Guy Owen

A Lincoln man has teamed up with local restaurants to feed homeless people this winter, using food they would normally have thrown in the bin.

Lincoln businesses Browns Pie Shop and Ole Ole Tapas Bar have signed up to John-Jo Cafferkey’s scheme for businesses to come together to feed people sleeping rough in Lincoln.

26-year-old John-Jo, along with a number of volunteers he has recruited, will be gathering outside The Curiosity Shop – formerly Kind bar- at the top of Lincoln High Street with soup for homeless people on Friday, December 22 at 8pm.

John-Jo then hopes the run this as a weekly occasion with the restaurants, and has urged people to also donate their old warm clothes this festive period.

John-Jo, said: “It’s an idea that I had about the problem with homelessness. It came about through a conversation about the issue with Brown Pie Shop owner Danny Gill.

“I felt that I needed to sort this, just like many others do.

“In the last couple of years I understand it’s gone up in Lincolnshire by 130%, and we have more homeless people per square mile than London, so it’s a real issue.”

John-Jo currently works as a mental health support worker for Bespoke Health Care, who have also offered to help in this scheme.

“I want to feed, help and clothe as many people as we can.

“We have a message and a point that this is zero profit and zero cost as not one extra penny has been spent on this.

“It’s about a care sector and restaurant businesses coming together every Wednesday.

“Just drop anything you can offer in. Food we’re oaky with but cups, bowls and spoons or anything anyone can get hold of would be appreciated.”

If you would like to donate, you can email John-Jo directly at [email protected] or drop any donations off to 43, Redwood Drive, Waddington, Lincoln LN5 9BN.

Earlier this month, Lincolnshire Police announced they would be naming and shaming anyone charged with drink driving in the county this festive period.

The ‘Think Don’t Drink’ campaign started on Monday, December 18 and the first batch of suspects were announced on the same day. 

People on Lincoln High Street had their say on whether or not it is a good idea, and if this should be rolled out 12 months of the year.

Seventy seven-year-old Maureen Clawson believes drink drivers are not being punished enough. She said: “The trouble is nowadays, police don’t do enough to them. They want their license taking off them or locking up for a few months.”

“It will encourage people who might drink drive not to do it,” said student Lewis Brooks, 19.

Andy Timings, 41, echoed Lewis’ view. He said: “I think it’s a really good idea.

“It’s really irresponsible to drink and drive this time of year with Christmas parties.”

However, Graham Wright, who did not want to give his age, opposed the idea of people in the county being named and shamed.

“I don’t think it’s a great idea, but obviously they should be policing drink driving and drugs.”

“There’s more and more deaths and people’s lives are being put at risk,” was the verdict of Sonia Durham, 48.

Her husband, Wayne, 49, added: “People don’t stop drinking just because it’s not Christmas.”

One local resident, who did not wish to be named, took a much different view, saying: “There’s no problem, it’s not in the bible.

“You can drink and drive a much as you like.”