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June 7, 2022 7.00 pm This story is over 21 months old

Residents to fight back against off-road cycle park plans

There are ‘many, many more’ objections coming
The Wolds Cycle Park will be built near South Willingham | Photo: Lincs Design Consultancy

Lincolnshire’s first off-road cycle park would have a ‘profound’ impact on nearby villages, residents have warned.

The Wolds Cycle Park is proposed for Hainton Estate near South Willingham, and promises professional trails for both beginners and experts.

It initially enjoyed a glowing reception, with cyclists from across the East Midlands supporting the plans.

However, a South Willingham resident who is helping to organise opposition to it warned that local people will make their voice heard.

“There were a lot of positive comments that were orchestrated by the publicity campaign. But now that local people are reading the documents, they’re not happy with it at all,” he said.

“I delivered 22 objections to East Lindsey District Council myself this week, and there are many, many more coming.

“The overwhelming majority of people in South Willingham are against it. Even people who originally liked the idea have changed their minds once they saw what was in the plans.

“If the park really takes off, we could be seeing hundreds of extra visitors a day – or more for weekends and events – which would have a profound impact on the area.

How the visitors centre would look | Photo: Lincs Design Consultancy

“Our roads are already popular with local cycling groups and horse riders, who don’t want all this extra traffic. Why does this have to be built in the Wolds?

“The applicants claim that it would be great for the area’s economy, but I can’t see any visitors using our local B&Bs or shops.

“There’s also the question of the environmental impact to 100 acres of Outstanding Natural Beauty. I doubt the biodiversity will go up when five metre wide tracks are being dug all over the place.”

The plans have been submitted by Louth-based Lincs Design Consultancy on behalf of Focus Rides.

The application says the proposal will have a very low impact on the natural surroundings, and the visitors centre would be sympathetic to the environment.

Kevin Smith, who runs Focus Rides, said: “The Lincolnshire Wolds is the perfect spot for a cycle park that will be the only one of its kind in the wider region. There are many passionate off-road cyclists across the county, but there isn’t a single purpose-built facility to cater for them within Lincolnshire’s borders.

“The park will promote a healthy and active lifestyle, and the site we have identified provides the perfect mix of excellent undulation while avoiding any significant visual impact on the surrounding area.”

The park would have both health and economic benefits for the area, the application claims | Photo: Lincs Design Consultancy

Lincs Design Consultancy director Daniel Sharp said: “The project proposals have been developed following extensive public and statutory consultation and have been led by a thorough team of specialist consultants.

“The proposal will provide a significant ecological and biodiversity net gain as proven by the specialist consultants’ reports.

“The trail itself will be incredibly low-impact – all features will be constructed with soil from the site and dressed with fine limestone, so they are less impactful on the environment than a farm track, for example.

The application can be viewed on East Lindsey District Council’s website.

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March 15, 2024 2.46 pm

The 2024 Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards are now open for nominations, seeking to spotlight outstanding businesses within the Greater Lincolnshire area.

Hosted by Stonebow Media, the publisher behind The Lincolnite and the MyLocal platform, this prestigious event is designed to honour the achievements of the regional business community.

Thanks to the headline sponsorship from the University of Lincoln Enterprise & Research department, the Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards are a unique opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of local enterprises.

The awards are also sponsored by Ringrose Law, Duncan & Toplis, Sills & Betteridge and Pearson Hydraulics. A small number of sponsorship opportunities remain available. Contact [email protected] to discuss partnerships.

Businesses can nominate themselves across eleven awards categories:

  • SME of the Year
  • Family Business of the Year
  • International Business Achiever of the Year
  • Business Innovation/Innovator of the Year
  • Emerging Business of the Year
  • Charitable Business of the Year
  • Environmental/Sustainable Business of the Year
  • Rising Star of the Year
  • Business Leader of the Year
  • Business of the Year
  • Tech Business of the Year

Nominate now! Entries open on the Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards website.

The deadline for nominations is May 24, with the judges’ deliberation lunch set for May 29. The judging panel includes business experts and professionals from Lincolnshire and event sponsors.

The Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards 2024 gala will take place at the Engine Shed on July 12, 2024.

For more details on the categories, sponsors, and judges, visit the Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards website.

Reasons to enter:

  • Enhance profile & credibility: Securing an award or being shortlisted acts as a powerful endorsement, signaling trustworthiness to potential customers and helping to distinguish your business from competitors. Displaying the award on your communications can significantly boost your brand’s perception.
  • Insightful focus & feedback: The application process encourages deep reflection on your business strategy and direction, offering invaluable feedback and clarity, even for new ventures.
  • Team confidence boost: Recognition from the awards can significantly uplift your team’s morale, affirming the value and potential of your business in the eyes of industry experts.
  • Marketing & PR boost: Being associated with the awards, even as a nominee, can enhance brand visibility, providing ample content opportunities for social media and other marketing channels.
  • Networking opportunities: The awards connect you with local business leaders and experts, offering a platform to seek advice, share ideas, and foster future partnerships. The ceremony itself is an excellent occasion for networking with peers and celebrating mutual successes.
  • Potential to win: Entering offers a chance to win and gain all the associated benefits, but even without taking home a trophy, the process can yield significant advantages for your business.

February 28, 2024 5.00 pm

Vet nurse Elisha Clarke from VetStation holding Cookie the kitten and stood with Pet Psychic Beth Lee-Crowther. | Photo: Channel 5

A Lady Gaga loving kitten owned by a couple who run a charity for disabled pets featured on Channel 5’s The Pet Psychic.

Pet Psychic Beth Lee-Crowther comes to the aid of pet owners and in Tuesday night’s episode she met Cookie the kitten, a depressed camel, and looked at whether a dog can predict the future.

Read the full story on MyLocal, the new home of The Lincolnite

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