The number of coronavirus vaccine jabs being given out in Lincolnshire increased by nearly 10% last week, according to the latest figures.

Data released on Thursday shows altogether 676,851 jabs have taken place in the county between December 8 and May 9 — a further 42,145 in the last week, and nearly 10% up on the 38,553 jabs given the week before.

The latest figures show that some 449,400 Lincolnshire residents have received their first vaccine dose and 227,451 have been given their second.

Of those over the age of 40, a total of 397,508 have received their first vaccination and another 207,426 have had their second.

Some 51,892 people aged under 45 have received their first dose, with a further 20,025 receiving a second jab so far. This includes those aged between 16 to 64 who are clinically vulnerable and at more risk of serious symptoms of coronavirus.

Office for National Statistics estimates put the total adult (16+) Lincolnshire population at 629,926, meaning that around 71.3% of residents have now received their first jab and 36.1% their second.

In North Lincolnshire, a total of 154,131 (55,727 second doses) vaccines have been distributed and 122,445 (36,662 second doses) have received a jab in North East Lincolnshire.

Grantham’s vaccination centre at the Mere’s Leisure Centre has given out 100,000 vaccinations in just five months.

The achievement comes just five months since the Meres Local Vaccination Centre opened and only eight weeks since it celebrated reaching 50,000 vaccinations.

The 100,000th vaccinated person in Grantham.

Darren Altus, Operations Director, K2 Healthcare, Grantham and Sleaford Area Primary Care Networks said: “From the beginning when we were vaccinating people over the age of 80, to now when we’re focusing on first vaccinations for people 40 and over, as well as second doses, it has been a battle.

“It has been extremely challenging but our superb team of health professionals and volunteers here at the Meres have made it possible and fun at the same time.”

The Meres LVC is one of 13 vaccination sites across the county, and is run by both Grantham and Rural PCN, and the Sleaford PCN, a group of 16 GP practices from Grantham, Sleaford, and the surrounding area.

Dr Adriaan van Biljon, Clinical Director, K2 Healthcare, Grantham and Rural Primary Care Network, added: “People who have been coming to the Meres for their vaccination have been, almost without exception, enormously grateful and cooperative.

“This has been hugely helpful to the team here and is something they have also experienced when vaccinating people out in the community, including in local care homes.

“Local businesses have provided invaluable support too and, of course, the role played by our local GP practices has been critical.  In unprecedented times it has truly been an amazing effort.”

People aged 38 to 39 have been allowed to book their COVID-19 vaccines from Thursday.

Bookings for vaccinations opened on May 13, and 38 and 39-year-olds can sign up for their appointment on the NHS website.

Nationally, more than 67.8% of people have had their first dose and 35% their second.

The full list of sites operating as vaccination hubs in Lincolnshire so far:

Hospital Hubs

United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust 

• Lincoln County Hospital
• Boston Pilgrim Hospital

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust

• Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby
• Scunthorpe General Hospital

Local community hubs

Lincolnshire

• Louth Community Hospital
• John Coupland Hospital, Gainsborough
• Meres Leisure Centre, Grantham
• Waddington Branch Surgery, South Lincoln
• St Marys Medical Practice, Stamford
• Franklin Hall, Spilsby
• Sidings Medical Practice, Boston
• Rustons Sports and Social Club, Lincoln
• Portland Medical Practice, Lincoln
• The Storehouse, Skegness
• Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln
• Springfields, Spalding
• Marisco Medical Practice, Mablethorpe
• Princess Royal Sports Arena, Boston

North Lincolnshire 

• Cedar Medical Practice, Scunthorpe
• Riverside Surgery, Brigg
• South Axholme Practice, Epworth
• The Central Surgery, Barton

North East Lincolnshire 

• Beacon Medical Practice, Cleethorpes
• Open Door, Grimsby
• Pilgrim Primary Care Centre, Immingham
• Scartho Medical Centre, Grimsby

Councillors have declared war on fly-tippers throughout North Kesteven after the number of incidents reported in the district spiked by two thirds in a year.

This comes after the figure jumped from 837 incidents in the 12 months ending in March 2020 to 1,045 in the same period finishing in March this year.

Incidents included rubbish dumped at Great Hale near Sleaford in January this year, for which the owner received a £400 fine for giving his waste to an unknown male to dispose of.

