From left, Green candidate Matt Parr, Labour leader Ric Metcalfe, Conservative leader Thomas Dyer and Liberal Democrat candidate Clare Smalley.
There are almost 50 candidates across 11 wards hoping for your vote in the City of Lincoln Council elections next month.
Labour currently has overall control of the council with 24 seats, while the Conservatives have nine and need to gain eight seats for a majority.
Voters will go to the polls on Thursday, May 6 to choose who they want to represent them in at the city council for the next four years.
We spoke to the leaders of the two parties currently sitting at city level to get their views going forward.
“Building on our successes” – Labour
City of Lincoln Council Leader Ric Metcalfe. | Photo: Stuart Wilde for CoLC
Labour leader Councillor Ric Metcalfe said his party’s record for the city will help his members to victory.
He said: “As the incumbents who have had control of the city council for a while we’re expanding on a very good record of significant achievement and delivering on our promises and future ambition for Lincoln.
Achievements over the past few years, he said, included the council’s help for “countless” individuals, families and businesses, during the COVID-19 pandemic, showing “significant resilience” against its own financial crisis, the new car park and bus station and being “well on the way” to delivering 500 new council homes.
Councillor Metcalfe said the council would continue to rebuild Lincoln’s economy and attract new funds to regenerate the city centre in a similar fashion to the Cornhill development.
He denied the party’s time in power had left them “stagnant” and that his administration was not “satisfied just to sit back and let things happen”.
“We’ve made things happen and we continue to respond to changing circumstances in the leadership we’ve shown,” he said, pointing to the Lincoln Roadmap to net Zero Carbon by 2030.
He said his party would continue to work hard to remind people this election was about local issues following the Conservatives sweeping success across the country in 2019 – where several Labour seats were lost amid national topics such as Brexit.
Despite Conservative claims to the contrary, Councillor Metcalfe said the party could take credit for money it had received from the Tory-led government.
“This is a competitive situation you don’t just get the money – we had to demonstrate a number of things,” he said.
Councillor Metcalfe’s party are also pushing for resolutions to issues and disagreements with the Conservative-run Lincolnshire County Council, including the Usher Gallery and the Western Growth Corridor.
“We can end Labour domination” – Conservatives
Leader of the Conservatives at City of Lincoln, councillor Thomas Dyer. Photo: Sean Strange
Conservative opposition leader Thomas Dyer believes that after a decade of Labour domination “now is a time for change”.
“Especially as we come out of the pandemic we must have a modern dynamic councils, that can support both residents and the businesses within the city,” he said.
“This last year, has shown the importance of local government.
“It’s been councils that have issued, much of the government support grants that businesses have benefited from, it’s been councils that worked tirelessly as part of the government’s everybody in scheme which was to get homeless people housed.
“It will be councils that will have a major role in our national recovery.”
Priorities for the Conservatives this year include a pop-in parking scheme to incentivise people to use local businesses, introducing better infrastructure, more action over climate change including new heating installation schemes and electric charging points in social housing schemes. He also criticised the councils expenditure on the Western Growth corridor plans before “a single brick has been laid”.
Councillor Dyer is hoping his party will be the ones to bring forward many of the new £25 million Town Deal schemes, including works to improve Wigford Way, as well as better cleaning around the city and improvements to transport infrastructure such as focussing on delivering the North Hykeham relief road.
He said his party had a “positive track record” at county council level and that it had “ambitious plans” to bring that success down to city level.
He called for more action to tackle fly-tipping hotspots with higher numbers of fines issued for dog mess and littering, as well as a reversal of increasing rent allotment fees and parking charges.
The party wants to retain the number of public toilets in the city centre.
Councillor Dyer said he would take a different approach to Lincolnshire County Council’s Usher Gallery plans, which he called a “reasonable proposal to transform and modernisation gallery”.
“People are ready for a change” – Liberal Democrats
Liberal Democrat candidate Clare Smalley. | Photo: Supplied
Liberal Democrat candidate Clare Smalley says people are “ready for a change” from the two main parties and that her party could deliver that.
She hopes her party might be able to drive a wedge into the current hold the Conservatives and Labour have on the authority.
