The health problems worrying officials in each part of Lincolnshire

From heatwaves in concrete jungles to uninhabitable caravans, public health officials are keeping an eye on emerging problems across Lincolnshire.

However, the nature of the challenges are very different depending where you live.

Those in towns might struggle with poor housing or mental health problems, while coastal residents are more likely to be affected by a shortage for medical services and unhealthy lifestyles.

A report by the Director of Public Health, Derek Ward, reveals the different problems faced by each part of Lincolnshire.

It divides the county into urban centres, industrial towns, coastal communities and rural or market towns.

While there are some issues that are common across the county, such as fuel poverty, each area also has its own unique problems.

The report is available to read online and will be discussed at this week’s Lincolnshire County Council Executive meeting.

Here are the biggest problems across the county.

Urban centres (e.g. Lincoln, Boston, Grantham)

Built-up areas tend to have more deprivation | Photo: CoLC

• Overcrowding and the transmission of diseases in Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs)
• Vulnerable people clustered in deprived areas, creating areas with fewer opportunities and more challenges accessing services and jobs
• Higher rates of depression, anxiety and other mental health problems
• Climate change-induced heatwaves, with concrete expanses and less green space leading to ‘urban heat islands’

Urban industrial centres (e.g. Gainsborough, Grimsby, Scunthorpe)

British Steel is the largest employee in Scunthorpe | Photo: North Lincolnshire Council

• Poor quality terrace housing, where lack of insulation or maintenance leads to mould and damp problems
• Higher levels of pollution from traffic and surrounding industry, and less access to green space
• Poor transport links, creating barriers to finding work or forming relationships
• Zero-hour and unsociable contracts which make it more difficult to attend medical appointments.

Coastal communities (e.g. Mablethorpe, Skegness)

Lincolnshire has 50 miles of coastal towns and villages | Photo: Kurnia Aerial Photography

• A large population of elderly people who tend to have poorer health
• Strain on healthcare network during the ‘summer swell’ tourist season
• Attracting GPs, nurses and dentists is described as “ever more challenging”
• Low-paid seasonal work, presenting barriers to higher-skilled employment
• Static caravans used as housing, despite not being meant for permanent living
• Concentration of fast food takeaways and gambling outlets.

Rural and market towns (e.g. Holbeach, Market Rasen, Sleaford)

Caistor Market Square | Photo: Google

• Increased pressure on the health system as young people leave and older people move in
• Rising costs threatening the viability of residential care homes and sheltered housing
• Difficulty organising community support, which means people are waiting in hospital longer
• Low-income households driven out by lack of affordable housing
• Dust and dirt exposure caused by farm work, which also leads to increases accidents and injuries.

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