LINCOLNSHIRE Police are encouraging motorists to keep their vehicles secure after a sharp rise in thefts of catalytic converters.

Police have had 22 incidents reported to them since the start of December and they are now offering advice on how to prevent it from happening to you.

Sgt Stuart Brotherton, of Spalding Police, said: “Park your vehicle in a well lit area if possible, security lighting is very useful, particularly sensor lights which can be as cheap as £10.”

Thieves can access catalytic converters by crawling under the vehicle and then either saw them off or unscrew the bolts they are fixed on with which can take as little as 90 seconds.

Sgt Brotherton added: “Placing something heavy under the car, like a block of concrete, can help as it will make a noise when it’s moved and act as a deterrent.”

A catalytic converter can fetch a thief around £200, but could cost the victim £1,000 to replace.

Police also recommend using special markers to engrave catalytic converters.

Thieves commonly target 4x4s and vans as they sit higher from the ground, so parking them close to another car is a good way to reduce the risk.

Police are urging anyone who see anything suspicious to report it immediately by ringing 101.

A MAN broke a hotel window with his hand after being asked to leave over an argument with his sister’s ex-boyfriend, Spalding magistrates heard.

John Clarkson (28), of Lawyers Close, Holbeach, was drinking in the Chequers hotel in Holbeach with his father on December 18 when the ‘ex’ walked in.

John Mitchell, prosecuting, said the landlady asked Clarkson to leave after Clarkson and the other man became quite aggressive towards one another.

Mr Mitchell said: “On leaving he was seen to raise his hand towards one of the windows. He struck the window, causing it to smash.”

When police talked to him, Clarkson couldn’t remember breaking the window but accepted he was responsible and was happy to pay for the damage.

Clarkson pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a window belonging to Mark Andrews and was conditionally discharged for six months.

He was ordered to pay £45 compensation for two panes of glass and £85 towards prosecution costs.

Rachel Stevens, mitigating, said Clarkson was deeply ashamed of his behaviour.

She said: “He had been out drinking. He had been drinking far more than he should have done and he is the first to accept that.”

Miss Stevens said the ex-boyfriend had previously injured Clarkson’s sister in a violent assault.

When asked to leave, he broke the window “in a fit of pique”.

She said Clarkson was responsible for damage to one pane of glass, not two.

In 1956 I was in the Royal Navy’s Devonport Field Gun Crew whose base was HMS Drake in Devonport.

Subsequently Devonport Dockyard remained the home for the Devonport Field Gun Association.

Last year the Ministry of Defence gave the Field Gun Association notice to leave and it is now based at Crownhill Fort in Plymouth, which houses a Devonport Field Gun Museum.

However, all records and photographs for the 1956 crew are missing, so I am trying to trace any field gunners from then or any other year who may have photographs or personal records or memories.

If we were able to make copies they could be included in the museum records. I would also be delighted to hear from old field gunners of any year.

Stewart McKenzie

Clitheroe

Telephone: 01200 429825

stewartmckenzie@talktalk.net

THE future of Spalding’s Castle Sports Complex could be thrown open to public debate within the next few weeks.

After many months of behind the scenes planning, the district council is almost ready to unveil its ideas and start a public consultation to find out what facilities residents want to see.

The options on the table range from doing nothing, which would mean the loss of a swimming pool in the town as the existing one is not up to scratch, to a complete rebuild and redesign of the whole site.

District council portfolio holder for economic developer Coun Howard Johnson said the redesign would be his preferred choice as it would be the only one which would provide the district with what it needs for future generations.

He said: “Clearly the way to go is a total redevelopment of the whole site which would include a swimming pool complex, five-a-side all-weather pitches and landscaping to provide a really nice area for families.

“That could include areas for taking a walk and having a picnic and possibly an outdoor paddling pool.

“What that would do is give the people of Spalding something they have never had before, a nice grass area to walk and play in, so I strongly favour it.

“The other options are not really options at all in my opinion.”

As well as the redevelopment and doing nothing, other options could be to carry out a minor refurbishment, such as fixing leaks at the swimming pool, or a major refurbishment within the existing buildings.