Clare, who is running in Abbey ward, said: “A lot of residents have told us that they sort of feel a bit neglected and that actually they’re ready for a change.
“A lot of people feel they’ve had Labour councillors, for a very long time.
“The Lib Dems have worked quite hard over recent years to support our residents with various issues, both at a local and county level, and… build our position.
“We’ve got a good group of people that are willing to be out there and be that voice.
“It’s the people that matter and the issues that are close to them […] these are local issues that affect local people and I think just support us and we’ll obviously we will be the party that are hoping to listen to people and support them.”
Priorities for the parties this year include tougher measures on an increasing amount of fly-tipping, protecting front-line services, making sure there was value for money for the increased council tax this year.
Clare said she would also like to see better funding for individual councillors to use on their own local wards, as well as more, easily accessible online meetings held by the council.
“We just really want to stand up to the council and you know get voters that voice that maybe they feel they don’t have at the moment.”
Candidates this year, she said, had a “wealth of experience” and were from a whole range of ages and backgrounds.
“A message that the environment does matter” – Green Party
Green Party candidate Matt Parr. | Photo: Supplied
Green Party candidate Matt Parr said his party wants to send a message to people that they have a choice if they don’t like the two main parties.
“They have a choice to vote for us and send that message that the environment does matter and they want to see change,” said the Hartsholme ward runner.
Matthew said the impact of COVID on his campaign of environmental awareness had been a “shame” and had lost some momentum, as he had been trying to organise better grass cutting, litter picks and tree plantings.
However, he said there had been some “amazing lessons” from the lockdowns, including how people had used open spaces for exercise, and how nature and the environment had returned to urban areas without people in them.
“The amount of people I connected with who said this has been a lifesaver for them, it’s really helped lift their mood to get out to walk around Swanholme or Hartsholme and without that green space, they’re not sure they could have made it through.
“There’s definitely some lessons to be had from that we actually really like our green spaces, and they provide such an amazing service for us, for our well being, during awful dark times.
“We need to we need to realise what that environment did for us and protect it.”
The party’s key policies include ensuring homes are in the right place and away from flood plains, along with making sure they have energy efficient facilities such as solar panels.
They also want more wildflower habitats to promote the creation of CO2, including potentially using grass verges around the city instead of mowing them.
Matthew would also like to see more green infrastructure on top of that with enhanced footpath and cycleway improvements – particularly in the Western Growth Corridor.
Below is a list of candidates for each ward in full. Councillors defending their position are highlighted in bold. One councillor per ward will be elected this year.
Abbey
Hansard, Roger (Conservative)
Moore, Val (Labour)
Penman, Donald (Reform UK)
Smalley, Clare (Liberal Democrat)
Yates, Kenneth (Green)
Birchwood
Chapman, Stephen (Liberal Democrat)
Gowen, Paul (Labour and Co-operative Party)
Radford, John (Green)
Strengiel, Eddie (Conservative)
Boultham
Carvalho, Daniel (Conservative)
Parker, Charles (Liberal Democrat)
Tooke, Simon (Green Party)
Watt, Calum (Labour and Co-operative)
Carholme
Choi, Jack (Conservative)
Craven, Oliver (Liberal Democrat)
Preston, Lucinda (Labour and Co-operative)
Readings, Aston (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition)
Shaw, Charles (Liberal Party)
Watson, Nicola (Green)
Castle
Haigh, Norman (Green)
Nannestad, Donald (Labour)
Storer, Rachel (Conservative)
Turner, Aidan (Liberal Democrat)
Glebe
Beardmore, Jacob (Conservative)
McKenna, Fiona (Green)
Metcalfe, Ric (Labour)
Hartsholme
Charters, James (Liberal Democrat)
Clarkson, David (Conservative)
Ellis, Adelle (Labour)
Parr, Matt (Green)
Minster
Dale, Richard (Liberal Democrat)
Storer, Mark (Conservative)
Wells, Joshua (Labour)
Wilkinson, Valerie (Green)
Moorland
Atkinson, Ben (Liberal Democrat)
Ellis, Geoff (Labour)
Fido, Matthew (Conservative)
Padley, Christopher (Green)
Park
Burke, Chris (Labour and Co-operative)
Chapman, Natasha (Liberal Democrat)
Horscroft, Sally (Green)
Parker, Nick (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition)
Sperrin, Liam (Conservative)
Witham
Guthrie, Deborah (Reform UK)
Hutchins, Joshua (Labour)
Mara, Bill (Conservative)
Parr, Amanda (Green)
Uldall, Sarah (Liberal Democrat)
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The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
A horse, a dog and a deer were rescued from the water during a busy weekend for Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue, who also saved a stuck pigeon.