The owner of the waste was given a £400 fixed penalty notice for giving his waste to an unknown male to dispose of. | Photo: NKDC

A pile of rubbish including Rileys employee and membership record files were found dumped by the side of a road in Aubourn in February. Investigations are ongoing with the relevant authorities.

Other common forms of fly-tipping have included mattresses, televisions and fridges being dumped on street corners, green waste tipped on common land and lay-by bins being used for household or commercial waste by anyone passing by in a vehicle.

The waste, including employee record files, was found dumped on Moor Lane in Aubourn. | Photo: Chris S

North Kesteven District Council and other agencies have formed a county-wide Environmental Crime Partnership, which aims to reduce and prevent fly-tipping in Lincolnshire.

Other agencies that have signed up include Lincolnshire Police, Humberside Police, the Office of the Crime and Police Commissioner, the Environment Agency, the National Farmers’ Union, the Ministry of Defence, the Internal Drainage Board, the Forestry Commission, the Countryside Land Association and Anglian Water.

Employee Record Files were found dumped amongst the waste. | Photo: Chris S

Councillor Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council, said: “This initiative is a real step forward because it means would-be fly-tippers now know that there are no areas anywhere in the county where tackling illegal dumping is not a high priority issue.

“The support the group has received is really good news because it means that fly-tipping is not just a council issue but all sorts of agencies want to help to convince people that this type of behaviour is just not acceptable.

“The council is fully committed to dealing with fly-tipping but we need help. I would urge anyone who sees anything suspicious when they are out and about to let us know about it as soon as possible and pass on registration numbers of any vehicles that could be involved.”

Fly-tipping in Great Hale near Sleaford in January 2021. | Photo: NKDC

The Environmental Crime Partnership is chaired by Ayeisha Kirkham, Environmental Protection Team Manager at North Kesteven District Council.

She said: “We would urge everyone to check out that someone offering to deal with their waste is genuine and not to pay in cash.

“Failure to do so will be expensive because if waste can be tracked back to the original owner they will be deemed responsible for it and face a prosecution or a fixed penalty fine of £400 with no discount for early payment and no opportunity to pay by instalments.”

Meanwhile, leader of Lincolnshire County Council Martin Hill promised to tackle fly-tipping when speaking to The Lincolnite about his priorities ahead of the recent elections. He was later reelected as leader.

A Lincoln woman never flipped a burger in her life before she decided to make a career change and launch The Food Cavern butty van last year.

Hayley Cook, who has two daughters including 21-year-old Bethany Jones, worked in the pharmacy at Lincoln County Hospital for two years. She went on maternity leave when her daughter Daisy True was born in 2018 before taking a year out for health reasons.

The Food Cavern is located near Howdens Joinery on Tritton Road in Lincoln and sells food ranging from burgers, including a chicken burger stack, wraps and breakfast baps to jacket potatoes and freshly made rolls.

Burgers, wraps, breakfast baps and more. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Preparing the salad for the sweet chilli chicken wrap. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The sweet chilli chicken wrap. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Vegetarian and vegan options will be added in the near future as the menu continues to change.

Hayley bought the business in February last year and renamed it The Food Cavern and The Lincolnite went to check it out.

Plenty to choose from on the menu. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Hunters chicken burger and classic cheeseburger. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Food ready to be served at The Food Cavern. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The 40-year-old decided to try something completely different as her sister-in-law was selling up her business on Sadler Road, which at the time was called Jo’s Snack Shack.

Hayley had served food at Hemswell car boot sale before the coronavirus pandemic hit before working ever since at her current location,

She has had a turbulent first year of business, but her loyal customers and passion for food has kept her going.

Hayley busy preparing the food. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Hayley cooking tasty food at The Food Cavern. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Hayley said: “I did one event and then we went into lockdown. I had put lots of money into it and was panicking as I had seen so many businesses close.

“Every time Boris made an announcement I was worried, but I have worked hard to keep it going and my customers have kept me smiling. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my partner Robert True.

“I have never worked so hard for so little, but I absolutely love my job. I had never flipped a burger in my life before, but now food is a passion and I am enthusiastic about my job.”

The Food Cavern is located near Howdens Joinery on Tritton Road in Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Come and try the food at The Food Cavern. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The Food Cavern is open Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 2pm. From May 22, it will also open on Saturdays between 8.30am and 1.30pm.