Another consideration could be to provide the facilities at a new location on the outskirts of town.

Coun Johnson said: “People would not really see any outward benefit to a minor refurbishment and even a major refurbishment would still mean we would end up with a 1970s facility.

“It could improve footfall in the short term but the people of South Holland deserve better.

“The current Castle site is well-liked and easily accessible on foot, so I do not think people will want to see the sports centre move out of town.”

In the past it has been suggested that a new sports complex would include a 25m six-lane pool, a learner pool, a six badminton court sports hall, changing areas and an 80 station gym. The bowls hall could become separate and the outdoor athletics, tennis and football areas would be lost.

But council leader Gary Porter sounded a note of caution, saying the plans need to be considered against a background of difficult economic conditions and depended on the council having the money to take them forward.

A detailed study of the financial implications into the options are currently being carried out.

A CAMPAIGNER who successfully saved Moulton’s bus services is to turn her attention to securing a children’s play area for the village.

Stephanie Liquorish, of Broad Lane, who last year led villagers in a fight to stop bus firm Norfolk Green slashing its service, is now hoping people will get behind her and support her efforts.

She is asking for anyone who has or knows of a suitable site where swings and slides could be put up to get in touch, and wants as many people as possible to sign a petition in support of her plans.

She said: “All of the other villages have somewhere for the children to go but here in Moulton we have nothing.

“I have a great deal of sympathy for the village children and their parents who would like somewhere for them to play.

“A number of parents have approached me and asked me if we can do anything to get a play area. I don’t know how easy it is going to be, but I would like to try and am asking for everyone’s support.

“It’s a real shame that at the moment the village hasn’t got a park and I am sure many of the parents and other villagers would be willing to help raise money to make it possible.”

Mrs Liquorish is now intending to send out leaflets to homes in the village to gauge support for her plans.

She said: “I think the parish council has tried before to get a play area, but there has been problems with planning permission.

“It’s going to be hard work, but I want to make this my mission for 2012.

“After the bus campaign, John Hayes described me as an asset to the village and I want to do this for the community.”

Contact Stephanie on 01406 373608.

A SPALDING school is proud to have boosted numbers of students and staff who cycle in to an average 95 a day – but allows it could do better.

The Sir John Gleed School, which has more than 1,500 pupils now the girls’ and boys’ campuses have joined together, entered a county-wide contest aimed at increasing the proportion of children pedalling rather than being driven to school.

Girls’ campus PE teacher Hannah Bray, who organised the school’s push to pedal power aided by keen cyclists, students Charlotte Brooks and Rachel Yardly, said: “The contest was held just before the Christmas holidays – we counted the number of cycles coming in daily.

“We know not every school in the county took part and while we didn’t win, ourselves and St Paul’s School were the only ones in Spalding to get a certificate and a mention.

“Of course many of our students come by foot or by bus and others may come from too far to cycle, but we know we could still do better.

“We’re expecting visitors from British Cycling and the Go Ride campaign in the build-up to the Olympics this year. Hopefully that will do the trick!”

COLLEAGUES of a police officer killed in a road accident at Langtoft have paid tribute to her.

DC Karen Paterson (44), of Hamilton Close, Bourne. died at the scene of the crash in King Street on January 6.

Cambridgeshire Police Chief Constable Simon Parr said: “DC Paterson’s death has been a shock to us all and my thoughts are with her family and colleagues as they come to terms with this tragic news.

“Karen was an extremely popular member of the force and the sheer number of messages of condolence from officers, staff and other work colleagues pays tribute to this.”

A 38-YEAR-OLD man accused of trying to fraudulently obtain £48,750 by claiming to be two other people has had his case adjourned.

Kelvin Ralph appeared at Spalding Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with seven fraud offences.

He is accused of opening current accounts over the internet with Halifax while pretending to be Darren Robinson and Paul Bourner.

The other five charges relate to attempts to secure loans over the internet ranging from £8,500 to £12,000 from Halifax and the Co-operative.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2009 and 2011.

Magistrates granted a request for the case to be adjourned for two weeks to allow prosecution papers to be sent to the defence.

