It’s still not too late to enter your pride and joy in our best front garden competition.

Lincolnshire Free Press reader Michael Pratt has done just that and he can now look forward to a visit from the judges who will make the difficult decision who will pick up the winner’s trophy.

His garden in Chestnut Avenue, Spalding, is in tip top condition – and if you think yours can match, read on to find out how to enter.

The Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian have teamed up with the Spalding in Bloom committee to run the competition.

It is being sponsored by Birchgrove Garden Centre in Pinchbeck, which is putting up prizes of £50, £25 and £10 vouchers for the three best entrants.

The competition is easy to enter – just fill in the form published in each edition of the Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian and send it with a picture of your front garden to the address shown before July 20.

The rules are simple – the garden must be at the front of the house and visible from the path.

It should be possible for judges to access the garden. All entries must be on an entry form and be accompanied by a photograph.

Judges will visit the entered gardens between July 29 and August 12.

Winners will be announced on Thursday, August 22, and the winner will receive the Spalding in Bloom Best Front Garden Trophy and a cash prize.

Phil Scarlett, president of Spalding and District Area Chamber of Commerce, which has this year become involved in Spalding’s In Bloom efforts, said: “We are looking forward to visiting the entries to see the best front gardens the town has to offer.”

It was the final straw for a Spalding veterinary surgery when six kittens were dumped outside late at night and left frightened, cold and huddled in a plastic box.

Vet Savers, in St Thomas’s Road, is offering special deals on neutering for July and August because the litter is the 11th staff have taken in over the past six weeks.

Registered veterinary nurse Suzhy Winfield said: “This just can’t keep happening.

“If it’s the cost that has stopped people from getting their pets neutered then our area manager Richard Brooks has agreed a special deal for July and August.

“Let’s just get it done and stop this cruelty.”

The four-week-old black and white kittens were found huddling together in a corner of the box at 11pm on Tuesday night, hungry and covered in fleas.

Suzhy said: “I live above the vets and had heard a car about 10pm but thought nothing of it as there is a house opposite which is always having visitors.

“But when I took my dog out at 11pm, I saw a blue plastic box had been dumped outside the surgery door.

“When I moved back the cover, which was just a bed throw, there was a litter of kittens underneath.

“At that time it was far too cold for them to be outside.

“It’s a good job I have a dog or else they could have been there all night.

“I got them in quickly, warmed them up and mashed up some food for them and now their tummies are full we are waiting for Cats’ Protection to pick them up for rehoming.

“But they are just overrun with cats – this has just got to stop.”

Dawn patrols to catch cyclists who ride on pavements could happen in Holbeach after parish councillors voted to ask for a crackdown in the town.

Dawn patrols to catch cyclists who ride on pavements could happen in Holbeach after parish councillors voted to ask for a crackdown in the town.

A request for Operation Oatmeal, a controversial police initiative to improve road safety in Spalding, to be extended to Holbeach was agreed at a meeting on Monday.

Dozens of pavement cyclists, riders with defective bikes and other road users who flout the law have been given £30 fixed penalty notices and warnings about their actions.

Now councillors want a similar crackdown in Holbeach after complaints over cyclists in the town who are ignoring laws banning them from riding on pavements.

Coun Peter Savory said: “Perhaps the police in Holbeach should follow up on Spalding’s example because we’ve got a number of cyclists here who ride on pavements and I’ve nearly been hit a couple of times myself.

“They cycle along as if they own the pavement when it’s against the law, as well as a danger to children and elderly people who may not see them.

“Another problem is traffic lights in the town are totally ignored by a large number of cyclists and something needs to be done about it.”

* Operation Oatmeal was launched in March after cycling on pavements emerged as a major issue at both parish council and community policing panel meetings.
Insp Jim Tyner, community policing inspector for Spalding, said: “After street drinking, the second most complained about community issue is cycling on the pavement.
“I have always maintained that the focus should be on education, as well as enforcement, but when the message is not being heeded, issuing tickets is the appropriate response and Operation Oatmeal will be an ongoing initiative.”

Bosses of small firms are being given a chance to slash their energy bills – and may save up to 35 per cent on the current price they pay.

