Drivers faced rush hour delays in Market Deeping after a lorry went off the road and caused a fuel spillage on the A15 today.
It happened near the junction with the A1175 where the lorry’s fuel tank was damaged after the accident at about 8.45am this morning.
The road was closed for more than three hours while the road was cleared and it was finally reopened at 12.10pm.
No one was hurt in the accident.
Police have heralded the success of taking another burglar off Spalding’s streets – despite it taking four years to get him to court.
Mateusz Kurek was one of two men who raided the Park Road home of a disabled couple as they watched television upstairs in January 2009.
The pair stole a number of items including two mobile phones, keys, a purse, cheque books, bank cards and £40 cash.
The victims were alerted to what had happened by a neighbour and when the disabled woman checked the house, she discovered a flat screen television was missing from downstairs, as well as her handbag.
The raiders fled to an address in Winsover Road where police discovered Kurek rifling through the contents of the handbag.
Kurek (31), of Edinburgh Drive, Spalding finally appeared at Lincoln Crown Court last week, where he admitted the burglary.
The court was told that Kurek had failed to attend court in 2009 and was only arrested on a warrant in June of this year, despite continuing to live at the same address.
He also admitted failing to surrender to bail.
He was given a nine-month jail sentence suspended for 18 months with 280 hours of unpaid work.
A second man involved was given an eight-month jail term suspended for 18 months with unpaid work when he appeared at the crown court in March 2010.
Sunil Khanna, defending, said Kurek had no previous convictions either in this country or his native Poland.
He urged that Kurek should receive a similar sentence to his co-accused.
Spalding Police refused to comment on why it had taken so long to arrest Kurek on warrant after he failed to appear at the original court hearing.
Det Insp Richard Myszczyszyn said: “I am unable to comment on why Kurek was not arrested until some time later, but I would like to celebrate the court result in that it has taken another burglar off our streets.
“To reassure the public, rather than focus on the negatives of this relatively minor issue, it is still a good result.”
A call has been made for stronger action to clear Spalding’s streets of spitting.
The “truly filthy habit” has been highlighted as a major scourge in the town centre, prompting one district councillor to call for anyone caught doing it to face an on-the spot fine.
At a meeting of South Holland District Council last week, Coun Angela Newton asked if members if they would consider looking into the introduction of a new by-law, as recently adopted by other council across the country.
Recently the London Borough of Enfield had applied to the Secretary of State for Local Government Eric Pickles for provisional approval to introduce such a by-law, which would make spitting in the street a criminal offence, and received cross-party support.
A new by-law would put spitting in the same category as dog fouling and urinating in the street.
In other areas where by-laws have been introduced, people caught spitting are fined £80.
Mr Pickles said: “Spitting is a deeply anti-social and unpleasant practice.
“Spitting in Britain’s streets is not socially acceptable.”
Enfield could see its new by-law introduced as soon as next month.
It would make it an offence to spit in the street “without reasonable excuse”. It would not cover spitting into a handkerchief or tissue.
Coun Newton said: “Could we pick up on this because spitting in the street is a pretty disgusting habit.”
Portfolio holder for regulatory services Malcolm Chandler replied that by-laws are “becoming things of the past”, but said the Government was looking at replacing existing Designated Public Place Orders (DPPOs), which can restrict the consumption of alcohol, with a Community Protection Order (Public Space), which would help tackle a range of anti-social behaviour including spitting.
Following the district council meeting, Coun Gary Taylor, whose Castle ward includes the town centre, said he believed the majority of people would support taking stronger action against the problem.
He said: “Spitting in the street is a truly filthy habit.
“We should all treat our environment and streets with respect.
“It may be accepted in some cultures, but we do not tolerate graffiti, litter or spitting.
“The message needs to be sent out that you will be fined if you treat our streets like a toilet.
“Hopefully that would make certain people think again before forcing us all to suffer because of their lack of respect.”
Nigel Baines took top spot at Gedney Hill Golf Club’s President’s Day with an impressive haul of 43 points.
Plenty of other prizes were dished out, with Ray Wright bagging the men’s prize, Pete Vinter claiming the seniors’ crown and Chris Bennett the ladies’ section winner on countback from Jacqui Rust.
• President’s Day results: Overall winner: Nigel Baines 43pts. Men’s competition: 1st Ray Wright 39pts; 2nd Chris Davies 37. Seniors’ competition: 1st Pete Vinter 39pts; 2nd Jim Starbuck 37. Ladies’ competition: 1st Chris Bennett 39pts (ocb); 2nd Jacqui Rust 39. Nearest to the line: Jenny Venters. Nearest to the pin: Hole 3: Pete Vinter; Hole 4: Gareth Thomas; Hole 11: Rob Warlow; Hole 12: Pete Evans.