Ralph, of Stephenson Way, Bourne, was granted unconditional bail and must now appear before the court again on January 24.

CHILDREN from Surfleet Seas End Primary School donned military uniform for a tour of the marshes at Freiston Shore, near Boston, and a close-up look at Second World War installations such as pillboxes and gun emplacements.

Class teacher Ben Newstead said, as part of their history studies, pupils rode there on a military vehicle while wearing military uniform and carrying WW2 weaponry.

He said: “The children enjoyed WW2 style meals consisting of porridge for breakfast, corned beef, potatoes and carrots for lunch and a baked apple and bread pudding, covered in custard. This is definitely a trip that the children will remember. A fantastic and fully enriching day.”

A HUSBAND divorcing his wife reported her for drink driving the day he went to their former matrimonial home to collect his belongings.

Jenette Edwards (63) gave one breath test at the police station which showed 150 microgrammes of alcohol – four times the legal limit – but was too drunk to give a second, Spalding magistrates heard.

Drink-drivers are required by law to give two samples and the lower reading is put before the courts if it is higher than the prescribed limit of 35mcgs.

Edwards, of Holbeach Drove, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis and was banned from driving for two years and ordered to pay a total of £200 in fines and costs.

Magistrates offered her the chance to cut the ban by six months if she completes a rehabilitation course.

Prosecutor John Mitchell said the husband was standing in the garden on November 16 when Edwards returned home, overshooting the drive and stopping just on the lawn.

She reversed back up the driveway, narrowly missing the gatepost.

Mr Mitchell said Mr Edwards reported the incident because he was concerned about his wife hurting someone due to drinking and driving.

Solicitor Beris Brickles said the incident happened against a long term background of depression and a problem with alcohol.

He said the couple had been married for 41 and a half years and the husband had taken out divorce proceedings.

Mr Brickles said Edwards had consumed some alcohol after finishing driving that day and before giving one breath sample at Boston Police Station.

He said she couldn’t provide a second sample because she was so intoxicated.

Edwards was visibly upset during the hearing and the court allowed her daughter to sit beside her.

Monday, 12.50pm: A MYSTERIOUS plane which has been circling the sky above South Holland this morning has been confirmed as NATO.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman says the E-3 AWACS has been completing a standard training exercise over the midlands.

He said the aircraft had travelled from Belgium and had been maintaining a standard orbit.

Monday, 11.30am: A PLANE which has been circling the sky above South Holland is understood to be a military aircraft.

A number of readers have been calling in to find out what the plane might be since it was first spotted circling the area several hours ago.

Fran Healands, of Station Road, Surfleet, said she has been watching the “very large” plane all morning.

She said: “I can not get my binoculars to stay still enough to see what it is and it’s just that little bit too high.”

A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority said they understand the aircraft belongs to the military.

BURGLARS entered two Spalding homes on Friday night and Saturday morning while residents were there, but fled empty handed both times.

The raids in Halmergate and Knipe Avenue were among a spate of attacks on businesses and homes since Thursday when laptops, cameras and jewellery were stolen.

Burglars made a hole in the roof of the Spar Shop at Crowland on Saturday night or Sunday morning.

But the damage to the roof prevented the door of the washroom opening so offenders couldn’t enter the rest of the shop.

Electrical goods and items of jewellery were stolen from a home in Millgate, Whaplode, between 2pm and 9.30pm on Saturday when burglars smashed French windows to get in.

Between 3pm and 6pm on Thursday burglars stole a laptop and jewellery from a house in Cleveland Close, Spalding, and a laptop and three digital cameras were stolen from a day nursery in High Street, Spalding, between Thursday and Friday.

l Witnesses can contact DC Nicola Stafford at Spalding police Station by dialling 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A MAN who drove in Hospital Drove, Long Sutton, while disqualified was given a year-long community order and told to do 60 hours unpaid work when he appeared before Spalding magistrates on Thursday.

Mark Bossiere (39), a chef from Wisbech Road, Walpole St Andrew, must also pay £85 towards prosecution costs. His licence will be endorsed with six points.

He admitted driving while disqualified on December 18 and driving without insurance on the same day.