A new energy switching scheme is being offered by South Holland District Council in partnership with other councils and switching partners iChoosr and Make It Cheaper.

The step follows successful switching schemes offered to residents.

Council leader Gary Porter said: “This is something I’m a strong believer in.

“We were able to offer thousands of South Holland residents the opportunity to benefit from cheaper energy tariffs and I’m delighted that we’re now able to give businesses the chance to save money too.

“I would urge SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises) to sign up and just see if there is a saving to be made. It’s free of charge and free of obligation so there’s really nothing to lose.”

Four out of five UK-based SMEs do nothing to slash their overheads by switching energy suppliers – and president of Spalding and District Area Chamber of Commerce Phil Scarlett says he finds that staggering.

He said: “Sign up and see if there are savings to be made or if your current provider can be beaten.

“I am amazed if people who have access to a computer don’t use comparison sites, not just for energy but for the telephone too.

“From a business point of view, it’s just as important to cut electricity and telephone costs as it is when you are at home.”

l Make It Cheaper will oversee any switch so there is no interruption to supply. Register an interest on www.sholland.gov.uk and click on the Ready to Switch banner.

A “prolific self-harmer” who had been admitted to Accident and Emergency 126 times died after taking two drug overdoses in as many days.

Lee Bunn (27) discharged himself from King’s Lynn’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital after the first overdose, but returned hours later after taking an “excessive” cocktail of prescribed painkillers and sleeping tablets.

An inquest into the death of the former Spalding man at King’s Lynn County Court on Tuesday heard he had recently found out about the death of his foster mother.

But health professionals said although the death may have been a trigger for suicide, they didn’t believe he intended to take his own life.

They said Mr Bunn, of Terrington St Clement, had taken drugs overdoses in the past, and believed it was a symptom of his mental health problems.

Dr Robert Florance, an Accident and Emergency consultant at the QEH, said Mr Bunn had been admitted to his A&E department 126 times, mainly for overdoses, and also to Boston and Peterborough hospitals.

“Lee’s attendances were so prolific, at times when there were any gaps in his attendances we would think that something had happened.Sometimes he would make sure that he was in hospital to be treated after an overdose.”

Mental health liaison nurse Ben Galvin added: “Lee was a prolific self-harmer and someone who had parasuicidal gestures, but a number of his presentations gave the impression that he was help-seeking rather than wanting to kill himself.”

The inquest heard Mr Bunn had been given up by his parents when he was younger. He was disowned by his foster family after striking up a relationship with his foster sister, and only remained in contact with his foster mother.

The fatal overdose saw Mr Bunn take painkillers that had been prescribed to him, and also painkillers prescribed to his partner. He also took sleeping tablets and antihistamines.

Recording a narrative verdict, assistant deputy coroner David Osborne said: “The question of intent remains unclear. Dr Florance referred to Lee in his report as a very intelligent young man who was charming and kind.”

Two men burgled a Sutton Bridge business to raid diesel when one of them hadn’t enough money to fill up his tank to drive to his new job.

Police were called to Halifax and Johnson, in East Bank, shortly before midnight on June 25 and searched the premises.

No one was found but a police dog handler waited two hours, watching “a suspicious car”, and saw Matthew Chapman and Elliot Doherty-Hazel approach the Peugeot.

Rebecca Ritson, prosecuting, said the pair didn’t get as far as stealing diesel – they stole keys from the business and Doherty-Hazel showed police where they had hidden them.

Miss Ritson said Chapman used to work for the business and knew where the keys were kept.

She said Doherty-Hazel was also in possession of a small amount of cannabis.

Jobless Chapman (22), of Royal Close, Sutton Bridge, was fined £75 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge when he pleaded guilty to burglary.

Doherty-Hazel, (22), of Wildfowlers Way, Gedney Drove End, was fined a higher sum – £170 – because he is working when he admitted burglary and ordered to pay £85 costs with a £20 victim surcharge.

He received no separate penalty when he admitted the cannabis offence.

Solicitor Mike Alexander, for Doherty-Hazel, said both men came up with the “ill considered venture” when they couldn’t think of a legal way for Doherty-Hazel to get to work.

