Wednesday). York (44) had returned to his Backgate home to find Mr Goodwin sitting ...

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Ribbon cut at country club

A new development of lodges has been officially launched in South Holland. Tydd St Giles Golf and Country Club opened St Andrews, the new on site lodge development over the Easter weekend. The owner of Pure Leisure group, which operates the facility, John Morphet cut the official ribbon, with guests including lodge owners and staff in attendance. The club’s newly ...

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County second for crack and heroin

Lincolnshire has the second highest amount of crack cocaine and opiate addicts in the East Midlands, according to government estimates. Lincolnshire has an estimated 3,669 addicts, second only to Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands, which has an estimated 4,292 addicts. A spokesman for addiction treatment experts UKAT said: “Worryingly, these figures don’t even include anyone using cocaine in powder form, ...

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The Hiring to get unveiling in Spalding

A sculpture commemorating the historic May Hiring Fair in Spalding will be unveiled to the public for the first time on Monday, May 6. The cast bronze artwork, which will be revealed in Hall Place at 11am, depicts a farmer taking on a young shepherd for the next year, as would happen in that location each May until about 100 ...

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LETTER: Drug dealers are only moved on

I have had problems over the last few weeks with drug dealing going on in my street next to and near my home. I have been reporting those on foot as well as those turning up in cars to deal. The police to be fair have been patrolling this area and done their bit. They have stopped meeting here and ...

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LETTER: Questions for county councillor

I write regarding Coun Richard Davies’ comments about the central section of the so-called relief road. He quotes last month’s survey result as: -39 per cent preferred a western alignment -37 per cent preferred an alternative option -24 per cent preferred an eastern alignment Why has Coun Davies made no reference to all of the people who preferred no relief ...

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LETTER: Area is worst for bad drivers

There were a lot of comments on the story of the village volunteers who act as speed reporters to the police. I think this area of Lincolnshire is the worst for bad and aggressive drivers. I have lived all over the country, and abroad, and I think I now live in the worst area for very poor drivers, some of ...

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LETTER: I also know which way I will vote

Last Friday as normal I picked up my copy of The Voice. I was immediately struck by the imposing dual page local election advertising addition attached to main paper. Wow, was my first thoughts when seeing all the current incumbent elected members of the main ruling body as well as a few hopefuls – stood on a grand staircase in ...

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LETTER: No relief for residents over road

The uncertainty around the construction of the Spalding Western Relief Road continues, varying time scales, four, ten and 25 years, if at all, which is not alleviating the fears of the Bourne Road residents. After the initial shock of discovering our homes may be demolished, those directly affected are still none the wiser, even though, it has become clear the ...

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LETTER: I know which way I will vote

I have received literature from all candidates standing for election in Long Sutton but would like some clarification. The newsletters I have received from the Conservative candidates have clearly stated what they have done for and in our area since being elected and what they will continue to do if they are re-elected. The newsletter from the independent however tells ...

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Mind charity nets Tesco help goal

A South Holland mental health charity that uses football to reduce mental health stigma has been shortlisted for Tesco cash help. Tesco and Groundworks’ community funding scheme provides grants of £4,000, £2,000 and £1,000 to local community projects. Three groups in each Tesco region have been shortlisted and shoppers vote for which they think should take away the top grant. ...

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Poetry and singing at care home’s Easter event

A Spalding care home raised £142.20 for the residents comfort fund when it held a special Easter event last Monday. The Rt Rev Robert Gillion, Assistant Bishop of Lincoln, attended the event at St John’s Care Home and members of the residents’ choir and poetry club sang hymns, read Easter poems and shared Easter memories. Stephanie Lamont helped organise and ...

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New home for the Registration Office?

The place to register births, deaths and marriages in Spalding could move to the Priory Road council offices. The Registration Office is currently located at Bath Lane opposite the River Welland. Since October its future location has been uncertain with couples looking to arrange a civil partnership or marriage being unable to book ceremonies. But Lincolnshire County Council has now ...

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Holbeach woman in court over family feud voice message

A dispute between two families led to a 26-year-old Holbeach woman sending a threatening and abusive message, a court has been told. Claire Marie Houghton of Allison Avenue, Holbeach admitted to sending a grossly offensive and menacing electronic communication when she appeared at Boston Magistrates Court. Prosecuting, Marie Stace said that on October 5 last year, a voice mail message ...

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Top cop’s worry over town shop

Lincolnshire Chief Constable Bill Skelly has objected for a third time to the transfer of a licensed premises in Spalding, expressing concerns of criminal involvement. The alcohol licence for the Westlode Street store Delicja is up for discussion by members of the district council’s licensing committee on Wednesday. “This is the third objection Lincolnshire Police has made in relation to ...

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LETTER: This is what has changed, Mr Sinclair

I think Mr Sinclair is well aware that South Holland is a long way from the Hong Kong I lived in, in the late 70s where our blocks of flats had the only grassed areas in Kowloon Tong. A growing population does require feeding, but it also requires decent and affordable housing. South Holland’s population has increased from just over ...

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LETTER: Would you prefer a fine?

May I respond to James Penfold’s letter regarding Community Speed Watch volunteers and the role they play in community life. Firstly the programme is about educating the motorist to drive not only within speed limits, but also to drive safely through our villages and ultimately to save lives. All our volunteers receive the same training any police officers/PCSOs using a ...

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