He received no separate penalty for the insurance offence.

THERE are still a few tables remaining for Spalding Round Table’s annual boxing event.

Guest speaker will be former world light-heavyweight champion John Conteh.

The black tie event is at Springfields Exhibition Centre, Spalding, on Saturday, February 25, from 7pm and will feature ten bouts between the Police and Community Boxing Association and the Royal Marines.

Prior to that there will a three-course meal and coffee, followed by an auction of boxing memorabilia.

Organiser Tom Wright, of Spalding Round Table, said: “We want the event to be as successful as last year in raising funds for local charities and good causes, as well as providing an excellent night of entertainment.

“We have a few tables remaining and if people would like to book or require further information, please call me on 01775 823016.”

Tables of 12 seats are £720 (individual tickets are also available).

MAGISTRATES say they have given a man from Deeping St James one final chance to turn his life around.

Lewis Tripp (20) was told the next bench may not be able to consider anything but custody as he was handed a suspended prison sentence on Thursday.

Tripp, of Hereward Way, appeared at Spalding Magistrates’ Court to be sentenced for taking a vehicle without consent, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance, and being in breach of a community order.

He also entered a guilty plea to one further charge of criminal damage to a fence.

Jill Darby, prosecuting said the motoring offences were uncovered following an incident on August 14, when Tripp was pursued by car and on foot by two police officers.

The court heard Tripp kicked at a fence on November 17 following a “heated exchange” with a former girlfriend in relation to the criminal damage charge.

The community order breach related to two missed appointments and failing to notify the probation service of a changed address in November. The order had been imposed in March following a conviction for driving whilst disqualified and driving without due care and attention.

In defence, Mike Alexander said Tripp suffered from mental health problems and was suspected to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). He told the court Tripp’s long-term relationship with his pregnant partner had broken down after he lost his job and he has been denied access to the child since its birth.

Mr Alexander said Tripp had since moved back home to his parents and was getting help for his problems.

“This is a young man who had been willing to complete the community order up to that point,” he said. “He has now got a stable home life with his parents and they are taking him to his appointments and unpaid work appointments.

“They will do whatever they can to make sure their son does not end up in prison.”

Presiding magistrate George Hoyles gave Tripp a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, for the motoring offences, and a further 16-week suspended sentence, to run concurrently, for breaching the community order.

Tripp was banned from driving for two years and given an 18-month supervision order. He must also pay £10 compensation to Julie Amphlett for damaging the fence.

Mr Hoyles told him: “Do not think you have got off lightly,. This is your last chance to stay out of custody. Think more and learn about life, do what they ask you to do and come out a better person.”

BOURNE Town Harriers’ under-11s came home with a clutch of medals as they travelled to Louth for the Lincolnshire League Cross Country Championships.

Aaron Hunt won bronze for third boy home – a feat matched Keeley Caven in the girls’ race.

The trio of Hunt, William Hawkins and Daniel Lawrence also claimed silver medals for the second-placed U/13 boys team too.

Saskia Hunt and Molly Bennett completed the Harriers’ compliment in the U/13 section.

Elsewhere, Toby Everist ran well in the U/11 age group, while Phil Galpin and Rob Caven represented the club superbly in the seniors race.

Another delivering a strong showing was Claire Steels, who finished fifth in the senior ladies’ race.

Rounding the team off was Joe Howells, who ran well in the U/17 men’s race.

• Bourne Town Harriers’ main club training night is on a Tuesday, starting promptly at 6.30pm, while junior specific training is on a Friday from 6pm-7pm. A further senior training night is now held on Thursday.

The Harriers’ training sessions are varied and cater for all types of ability. Training continues all year round, with free expert advice from qualified coaches.

New runners of any ability are always welcome to come along and find out more. Full details of the sessions and where they are held can be found on the club website at www.bournetownharriers.org

WARMING up with a double vodka and coke landed a retired naval officer with an 18-month driving ban and a £200 court bill.

John Adams (73) was arrested after police saw him turn from the A15 into Northope Lane, Thurlby, on December 9.

John Mitchell, prosecuting, told Spalding magistrates that Adams gave a sample showing 69 microgrammes of alcohol in breath – almost double the legal limit of 35mcgs.

