Emily Norton

Lincoln has the second highest COVID-19 infection rate in England, and the third highest in the UK, according to government data over the last seven days.

Lincoln recorded a rate of 568 cases per 100,000 people, behind Middlesborough (617.8) and Belfast (672.1), according to the latest data on the government’s COVID dashboard.

There were a total of 564 positive cases recorded in Lincoln in the last seven days, attributed to a large outbreak at one of the city’s central nightclubs.

The majority of those are understood to be under 30, many of whom are not fully vaccinated and more susceptible to the virus.

Across the UK, the average rate of infection per 100,000 of the population is 283.8.

Public Health Lincolnshire has said it will not discourage people from going out, and is working with the city council and the unnamed affected nightclub to recover.

Natalie Liddle from Outbreak Management at the health body told BBC Radio Lincolnshire that Lincoln and Lincolnshire have traditionally been behind the national trend. The spike recorded, she added, is an expected lag, exacerbated by the lifting of lockdown.

“We have seen a rise in Lincolnshire following the normal pattern. Nationally those cases rose, as we saw in the region, and then began to come down and we have always tended to lag behind that trend. What we’re seeing is that natural spike that we would normally have, unfortunately for us that has coincided with the fact we have come out of lockdown.

“We’re managing a cluster of outbreaks in and around Lincoln. We have seen a particular increase in cases that are linked to nightclubs and the nighttime economy.”

Lincoln has recorded 9,322 positive cases since the start of the pandemic.

Two youths suspected of criminal damage at an Italian restaurant in Sleaford have been banned from all pubs and bars in the town.

The vandalism at Tiamo on Sleaford Market Place happened in the hours after England lost to Italy in the final of the European Championship on July 11.

The outdoor seating area was smashed up, with the senseless behaviour reportedly filmed by drunken perpetrators.

Sergeant Stuart Mumby-Croft from Lincolnshire Police said: “I can confirm that both suspects have been identified and spoken to by police and are being dealt with for causing that damage.

“Further, both suspects have this week been issued with bans from all pubs and bars in the Sleaford area thanks to their clear demonstration of how they behave after too much to drink.”

Chairs ruined, I wonder if whoever did it feels better about themselves now. | Photo: Tiamo Italian

He added that the ban was not the first to be issued to drunken and abusive revellers in the town.

“Another ban is being served today on a male who was aggressive and abusive to bar staff when drunk in Sleaford over the weekend.

“If you cannot handle your drink and you cause issues in the town centre on a night out, we will work with Pub Watch and seek to take your choice to go out, get drunk and cause problems out of your hands.”

Tiamo Italian recently took to social media to thank the local community who had supported the business through the ordeal.

They wrote: “Thank you so much to the whole of the Sleaford community for clubbing together yesterday to help us. Your help, your support and your kindness has been incredible.

“There’s too many people to mention, but from going to Grantham to buy trellis, getting wood, turning up with drills and screwdrivers, fixing furniture, getting furniture, sending flowers, leaving voicemails, bringing cookies, fundraising and donations, sending videos of the culprits, messages of support.

“You’re all amazing people and THIS is Sleaford.”