People in Lincolnshire roundly rejected the potential idea of eating insects after it was revealed a new industrial venture could be on its way this week.
Lincolnshire County Council’s economy and environment portfolio holder Councillor Colin Davie said on Tuesday that there’s strong interest in producing insect protein-based foods in Lincolnshire.
This included protein sourced from insects fed on waste products, with an announcement potentially due to be made in the near future.
Insect farms are seen to be more sustainable than meat and fish, with a minimal environmental footprint.
Many see it as a potential replacement for meat and other protein sources as the population grows and food production is limited.
As well as being a source of protein, many edible insects also include a number of vitamins, iron, omega and amino acids.
Internationally, bugs have been on the menu in many countries and cultures for hundreds of thousands years.
According to reports there are nearly 30 edible insect businesses in the UK, including cricket farms, restaurants, product manufacturers and retailers.
Horizon Edible Insects in London for instance, lists mealworms used for “bug burgers”, cricket powder which can be used as a protein supplement in shakes and incorporated into baked goods, and edible locusts.
The company also offers lessons on how to cook insects and provide guides and resources to start up your own colonies.
Residents were asked on social media if they would eat bugs as a replacement for things like brussel sprouts.
Richard Lemin said: “That’s just not cricket!”
Benjamin McLoughlin said: “If, by alternative to Brussel Sprouts, you mean, another food that I’d rather chew my own foot off than eat, then yes.”
Christine Eileen Wilson said: “They won’t be on my food menu, thank you very much.”
Tamyka Otter said: “Not a chance mate! You would never catch me eating stuff like that.”
Steven Grayson joked: “I heard it was getting shut down, as there were no bugs in kitchen.”
“Bug off,” said Cara Wiseman.
Some were more supportive, with Geoff Adams commenting: “I’ve heard that certain types of insects can be ground down to make a very healthy substitute for wheat flour to make an alternative to bread.
“A healthy protein rich slice to spread your butter and marmalade on in the morning”
Mark Finlay asked: “Aren’t they just land prawns?”
A short survey of staff in the Lincolnite office found a majority voting “no”.
However, one colleague said they might try it if it was “tempura battered and dipped in katsu sauce… or in sushi”.
Another eats them regularly and described them as a “great source of protein”.
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A family-run jewellers with more than 50 years’ experience is relocating from Newark to open in Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter next week.
Smiths The Jewellers was based on Balderton Gate in Newark for 18 years, but it will now move into the unit previously occupied by Oxfam at 26-27 Sincil Street.
The new shop will open at 10am on Saturday, June 4 and the business has collaborated with Chambers Florists, also of the Cornhill Quarter, to do a jubilee themed window display.
Smiths The Jewellers is a traditional family-run business selling a wide range of jewellery, both new and pre-owned, as well as buying unwanted and broken jewellery. The shop will also offer services such as repairs, alterations and valuations.
The four employees will move over to the new shop and two new jobs have also been created.
Business owner Sonya Smith is the third generation of a family of jewellers and she told The Lincolnite: “We had some amazing customers in Newark, and also who travelled from Lincoln. We are excited to be opening in Lincoln.
“The Cornhill Quarter is vibrant and such a nice place to be and will allow us to expand. We are a great family business with a lot of loyal followers.”
The trial of a Skegness woman who denies causing the death of Nottingham Trent University student Hope Starsmore by dangerous driving has been put back until next year.
Rebecca Porter, 33, of Cottesmore Close, Skegness, was due to go on trial at Lincoln Crown Court on June 27. Her trial was expected to last four days.
However a pre-trial hearing at Lincoln Crown Court was today (Friday) told more time is needed to gather evidence from expert witnesses.
Judge Catarina Sjolin Knight told Ms Porter her trial would now be listed at Lincoln Crown Court on April 17 next year.
Granting Ms Porter unconditional bail Judge Sjolin Knight explained to her: “Unfortunately there is very little realistic prospect of this trial being ready for June 27.
“I know that is difficult for you. I am sure it is also difficult for the family of the lady who was killed.”
At a previous hearing in October last year Porter pleaded not guilty to causing the death of Ms Starsmore on October 7, 2020 by dangerous driving on the A158 at Burgh le Marsh, near Skegness.
Ms Starsmore was rushed to hospital after a collision in Skegness Road, Burgh le Marsh, at around 8.15am on Wednesday, October 7.
Despite multiple operations, doctors were unable to save her and she died eight days after the crash.
Ms Starsmore had just started a course in medical science at Nottingham Trent University and wanted to become a paramedic.
Due to coronavirus, she had decided to live at home in Skegness and study. She also opted to commute to Nottingham once a week.
She was airlifted to Hull Royal Infirmary after the crash and placed in a medically-induced coma.
Her brother and her partner had been travelling with her on their way to Nottingham Trent University and received minor injuries.
Despite having moved to the Lincolnshire seaside, Hope had grown up in Corby, Northamptonshire.
Porter will next appear at Lincoln Crown Court on June 27 for a further pre-trial hearing.
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