A pre-school facing life without a roof over its head has been given a lifeline by Pinchbeck Parish Council.

Ladybirds Pre-School has been run in a classroom at St Bartholomew’s Primary School for more than ten years, but was asked to quit by the end of this term.

At a meeting on Monday the parish council agreed the pre-school can move a two-minute walk away across the West Pinchbeck school field to the sports club building in Leaves Lake Drove.

Thousands of pounds will need to be spent to revamp the building, but the pre-school aims to have it ready by September and has already begun fundraising.

Pre-school deputy manager Becky Richardson said: “We are completely over the moon, really pleased.

“The parish council has been amazing. We are just overwhelmed by the council and the whole village at how supportive they have been.”

The pre-school, rated outstanding by education watchdog Ofsted, was asked to leave its classroom because numbers of pupils at the primary school are growing and some classes are being held in the staff room, headteacher’s office and school hall.

Chairman of governors Bryn Chappell said it was the hardest decision the school’s board had ever had to take.

Becky said the pre-school estimates it will cost up to £15,000 to get the sports building in tip-top form, but £5,000 to £10,000 to make it usable in the near future.

The parish council has set aside £3,000 for external and internal works at the sports building, including window replacement.

Members heard the sports club is amenable to sharing the building and is happy to have a portable cabin for changing, but retain use of the main building’s kitchen and toilets.

A warning has been issued after reports of Lincolnshire residents receiving calls from someone falsely claiming to be from the Ministry of Justice.

Scammers trick members of the public by suggesting that their intended victims could be owed money – often for repayment of bank charges, payment protection insurance or a court settlement – but first ask for an upfront payment inorder to receive the money.

In two of the cases reported so sar, people were asked to send £100 by UKash vouchers in order to receive £4,500.

The Ministry of Justice has issued a statement highlighting that these callers have no connection with it, HM Courts and Tribunals Service or other genuine organisations. It said people it contacted would never be asked for bank details.

Angela Kane, a senior Lincolnshire trading standards officer, said: “These fraudsters often targte people who they believe are vulnerable to scams, often those who are already struggling with debt.”

Youngsters who learn to dance in community halls will take centre stage in London’s West End on Sunday night.

An audience of 1,200 people at Her Majesty’s Theatre will see pupils from The Rebecca Dear School of Dance perform two big numbers, Party Rock Anthem and Dance With Me Tonight, in The Young Performers’ Variety Show.

More than half the 30-strong group come from Sutton Bridge, four from Donington and the remainder from Ruskington, near Sleaford, where dance school boss Rebecca Harris holds her classes.

Mum of two Rebecca (28) said: “All of the pupils have taken part in our local shows before at The South Holland Centre, but never performed in London. We have been working on these dances since November and all the hard work is worth it.

“It is a once in a lifetime experience for them and I am very proud of them all. The dedication that the pupils and parents have put in to do the show has been wonderful to see.”

The dancers are aged from seven to 17.

Rebecca, who lives in Holbeach. formed her dance group nine years ago and teaches ballet, tap and jazz.

Entries continue to arrive for our competition to find the best front garden in Spalding.

The Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian have teamed up with the Spalding in Bloom committee to run the competition.

It is being sponsored by Birchgrove Garden Centre in Pinchbeck, which is putting up prizes of £50, £25 and £10 vouchers for the three best entrants.

The competition is easy to enter – just fill in the form printed in each edition of the Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian and send it with a picture of your front garden to the address shown before July 20.

The garden must be at the front of the house and visible from the path. It should be possible for judges to access the garden. All entries must be on an entry form and be accompanied by a photograph.

Our latest entry is this garden in Park Avenue, Spalding, entered by Mr and Mrs Wing.

Judges will visit all the entries between July 29 and August 12 and winners will be announced on Thursday, August 22.

A former council dustman was caught on CCTV when he used a fuel card he stole from a refuse truck to obtain diesel worth more than £420.

Simon Gilbert (32), of Thames Road, Spalding, told police he stole the card because he wanted to lose his job as he could no longer afford to be paid monthly while making maintenance payments to his ex-partner.

