Rewind our week 12 coronavirus lockdown updates from Lincoln and Lincolnshire.
1,820 coronavirus cases in Greater Lincolnshire (up from 1,816)
1,135 in Lincolnshire (up from 1,133)
521 in North Lincolnshire (no change)
164 in North East Lincolnshire (up from 162)
322 COVID-19 deaths in Greater Lincolnshire (no change)
136 at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust (no change)
3 at Lincolnshire Community Health Service hospitals (no change)
1 at Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation Trust (no change)
115 in Northern Lincolnshire (NLAG) (no change)
66 in Lincolnshire County Council-managed care homes (no change)
295,889 cases, 41,698 deaths in total
DATA SOURCE — FIGURES CORRECT AT THE TIME OF the latest update
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8th June 2020 3:56pm
Two new COVID-19 deaths across Greater Lincolnshire
There have been two further COVID-19 related deaths reported across Greater Lincolnshire authorities today.
The latest government statistics have revealed one extra death at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust, bringing the total to 136.
Meanwhile, Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals has also seen another reported death, bringing its total to 115.
The deaths follow a quiet weekend and, in Lincolnshire, are the first COVID-19 deaths reported since Tuesday, June 2.
The latest figures bring the total number of COVID-19 deaths in Greater Lincolnshire to 322.
Nationally, a further 59 people who tested positive for the Coronavirus have died, bringing the total number in hospitals in England to 27,490.
However, no deaths in London hospitals have been reported today despite a “small number of deaths” occurring which are expected to be announced later in the week.
8th June 2020 3:56pm
Grantham A&E downgraded “temporarily” as COVID-19 free UTC
Hospital bosses have revealed plans to turn Grantham A&E into a 24/7 urgent treatment centre (UTC) as part of a major overhaul to tackle COVID-19.
Plans to turn United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust’s plans to create a “green” site – which will be completely COVID-19 free have been published for approval at the trust’s “extraordinary” board meeting on Thursday.
Bosses say the plans will be temporary, starting from June 22, but carrying on until “at least March 31, 2021”.
The changes will mean A&E patients and non-elective patients will be turned away from Grantham Hospital to other sites including neighbouring trusts.
However, elective surgery and day cases such as chemotherapy patients will be taken from Pilgrim and Lincoln hospitals and transferred to Grantham.
“We believe these temporary changes are the right approach to manage the pandemic in a way that best protects our patients and staff whilst delivering key services,” said the documents before the board meeting next week.
New Taskforce launched to tackle coronavirus across social care
A new social care Taskforce has been created to oversee the protection of people in local health services, the health secretary Matt Hancock has announced.
During the government’s daily briefing on Monday, Mr Hancock also announced that all remaining adult care homes in England will be able to order testing kits, not just those caring for the over-65s.
The task force combines national and local government and care home in order to support the implementation of testing and the delivery of Personal Protection Equipment.
It will include additional training and resources.
More than one million tests have been sent out to care homes, hitting the government’s target.
The latest move will see nearly 6,000 more homes get testing kits.
Mr. Hancock said he knew “personally, how anxious” the coronavirus pandemic was for anyone with relatives living in social care.
Other key moments include:
The lowest number of cases since March. The UK has reported 1,205 new cases today.
R is “below one in all regions” according to SAGE, said Mr Hancock
Hospital admissions are falling – there are now 6,403 people in hospital with coronavirus
8th June 2020 6:42pm
Lincoln lockdown superhero scarecrow festival honours frontline workers
‘Lockdown Superhero’ scarecrows stood and sat proudly in gardens in uphill Lincoln as part of a festival paying tribute to frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Over 30 varied and humorous scarecrows decorated front gardens in Haffenden Road, Bruce Road, Manor Road and Nettleham Road on Saturday, June 6, with even more appearing on Sunday.
One-way system planned for Lincoln Cathedral reopening
Plans for new one-way systems are being drawn up as Lincoln Cathedral prepares for life after lockdown.
The government has already announced that places of worship will be permitted to open for individual prayer in line with social distancing guidelines from June 15.
Lincoln Cathedral is yet to announce the date it plans to reopen.
Second Black Lives Matter protest planned for Lincoln
A second Black Lives Matter protest has been planned in Lincoln with protestors being encouraged to wear red and black to support the movement.
The peaceful protest will take place at 5pm on Saturday, June 20 with a march from the University of Lincoln library to Lincoln Cathedral.
