A new Green Toolkit for businesses is to be launched at the first Lincolnshire tourism conference in two years next month.
The Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland Visitor Economy Conference 2022 will take place at the Lincolnshire Showground on March 22, from 9am.
It will showcase the region’s visitor economy offer and give businesses the chance to network as well as gain insights into the latest business practices.
The COVID-19 pandemic has postponed the annual event twice in a row, but organisers are hoping that will mean this year’s event will have a “terrific buzz”.
Headlining this year’s event is environmentalist, and author, Ed Gillespie who will speak on complex changes facing the world such as climate change.
Ed circumnavigated the world without using air travel and subsequently published his book “Only Planet: a flight-free adventure around the world” in 2014.
He also co-founded Futerra, an agency specialising in creating corporate sustainability initiatives.
Other speakers include Lincolnshire County Council’s economy portfolio holder Colin Davie and tourism development manager Mary Powell.
Mary said: “The annual conference, which has been in abeyance for two years, has always been popular and a great opportunity for the visitor economy to get together, swap leaflets, share best practice and latest news.
“I think that the tourism businesses gain as much from talking to each other as from the presentations, so I think that after such a break in ‘real life’ contact, the event is going to have a terrific buzz.”
The council’s Green Tourism Toolkit, which aims to help guide businesses on how to be more environmentally conscious, will also be officially launched.
“We want to stress that there are both good business reasons for going greener as well as being good for the planet,” said Mary.
Speaking at LCC’s Economy and Environment Committee on Monday, Councillor Davie was questioned on sustainable transport to and from the event and whether the event itself was sustainable.
He told councillors he would confirm what facilities were available, but added: “Vendors can travel to these events together, they could car share where possible if public transport is not available.
“Ultimately at the end of the day, the Showground is very environmentally aware, bearing in mind it does have green roofing and various other facilities, so it is a sustainable site and we are working very, very hard to make it even more so in the future.”
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The final in the latest series of road closures for works on the A1, as part of the Grantham Southern Relief Road project, has been temporarily postponed
A weekend northbound A1 closure was due to be in place between 8pm on Friday, May 20 and 6am on Monday, May 23.
However, Lincolnshire County Council said the closure has been temporarily postponed and once new dates have been confirmed they will be shared.
Works on phase three began in April this year, with the council anticipating that winter 2023 will be the completion date for the relief road.
This will be with the view to reduce congestion and carbon emissions, and provide opportunities for growth in the local economy.
The £102 million Grantham Southern Relief Road project has been led by Lincolnshire County Council, supported by South Kesteven District Council, Highways England, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Network Rail, Homes England, the Department for Transport and local business contributions.
Safety improvements have been carried out at corner where numerous accidents have occurred in East Keal.
The council is looking into what else can be done to prevent motorists from coming off the road at Hall Corner, while police are looking into the possibility of fitting a speed camera.
A cement lorry recently overturned on the corner in February.
Lincolnshire County Council has found a slight dip in the road where Blacksmith Lane meets the A16 could be the reason why heavy vehicles travelling at excessive speed are tipping over.
It is considering whether to smooth out and realign the road, but says it is concious of the impact that closing the A16 would have on traffic and local businesses.
Several safety improvement measures have already been put in place, including ‘slow’ markings, enhanced bend warning signs and improved chevrons.
Problems have been found with the road surface on the corner. | Photo: Google Street View
Lincolnshire Police are assessing whether a speed camera on the corner would be beneficial, and will be taking speed readings in the coming weeks.
Larger barriers and longer safety fencing have been proposed by the public. However, the county council says that in order for it to be big enough to withstand the impact of overturned vehicles, the cost can’t be justified.
Either the local parish council or the country council could also explore whether to fund a reactive speed sign on the location.
Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “We are very thankful to the residents and members of the parish council who have given us their ideas and support in what can be done at Hall Corner. Local knowledge and personal feedback are cornerstones of what we do in terms of delivering the best solutions in the most informed way.
“There has already been much done at this bend to try and mitigate the issues faced and we now have more planned for this particular area that will go on to encourage all road users to drive accordingly in line with the road and conditions.
“I would like to thank everyone involved so far for their input. We will all work together to get the best resolution we can for Hall Corner.”
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