North Lincolnshire Council

A new pothole repairing machine will soon be on the streets across North Lincolnshire – filling potholes four times faster than the current system.

The new machine – part of the council’s multi-million pound highways investment – is greener, safer, quicker and creates better repairs.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, is looking forward to seeing the pothole machine out on the roads. He said: “Innovation must be at the heart of all we do to fix perennial problems and here we can see a commitment to doing things differently to ensure our roads are safe for motorists.

“We cannot stop potholes forming but we can improve how we tackle the problem – this new machine it means they can be repaired much quicker and it will play a big part in our highway improvement works going forward.”

The new machine, which is being leased from Scunthorpe-based business Archway Roadmaster, reduces carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent.

It is safer for those carrying out the work and drivers as everything is controlled from inside the cab and it is much quicker, repairing defects in minutes with minimal disruption to traffic.

Cllr Neil Poole, cabinet member for Highways, said: “This is a strategic investment in our road network and will make a huge difference to communities across the area.”

Now the council is looking for suggestions to name the machine ahead of its maiden shift – anything goes, as long as they are fun, original – and clean.

Cllr Poole added: “As it’s the first pothole machine we are using in North Lincolnshire, we decided it was only right and proper it is given a name. We received some amazing ideas from people when naming the gritters so I’m expecting some imaginative ideas this time.”

To submit your name ideas, fill in the online form here.

Hundreds of youngsters have taken advantage of free swimming across the six pools in North Lincolnshire as part of the Council’s Summer Daze sessions.

Almost 3,000 sessions have happened as children from across the area have been swimming for free at the council’s leisure centres in Brigg, Crowle, Barton-upon-Humber, the two Scunthorpe pools at the Pods and Riddings and at Epworth Swimming Pool.

The inflation busting programme makes the sessions available for all under 16s for the whole six-week summer holiday.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s been brilliant to hear just how many young people have taken advantage of the free swimming sessions – it’s not the first time we’ve done it and it certainly won’t be the last.

“These sessions really help hard-working parents keep their children occupied in a safe environment.”

The sessions continue to take place at The Pods in Scunthorpe, Ancholme Leisure Centre in Brigg, Axholme North Leisure Centre in Crowle, Baysgarth Community Hub in Barton-upon-Humber, Riddings Community Hub in Scunthorpe and at Epworth Swimming Pool until Sunday, 4 September.

Cllr Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for Safer, Stronger, Communities – Rural, said: “Swimming is a really important life skill and it is also a really good way for children to stay active, keeping them fit and healthy while they have lots of fun too.

“There has already been loads of children take advantage of this amazing offer and I am sure many more will for the last couple of weeks of the summer holidays.”

The Summer Daze free swim sessions are part of the NL Active summer holiday activity programme that also includes discounted 3G football and racket sports, junior gym classes, badminton coaching, and other pool activities such as snorkelling, sea scooters, mermaid / merman training, pool inflatable and funsplash sessions, and crash course swimming lessons.

You can find out more about all the NL Active summer holidays activities including the holiday timetable on our website.

Young people across North Lincolnshire can also still get involved in the Fuelled activity programme – which returned bigger and better than ever this year.

Since launching the scheme with Government cash in April 2021, the council has worked with community groups to enable thousands of children, many from low-income families to join boredom-busting activities.

This summer there has been more events to enjoy than ever before, with exciting new activities including motocross featuring alongside popular favourites like arts and crafts and sports camps.

Visit the Fuelled page on our website to find out more.