Over 140 people had confirmed their attendance by the time of publication, with a further 293 declaring their interest in the event.
Black Lives Matter Lincoln wants to solidify its stance, but has left a gap of a few weeks to “cater for any COVID worries caused by our first protest”, where some 500 people gathered outside Lincoln Cathedral.
Lincoln venues to live stream lockdown comedy night
Get ready for some lockdown laughs as Soccer AM’s Lloyd Griffith and former Britain’s Got Talent contestant Daliso Chaponda join the line-up for a live stream comedy night organised by Lincoln venues and organisations.
The Live Comedy Night will be streamed live online here from 7.15pm on Wednesday, June 10.
Plans dropped to get all primary students back to school
Primary schools in England may not be able to welcome back all year groups before the end of term, the government says.
The initial plan was for schools to adopt a phased return, starting with reception and years 1 & 6 on June 1, before aiming for all primary pupils to be at school for four weeks before summer.
Year 10 and 12 students were then going to be allowed to see teachers as of June 15 as they prepared for an exam year.
Education secretary Gavin Williamson delivered a statement to the House of Commons about schools on Tuesday, June 9.
In his statement, Mr Williamson said that schools will now be given “flexibility” to bring pupils back when they deem it safe to do so.
The government will also be aiming to bring back all pupils in September, saying: “We are not able to welcome all primary for a full month before the summer.”
The announcement comes after health secretary Matt Hancock said secondary schools may not fully reopen until September “at the earliest” in his coronavirus briefing on Monday, June 8.
On Thursday, June 4, less than 12% of the primary school population were actually back in class, according to data from the department of education.
No COVID-19 deaths in Greater Lincolnshire on Tuesday
There have been no coronavirus related deaths reported across Greater Lincolnshire hospitals on Tuesday.
The latest government statistics published on Tuesday, June 9 revealed no extra deaths at either United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust or the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust.
This means the total number of deaths at ULHT remains at 136, with 115 at NLaG.
The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Greater Lincolnshire is 322.
Nationally, a further 129 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 27,619.
Patients were aged between 26 and 100 years old. Three patients, aged between 78 and 93, had no known underlying health conditions.
9th June 2020 4:46pm
Socially distanced Burger King reopens in Lincoln
The first Burger King store in Lincoln reopened its doors on Tuesday, with strict social distancing rules in place.
League One football season finished, Lincoln City place 16th
Lincoln City’s fate in League One has finally been decided, as football clubs voted to end the season due to coronavirus.
The current positions in the table will stand as final on a points per game basis, meaning that Lincoln City finish the campaign in 16th place.
The club have been dealt a financial blow by the COVID-19 pandemic, with projected revenue losses of around £1m coming as a result of the season prematurely ending.
A factory in Grimsby will produce 10 million face masks a month to support frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
This comes after investment from Austrian-based Hygiene Austria, which was set up in April 2020 as a joint venture between Lenzing and Palmers Textil. Lenzing already employs 210 people at the Grimsby site.
Machines have been installed and are undergoing commissioning with production of masks planned for this week.
Cheers! Lincoln bar launches cocktail delivery service
A Lincoln bar is launching bottled cocktails for delivery this week as it continues to adapt during the coronavirus lockdown.
The Strait and Narrow has been delivering a variety drinks to its customers since lockdown began in March. It started with beer as people were missing the bar’s wide range before it moved onto gin, whisky and wine.
After being continually asked about their cocktails, the bar was approached by Hi Spirits (makers of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Tito’s Vodka and Broker’s Gin) and Identity Brands (makes of Plantation Rum) to help get their products out to the public.
However, when asked what could have caused Tuesday’s increase, Mr McGinty said: “It is a bit of a jump, we haven’t been able to explain that yet although my working theory is we have had outbreak in three food factories that have come up over the last week or so where we’ve been doing additional testing.”
The wait for sweet delicious lockdown treats is nearly over as a popular Lincoln doughnut shop prepares to reopen for takeaway later this month.
Doughnotts will be reopening its Lincoln, Nottingham and Leicester stores with strict social distancing rules and for takeout only from June 24. The Lincoln store is located in the Cornhill Quarter and all seating will be closed.
People can pop into the shop to place their orders. Orders can also be placed via Deliveroo from the same date.