A crew from Saxilby and water rescue team Gainsborough Fire Station attended Brayford Pool on Saturday, May 15 to reports of a dog in the water. A passing boat took the crew out to the island, who rescued the dog that fortunately was uninjured.
On the same day a horse, named Luna, was found stuck in the river at Rivermead in North Hykeham. She was rescued using lines and stropes.
Fire crews from Lincoln helped to rescue a distressed horse called Luna from the river. | Photo: Tegan Harteveld
The horse was checked over by a vet and was uninjured. The other horses are now safely back in the field.
Luna’s owner Tegan Harteveld told The Lincolnite that someone had trespassed in the nearby field and opened the gate, meaning over 10 horses got out with her beloved animal ending up in the river.
The vet was called immediately, who sedated Luna and Tegan believes the next couple of days will be crucial due to the adrenaline wearing off.
Luna after being pulled out of the river near Lincoln. | Photo: Tegan Harteveld
Luna safely on dry land after being rescued from the water by fire crews. | Photo: Tegan Harteveld
Tegan with her beloved horse Luna. | Photo: Tegan Harteveld
She said: “You hear stories of horses ending up in ditches and rivers, but you never expect the phone call to be about your own animal.
“The next thing most owners think, myself included, is how they got out. When I found out it was by a person/people, I was angry and very upset.
“This could have been avoided at all costs. They had no right to be in that field, it’s private land. Now my horse and myself are paying the price for someone’s stupidity and ignorance.
“I’m just relieved that the amazing fire brigade managed to pull her out and she was the only one in. If there had been multiple horses, I doubt the outcome would have been a success.”
Fire crews helped to pull the horse to safety.
A healthy Luna before her terrifying ordeal. | Photo: Tegan Harteveld
This is Luna- the beautiful horse rescued by crews from Rivermead near Lincoln yesterday. Thankfully she’s doing ok now. Animal rescue is an important part of the work our crew do #notjustfirespic.twitter.com/0cOyaCqBFQ
— Lincs Fire & Rescue (@LincsFireRescue) May 16, 2021
On the same day, crews help a deer stuck in the Fossdyke Canal. The deer was rescued from the water by crews and released back into the wild.
Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue also helped the RSPCA rescue a poor pigeon in Boston on Sunday, May 16.
Over the last few weeks The Lincolnite readers have been voting for their favourite IMP from this year’s trail and the results are in.
With almost 25,000 votes for the 31 IMPs, the winner — by over 700 votes — is the Steam Explorer by artist Rosie Ablewhite, sponsored by Jacksons Workwear Rental, with a total of 4,443 votes.
Following closely behind was Majestic by Lizzy Mason, sponsored by Saul Fairholm, and Girls Can by Rosie Ablewhite, sponsored by Girlguiding in Lincolnshire with 3,654 and 3,328 votes respectively.
The much-anticipated Lincoln IMP Trail will be on show across the city from July 3 until September 8 after being postponed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay tuned for the locations reveal soon.
After the main trail, the IMPs will come together to form a guard of honour at Lincoln Castle before moving to Lincoln Cathedral on Lincolnshire Day, October 1, for an auction to raise funds for organisers Lincoln BIG’s charity partner, St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice.
The 31 imps were designed by national and local artists who were successful following a competition and selection process by the sponsors. There are also five smaller roving community imps, including Wind, which The Lincolnite adopted.
Lincoln’s new arcade bar Carousel will open on the High Street next week after more than £1 million of investment — and The Lincolnite went to check it out for a sneak peek.
Carousel will open in the building formerly occupied by Ruddocks on Wednesday, May 19. It includes various experience zones, including simulation shooting range Quickdraw, Shuffle board, social darts with interactive lanes, and a plethora of arcade machines.
