Local Democracy Weekly: Going cap in hand to government to fund Lincolnshire’s roads

There have been 63 new coronavirus cases and one COVID-related death in Greater Lincolnshire on Thursday, compared to 93 cases and no deaths this time last week.

The government’s COVID-19 dashboard recorded 40 new cases in Lincolnshire, 13 in North Lincolnshire and 10 in North East Lincolnshire.

On Thursday, one death was registered in North Lincolnshire, none in North East Lincolnshire but -1 in Lincolnshire. Fluctuations in data can occur for a variety of reasons including corrected data, misdiagnoses or wrong addresses. These figures include deaths both in and out of hospitals, as well as residents in hospitals outside the county.

NHS England has reported no new local hospital deaths on Thursday, the second day in a row this week.

National cases increased by 2,672 to 4,380,976, while deaths rose by 30 to 127,191.

In local news, more than 500,000 COVID-19 vaccinations have now been administered in Lincolnshire, of which over 425,000 were first doses.

The weekly data released on Thursday shows altogether 508,280 jabs have taken place between December 8 and April 11 — a further 39,915 in the last week, but an increase on the 32,282 jabs given the week before.

A 16-year-old girl from Bourne who works in a local care home has become one of the youngest people in the country to receive both doses of the coronavirus vaccine.

Ellie Goldsmith, who works at Yew Tree Residential in Dowsby, Bourne, has had both doses of the Pfizer vaccine, most recently in Grantham on Friday, April 9.

Boston’s large COVID-19 vaccination centre will be hosting European days over the next two weekends to encourage more communities to have their first dose.

Held at the Princess Royal Sports Arena (PRSA) in Boston on Sunday, April 18 (10am-2pm) and Sunday, April 25 (10am-4pm), the days will offer a chance to be given a walk-in vaccine appointment without the need to book.

Here’s Greater Lincolnshire’s infection rate up to April 14:

Greater Lincolnshire’s infection rates from Apr 7 to Apr 14. | Data: Gov UK / Table: James Mayer for The Lincolnite

In national news, introducing COVID status certificates to help reopen society risks discriminating against some groups, the UK equality watchdog has warned.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission says certificates to prove who is vaccinated could help to ease restrictions “in principle”.

But they could create a “two-tier society whereby only certain groups are able to fully enjoy their rights”.

Fighting airborne transmission is key to any future attempts to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, a BMJ editorial has said.

The editorial looked at how a cloud of exhaled smoke behaves to suggest people are most likely to get the virus when they are standing within one metre of someone who has it.

Lincolnshire’s COVID cases up to April 15.

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Coronavirus data for Greater Lincolnshire on Thursday, April 15

Greater Lincolnshire includes Lincolnshire and the unitary authorities of North and North East (Northern) Lincolnshire.

58,876 cases (up 63)

• 40,996 in Lincolnshire (up 40)
• 9,267 in North Lincolnshire (up 13)
• 8,613 in North East Lincolnshire (up 10)

2,182 deaths (up one)

• 1,610 from Lincolnshire (down one)
• 304 from North Lincolnshire (up one)
• 268 from North East Lincolnshire (no change)

of which 1,302 hospital deaths (no change)

• 810 at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust (no change)
• 41 at Lincolnshire Community Health Service hospitals (no change)
• 1 at Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation Trust (no change)
• 450 in Northern Lincolnshire (NLAG) (no change)

4,380,976 UK cases, 127,191 deaths

DATA SOURCE — FIGURES CORRECT AT THE TIME OF THE LATEST UPDATE. POSTCODE DATA INCLUDES DEATHS NOT IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES OR IN HOSPITALS OUTSIDE AUTHORITY BOUNDARIES.

A teenager from Lincoln will embark on a marathon run to raise money for a charity set up after her childhood best friend died of cancer.

Jamie Elsom lost his life on April 22, 2019 after a battle with Ewings Sarcoma, a form of cancer, at just 12-years-old.

It came around when Jamie had a fall playing football as a 10-year-old, which initially looked fine but eventually developed into finding a tumour on his tibia.

Jamie Elsom devastatingly lost his battle with cancer at just 12-years-old. | Photo: Lynsay Mountain

After two years of tireless battles and endless treatment, Jamie tragically died in hospital, “leaving a gap which will never be filled”, according to his mum Donna Elsom.

One of Jamie’s best friends, Laurel-Ashleigh Mountain, 14, is currently fundraising for Jamie-Forever12, a charity set up in his memory.

Laurel will be running the equivalent of a marathon on Saturday, June 5 in memory of her friend, and has raised £590 by the time of publication.

The charity aims to give seriously ill under-16s a present each Christmas, something which was very close to Jamie’s heart.

Laurel’s mum Lynsay Mountain explained just how strong her daughter’s bond with Jamie was.

She told The Lincolnite: “They had been friends since preschool, becoming closer and closer as they grew up. They even called themselves brother and sister.

“Jamie and Laurel confided in each other and chatted every day, hanging out in the village when Jamie was well enough.

“When Jamie passed away, Laurel said it was like her heart had been shattered into a million pieces, it affected her both mentally and physically. It was awful.”

Laurel has been training hard to make Jamie proud. | Photo: George Holman-Brown

Laurel has suffered a lot with anxieties and insecurities since Jamie’s death, but she hopes this running challenge will be just the motivation she needs.

“Running the equivalent of a marathon will be a challenge, I’m a bit nervous but I know Jamie will be with me and be proud that I am stepping out of my comfort zone.

“For Jamie I would do anything. He’s my brother and I’ll miss him every single day of my life.”

A 24-year-old man has been jailed after a routine stop for no seat belt turned into a short pursuit in Gainsborough.

James Smith was driving a silver Subaru Impreza when he failed to stop for police on June 30 last year.

He was followed along Lea Road in Gainsborough, where he caused vehicles to take avoiding action. However, he also collided with two cars before turning into Foxby Hill.

James Smith was sentenced to 15 months in prison. | Photo: Lincolnshire Police

On Foxby Hill, the car then collided with another vehicle before leaving the road to the nearside. Three men were seen to run from the vehicle.

Lincolnshire Police ARV Unit said: “Luckily for the driver his running skills were better than his driving. Plenty of clues left behind though.”

Items left behind included a mobile phone, a baseball cap and a set of house keys.

Subsequent investigations revealed that Smith was the driver and he was charged with dangerous driving.

On April 7, Smith was sentenced to 15 months in prison at HMP Oakwood in Staffordshire. He was also disqualified from driving for seven years and nine months.

He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £156.