• Men’s Section: Clarke Steel Trophy: 1st Steve Horton 68net (ocb); 2nd Carol Plume 68; 3rd Colin Rust 68.
• Seniors’ section: Seniors’ Captain’s Day: Overall winner: David Lord 43pts. Cat 1 winner: Peter Orbine 40pts; Cat 2 winner: Neil Sargeant 41pts; Cat 3 winner: Don Hinshelwood 42pts. Ladies winner: Jenny Venters 41pts. Guest winner: Malcolm Taylor 37pts. Nearest to the pin: Hole 3: Neil Sargeant; Hole 4: Eric Cowles; Hole 11: Peter Orbine; Hole 12: George Davis.
• Result: Gedney Hill 4 Sudbrook Moor 2 (Leonard Kempster & Peter Orbine won 5&4; Wally Lawes & Bill Sharpe won 2&1; Pete Evans & Bill Smith lost 2&1; John Venters & Neil Sargeant lost 3&2; David Lord & Keith Cooper won 2&1; Bob Townsend & Tom Melvin won 5&4).
• Rabbits section: Hovenden Park 2.5 Gedney Hill 6.5 Chris Bennett & Gary Moore lost 1 down; Nicky Weller & Johnny Rust won 2&1; Neil Sargeant & Peter Orbine won 4&3; Tom Penning & Marilyn Sayer won 1up; Graham East & Stuart Turnell lost 6&5; Phil Davis & Joseph Timms halved; Bill Sharpe & Wally Lawes won 1up; Greg Walsh & Mo Parling won 3&2; Paul Hanson & Ray Wright won 2&1).
SUTTON BRIDGE GOLF CLUB
• Mixed section: Sutton Bridge Mixed 4.5 Middleton Hall 1.5 (Steen Catlow & Margaret Fox won 4&3; Barry Irwin & Brenda Bell A/S; Roy Fox & Janet Simpson won 1up; Norman & Ann Davis won 5&4; John & Ann Cross lost 2&1; Ken & Judy Green won 4&2.
• Ladies’ section: August Medal: 1st Jen Baines 94-23=71; 2nd Margaret Fox 101–2=81; 3rd Suzanne Larham 111-27=84. Best scratch:Jen Baines.
• Summer foursomes: 1st Fid Cropper & Karen Gillett 86; 2nd Judy Ostler & Suzanne Aitken 87. 3rd Carole Caney & Dianne Wareham 107.
• Men’s section: Sutton Bridge 4 Toft 0 (Steen Catlow & Colin Fawcett won 6&5; Jon Essam & Andy Hyde won 2&1; Ralph Grimes & Richard Caney won 1up; John Walker & George Baines won 2&1).
• Seniors’ section: Feltwell 6 Sutton Bridge 0 (Roger Williamson & Roy Fox lost 2&1; Noel Clare & Tony Town lost 2 down; Chris Shipp & Roy Amos lost 4&3; Mervyn Williamson & Peter North lost 4&3; Stan Poulten & John Cross lost 2&1; Norman Davis & Ray Page lost 4&2).
Liam Tunstall grabbed a debut goal in Holbeach United’s thumping 6-0 friendly win over lower-graded Greyhounders on Saturday.
The ex-Sleaford Town hitman got the ball rolling with a 41st-minute effort, before Andy Law, Jake Beauchamp, Luke Hollingworth (penalty) and sub Tom Waumsley (2) eased the Tigers home at Carter’s Park.
Former Aston Villa ace Julian Joachim also played 90 minutes for Glen Maddison’s men, as talks to bring the 38-year-old to Holbeach continue.
It was the perfect way for the UCL Premier Division champions to bounce back from last weekend’s 6-0 drubbing at Stamford – and Maddison was pleased with what he saw.
“I thought we played some good stuff,” said the ex-Sleaford boss. “We kept the ball much better compared to recent matches.
“In a way, it was similar to last week’s game at Stamford – only we were the higher-graded team this time.
“Credit to Greyhounders, they gave it a real go, but we were just too good.
“We’re almost there now in terms of where I want to be. Hopefully we can add Julian (Joachim) before the season starts. I feel we need one more attacker.”
Holbeach face Boston United Reserves tonight (Tuesday, 7.45pm) and then begin their title defence at home to unfancied Harborough Town on Saturday (3pm).
See Thursday’s Spalding Guardian for a big preview to the new football season.
