Guy Owen

As 250,000 people make their way to Lincoln for the Christmas Market over the next few days, The Lincolnite went for a look inside the control centre keeping everyone safe.

The security control room has a number of staff from the police, fire, ambulance, British Red Cross and stewarding, who will be working together to keep market visitors safe.

Extra security measures this year include armed officers, drone patrols, road blocks and extra CCTV coverage.

The Lincoln Christmas Market opened at 12pm today (December 7) and will run until Sunday, December 11.

Simon Colburn, Assistant Director for Health and Environmental Services at City of Lincoln Council, told The Lincolnite: “This is where all the action happens.

Simon Colburn from City of Lincoln Council Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

“This is where all of the agencies and events staff come together to make sure the market is safe and is a great place to visit.

“This year we’ve done more than we’ve ever done before, but every year we are increasing and trying to improve.”

Protesters will demonstrate later this month in opposition to the proposed animal rendering plant in Norton Disney.

The protest will take place on Saturday, December 30 at 10am at Villa Farm, the site of the proposed plant. The group will then make their way to Norton Disney village.

Witham Valley Park Preservation Group is organising the peaceful march against Lincoln Proteins LTD plans.

Back in October, over 3,000 people signed a petition to oppose the rendering plant.

They feared that the plant could produce similar smells to the rendering plant in Skellingthorpe, which has gained the infamous nickname “Smelly Skelly.”

Others noted that if the plans are accepted, the plant would be adjacent to the proposed Lancaster Bomber sculpture off the A46.

David Harrison, a spokesperson for Witham Valley Park Preservation Group, said: “There has been a very strong reaction from the local community against these proposals as we find it very hard to believe that there aren’t better sites for this development.

“We wish to urge Lincolnshire County Council to give serious consideration to all of the concerns above when a planning application is submitted.”

A planning application has not yet been submitted to Lincolnshire County Council.

Gary Hancock from Lincoln Proteins Ltd (A Hughes and Son) said: “Since the plans were announced in October, we have met with a significant number of local people as part of the public consultation.

“This has included representatives from ten local parish councils; Caroline Johnson, the MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham; Robert Jenrick, the MP for Newark and Bingham; Hill Holt Wood; Witham Valley Care Group; and a number of people who live close to the proposed site.

“These meetings have been informative and the feedback received useful. We are still reviewing comments from the local community and aim to submit a planning application for the development in the new year.”