Rebecca Ritson, prosecuting, said Gilbert was working with two other refuse collectors on March 27 and, at the end of the shift, the driver reported the fuel card missing from the cab.

On March 30 Gilbert used the card at Whaplode Service Station to obtain diesel worth £98.65.

He went back to the garage twice on April 1 – firstly obtaining fuel worth £87.79 and then £238.32.

Miss Ritson said CCTV footage showed Gilbert putting the diesel into non-council vehicles.

“He said he took the card because he wanted to have his employment with the council terminated,” she told the court.

At a previous hearing, Gilbert pleaded guilty to theft of the card and three counts of fraudulently using the card by false representation.

On Thursday he was given a year-long community order and must do 150 hours unpaid work.

Gilbert was also ordered to pay compensation of £424.76 for the fuel, £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Solicitor Carrie Simson, mitigating, said Gilbert had been employed with the council for ten years, which was a credit to him, but he wasn’t “thinking straight” at the time of the offence.

He was paying out a large amount of maintenance and felt his ex-partner was leading a frivolous lifestyle.

Mrs Simson said: “The pressure this put on him led him to make the decision ‘I am going to lose my job so I don’t have to pay this maintenance.’

“He tells me, at the time, he was very depressed, he was down, he wasn’t thinking straight. He doesn’t know why he took the course of action that he did. He does come to court with an awful lot of remorse.”

Mrs Simson told the court it was “a strange set of circumstances”.

Doodles is a business concept that would intrigue Dragon’s Den judges but to owners Lucy Evenden and Anna Morris, it’s a project that is pure fun.

The pair launched their mobile pottery painting business two months ago and have taken it on the road to birthday parties and children’s events, as well as to Crowland Abbey and Pinchbeck Carnival.

Lucy, from Pinchbeck, said: “We’re childhood friends who grew up cutting, sticking and making fabulous creative messes together.

“We’ve always wanted to have a little English tea shop, with lots of arts and craft courses, but we realised that children love painting because it’s something they can then keep and the dream of Doodles came from that.

“People can invite us to their birthday party, a retirement home or nursery where we would go and help out.

“They can also ask us to create celebration and gift plates and mugs as a keepsake for capturing your baby’s handprint or footprint.”

Lucy and Anna, from Spalding, are taking their business to Whaplode Drove Village and Country Fair where they hope people will see the fun behind their business concept.

“We went to Spalding High School and the sixth form at Spalding Grammar School together, but we moved away to go to arts college in my case and drama college in Lucy’s case,” Anna said.

“But we found our way back here to be closer to our families and Doodles is something we enjoy doing, so it would be nice to share it with others.”

Organisers of a church flower festival fear it may fade away unless some younger arrangers step forward.

Today marks the opening of the 51st Sutton Bridge Flower Festival at St Matthew’s Church and festival chairman Colin Tavner says it promises to be outstanding as always.

But he’s questioning how long it will continue as the band of arrangers is not in its first flush of youth with people in the team aged into their 90s – and volunteers having to step in from surrounding villages.

Mr Tavner said: “Over the years the festival has become more cosmopolitan with arrangers from Sutton Bridge, Long Sutton, Wisbech and other local villages all contributing their considerable flower arranging talent to make stunning displays in St Matthew’s Church.

“Organising this group of dedicated flower arrangers for the past 20 years has been the task of Mrs Pat Blundell.

“However, today, flower arranging seems not to appeal to post-war generations and the number of people taking it up declines.”

This year’s festival has the theme Now and Then and reflects how things, events and organisations have changed over the years from the Royal British Legion to motorbikes and to conquering Everest.

The festival is open from 10am-6pm today, tomorrow and Saturday; from noon-6pm on Sunday and from 10am-4pm on Monday.

Refreshments and light lunches are available throughout.

There will be a raffle, tombola, cake and plant stalls and there will be organ music each day.

A Pinchbeck resident has expressed his sympathy for a migrant worker fined for riding on the pavement because he says a road near his home is a potential deathtrap.

Polish woman Monika Nowak was stopped by police along Pinchbeck Road as part of Operation Oatmeal which caught 100 cyclists breaking the law last month.

