Lincoln Pride cancelled over coronavirus safety concerns

A mass rapid testing centre has opened on Croft Street off Monks Road for people with and without coronavirus symptoms after relocating from Lincoln City’s LNER Stadium.

Some 2,298 people were tested, with 42 positive results at the site on Sincil Bank between January 11 to 24.

This is a positivity rate of 1.83%, which is higher than the 0.5-1% local health bosses previously expected by the end of the initial two-week cycle.

The centre opened at its new location of the St Swithin’s community centre on Croft Street at 8am on Monday, January 25.

Signage will guide people to the centre. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

It will allow those who live in the area to attend on a walk-up basis at the site, which will be open daily from 8am to 8pm until February 7.

There is no need to book and people can just turn up to the centre, where they will be guided through the process.

Online/follow-up testing will take place at the site between 9am and 3pm. This is for people with symptoms and a positive lateral flow test.

Anyone who tests positive on lateral flow is encouraged to return for a confirmatory PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test.

Online/follow-up testing will take place between 9am and 3pm. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

It is still important to adhere to social distancing measures. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The rapid turnout tests are supplied by NHS Test and Trace and deliver results within an hour via text message and/or email.

The community testing initiative is run by City of Lincoln Council, in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council and the Department of Health and Social Care.

The historic Judge’s Lodgings, nestled between Lincoln Castle and Cathedral, are now on the market for offers over £800,000.

Lincolnshire County Council wants to sell it so a new owner can “protect the fabric and heritage of the building and enhance the scene in the uphill Lincoln area”.

The 5,232 square feet the Grade II listed property is being offered on a 999 year-long leasehold and is marketed by Banks Long & Co – take a virtual tour here.

Take a look inside. | Photo: Banks Long & Co

Over the years the county council has used the Georgian building for various functions, training and events.

Lincolnshire County Council said it no longer has any use for it and the building is not currently being used.

The building was constructed in around 1820 by Architect William Hayward as The Judge’s Lodging, to serve the Crown Court, still inside the walls of Lincoln Castle.

The property was extended in the 1960s with a cavity brick two storey extension to the rear, which has various bedrooms and other amenity space.

It has been used over the years for various functions, training and events. | Photo: Banks Long & Co

A two storey extension to the rear accommodates various bedrooms. | Photo: Banks Long & Co

There is a small garden to the side of the property, with pedestrian access off Castle Hill immediately to the west.

Banks Long & Co said the property would be suitable for a variety of other commercial uses including restaurant and retail, or even as a boutique hotel.

However, the property is not considered suitable for either residential conversion or office use.

The property has a current rateable value of £41,500 and best offers by informal tender are required by 12pm on Friday, March 19, 2021.

There is a small garden to the side of the property. | Photo: Banks Long & Co

A great view of Lincoln Castle too! | Photo: Banks Long & Co

Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Cllr Martin Hill, said: “The Judge’s Lodgings is a beautiful building steeped in history.

“Over the years we have used it for various functions, training and events, however we feel the time is right now to offer the building for sale as we no longer have any use for it.

“We want to see it taken on by a new owner who will protect the fabric and heritage of the building and enhance the scene in the Castle Square area which is enjoyed by residents and visitors, contributing to Lincoln’s uphill economy.”

A video showing the manager of an amateur football team at the Lincolnshire border racially abusing Home Secretary Priti Patel has resulted in him losing his job.

Jake Henderson, former manager of Retford’s Polo Pukz FC, is seen uttering racial slurs aimed at the Home Secretary during one of her TV press conferences.

The 45-second-video went viral on social media, with thousands of people condemning the mostly unpublishable comments.

One of the things that can be reported as being said was: “As a white man I won’t be listening to people of colour because they’re no good in positions of power.”

BEWARE OF STRONG LANGUAGE IN UNCENSORED VIDEO BELOW

Polo Pukz FC of the Worksop Sunday League issued a statement on Twitter on Saturday, January 23, announcing Henderson’s sacking.

Jake’s former employers Stoneacre Motors, whom he hasn’t worked at for over a year, also condemned his actions.

Shaun Foweather, managing director at Stoneacre, said: “I would like to reiterate that we do condemn racist hate crime, and our understanding is that it’s now a matter for the authorities to pursue with the individual – and you can rest assured we will fully support them with their enquiries.

“Due to data protection I can’t comment further beyond confirming the individual is not an employee of Stoneacre and hasn’t been for 12 months. Racism has no place at Stoneacre.”

His girlfriend, who appears in the video but doesn’t say anything, has also been sacked from her job at Kisimul Group, a residential care service for children with autism and severe learning difficulties.

After the fallout of the video, Jake Henderson posted to his Instagram to say that he is sorry, and blaming others for losing his job.

The post reads: “I’ve now lost my job thanks to you guys. Thank you so much. I made a mistake and now I’m jobless. Please stop the hate, I’m sorry.”

Despite his pleas, his old tweets were uncovered to show yet more racist abuse, suggesting that this incident wasn’t a “mistake” as Jake said, though most are again unpublishable.

Furthermore, Jake changed his Instagram bio to say “I stand by what I said but I’m sorry.”

Jake Henderson updated his Instagram details addressing the issue.

Rob Griffin, chief superintendent of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “He has been reported for summons in relation to a hate crime offence.

“Content of this nature is abhorrent and there is no place for it in society.

“We don’t tolerate anyone making threats or abusing others in this way.

“We will always take quick and robust action, as was the case with this report, which was immediately investigated and we now await the court process.”

Food delivery company Deliveroo will launch in Grimsby in February after a rise in a demand to have the service in the Lincolnshire coastal town.

Deliveroo is looking to employ new delivery drivers and riders in Grimsby. It has seen rider demand soar this year and now works with 50,000 across the UK.

The restaurants and takeaways in Grimsby who have already signed up have not yet been publicly revealed.

Local businesses are still being signed up. Restaurants, takeaways and grocery retailers can apply to become a Deliveroo partner here.

Harrison Foster, Deliveroo’s UK Regional Director, said: “We’ve seen a huge demand for Deliveroo in Grimsby and we’re excited to be launching next month. We’re really excited to be creating new work opportunities for local people.

“The team is looking for people with passion, drive and great customer service who are seeking the added benefit of flexible work amongst other perks. Anyone who’s interested should head over to our website to sign up.”

Lincoln and Scunthorpe are already covered by Deliveroo.