Chris Brandrick

We take a brief look over some of this week’s stories that didn’t make our front page.

West Common celebratory picnic

• Following news that the Lincoln Racecourse Regeneration Company (LRRC) has withdrawn its plans to bring horse racing back to the West Common, campaigners against the proposed moves are due to celebrate. On August 15, depending on weather conditions, supporters of the Hands Off Our Common campaign are welcoming anyone to come down to the West Common with their own food and refreshments for a community picnic.

Theatre Royal’s upcoming season deemed a success

• The upcoming Autumn/Winter season at the city’s Theatre Royal is being deemed a success due to attracting big names and playing host to sell-out shows. Both upcoming Brian Conley and The Armstrong & Miller performances are now sold out, with limited seats available on several other shows, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Lincolnshire companies get chance to design London 2012 olympic torch

• The London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games is searching for a concept design for the 2012 Olympic Torch. Any Lincolnshire company or individual can register their interest to develop a concept, with the successful candidate having to plan the design, engineering and manufacturing process of the Olympic Torch and its accompanying assets.“This is a fantastic opportunity for any business in the UK, but if we can encourage and support a company from Lincolnshire to design, engineer and manufacture the torch, and they won the bid, it would be absolutely fantastic,” said Cathrine Herrick from Lincolnshire County Council.
  
  More information, including details on how to apply, can be gained by contacting CompeteFor.

First Contact website offers older people easier access to services

• A new website, known as First Contact, has been launched to help make it easier for older people to access the various services they may require. The easy access to these services is designed to help older people live safely and independently. The site also offers advice on a whole range of topics, including fire safety, health and more.

Lincoln’s Ropewalk branch of McDonald’s will receive a major remodelling this summer. The restaurant will see a six-figure investment, aiming to give the fast-food outlet both a fresh and vibrant new look.

The Ropewalk refit is part of a wider investment being made by the global food chain. During 2010 alone McDonald’s UK plans to spend over £110 million remodelling over 200 of its restaurants.

The Ropewalk restaurant will adopt the new McDonald's signature look found across the country.

The refurbishment work is due to commence on Monday, August 2, and is expected to be completed by Friday, August 20. During this time the 24-hour restaurant will remain open.

A McDonald’s spokesperson detailed that the redesigned restaurant will feature the company’s new signature look, housing colourful interior design, including comfortable seating, and drop-down lighting.

The planning application for the refit reveals that in addition to a refurbishment of the existing building, which includes an improved staff room, several alterations will also be made outside.

Changes will be seen to the patio area, the car park layout, and the general landscaping of the site. A new vehicle height restrictor will also be installed.

Source: McDonald’s | Photo: Chris Brandrick for The Lincolnite