‘More needs to be done to stop people from dropping litter in Lincoln’. That’s the view of some people in the city who are fed up of seeing packaging, bottles, cigarette butts and dog poo on the streets.
Food waste, plastic cups and cigarette butts can be found in almost every corner of the city centre and the scale of the issue is made ever clearer when it collects in the city waterways.
Photo: Joseph Verney for The Lincolnite
Photo: Joseph Verney for The Lincolnite
Photo: Joseph Verney for The Lincolnite
Photo: Joseph Verney for The Lincolnite
Photo: Joseph Verney for The Lincolnite
Photo: Joseph Verney for The Lincolnite
A familiar sight? Photo: Joseph Verney
Current deterrents include fines issued by City of Lincoln Council wardens.
Between April 1 and April 10 this year, a city council report revealed as many as 550 tickets had been issued for littering and dog fouling offences.
As previously reported, at a hearing in January 2017 five people were ordered to pay more than £2,800 between them after failing to clean up after themselves.
We asked people on Lincoln High Street what they though was the answer to cleaning up the streets.
‘Losing battle’
Lee Coe, 36 from Lincoln. Photo: The Lincolnite
Lee Coe, 36, from Lincoln said: “It is a very bad problem. It is particularly bad near the railway bridge. If higher fines are enforced it could help, but I feel it’s fighting a losing battle.”
‘Chewing gum is the biggest problem’
Michael and Angela Coupland, a couple over 50 from Bardney. Photo: The Lincolnite
Michael and Angela Coupland, a couple over 50 from Bardney said: “It is a problem now. It is not so much litter, but more chewing gum. We don’t see road sweepers like we used to with big cars due to council cuts.
“Generally it is clean, but there are some bags of rubbish and chewing gum. If they catch the people doing it in the act then the fines could work.”
‘Litter in the hedgerows’
Malcolm Walker, 70, from Saxilby said: “It is a problem especially on hedgerows, people just throw anything. It is a problem in the city centre too, not as bad as it has been, but it’s still there.
“We need to educate people not to leave rubbish, they should take pride in their city. Dog litter is another problem, if fines are heavy enough they work.”
Photo: The Lincolnite
Litter collecting in the Lincoln waterways. Photo: Emily Norton for The Lincolnite
‘Council need to do more’
Andrea Hindle, 23, Lincoln. Photo: The Lincolnite
Andrea Hindle, 23, from Lincoln, said: “It is a big problem, people are just leaving things on the floor. The council should do more in terms of having more littler pickers. The fines are not enough, more needs to be done.”
‘Litter offenders must take responsibility’
Shane Harrison from Cleansing Services at the City of Lincoln Council said: “The city council spends considerable resources on picking up litter in Lincoln, and our team do a fantastic job to maintain a clean environment for all.
“The central area of the city is cleaned all day, every day and is thoroughly swept every morning, but people need to take responsibility for their actions.
“We are shocked by the way a small number of people are happy to throw their waste to the floor whenever they think they cannot be seen.
“If we are all to be able to stand tall and be proud of our city we must keep it clean. We implore everyone to use the bins provided, or simply take your litter home.”
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We are investigating following a house fire where a man has sadly died.
Officers were called to the incident in Farrow Road, Spalding, at 1.03am today (7 August) following reports of what was described as an explosion. The property has suffered 100% damage.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services and members of the public who offered assistance, a man in his 50’s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
His next of kin have been informed.
Another man who is thought to have been passing by the property and offered his help suffered burn injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, and we are keeping an open mind as experts from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service investigate today. We would encourage people not to speculate while we investigate the cause.
Officers will remain in the area for the next few days carrying out enquiries.
Anyone who saw or heard anything, or captured the incident on doorbell camera or dashcam is asked to contact us. There are a number of ways to get in touch:
You can call us on 101 quoting incident number 43 of 7 August.
You can email: [email protected] incident number 43 of 7 August in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or you can give information anonymously online
Lincolnshire 30 Under 30, The Lincolnite‘s showcase of young up and coming talent and high achievers, is open for nominations.
Thanks to our sponsors, Sparkhouse, Ringrose Law, Streets Chartered Accountants, Lincoln College and The Strait & Narrow, publishers Stonebow Media are organising the celebration of Lincolnshire’s promising talent for this autumn.
In 2021 we received almost 200 nominations for our county’s rising stars and and we’re seeking those who have shone over the past twelve months from entrepreneurs, to athletes, artists and rapidly developing professionals.
We’re looking to hear from inspirational young achievers from all backgrounds and professional fields. You can nominate yourself, or someone you know personally or professionally who is making our county proud.
Nominations are open for people from across Greater Lincolnshire (from the Humber to the Wash), either living or working in our region (and beyond!)
Entries close on September 9. A reception event is scheduled for Thursday, November 10, at the Lincoln Cathedral Chapterhouse. Check out the 2021 celebration.
Why this matters
The Lincolnite’s 30 Under 30 showcase is a celebration of the best and brightest in Lincolnshire, putting our young talent on the map regionally and nationally.
Stonebow Media’s platform and channels reach unparalleled audiences, opening up further opportunities and recognition for those involved.