Monika, who was fined £30, spoke to the Spalding Guardian’s sister paper, 
the Lincolnshire Free Press, on behalf of her work colleagues who were also stopped because she said they only used the pavement because they did not feel safe on the road and there was a break in the cycle route.

In spite of the area’s migrant 
workers rarely speaking 
out about their concerns, her story attracted little sympathy from readers.

However, one local resident said it was time the Spalding Guardian did a follow-up on the story and went to the village to see exactly how dangerous the roads in the area are.

John Lyon said he complained to Lincolnshire County Council six weeks ago about potholes on a roundabout at the Rose Lane junction with Spalding Road, opposite St Mary’s Church.

Mr Lyon (68) said: “I’m not one for getting into a public debate on things in the paper, but after reading some of the comments on the story about the Polish lady who was fined for riding on the pavements, there comes a time when you have to speak out.

“She said she and her colleagues want to abide by the law but they also want to be safe and I think she has a point.

“You only have to look at the potholes on this roundabout to see that.”

Young people in South Holland with a thirst for adventure will be able to camp under the stars in style now worn-out tents are being replaced.

A sum of £380 has been awarded to the South Holland Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Committee after an application was made to the Smile Fund.

It is one of the latest hand-outs awarded by Spalding and District Round Table as part of its £10,000 Smile community pot.

In the application, Duke of Edinburgh Award secretary Peter Kite said the funding was needed to replace eight worn-out tents for bronze level expeditions by the candidates in South Holland.

This is the fourth year of the Smile Fund campaign which is open to individuals, groups, clubs and organisations with a worthy cause in need of financial support.

Hundreds of applications have flooded in to the Spalding Guardian’s offices since we launched the campaign last year.

Just about anyone can apply for the money for almost any reason. Individuals may need a helping hand to redecorate a room or buy equipment which would make their lives easier or sports teams could apply to buy new kit or training gear.

A number of schools have already put in applications for sums of money for outings or school projects.

Other successful applications so far include Brownies and Rainbows in Cowbit and the Lincolnshire Emergency Blood Bike Service.

* Spalding and District Round Table has teamed up with the Spalding Guardian to offer £10,000 to help good causes in the community.

And the great news is that there are really very few limits to who can apply to the Smile fund. Applicants can be individuals (for themselves or on behalf of someone else), a group of people, a club, an organisation or maybe a school.

A panel, including Round Table members and a representative of the Spalding Guardian, will decide which applications will be backed with a donation of up to £500.

To apply, send a letter including your name, address, beneficiary of the cash, amount requested and the reason for the request to Spalding Guardian Smile Fund, Priory House, The Crescent, Spalding, Lincs, PE11 1AB.

Warren Nel hit an impressive century for Spalding Town on Saturday as they collected valuable points in their bid for Lincs ECB Premier League survival.

As has been the case in recent weeks, Town didn’t collect the lion’s share of the points against high-flying Sleaford at Spalding Grammar School.

That’s becauase the visitors smashed an incredible 316-4 batting first, with former New Zealand Test ace Tim McIntosh starring with an unbeaten 162.

Tom Shorthouse also made 61 for Sleaford, who made the highest score of the day in the county top flight.

But Spalding were also on-song with the bat. South African star Nel anchored the innings superbly, finishing on 115 not out as the hosts closed on 229-5 to secure a losing draw.

That moves Rob Ambrose’s side 25 points clear of the drop zone after Haxey were walloped by leaders Woodhall Spa – but they drop a place in the table after Bourne beat Louth by 74 runs.

Bourne skipper Peter Morgan fell nine short of a century and Conrad Louth made 64 in a team total of 269-7 at the Abbey Lawn.

Louth were going well in their reply, but collapsed from 172-4 to 195 all out. Stuart Airey (4-19) took four wickets – including the scalp of number 11 Andy Carrington with the final ball before a game-threatening thunderstorm arrived.

At the top, Market Deeping were sounds defeated by Bracebridge Heath as their title hopes faded.