Spalding United supremo Pat Rayment was happy enough with Saturday’s 2-0 success over Kettering Town – but has admitted he almost had to call the game off due to player unavailability.
The Tulips were just about able to put a team out at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field, with the injured Lewis Webb and veteran assistant boss Marcus Ebdon forced to make cameos from the bench.
But Rayment was pleased with what he saw and hopes to have a much stronger squad available for Saturday’s UCL Premier Division opener at home to Northampton Sileby Rangers (3pm).
The Tulips chief said: “I’ll be honest, we almost called it off. In the end, we had players out of position all over the place.
“But it was a good workout for us. Michael Duggan made some great saves and a win over Kettering isn’t to be sniffed at.
“I must say that Jonny Allen and Adam Jackson have been very impressive over pre-season. They’ve really stepped up to the plate since moving from Holbeach and I couldn’t be happier with them.”
Rayment isn’t quite so happy with midfielder Jack McGovern, though.
Having spent pre-season with the Tulips, he has decided to move to higher-graded Coalville Town.
Although he can see the logic in the move, the Spalding boss is disappointed with McGovern’s timing.
“I don’t quite get it,” added the ex-Peterborough United professional. “To do an entire pre-season with us and then leave before the first league game is very strange.
“I was expecting big things from Jack this year and I’m very disappointed to lose him at this stage.
“Coalville are a good side at a higher level and I expect them to be challenging for promotion this season, so I can understand why they’d appeal to a player.
“It’s not his choice that surprises me, just the timing.
“I’m not sure if we’ll look to bring in a new midfielder. There’s an excellent atmosphere in the dressing room and I’m keen not to upset that.”
See Thursday’s Spalding Guardian for a big preview to the start of the new UCL Premier Division season.
Holbeach United conclude their pre-season schedule with a Carter’s Park clash against Boston United Reserves tonight (Tuesday, 7.45pm).
The duo will contest the Gerald Starling Memorial Trophy, just four days before the Tigers begin their defence of the UCL Premier Division title at home to Harborough Town.
Holbeach chief Glen Maddison is without Joe Braithwaite, Chris Shippley, Leigh Overton and Ben Reeson, while Andy Law picked up a knock in Saturday’s 6-0 win over Greyhounders.
Follow @LFPSport on Twitter for live updates from tonight’s match, with a report in reaction in Thursday’s Spalding Guardian.
Two fork lift trucks have been stolen from a business in West Pinchbeck overnight.
The 1.8 tonne TCM forklift vehicles were stolen from a premises in Fengate Road some time between 7.30pm on Monday and 7.15am this morning.
Both trucks are grey and yellow, with red writing, and anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident number 74 of August 6.
Fingers crossed for good weather when St Nicolas Players perform Bits of the Bard in Ayscoughfee Hall gardens in Spalding tomorrow and Saturday (7.30pm).
It’s all about the bard, most of it by him, when the players perform in outdoor theatre, Shakespeare style.
They will be performing well-known scenes from various plays, with a sprinkling of Shakespeare-related comedy and songs.
Look out for extracts from The Tempest, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth and The Merchant of Venice.
Take something to sit on and remember it can get chilly as the evening wears on.
Tickets are £6, £5 concessions and admission is free to children under ten when they are accompanied by an adult.
Tickets available from Ayscoughfee Hall or phone 01775 764555.
A colony of 60 hungry and sick cats and kittens in Crowland are being rescued in a major operation involving a number of charities after a plea from a Lincolnshire Free Press reader.
The animals are roaming fields in Cloot Drove because their home is a filthy barn with “inadequate food and water”.
Lucy Milbank appealed to us to find help because some of the older ones were prowling the estate where her mother lives, frightening the local cats.
She said: “We have actually taken one in lately ourselves – taken it to the vets and paid for the kitten to get better. They are now looking after the poor soul.
“They are all hungry and look so ill. It’s a sad sight to see. The winter is coming and if something doesn’t get done, they will die.”
The Free Press joined Phil Newhouse, of PJ Rescue in Long Sutton, to investigate.
Inside the barn we found 13 cats and kittens, some showing signs of sickness and neglect.
Mr Newhouse said: “I can see 13 in the nest, which indicates there are probably 60 in the colony.
“There are bowls here but not a scrap of food, so some will be hunting or scavenging.
“Only the brave, frail or young stay.”
l Turn to page 8.
Mr Newhouse called the RSPC from the barn, but the line was continuously busy and so he rang PJ Rescue headquarters to report what had been found and discuss what action to take.
