People need to reach out for support, as Lincoln counsellor sees anxiety and depression increase during pandemic

Residents in Sutton on Sea have criticised the council’s £500,000 plans to tarmac a village car park, saying there are more pressing issues.

East Lindsey District Council’s Executive Board on Wednesday will be asked to approve the cash to install hard surfacing and vehicle bay lining at Broadway Car Park, which is currently unsurfaced.

The council expects a tourism surge once works to replace the Sutton on Sea Colonnade with a new build are completed, and combined with improvements taking place elsewhere in the district – including the new Coastal Pathway which links the observatory to Huttoft Boat Shed and other locations along the beachfront.

It is hoped the Broadway works will create an extra 30 spaces – from 120-150 – and will bring in around £60,000 a year extra revenue to the council.

However, residents believe it is the wrong time to work on the car park.

They suggested other things needed doing first, including increased CCTV coverage, road repairs and street lighting.

Some of these – such as highways works – are carried out by Lincolnshire County Council, however, not East Lindsey District Council.

Melanie Jones commented: “It is OK as it is. Sort out that Colonnade first and the arson on the beach huts and vandalism and antisocial behaviour of groups of younger people.”

Meanwhile, Jill Jeffs said: “Typical waste money on resurfacing a car park when all the roads are full of pot holes. When will the council get their priorities right?”

Shaz Ilkeston added: “What about putting LED bulbs in the lamp posts first so we can have the street lights on after midnight – it’s frightening when it’s pitch black.”

Former Town Councillor Stephen Palmer has written to ELDC leaders asking them to rethink the plans.

He carried out a straw poll of residents over the weekend.

“People… split roughly into two camps, those who thought tarmac would be a good idea and those who want it left as grass.

“Interestingly though, those who were pro tarmac baulked at the amount of money and only wanted it because of lack of maintenance and care of the grass and access road.

“The ‘keep it’ grass camp also thought it was a waste of taxpayer money and surely a better use of such money could be found.”

He added there had been some climate concerns around the loss of greenery.

Stephen Palmer questioned the accuracy of the council’s estimates and suggested the authority wait until the colonnade had been open for its first full season (around 2024) before it makes a decision.

“I hope you will take my points on board… and come to the sensible conclusion that more thought needs to be taken before committing £500k of tax payer money in times that some of our citizens are finding very stressful,” he said.

Not all disagreed with the plans, however, with Matt Lease writing: “Seems like a positive idea and plan to make Sutton more inviting to tourists.

“It’s been crying out to be properly marked for years and extra income will help the council.”

East Lindsey District Council has been contacted for a comment but had not responded at the time of publication.

According to one.network, there are no plans to resurface or repair Broadway in the next 12 months.

A spokesman for Lincolnshire County Council confirmed that it was “not in line for any works in the immediate future”.

Officers have charged a man under new legislation which was introduced last month to protect victims of domestic abuse.

Benjamin Flatters, aged 31, of Dorchester Road, Spalding was charged with non-fatal strangulation following an alleged assault, reported to us on 23 June.

Flatters appeared at Lincoln Magistrates Court on 1 July where he pleaded not guilty to the strangulation charge.

Flatters pleaded guilty to three other charges of criminal damage to property, threats to damage property and failure to comply with notification requirements of the sex offenders register. He was remanded into custody and will face trial for the strangulation charge at a later date.

The charge of non-fatal strangulation comes as a result of the creation of a new offence under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 which was introduced nationally on 7 June 2022.

Crucially, the new offence carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment.

Victims of strangulation may be left with little or no physical marks meaning previously, a charge of actual bodily harm or common assault may have been applied, which did not reflect the serious nature of the act.

DI Richard Nethercott said: “The new legislation is potentially life changing and lifesaving. If found guilty of non-fatal strangulation, a perpetrator will face up to five years in prison.

“Along with non-fatal suffocation, it’s a form of abuse that we sadly sometimes see in a domestic setting, where a perpetrator will use it to intimidate and control their victim. It’s terrifying to endure and incredibly dangerous.

“We are committed to using our powers to tackle abuse, including non-fatal strangulation and non-fatal suffocation.

“The new legislation is an important step forwards in tackling violence against women and girls.”

If you have been affected

If you or your children are in immediate danger you should always call 999. If it is not safe to speak use the ‘silent solution.’ Press 5 5 when prompted and this will tell us that you need us.

You can also access help from specialist domestic abuse services:

EDAN Lincs Lincolnshire’s Domestic Abuse Support Service, helping all women, men and children experiencing domestic abuse.

The National Domestic Violence Helpline is a 24hr Freephone available on 0808 2000 247 operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

SafeLives offer advice for victims and professionals.

Galop – the national LGBT+ anti-violence charity are available on 0800 999 5428.

If you are a child or young person and domestic abuse is happening in your home or relationship, tell someone you trust, like a teacher. You can also call Childline on 0800 1111.

The Men’s Advice Line is for male victims of domestic abuse and can be reached on 0808 8010327.

Safe spaces are available in UK pharmacies including Boots, Superdrug, Morrisons and many independent pharmacies. Go to the healthcare counter and ask to use the safe space where you can access support.

If you are worried about your own behaviour

At home shouldn’t mean at risk. There is no excuse for abuse. If you are worried about your behaviour, get help.

Make a Change operate in Lincolnshire – contact 01522 246616 or email: [email protected]

Alternatively, call the national Respect helpline on 0808 802 4040.