Solicitor Debbie Hough said Adams took a vacuum cleaner to be repaired and decided to go to a hotel and warm up with a double vodka and coke, which he mistakenly thought was a two-unit drink.

Adams, of Northorpe Lane, Thurlby, pleaded guilty to drink-driving. He was offered a four-month reduction on his ban if he completes a rehabilitation course.

STEALING money from a Bourne mental health charity has left a former volunteer with a suspended jail sentence.

Brian Cannell (58) abused his position as the only signatory for the Bourne Wellbeing Mental Health Support Group’s bank account and used the cash to improve his own standard of living.

On Tuesday, magistrates in Spalding handed him a four-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, and told him he will be electronically tagged for six months with an 8pm-8am curfew.

He must also pay back the £3,750 he took from the group.

Cannell, of The Broadway, Morton, pleaded guilty to the theft at a hearing last month and the case was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be drawn up.

Passing sentence, presiding magistrate Susan Painter said: “This is a very serious offence and a serious breach of trust committed here. You had control of the money and, rightly or wrongly, were the only signatory.

“This is a large amount of money taken from a charity, which happened over a prolonged period.”

Marie Stace, prosecuting, told how other volunteers at the newly-formed Bourne Wellbeing Mental Health Support Group had never been able to see to see the transactions on the account.

She said they became “increasingly concerned” when group secretary Cannell, who had no money, bought some new household items.

The police were finally called on November 14.

Miss Stace said Cannell told officers during an interview a week later that he intended to repay the money from his disability allowance.

Mitigating, Mike Alexander said Cannell, who has mental health problems, attended the police station voluntarily and made a full admission.

He said: “This is a man who accepted his dishonesty and came clean. He is a man who had been working as a volunteer and he said he never wanted to be involved in money. There was a problem when they set up the account and no one else was willing to do it.

“He said he was not prepared for it not to be done.”

Mr Alexander said Cannell has since had his medication increased and is seeking help.

He also read a statement from Cannell, which said: “I wish to apologise sincerely to the group and to the court and police for taking up their time.”

Magistrates have also ordered Cannell not to contact any members of the group for the next 12 months.

SPALDING Town Forum is asking Spalding and District Area Chamber of Commerce to consider managing the town’s Christmas lights.

Chamber president Jason Rooke said members recently discussed the issue and were reluctant to take on what they feel could be “potentially a poison chalice”.

But councillors at Spalding Town Forum argued the chamber could possibly get better value for the £18,940 in the kitty for this year’s lights than the council is able to.

Mr Rooke and chamber vice-president Phil Scarlett agreed to look at the issue and report back to the next town forum meeting.

Chamber members have suggested Spalding could switch from bulbs to LEDs and perhaps have celebration lights as a permanent fixture to be switched on for special occasions like the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Pumpkin Parade. These would also complement Christmas displays.

Coun Howard Johnson told the forum: “We as a council have been putting up Christmas decorations for ever and a day but when you look at them we are getting less and less for the money.”

He said towns like King’s Lynn have “immensely better” displays.

Coun Johnson said the Christmas tree gifted to the town looked fine by itself but couldn’t find a word to describe how poorly decorated it was with council-supplied lights.

l The £18,940 in this year’s Christmas lights budget is up by £5,750 on last year.

POLICE swooped to clear the shelves at a Sutton Bridge shop yesterday after it allegedly continued to sell alcohol without a licence.

Around 120 crates of alcohol was loaded into vans after the owners of Bargain Booze flouted a four-week suspension of its licence.

That was issued after it was caught selling to under-18s during an undercover sting.

The management had 21 days from the decision made by South Holland District Council’s licensing committee on December 9 to appeal before the suspension came into force, but spot checks by trading standards and police on Saturday and yesterday found booze was still on sale at the Bridge Road premises after the deadline.

Sgt Jock Watt, of Lincolnshire Police licensing team, said: “There has been no appeal lodged and as a result they are committing an offence.

“We will now look to prosecute through the courts and apply for a forfeiture and destruction order of the alcohol.”