The arcade machines include Time Crisis, Daytona racing, Sonic and Mario at the Olympics and Down the Clowns, as well as a dance mat, basketball hoops and air hockey.
Sit down have a drink, eat some food and play some games at Carousel. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Plenty of arcade machines to try. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Social darts with a difference, including various mini games. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Tables can be pre-booked for food and drinks, or experience areas for fun and games, both via Carousel’s website. Walk-ins will be accepted from the opening date on May 19, but due to the coronavirus restrictions the venue’s capacity will be limited initially.
There is a wide range of food ranging from large plates, such as the Carousel beef brisket, to burgers, hot dogs and plank pizzas.
There are also small plates including Halloumi sticks, Korean BBQ Bao buns, sweet chilli chicken skewers and Bombay Caulibombs.
The variety of drinks includes beers, wines, spirits, alcoholic and non-alcoholic slushies and a what is described as an “Instagram worthy” cocktail menu.
Carousel’s “Instagram worthy’ cocktail menu includes these drinks. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Fortune Favours is a vodka-based cocktail, with peach liqueur, pineapple juice and grenadine. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Tropic Like It’s Hot contains gin, elderflower, apple juice, cranberry juice, lime and mint. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The cocktail menu at Carousel.
Carousel has created 40 new jobs for the local community and Operations Manager David Nejrup can’t wait for the venue to welcome its first customers.
He told The Lincolnite: “We are delighted to launch our new concept Carousel in the city.
“Carousel has been in development for over two years. In that time and through our research and development, we noticed a shift in what guests wanted from a new bar concept.
“We found that guests wanted more than the usual extensive product range, amazing cocktails and fantastic food. They wanted to be entertained and have an experience while socialising and at Carousel we feel we have created just that.
“Not only do we have a fantastic street food-inspired food menu, an extensive selection of draught beers, wines and spirts and an Instagram worthy cocktail menu, we have taken competitive socialising to the next level. There is so much to do here, there is something for everyone.”
Smoked salmon salad. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Pulled beef brisket and the cheese burger are just some of the tasty menu items at Carousel. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Or why not whet your appetite with a tasty Halloumi dish? | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Carousel is operated by Lindum Leisure, which is leasing the building and has links to a group of businesses including Home, Curiosity Shop and Craft.
Carousel is located on Lincoln High Street in the building formerly occupied by Ruddocks. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Detective Constable Aaron Flint of Grantham is appealing for witnesses and information following the report of substantial damage being caused to Ancaster Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Branches have been cut from trees, some of which are hundreds of years old and rubbish, including tyres, wood, and other items, have been dumped at the site. It is believed this has happened sometime during the last two weeks.
The area in question is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to intentionally or recklessly damage a SSSI.
The penalty for this offence up until 2015 was a fine of up to £20,000. This has now been changed giving the courts the power to give an unlimited fine.
There were a number of tyres at the site. Photo Lincolnshire Police
DC Flint said: “These sites are extremely fragile and highly vulnerable to damage. We will be working closely with Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust to identify the offenders and bring them to justice. This is not only a mindless and selfish act of vandalism but also serious crime against our environment.
“We take all reports of wildlife crime very seriously. We would encourage anyone who has been in this area in the last two weeks and may have any information, not matter how irrelevant you may feel it is, to contact us on 101.”
Garden furniture was also found. Photo Lincolnshire Police
Rachel Shaw, spokesman for Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, added: “This is a senseless act of vandalism to a wonderful nature reserve. It’s also a drain on our resources as it’s likely to be costly to remove, and, most concerning of all, the damage to the trees and shrubs will have a long term impact.
“A number of trees have had branches removed and bark damage that may affect their survival. The shrubs that have been damaged are box. Box is very slow growing and unfortunately some of the stems cut and damaged are over 100 years old so will take a long time to regenerate.”
A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is an area that’s of particular interest to science due to the presence of rare species of fauna and flora, important geological or physiological features. These areas are of very high conservation value, and need to be protected.
DC Flint is asking for anyone who may have information about this offence to contact 101 or crime stoppers quoting occurrence number 21000263099 or by emailing him directly at [email protected]
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