He said: “We’ve been hearing about a colony in Crowland for a long time but didn’t know where it was.
“In cases like this we call on the help of other cat rescue groups and plan to get as many out and neutered as we can.”
A resident out walking her dog came to see what was going on. She said: “The barn belongs to a retired farmer and the cats are fed every day.”
She directed us to the home of the owner’s sister, who lives in Crowland.
When we visited her, Mr Newhouse explained he was there to offer help and not to prosecute.
The sister said the RSPCA had visited and offered to take some away. She said: “In the end they didn’t. They are farm cats - there have always been some up there and they are fed and given water.
“But if you want to take them, then take them. Just leave the old tabby tom - he’s been there forever.”
Mr Newhouse said he was happy to return a few when they had been neutered.
The first cats and kittens were removed yesterday (Monday) and the operation is expected to take several days. If you are interested in taking on one of the cats or kittens, call Mr Newhouse on 07866 060951.
There was a strong police presence in Gosberton earlier today as a search was carried out at an address in the village.
At least three police vehicles were seen outside a house in High Street before 9am this morning when it is thought a search was being conducted in connection with an arrest of a suspect made by another police force.
There are no details of the force involved nor what the arrest was in connection with.
Spalding Grammar School students, trying to raise at least £3,500 each to work with orphaned children in Cambodia, have organised a fundraiser.
Three World Challenge expedition members are holding a quiz at Sheddy’s Fish Restaurant in Spalding on Wednesday (7pm) to raise money for their month-long trip.
Teams of a maximum of six people can enter for £8.50 per person, with fish and chips and a drink included in the price. Contact 01775 713521 to book tickets.
Petrol heads are in for a treat on Sunday when Boston Classic Car Club holds its annual Classic Car Show at Kirton (10.30am to 4.30pm).
Hundreds of classic cars and motor cycles will be on display, along with auto jumble stands.
For those less interested in vehicles, there will be craft and food stalls.
The bar will be open throughout the day.
The event is at Skeldyke Road, Kirton.
Admission is £3, accompanied children free.
Dogs are having a ‘big day out’ with the latest craze in South Holland to take them along to weddings.
Man’s best friend no longer has a woof deal being left at home, but gets to walk down the aisle and even sit in the choir.
Meg, a four-and-a-half-month-old spaniel hearing dog puppy, is a regular at Crowland Abbey every Sunday and got top marks for behaviour at the wedding of teachers Peter Bellamy and Penny Marshall on Thursday.
Peter (26) said: “Meg was sat in the choir every week when we came to church for the reading of the banns and the first thing Penny did was say hello.
“She just fell in love with her and asked if she could come to the wedding.
“We left our Westie Tosh at home but he is joining us later in his bow tie.”
Choir member Rosemary Bristow, who fosters and trains Meg, said this was the dog’s first wedding.
She said: “I take Meg to church every week and she sits with me in the choir and Penny just loves her.
“She asked if Meg could come along to the wedding and the vicar agreed it would be all right.
“Taking Meg with me is all part of her socialising training.
“Everyone loves making a fuss of her and she’s very excited today – but she also has to learn basic commands and to behave.”
Duke, a 16-month-old border terrier, walked down the aisle at the wedding of Laura Brown and Jim Williams – son of Punchbowl pub owners Pete and Stephanie Williams.
The wedding took place at St Mary and St Nicolas Church in Spalding and Laura said: “We don’t have any children yet and Duke is our baby so naturally we wanted him there.
“He gave a little whimper when he saw me but he was really well behaved.
“When we signed the register he came and sat with me – we’d have had the cats there too if we thought they would have behaved.”
Laura met Jim when she was working at the Punchbowl and it was there that she first saw Duke too. She said: “A friend brought Duke into the pub and I fell in love with him.
“I kept on at Jim that I wanted him but he said we had cats and we couldn’t.
“But I went away for the weekend and Jim came to meet me he had Duke in his arms.
“It was a really romantic surprise.”
Duke now has a three-day honeymoon in Wales to look forward to. Laura said: “We couldn’t leave him.”
Couples can have Meg at their wedding or see her in the choir at Crowland Abbey for a few months yet before Rosemary hands her over to a person with a hearing disability.
Rosemary said: “She’s about to have her first assessment on basic commands such as sit, wait and heal work.
“Meg is the third hearing dog I’ve fostered and everyone loves her. People ask me how I will be able to hand her over, but I say it’s just like saying goodbye to your children when they go off to university.
“I cried for two days when I said goodbye to my last dog and I’m sure I will when it’s time to let Meg go. But then you start all over again.”
