MP responds to concerns over rural road where 12-year-old tragically died
A petition calling for improvements to the road has almost 2k signatures
MP for Gainsborough Edward Leigh has acknowledged calls for improvements and a speed limit on the B1190 Bardney Causeway, writing a letter of reply to the creator of a petition on the issue.
A Lincolnshire MP has sent a letter to the creator of a petition calling for a speed limit and cameras on the road where a crash cost a 12-year-old boy his life.
The petition (see it in full here) is calling for the introduction of a 40mph speed limit on the B1190 Bardney Causeway, as well as asking for improvement works on the road maintenance, such as the filling in of numerous potholes.
The Bardney Causeway is the road that tragically saw 12-year-old Ted Vines from Alford lose his life in a car crash on Sunday, January 16, while on his way to a football match in Branston. The cause of the crash is as yet unknown, and Lincolnshire Police are investigating the circumstances.
Ted Vines. | Photo: Lincolnshire Police
The petition for road improvements had 1,855 signatures at the time of reporting, and many residents are asking Lincolnshire County Council to take action.
It reads: “For years locals have said the words – ‘something terrible will happen on this road one day’ – and now devastatingly it has. This road has many issues, some of which would be extremely costly and would take time to implement straight away.
“However we can make a start in our call for change on this road by requesting the B1190 is changed to a 40mph speed limit and request speed cameras are also introduced to the road.
“Very sadly there is nothing we can do for Ted and his family. Too little too late. However we can make a difference to the future of the road and hopefully prevent anything like this happening ever again. Enough words, now time for actions.”
Some have already been acknowledged and sprayed for scheduled work by the county council’s highways team. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Some of the potholes on the road have already been sprayed and acknowledged for scheduled repair work by the council, but there are still numerous cracks in the road.
MP for Gainsborough Sir Edward Leigh, whose constituency covers the road in question, has issued a letter of response to the creator of the petition Rachel Hippey, saying he notes concerns about the road quality.
Sir Edward said he has written to Lincolnshire County Council to ask for their comments on Rachel’s behalf, but also clarified that he cannot comment on the specific case of Ted Vines due to the ongoing police investigation.
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Part of the letter reads: “I note your concerns about the road in question, the speeding traffic and your witnessing of many accidents, and as you describe, near misses and incidents on the road which you believe is very hard to maintain, resulting in pot-holes, bumps, cracks, subsidence and an overall state of disrepair along the whole stretch.”
Rachel has also been assured by Bardney Town Council it will raise the issue with LCC, and Sir Edward has promised a follow-up response once he hears back from the county council.
The road has multiple cracks and potholes. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
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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.