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Hundreds of people queued outside Debenhams and at several barbers and salons in the city as Lincoln, and the rest of England, entered the next stage of the roadmap out of coronavirus lockdown on Monday, April 12.

The latest rules allow for the retail sector to fully reopen its doors for customers again, two weeks after the previous lockdown easing on March 29 which resumed outdoor socialising for up to six people – see the list of rules here.

Debenhams especially had a big queue as it got nearer to its 10am reopening time for its final ever closing down sale before it closes permanently later this year.

The queue for Debenhams went round the corner. | Photo: The Lincolnite

Kutz Barber Shop on Newport also had a long line of people eagerly awaiting their lockdown cut in what is expected to be a busy day for hairdressers and barbers in the city.

People were also seen waiting outside barbers including Barbershop By Giovanni on Guildhall Street in Lincoln, and several other barber shops down the lower High Street.

People were also keen to get a lockdown haircut with queues including at Kutz Barber Shop on Newport in Lincoln. | Photo: Daniel Jaines for The Lincolnite

The queue outside Barbershop By Giovanni on Guildhall Street in Lincoln. | Photo: Ellis Karran for The Lincolnite

Primark also had a queue outside, although not to the same huge extent as when it reopened after previous lockdown easing last summer when people were waiting from as early as 6am. The queue didn’t get longer until later this time.

The queue at Primark in Lincoln continued to get longer as the morning went on. | Photo: Ellis Karran for The Lincolnite

Énergie Fitness (Lincoln City) reopened in the Cornhill and reportedly had queues before 6am as gyms welcomed back their customers again.

People are also looking forward to having a pint with friends and family as pubs and bars can serve now customers outside. They will be able to reopen inside from May 17.

Shops in Lincoln are excited to be back open again. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The High Street was quieter before 9am, with less mad rushes this time! | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

A City Centre Warden on Lincoln High Street as more businesses reopened on April 12. | Photo: Ellis Karran for The Lincolnite

The windows being cleaned at House of Fraser in Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Volunteers from Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue helped save the life of a fox who was “minutes away from being killed” just outside the coastal town.

The team received a call about a fox with its neck in a snare on Sunday, April 11. However, as the volunteers drove to the scene near North Thoresby they got another call to say the fox was about to be shot.

After arriving at the scene, the team had a short discussion with the land owner who agreed to let them relocate the fox rather than kill it (for the safety of his livestock).

Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue said: “As we were getting it out of the snare, the shooter arrived and all we could say is ‘You’re one lucky fox’.

“This young boy is now going to be relocated in a similar area near to a friend we know who loves foxes and will be able to help us to ensure it settles in.”

The fox was saved from being killed. | Photo: Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue

The fox has since been released and the team are also going to support the land owner with non-lethal measures going forward.

The rescue team told The Lincolnite: “We are so thankful that the land owner decided to let us relocate the fox rather than it being killed.

“Sadly, foxes can’t distinguish between a wild meal and a farmers’ livestock, and this is what causes so much hatred for foxes in the countryside.

“They’re beautiful and incredibly smart animals, but this is often what gets them in trouble!

“After getting the fox into a travel crate we spent about 20 minutes talking to the land owner and his friend about the wildlife in the area and how we could work together for any future foxes rather than them being put to sleep. It was a good outcome for all!”

Earlier this month, Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue helped with the emergency rescue of a seal pup.

As a volunteer rescue service, it does not get any funding aside from donations via fundraising to save wildlife and keep up with the regular food and vet bills.

The team are currently trying to fundraise for up to four intensive care incubators – make a donation here.

Two Lincoln boys have been commended by Lincolnshire Police for their quick thinking in reporting a knife they found on their way to school.

Diego and Cohen, who are in Year 6 at St Peter at Gowts Church of England Primary School, found the steel vegetable knife under a Jeep Cherokee on St Martin’s Street in Lincoln in March.

The 10-year-old boys reported it to a teacher as soon as they arrived at school. The school reported it to police and the weapon was retrieved by PCSO James Lingard, who is from Lincoln’s Neighbourhood Policing Team.

The steel vegetable knife was found under a Jeep Cherokee in Lincoln. | Photo: Lincolnshire Police

Police are unsure how the knife got there, but don’t believe it was used in a crime. The knife has since been destroyed.

The boys said: “We spotted something shiny under the car and then we realised it was a knife. We knew that we shouldn’t touch it but that we had to let someone know, so we told our teacher straight away.

“It was really scary as we were worried that someone might find it and use it to do something bad with it like hurt themselves or someone else.

“Our school and our parents were really pleased that we made a good choice and it was really exciting that officer Lingard came to see us at school too.”

Emma Bradley, Year 6 teacher at the school, added: “It is really heart-warming for us to see our pupils making a difference in the local community.

“We are really proud of the actions of Cohen and Diego and both are absolutely over the moon to have been recognised by the police.”

PCSO Lingard was also full of praise for the boys and he said: “Cohen and Diego made an outstanding decision and their quick thinking ensured that we could take the knife away before anyone could move it.

“It is still a mystery how the knife got there but we don’t believe it had been used in any crime thankfully and its now been destroyed.

“Through our Operation Raptor we work to help young people understand the dangers and consequences of knives and we will be sure to tell other school children of how Cohen and Diego helped to keep Lincoln safe.”

North Kesteven has the most over 50s vaccinated with the first dose of a COVID-19 jab in Lincolnshire, whereas Boston has the least.

However, South Kesteven has the most 18 to 49 year olds vaccinated in Greater Lincolnshire with Lincoln having the least, according to research by Sky News.

New data by NHS England up to April 8 reveals that 97.3% of over 50s have received their first coronavirus jab in North Kesteven, ranked 48th nationally, with 91.5% receiving their first dose in Boston (277th out of 314).

It’s a different picture in the 18 to 49 age bracket, with the most first doses given in South Kesteven (41%) and the least in Lincoln (25.6%).

The number of new COVID-19 vaccinations in Lincolnshire last week dropped by nearly 35%, but overall there were more than 419,000 first doses now administered, over 75% of the total eligible population.

Here’s what percentage your district has been COVID vaccinated with a first dose based on age and where it’s ranked nationally:

• 48th – North Kesteven – 97.3% 50+ (37.6% 18-49)
• 91st – South Kesteven – 96.5% 50+ (41% 18-49)
• 114th – East Lindsey – 96.2% 50+ (39.3% 18-49)
• 115th – West Lindsey – 96.2% 50+ (34.6% 18-49)
• 159th – North Lincolnshire – 95.3% 50+ (31.4% 18-49)
• 175th – Lincoln – 95.1% 50+ (25.6% 18-49)
• 211th – North East Lincolnshire – 94.4% 50+ (28.4% 18-49)
• 241st – South Holland – 93.4% 50+ (32.9% 18-49)
• 277th – Boston – 91.5% 50+ (29.4% 18-49)