For more information on hearing dogs, call 01844 348100.
Councillors in Crowland are ready to emulate their forefathers and make bold decisions to secure the town’s future.
The challenges facing the parish council are being outlined in a special roadshow being held tomorrow (Wednesday).
In a colourful flyer to attract residents, challenges are listed as sustainability under threat, Localism and Big Society pressures, services under threat and reserves at risk.
To raise the £50,000 a year it needs, it states the council needs improved sustainable returns on investments and costs to be put under scrutiny.
Bold decisions could include entering the renewable energy market and installing a small scale wind turbine on farmland between the town and Nene Terrace, east of the A16.
Rewards are outlined as excellent value-for-money services, maintaining and enhancing green spaces for all ages, more jobs to reduce need for commuting, local burial facilities, rental accommodation for elderly and commercial land opportunities.
Ros Knight, chairman of the parish council said: “We have reserves following the sale of land for the bypass but we can’t keep chipping away at the family silver.
“We hope as many residents as possible come along to the roadshow and give us some input.”
Residents are being invited to pop along to the Hall Street Parish Rooms from 4pm to 9pm.
Enjoy a Big Wild Sleepout with a night under the stars at RSPB Frampton Marsh Reserve on Saturday.
For the first time ever, it’s possible to camp out at Frampton Marsh while spotting glorious wildlife.
After pitching your tent, you’ll join experts for a twilight walk, listening out for owls and using high tech equipment to look for bats.
An early morning rise will allow campers to see what moths have been caught in the reserve’s trap overnight.
You will need your own tent and sleeping bag, but drinking water and toilets are available.
Spaces (£10 per person) are limited, bookable on 01205 724678.
The entire family can have fun together at a drawing and painting class at Unique Cottage Farm Studios in Spalding on Wednesday (10am to 12noon).
Suitable for children aged six and over, and parents to stay with children under eight, sessions cost £8/£25 for family of four. Book on 01775 766698.
Discover whether you have cash hidden away in your attic at a valuation evening at Gosberton Clough and Risegate St Gilbert and St Hugh’s Church hall on Saturday (11am).
Ron Bateman of Bateman’s Auctioneers will value items.
Valuations cost £3/£1.50 for Friends of St Gilbert and St Hugh, bookable on 01775 714918.
Tea, coffee and cakes will be available. Tickets for entry only are £1.
Gavin Miller gives us a preview of Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa (15) and The Lone Ranger (12A)
North Norfolk’s most famous TV/DJ celebrity provides a film which he is calling his love letter to Norwich as Steve Coogan’s insecure character still clambers for the limelight.
This time the man who famously had a nervous breakdown after driving barefoot to Dundee looks to salvage his public career after a violent turn of events at his local radio station.
Fingers crossed on this one, as the original Alan Partridge material provided some of the greatest tear-inducing moments in British comedy history.
FILM PREVIEW: The Lone Ranger (12A)
It’s time for us Brits to make up our mind on how much of a flop Johnny Depp’s big summer blockbuster actually is.
He stars as Tonto in Disney’s big-budget misfire, with little-known Armie Hammer (The Social Network) as the legendary eye-masked lawmaker, in this western-adventure from The Pirates of the Caribbean team.
Read the full review next week.
Pinchin’s Farm Shop at Algarkirk came up with this recipe for Lumberjack cake after a customer survey to find the type of cake to serve in its tea room.
Henny Pinchin says it took her a few attempts before she decided on the best recipe, which she shares here.
YOU WILL NEED
For the cake:
200g pitted dates, chopped
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
125g unsalted butter at room temperature
230g caster sugar
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 granny smith or any other eating apple
125g plain flour
60g self raising flour
For the topping:
75g unsalted butter
60g light brown sugar
35g dark brown sugar
80ml milk, whole or semi skimmed
60g desiccated coconut
method
Pre heat oven to 180c/gas mark 4. Line a 20cm springform cake tin.
Put chopped dates in saucepan with 250ml water, bring to boil. Add the bicarbonate of soda, which will froth up. Put to one side to cool.
Cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Stir in the dates and grated apple. Fold in the flours until combined, spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and level the surface. Bake for 40 minutes.
Meanwhile make the topping: put all the topping ingredients into a saucepan and stir over a low heat until the butter has melted and the mixture is well combined.
After 40 minutes, remove from the oven and spoon the topping evenly over, return to oven and bake for another 20-30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. The cake will still be wobbly even when cooked. Remove from oven and leave on a wire rack until completely cooled before removing from the tin. Serve dusted with icing sugar or with thick cream. The cake will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge.