The latest NHS England figures show that nearly 240,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Lincolnshire so far — of which were 3,321 second doses.

The weekly data released on Thursday shows 237,027 jabs have taken place between December 8 and February 21 — up by 34,228 on the previous week. However, that figure is lower week on week (36,828 last week and 38,365 the week before).

The figures show 164,027 people over the age of 65 have received their first vaccination and another 1,702 have been given their second.

Some 69,679 people aged under 65 have received their first dose, with a further 1,619 receiving a second jab. This includes those between aged between 16 to 64 who are clinically vulnerable and at more risk of serious symptoms of coronavirus.

In North Lincolnshire, a total of 54,200 vaccines have been distributed and 48,205 have received a jab in North East Lincolnshire.

On Wednesday, it was reported that an apparent fall in the number of Britons being vaccinated against COVID-19 each day is down to “supply fluctuations” according to England’s deputy chief medical officer.

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said it “will take a few months” before vaccine manufacturers are able to produce doses in a “steady routine”, adding that “global supply restraints” have also hampered the UK’s vaccine rollout.

People will be called on by their GPs to book a vaccine appointment when it’s available in their area.

FIND OUT HOW FAR YOU ARE IN THE VACCINE QUEUE

The full list of sites operating as vaccination hubs in Lincolnshire so far:

Hospital Hubs

United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust 

• Lincoln County Hospital
• Boston Pilgrim Hospital

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust

• Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby
• Scunthorpe General Hospital

Local community hubs

Lincolnshire

• Louth Community Hospital
• John Coupland Hospital, Gainsborough
• Meres Leisure Centre, Grantham
• Waddington Branch Surgery, South Lincoln
• St Marys Medical Practice, Stamford
• Franklin Hall, Spilsby
• Sidings Medical Practice, Boston
• Rustons Sports and Social Club, Lincoln
• Portland Medical Practice, Lincoln
• The Storehouse, Skegness
• Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln
• Springfields, Spalding
• Marisco Medical Practice, Mablethorpe
• Princess Royal Sports Arena, Boston

North East Lincolnshire 

• Beacon Medical Practice, Cleethorpes
• Open Door, Grimsby
• Pilgrim Primary Care Centre, Immingham
• Scartho Medical Centre, Grimsby

North Lincolnshire 

• Cedar Medical Practice, Scunthorpe
• Riverside Surgery, Brigg
• South Axholme Practice, Epworth
• The Central Surgery, Barton

The University of Lincoln said that decaying animal corpses found in cages near Riseholme campus are part of forensic experiments to help police solve murder cases.

The cages were found by Ryan Stroud, 30, when he was walking his dog with his children through a woodland area near to the Lincolnshire Showground.

Ryan told The Lincolnite that his dog ran through a field, chasing a bird, and was followed by his kids into the woods where they found cages.

The cages on private land are fairly close to the edge of the public woodlands. | Photo: Ryan Stroud

He said: “They shouted at me and were crying like mad because of what they found, we couldn’t believe our eyes.”

Inside the cages were decomposed animal carcasses, with signage showing that it was a scientific experiment of animal testing from the University of Lincoln.

The sign indicates that the university conducted this experiment almost seven years ago. | Photo: Ryan Stroud

Despite the sign suggesting that it had been there for seven years, the university said it is in fact an experiment from 2019, that has been fully licensed by DEFRA.

The area is private property and any interference could compromise “vital work” that is being done alongside the police force, the university has said.

This particular experiment is part of the university’s degree offering in Forensic Science, which is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Science, in order to educate and train people for crime scene investigations.

The university said these are baby pigs that were already dead and acquired from an abattoir. | Photo: Ryan Stroud

A spokesperson for the University of Lincoln said: “We are working to enable swifter and more accurate crime detection and are at the forefront of crime scene forensic research.

“We offer a degree in Forensic Science which includes a module on Advanced Crime Scene Investigation.

“Importantly, this means our teaching of forensic entomology gives our students a necessary understanding of decay and decomposition, which significantly improves the accuracy of establishing the time of death at crime scenes to assist the police in solving serious crimes.

The bodies have decomposed over time, leaving just bones in some areas. | Photo: Ryan Stroud

“We don’t conduct any experiments on any live animals at the University of Lincoln.

“Our scientists have worked closely with the police and conduct research to better inform the understanding of crime scenes.

“This particular study was set up on private property in 2019 and licensed by DEFRA to support our vital work in this area.”

Ryan said he was shocked at what he saw. | Photo: Ryan Stroud

St Marks Shopping Centre will lose another retailer later this year, as Trespass sets its closing date for the Lincoln branch.

Signs indicating that the outdoor sports store will be closing down have been up in the window for a number of weeks now, but a date has never been set.

“All stock must go” signage shows April 21 as the final day of trading for Trespass, before it leaves the city centre.

April 21 is Trespass’ final day of trading in Lincoln. | Photo: The Lincolnite

The shop is currently closed due to coronavirus lockdown, and as a non-essential retailer it will have to wait until at least April 12 to reopen.

This means that it will be reopened for just nine days before closing down for good.

St Marks has already lost Argos, Boots and Burger King branches in the last 12 months, due to the impact of COVID-19, and will now lose another store.

Debenhams will also be shutting down after the takeover from online retailer Boohoo, leaving St Marks retail park with limited shops in the area.

It is unclear what will replace Trespass at the St Marks Shopping Centre.

The Lincolnite has contacted a spokesperson at St Marks for a comment, but are yet to receive a reply.