Over 200 Lincolnshire cancer patients still waiting to start treatment
Around 200 people in Lincolnshire who need cancer treatment still don’t know when they will be able to be seen by doctors because hospitals are in lockdown due to coronavirus.
There are also more than 12,000 people who have been waiting for more than 18 weeks to be seen by specialist doctors after referrals from GPs as planned elective and urgent diagnosis appointments have reduced during lockdown.
Three Lincolnshire care homes still tackling COVID-19 outbreaks
Just three care homes in Lincolnshire are currently tackling outbreaks of COVID-19, compared to 22 at the peak of the pandemic.
Deputy director of public health at Lincolnshire County Council Tony McGinty, however, said he expected to continue to see outbreaks for the foreseeable future, just at a lower level.
The county council monitors around 270 homes across the county.
Mr McGinty said he could not be optimistic that the number would reduce to zero, adding: “I suspect we’ll continue to see the odd case or outbreak in care homes for a little while.
“Bearing in mind that COVID isn’t going away, it’s likely to take up a bit of a position like some of the other infectious diseases that we see in care homes from time to time.
Lincolnshire leaders’ fears over Grantham Hospital changes
Lincolnshire council leaders remain “concerned” and “unconvinced” by hospital bosses’ plans to turn parts of Grantham Hospital into a “COVID-free site – including a downgrade of the A&E department.
Instead, elective surgery and day cases such as chemotherapy patients would be taken from Pilgrim and Lincoln hospitals and transferred to Grantham.
The only non COVID-free zones would be an urgent treatment centre in place of the A&E and an ambulatory care department.
Bosses say the plans will be temporary, starting from June 22, but carrying on until “at least March 31, 2021”.
Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill said while the authorityappreciated the reasons, it was “concerned about the removal of overnight beds… even on a temporary basis.”
Social bubbles of two adults allowed to meet indoors in bid to tackle loneliness
Single adult households, including single parents with children under 18, are now allowed to form “social bubbles” in order to tackle loneliness.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the change during the government’s daily briefing.
He said he understood “how difficult the past few months have been”.
“There are too many people, particularly those who live by themselves who are lonely and struggling,” he said.
Under the new rules, the social bubble will enable those taking part allowed to meet indoors, but is only allowed to apply to two single adult households, and cannot be switched or changed between multiple groups.
If one of the people in those “bubbles” gets coronavirus, both must self-isolate and get tested as usual.
“This is not designed to qualify people to start meeting other people inside. That still remains against the law,” added Mr Johnson
Other key moments included:
Outdoor attractions, including zoos, safari parks and drive-in cinemas, will be able to open from Monday
Places of worship can also re-open for “individual prayer” from this weekend
The government continues to meet it’s five tests, however, Mr Johnson added: “we remain vigilant”
11th June 2020 10:04am
Social bubbles are a good move but not a “free-for-all”, say health bosses
Lincolnshire health bosses said plans for new “social bubbles” to tackle loneliness during the coronavirus pandemic are a good move, but “not a free-for-all”.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the move which will allow two single adult households, including those with children under the age of 19, to act as one.
Deputy director of public health at Lincolnshire County Council Tony McGinty said: “This targeted approach to trying to help those people who are really isolated so living on their own or living on their own with with young children is a good move around trying to keep us safe, be proportionate, but also start trying to find some relief to people who are struggling.”
Under the new rules, the social bubble will enable those taking part to meet indoors, but is only allowed to apply to two single adult households, and cannot be switched or changed between multiple groups.
Village school closes again over coronavirus fears
A Lincolnshire village school has closed for a second time over coronavirus fears after a staff’s family member was admitted to hospital to be re-tested.
That person had tested negative for COVID-19 on Sunday, but after the latest development St Helena’s Church of England Primary School in Willoughby, Alford had to close again.
Lincolnshire health boss calls for more local COVID-19 data from central government
Health bosses in Lincolnshire are calling for more data to be released to them by Central Government in order to help in the response to coronavirus.
Derek Ward, Director of Public Health at Lincolnshire County Council, said that although weekly figures for the Lincolnshire Showground testing are released by Public Health England, some national data isn’t being filtered down to local level, including details of where contact tracing is taking place.
“We are pushing really hard to get all of the data that is held nationally on people in Lincolnshire to come through to us,” he said.
“There’s a really strong argument to say that, absolutely, while central government needs to have a view right away across the country, people in London aren’t going to know and be able to manage the situation here as well as people in Lincolnshire.”