Man-of-the-match Brett Houston top-scored with 54 for hosts Bracebridge in their 245, before taking 5-36 to help dismiss Deeping for 103.

Deeping slip to fourth as a result of the comprehensive loss – and are now 46 points behind leaders Woodhall Spa.

More cricket in Tuesday’s Lincolnshire Free Press.

• Results: Hartsholme 107, Skegness 110-2; Haxey 143, Woodhall Spa 146-0 (Cheer 74no, Evison 64no); Bracebridge Heath 245 (Houston 54), Market Deeping 103 (Houston 5-36); Bourne 269-7 (Morgan 91, Louth 64), Louth 195; Sleaford 316-4 (McIntosh 162no, Shorthouse 61), Spalding 229-5 (Nel 115no); Lindum 227-9 (Lindsay 51), Grimsby 221 (Crossley 54).

Spalding’s Black Swan pub is throwing its weight behind our campaign to reopen the children’s play area at Glen Park, Surfleet.

Landlady Terri Mason is holding fundraising events – a live band, table top sale and car wash – on Saturday, July 27 and regulars are coming up with other ideas to raise money.

Bosses at Glen Park had to shut the playground on safety grounds and are around £4,000 short of the cash they need to carry out urgent repairs at one the area’s most popular adventure style playgrounds.

Mum of two Terri says her boys Liam (10) and Shane (9) often play there with their pals.

She said: “They absolutely love it and they think the zip wire is amazing. They are just really upset that it its closed.”

The table top sale and car wash have a 12pm start and the live band, Skullduggery, will take to the stage at 3pm.

Terri says Skullduggery perform acoustic covers from the likes of Oasis, The Beatles, Beautiful South and Adele, appealing to a wide range of tastes in music.

The Lincolnshire Free Press has already pledged £500 to the appeal from our children’s fund to reopen the play area at Glen Park. We are appealing for you to donate by sending cheques to us, made out to The Lincolnshire Free Press Children’s Fund, writing the words “play area” on the reverse.

Every penny given will go to Glen Park so the area can be repaired and reopened. Please send your cheques to us at Priory House, The Crescent, Spalding PE11 1AB.

• Rylatt Ford has donated £1,000 and is asking other businesses to do the same.

Spalding United have been handed a boost with the news that striker Gary King is staying at the club.

The highly-rated King had been offered full-time terms by Evo-Stik Northern Premier League outfit Lincoln United but has opted to stay with The Tulips.

“For whatever reason the deal did not suit Gary, but that is good news for us,” manager Pat Rayment told the Free Press.

After having planned friendlies against Eynesbury and Hucknall called off, Spalding entertain local rivals Boston United on Thursday evening before hosting Wyberton on Saturday.

Four more teams have progressed in the Cliff Hall Memorial Shield snooker competition at Donington.

The highlight of the most recent round of fixtures was a fine 50 clearance from Q Club Elite’s C Taylor – although the cue ace saw his side go down 3-2 against Min’s Marvels.

l Results: One For The Road 0 Gosberton Raiders 5; A Shoddy Lot 3 Four Bellies 2; Jack D 2 The Painters 3; Min’s Marvels 3 Q Club Elite 2.

Talented girls from Spalding Gymnastic Club were left thrilled by their efforts at a tough Piper Vale event in Ipswich.

A clutch of the Cradge Bank club’s up-and-coming members made the trip to Suffolk, with the competition high.

In the ‘novice level’, Lily Thompson was a fine fourth on beam, while Liberty Foden won bronze on bars and placed fourth on vault.

Miah Farrell was also on good form to grab fifth on bars, with Maddy Freeman a solid sixth on beam.

Also taking part in this group were Maisie Foden,Rebecca Fones, Emmi Bell, Amelia Fox and Samantha Fones.

Spalding enjoyed a super showing in the intermediate level, too.

Ruby Vertuccio picked up an impressive silver on beam, while Alice Bailey was fourth on floor.

In the advanced level, Ellie Keeble and Chelsi-Lee Parker took part, with Parker placing fourth on bars.

l This Piper Vale report in Thursday’s Spalding Guardian was published with the incorrect Spalding Gymnastic Club picture.

We apologise for the mistake.