News

A man who was jailed for slashing his neighbour with a knife later threatened to kill his victim when on his release from prison, Lincoln Crown Court was told this week.   Shaun Smith made the threat during a meeting in Lincoln Prison to discuss arrangements for his release at the end of his 12 month jail sentence.   Gareth Gimson, prosecuting, ...

A coroner has highlighted concerns about the dangers of holidaymakers driving through the night on their return home following the death of a Spalding couple.   An inquest at Boston Coroner’s Court heard that Robert and Anne McCloud had returned from a week’s holiday in Cyprus when their car drifted into the path of an oncoming lorry in February of ...

Even the weather seemed to be backing Holbeach when the East Midlands in Bloom judges came to town.   And they were also serenaded by the town’s own Pavanotti who gave a free concert during last Thursday morning.   The operatic performer was outside the Aurora cafe to entertain visitors and residents alike.   It will be at least a ...

The number of businesses with top-ranked Food Hygiene Ratings in South Holland remains at an all-time high.   Latest figures show that the percentage of businesses in the district with three (satisfactory), four (good) and five (very good) ratings is 98.3 per cent.   Since October 2016, several businesses have seen their ratings increase up to five as a result ...

A Spalding Grammar School pupil has beaten off competition from more than 1,200 students in a bid to land a place at one of the top 10 universities in the world.   Edward Tranter has become the first pupil from the Priory Road school to ever be selected for the Sutton Trust US Programme.   The Bentley House captain is ...

A leading South Holland horticulturist has been awarded a prestigious prize.   Brian Taylor was this year’s recipient of a trophy to mark his lifetime achievement.   He was presented with the Carlo Naef Trophy by the Springfields Horticultural Society as a mark of appreciation within the bulb industry with his family firm.   “Working alongside his brothers John and ...

The family of a 33-year-old South Holland man who died as a result of complications from diabetes are warning people to take the condition extremely seriously.   Ashley Grimwood died last month after an eight-week spell in Peterborough hospital and his funeral is due to be held in Moulton today (Friday).   But his mum Susan Lowe, of May Blossom ...

Almost a third of residential care, retirement and nursing homes in South Holland are not up to scratch according to inspectors.   Of 30 homes in the postal areas of Spalding and Holbeach, whilst the majority are ranked “good,” nine have been rated “requires improvement” in their most recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections.   Richard Barclay, of Age UK ...

Police are investigating a suspicious incident that is alleged to have happened in Holbeach around 3.30pm yesterday (Wednesday).   A 10-year-old boy walking home from school was approached by a man in Stukeley Hall Drive.   The man was described as a black male, 6ft tall, of slim build, wearing jeans and said to be holding a knife.   The ...

Holbeach will be in the spotlight today (Thursday) when judges from East Midlands In Bloom will be heading to the town.   Town traders have boosted chances this year with a special effort to brighten-up windows and displays.   The newly-formed Action Team has been working with businesses to encourage participation and member Tracey Carter said they were delighted with ...

Soaring costs and swinging cuts will see Lincolnshire County Council lobby the government for extra cash.   Members of the council met this week and were asked to approve a document outlining the county’s position and putting a case for revised funding.   Lincolnshire is set to see its elderly population rocket by around 45 per cent over a ten year period, ...

A bid is being made to create the ‘biggest ever JCB Young Drivers Zone,’ an American diner and elevated ‘Hobbit Village’ at Springfields shopping centre, Spalding.   Up to 40 new jobs will be created if the new £1 million family entertainment centre is approved by planners.   An application has been submitted to South Holland District Council by owners ...

Staff at Spalding police station had two unexpected deliveries needing bomb disposal attention during the last few days.   A World War Two mortar shell was taken to the station last Wednesday as part of a weapons surrender being run by the force.   Bomb experts were called out to deal with it – only to return on Sunday when ...

Two brothers turned on fire fighters who were trying to rescue their mother from her blazing property, Lincoln Crown Court was told on Friday.   Jason Dodd and Simon Harrison were aggressive and threatening towards the fire fighters who answered a call to deal with a fire at the property in Holyrood Walk, Spalding.   Dodd went on to produce an air ...

Organisers of the annual Bakkavor Party in the Park are aiming to top last year’s massive charity fundraising total at this weekend’s event.   Last year £15,000 was donated to charities from the event which takes place on July 15 and 16 at Springfields Event Centre, Spalding.   All proceeds from Party in the Park ticket sales and the Sunday ...

Up to 50 new jobs look set to be created by a Pinchbeck based fruit importer and packer that is consulting with staff over the introduction of a twilight shift.     Greenyard Fresh UK told The Voice its “business has grown by 150 per cent in the past five years,” which has led to the proposed expansion.   Stella ...

The future of a Spalding green space is set to be secure – by building a “talking point” home on it.   A patch of land was left as an “amenity” off Magellan Way, but it has been left overgrown and unloved.   Now an architect is looking to building a futuristic-home on stilts on the site while protecting the ...

Continued investment will be made into The Pride in South Holland project – a specific team of council officers charged with cleaning up district grot spots.   South Holland District Council invested £88,000 in the project last year, which focuses on clearing problem areas of things like overgrowth and litter.   Coun Roger Gambba-Jones, portfolio holder for environmental services, said: ...

This week marked the end of an era for Spalding railway station as the last of the original British Rail staff David Bradley left.   David (64), of Holbeach, doesn’t officially retire until August, but worked his last day on Tuesday ahead of a block of owing leave.   He said: “I started in August 1967, a few days prior ...

Grass verges in Spalding will be cut again after South Holland District Council agreed to pick up the bill from funds set aside specifically for expenditure in the town.   Parish councils in the district have been given the opportunity to pay the district council to carry out the service too, but some, including Sutton Bridge, have said it is ...