Lincoln Cathedral will open for individual private prayer and reflection from Tuesday, but communal acts of public worship are still not permitted.
Plans for a new one-way system were drawn up for the cathedral after the government announced that places of worship will be permitted to open for individual prayer in line with social distancing guidelines from June 15.
The cathedral has now confirmed that it will be able to welcome people through its doors again on Tuesday.
Health boss urges for two metre social distance rule to stay
The two metre distance rule in place to tackle coronavirus should be kept for “as long as we can” the county’s health boss has said.
MPs in central government are calling for the social distancing rule to be dropped in order to help the economy.
They are calling for it to be reduced to one metre, which would be in line with World Health Organisation rules and guidance from The Lancet Medical Journal.
However, Mr Ward said the Lancet’s assessment also said that protection was increased with distance “which you would help from a policy and public health perspective”.
“From my perspective, I would like to keep two metres for as long as we can. Because my job is to keep people safe.
“I am absolutely convinced that two metres significantly reduces the risk. And basically it means that you’re not going to be in close contact.”
“If you get closer you’re increasing your risk, and then it becomes about how long were you that close to somebody.”
Boston leader accuses councillor of “putting NHS at risk”
The leader of Boston Borough Council has accused fellow members of “putting our NHS at risk” following a recent meeting of the authority.
The meeting, which was broadcast live and published on YouTube, saw technical issues which prevented Councillor Viven Edge from voting on an initial attempt to delay a decision on a new alliance with East Lindsey District Council.
Shortly after Councillor Alison Austin revealed Councillor Edge had attended her house. Both Councillors were in facemasks, but removed them to speak.
Councillor Paul Skinner confirmed there had been a “number of complaints” regarding the code of conduct, which he said were being investigated by a solicitor.
Councillor Skinner said following the meeting: “I cannot condone this sort of behaviour either by councillors or members of the public.
Fourth consecutive day without COVID-19 deaths in Greater Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire hospitals have now gone four consecutive days without any further COVID-19 related deaths being reported.
The latest government statistics show that the number of deaths at Lincolnshire’s hospitals has remained at a total of 140.
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals Trust has also again seen no further reported deaths – sticking at a total of 115.
The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Greater Lincolnshire is 322.
Nationally, a further 70 people who tested positive for the Coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 27,860.
Jo Tindley secured a solo victory at the National Circuit Championships in Lincoln on Friday tonight, while Ethan Hayter claimed his second title in as many days following Thursday’s victory in the time-trial.
Tindley (Pro-Noctis – Redchilli Bikes – Heidi Kjeldsen) led from the start and looked assured throughout, with her lead never falling below 20 seconds, while the chasing bunch behind were unable to effectively work together to claw back the deficit.
Having previously worked behind the bar in the pub overlooking the finish line, the hometown rider knew every twist and turn of the technical circuit, and crossed the line arms aloft 1:12 ahead of Abi Smith (Team TIBCO-Silicon Valley Bank) in second, while Corinne Side secured a second podium place for Lincoln-based team Pro-Noctis – Redchilli Bikes – Heidi Kjeldsen.
Despite a collision after the finish line both riders dusted themselves off to collect their first senior national medals on the road.
Jo Tindley led from the start and looked assured throughout.
Speaking after the race, Jo Tindley said: “If you’re going to do it, you want to do it in front of a home crowd, don’t you? There was quite a lot of drive that kept me going, but it’s not sunk in just yet.
“There are some really good sprinters in the group, and having done some other races this year I knew I couldn’t just handle them, so for me it was either whittling it down and making one big move, or as it happened really early it just lined out and there’s not a lot of rest on this circuit, so I knew I could potentially get away.
“When the gap happened quite early I had to commit to it, I had no other option.
“I used to work at the pub just here so I know the finish line very well from looking out of the window at it. You always dream it – it’s pretty special.”
In a frenetically-paced men’s race a leading bunch of Hayter (Team Ineos Grenadiers), Harry Tanfield (Team Qhubeka Nexthash), Lewis Askey (Equipe Cycliste Continentale Groupama-FDJ), Charlie Tanfield (Canyon DHB Sungod) and Charles Page (Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling) quickly whittled down the field as riders were lapped and removed from the race.
