Dale Benton

Lincolnshire law firm Sills & Betteridge LLP will occupy newly refurbished office space on Clasketgate in Lincoln.

With a growing team of lawyers, the firm have taken up the ground floor af Aquis House, as well as three other upper floors.

Their current office on Silver Street has been redeveloped into a conveyancing property shop that aims to aid home buyers, property developers and investors in the selling, purchasing, developing or letting of residential properties.

Sills & Betteridge LLP has expanded over the last three years across Lincolnshire, with the firm merging with practices in Sleaford, Boston and Skegness and the development of a new office in Gainsborough.

Andrew Payne, Senior Partner, said the refurbishment of the office and move into Aquis House is a testament of the firm’s growth and success.

He said: “It has been a good year for the firm and we would like to capitalise on our success by showing we offer our existing clients the best possible service.

“Sills & Betteridge LLP have been offering legal services to the people of the city and beyond for 250 years and we are delighted to be able to invest our future in Lincoln.”

A by-election to replace a no-show Lincoln councillor will be held for residents in his ward next month.

Darren Grice, former Conservative Leader of the City of Lincoln Council, failed to turn up to a single council meeting over a six month period.

His last appearance at a scheduled council meeting was on January 8, 2013 — just one out of 10 meetings this year.

Records show that Councillor Grice attended only 18 out of 58 council meetings since he was re-elected in May 2011.

To avoid being removed from Council, he needed to attend the Full Council meeting at the Guildhall on June 25. He did not attend.

As a result of his continued unapproved absence, Councillor Grice is no longer a member of the council, with his turn of office officially drawing to a close this week.

Residents in his ward, Bracebridge, will now be given the opportunity to vote at a by-election on August 22.

Grice was the Conservative City Council leader from 2008 to 2011, and a councillor for the Bracebridge Ward for eight years.

He was removed from the Conservative Party in February 2013 and became an independent.

Steve Swain, Principal Democratic Officer, said: “As of July 9 Darren Grice ceased to be a member of the city council.

“As a result of his non-attendance at meetings for six months, we will now hold a by-election for the Bracebridge ward on August 22.”

Any candidates wishing to stand in the election will need to complete nomination forms by noon July 26.

Nomination forms are available from the elections office at City Hall.