November 7, 2019 12.19 pm
This story is over 31 months old
Witham councillor steps down following stroke
Keith Weaver was Lincoln’s 812th mayor
The Mayor of Lincoln Councillor Keith Weaver (right) cutting the ribbon with Paul Carrick, Neighbourhood Manager at City of Lincoln Council (left) at a new community hub during his time as mayor. Photo: Stuart Wilde Photography
A former Mayor of Lincoln has been forced to stand down following a stroke earlier this year.
A by-election will now take place in the Witham Ward on the same day as the General Election (December 12) after Conservative Councillor Keith Weaver stepped down.
Mr Weaver, who turns 75 next week, told Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Jaines he suffered a stroke on the day of the 2019 May local elections and said he had not fully recovered from it.
He was due to stand in next May 2020’s local elections – but felt he would not be able to.
Mr Weaver, who was first elected to City of Lincoln Council in 2007, said: “I have very much enjoyed my time as councillor.
“I’d just like to thank [my residents] all for the support they have given me. I didn’t want it to end this way but I’m not fit to go back out just yet.”
Mr Weaver spent time as the chairman of the council and deputy leader before he became the city’s 812th Mayor in 2018.
However, his stroke meant he could not attend the handover of the Mayoral chains to Councillor Sue Burke in May.
Former Mayor of Lincoln, Keith Weaver (centre right), at the official swearing in ceremony at The Guildhall when he became Mayor in 2018.
Mr Weaver hoped the next councillor would continue to be a Conservative, and praised his party’s national position.
“I think with Boris in control and providing he gets his finger pulled out I think we’ll win,” he said.
Deputy leader of the Conservatives at City of Lincoln and fellow ward member Councillor Thomas Dyer, praised Mr Weaver for being an “active councillor”.
“It is with sadness that Keith has stepped down from the authority following health issues,” he said.
“Keith has always had a passion for life on the council”
“It is a shame he felt he had to step down.”
The party has already selected their next candidate in Bill Mara.
The deadline for candidates to hand their applications in for the by-election is 4pm, Friday (November 15).
Whoever wins will face a short five-month term in office before the seat is up for grabs again as part of Lincoln’s election process which sees a third of wards elected at a time.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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