There was nothing to split the quintet as the bell rang for the final lap and it was Askey who attacked first, but the 20-year-old was unable to get away. As the sprint opened up, Harry Tanfield looked to be the early favourite, but Hayter delivered when it mattered most once more to add another red, white and blue jersey to his collection.
With all eyes now on the prospect of an unprecedented treble on Sunday, Hayter said:
“I managed to get myself straight to the front and I pretty much stayed out of trouble. I knew all these guys were super strong, both Tanfields are strong crit riders, and Lewis and Charles as well. I just tried to not do too much and stay close to the bunch so that the guys would keep working and not attack themselves.
Speaking about the buoyant Lincoln crowd, Hayter added:
“I was loving it to be honest. There were a lot of people shouting my name which was quite strange. It was lined the whole way around, and it’s almost like a go-kart track going around some of the corners, so it’s just really enjoyable.
“I think there’s a bit of pressure on [Sunday] now. It’s not going to be easy but we’ll see what we can do.”
More frustrated drivers have come forward with their stories of bogus fines at a Lincoln retail park — and when The Lincolnite asked the parking warden to explain the situation, he said he was “not allowed to comment”.
The Lincolnite has reported about the issues at Tritton Road Retail Park for over six years, and dodgy activity was previously uncovered, such as rule changes without warning and attendants encouraged to ‘bend the rules’ for bonuses at the car park operated by UK Parking Control (UKPC) Ltd.
We went back to the car park on Friday and tried to speak with the parking attendant directly, so UKPC — who ignored all media requests — could present their side of the story, but he said he was “not allowed” to speak to us.
Two people recently came forward after receiving parking fines which they claim are bogus. This prompted more frustrated shoppers to contact The Lincolnite to share their experiences – if you are fined, it is advised not to automatically pay it straight away – see useful advice here from MoneySavingExpert.
Jo Chambers went out shopping to Homesense with her partner on July 18 for her new home in Waddington Heath. However, when they returned to her car they were confronted by a ticket stating “vehicle owner/driver left the site”.
Jo Chambers appealed her fine and it was later rescinded.
Jo’s Home Sense receipt and proof of parking, and the parking charge.
After appealing the fine, it was rescinded and Jo received a letter of apology, but she still wanted to raise awareness to others about the issue.
The letter from UKPC’s Appeals Department states: “We understand your frustration and appreciate the inconvenience this has caused you. It is not our intention to cause undue worry and frustration when enforcing our clients’ terms and conditions of parking.
“We have investigated your appeal based on the information submitted and whilst we feel that the parking charge was correctly issued and that we were following the guidelines and enforcement controls agreed with our client, we have decided in this instance to cancel the parking charge as a gesture of goodwill.”
Jo told The Lincolnite: “The letter of apology was a joke, stating the employee was in his every right to issue the fine, but as a gesture of goodwill they would rescind the fine, not taking any liability whatsoever.
“Surely the shops and council should confront this scam. We will not park and shop there unless we are on foot now, and if we do we take photos as evidence, which we shouldn’t need to.
“It’s the older vulnerable generation that I’m more concerned about as they are likely to panic and just pay it.”
Another driver is currently trying to appeal his fine.
Another driver, who wished to remain anonymous, received a ticket on September 29, stating “vehicle owner/driver left the site,” but he said: “I parked my car and did some browsing in Halfords, following by some shopping in Home Bargains, and then came (back) to a ticket on my window.
“I have emailed them twice with proof of what I did that day and got nothing back. It’s been over two weeks so I paid the £60 rather than the £100, with a follow-up email about it, but still have nothing back.”
After receiving a ticket on October 5 stating “not parked correctly within the markings of the bay or space”, another driver said: “It had no markings saying I couldn’t park there or no double yellow lines.”
Car park needs to be bigger, says retailer
The Lincolnite tried to get the perspective of retailers in the area.
Staff at ScS said they get customers in every now and again with a car parking issue and try to support them where they can.
The staff said: “There needs to be extra car parking in the area, as well as in the retail park, or the flexibility to go off site. The wardens are doing a good job.
“People shouldn’t be going off site, but ultimately this car park isn’t big enough for the retailers and customers.”
There was nobody available to provide a comment at Homesense, Halfords, Pets at Home, Carpet Right, Oak Furnitureland or Smyths Toys.
A parking charge notice was placed on the vehicle within 11 minutes of the driver being in Starbucks. | Photo: The Lincolnite
UKPC Ltd
Every time The Lincolnite has approached UKPC for a statement, there has been virtually no response, including on Monday and Tuesdays October 11 and 12. The only automated response came after also contacting the complaints email, saying: “Please be advised we have received your appeal. Please allow up to 35 days for a response.”
We went to the car park on Tuesday, October 12 and, whilst there, another man received a fine — but no attendant was to be seen. They appear to stay covert in their unmarked cars in order to avoid confrontation with shoppers.
Although an attendant did confirm to the reporter that he was from UKPC on Friday, October 15, he claimed he was “not allowed to comment” and advised contacting the company via the website.
In addition, when you try to phone the company and choose from the various different options, an automated voice informs you that it cannot be dealt with on the phone, and appeals must be made in writing.
UKPC says “we pride ourselves to alleviate your parking difficulties”, but we, and many customers, have struggled to get an official reply from them.
The firm is run by Rupert and Amanda Williams, who enjoy a luxury lifestyle and a string of fancy cars, according to The Mirror. The Mirror also reported last year that the parking firm claims taxpayer cash despite making £1.3 million profit in 2019.
If you have encountered an issue at this car park, please contact us at [email protected] with as many details and evidence as possible.
UKPC Ltd’s signage at the Tritton Road Retail Park. A sticker was visibly placed over the no parking hours last year. | Photo: The Lincolnite
Not a new problem
In November 2018, residents said they were planning to boycott the car park after they introduced new £100 fines for “leaving the site”.
Drivers at the time said they had not been warned about the change of rules, except for a small yellow notice on the signs at the car park.
Earlier the same year, in April 2018, it was reported that UK Parking Control was fined almost £6,000 for refusing to provide CCTV footage from a Lincoln car park that would have helped an investigation into fly-tipping.
The car park’s operator UKPC was also embroiled in a scandal in 2015 where drivers appealed against fraudulent parking tickets after revelations from The Lincolnite.
More than 9,000 bins have been rejected by a Lincolnshire council so far this week as authorities clamp down on what can and can’t be recycled.
North Kesteven District Council’s recent introduction of a purple bin for dry and clean paper and cardboard has caused confusion with nearly 20% of green bins – meant for plastic bottles and cans – not emptied by refuse collectors, in the second collection since the scheme started.
Residents have hit out at the amount of rubbish left behind and the council’s strict rules – with some even resorting to abuse of the refuse collectors – but NKDC bosses say recycling contamination is “undermining” their efforts and that advice is being offered to residents who break the rules.
Here’s the breakdown of collections this week so far:
Monday – 1,864 rejected (19% of bins presented)
Tuesday – 2,279 rejected (19.5%)
Wednesday – 2,651 rejected (23%)
Thursday – 2,320 rejected (21%)
Lynda Somers took to North Hykeham Community Page to write: “The straw that broke the camel’s back… I am so meticulous in my recycling but bin not emptied to day. I want to dump it all and the two bins at the [NKDC] office. I will no longer recycle, I’m going to order a big black bin.”
And her sentiments were echoed by several others.
Others took a lighter approach, with Daryl James writing: “Just heard there will be public floggings held at the North Hykeham Village Green Saturday morning for all of the naughty folk that didn’t obey the strict green bin protocols… please bring your tag of shame so it can warrant how many floggings you will receive.”
A North Kesteven District Council illustration of what should go in each bin. | Image: NKDC
In the first purple bin collection week, which ran from September 27, just 1.5% of bins were rejected.
A spokesman for North Kesteven District Council emphasised that what can and can’t be recycled hadn’t changed, just where it went.
Council leader, Councillor Richard Wright, said: “Contamination is an issue which is increasingly impacting on how much can be recycled and undermining all the efforts our households are making on their recycling at home.
“The only way to stop this is by everyone taking responsibility for our waste, by making sure only the right thing goes into the right bin.”
He said the council had been communicating with residents on the new rules since July.
North Kesteven District Council leader Richard Wright.
“We never want to leave a bin unemptied unless it’s really necessary,” he added.
“The wrong things regularly found in green-lidded bins – from soft plastics such as film lids and carrier bags to other items such as kitchen roll and used tissues, takeaway containers and even dirty nappies – can’t be recycled and contaminate other good recycling in bins and even the lorry load itself.
“This results in not only increased sorting costs but less items recycled as residents expect them to be,” he said.
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