Teen jailed after major bomb threat hoax

A Grantham man who allegedly “coughed on shop staff deliberately and claimed to have coronavirus” was arrested and charged by police.

Lincolnshire Police received a report that a man had stolen a pair of headphones from Currys in Dysart Retail Park at 1.30pm on Saturday, October 17.

He had been blowing in the direction of a member of staff and claimed to have coronavirus.

Benjamin Wells, 41, of Grantley Street in Grantham was later charged with theft from a shop and common assault.

Wells will appear before Lincoln Magistrates Court on January 15.

Some 85 University of Lincoln students have now tested positive for coronavirus.

Last week, the university said 36 students and one member of staff tested positive for the virus.

However, the number of positive cases among students has risen 130% to 85.

A University of Lincoln spokesperson said: “We are proud that University of Lincoln students are coping well with the ongoing situation and working together to support each in their return to education in these challenging times.

“Having a large campus and being able to create additional outdoor meeting spaces has meant that our students have been able to continue learning together and enjoy the social aspects of going to university in spaces which are compliant with government guidelines.

“Adaptations such as blended learning, one way systems, extensive additional sanitiser stations, and significant additional space for teaching rooms are just some of the activities which are making the difference for our students.

“The number of cases is around 0.5% of the university population with 85 students at the University of Lincoln, in total, reporting a positive test result for COVID-19.

“We are pleased that our test and trace process, developed specifically for the institution, is working well and helping us to look after our students. We continue to provide food packages and support for any students going into self-isolation.

“Equally we are reminding students of their responsibilities with regard to adhering to government guidance. Like everyone else in Lincoln our students are part of the community of this great city.

“Our young people have already felt the impact of COVID-19 on their lives and education since March. They take it extremely seriously and are very aware of the need to help protect others.”

Meanwhile, Bishop Grosseteste University said it currently has seven students self-isolating due to a positive test result for coronavirus. BGU is expected to update its data later this week.

A government letter rejecting the Greater Lincolnshire devolution bid has backed the district councils’ argument that it’s not the right time for local reorganisation, leaders have said.

The letter from Housing Minister and Newark MP Robert Jenrick turning down the plans was addressed to Conservative MPs in our region. It announced devolution plans for Cumbria, North Yorkshire and Somerset.

However, in response to other applications, Mr Jenrick said: “Given the pressures councils face this winter with the pandemic, I believe it would not be right at this time for them to further progress or focus on ideas for reform.

“The pandemic has rightly necessitated resources across Whitehall being re-allocated to tackling COVID, and this must be Whitehall’s and town halls’ number one priority at present.

“And, as outlined, there is no expectation that such restructuring is a Whitehall requirement.”

District Council leaders have welcomed the comments, which appear to back their own concerns when Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill and his counterparts at North and North East Lincolnshire initially launched their bid in July.

The leaders acknowledge reform is needed, but say that a solution that works long-term is also required.

Greater Lincolnshire council leaders Rob Waltham, Martin Hill and Philip Jackson wrote to government in May.

“We are pleased that central government has put the potential for local government reorganisation in Lincolnshire on hold for the time being,” they said in a joint statement.

“This enables district councils to put our full focus on protecting the county’s most vulnerable and keeping essential services running during the pandemic.

“We have been very consistent and clear in our message: now is not the right time for local government re-organisation due to COVID and it’s reassuring that Government has shown its support for our view.”

When the news was announced last week Councillor Hill said the authority would continue to work on the “best way forward”.

Boston Borough Council leader Councillor Paul Skinner warned the issue was “not going away”.

The leaders all agreed to continue working together, adding: “If government decides to resurrect its plans for devolution or reorganisation in Lincolnshire, our residents and businesses can be assured that we are well prepared to respond and secure the best outcomes for the residents and businesses of our districts.”