A latest prediction indicates that this year, band D council taxes will increase by four per cent to an average of £48 to cover age care levy of two per cent and a shortfall in central government funding of roughly two per cent.

As one of your correspondents recently surmised, this ought to be the catalyst for greater accountability at local level.

While I agree with Paul Walls, may I be allowed to say that local government – in its present form – is a badly functioning democratic model that needs closer scrutiny.

Here in South Holland, we have 37 district councillors, which invites the question: how many are required for effective management?

Each councillor demands wages and allowances, each has a designated budget of £5,000 per year, which, as far as I can see, is mostly (but not exclusively) used to buy votes and curry favour with groups and individuals who are likely to share their political sympathies, particularly in the run-up to local elections.

Is this really how these designated budgets are supposed to work? Is this democracy? They don’t seem to comprehend that it’s our money, not theirs.

Sadly, even more undemocratic is the current set up of mainly unelected, co-opted cronies at parish council level.

For instance, when I had the temerity to challenge a doubling of the Pinchbeck parish precept in 2008, I was told, in a most patronising and disrespectful letter by a certain councillor, that the increase was mainly due to a liability for repairs to a church wall. Rubbish.

The church wall is on property belonging to the mega-rich, tax exempt Church of England.

Currently, I estimate that around five per cent of the total raised precept here in Pinchbeck is set aside for such ‘closed churchyard’ maintenance.

In the absence of wholly democratic representation and disregard for public opinion, I believe there needs to be a local referendum before such largesse gets out of hand.

By the way, if you live in Pinchbeck and are concerned, don’t try looking on the parish notice boards for full parish council minutes, because these traditions are seeming to disappear.

I welcome the dawning of a new age now that there is to be less central funding.

Local councillors are, at last, going to be held to greater account with regards to the way they misuse our money.

This is not the politics of envy, it is simply a call for fair play and social justice – something politicians of all parties at all levels talk big on, while doing the opposite.

If they (Tory, Labour and the Lib Dems et al) ever want respect, they might try doing and saying things differently.

It seems to me, even at local level, the politicians are totally out of touch. Happy new year councillors.

Emergency services have warned drivers across the area to take care when driving as the temperature drops and the MET office warns of snow.

Lincolnshire Police Specials (@LincsSpecials) tweeted out last night (Friday): “Roads are beginning to sparkle, very pretty, but can be lethal. Take care even if rd gritted, as temp drops further.”

The Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance (@LNAACT) offered some advice saying: “Driving in snow - If you get into a skid, steer gently into it.”

The warnings came as the MET Office (@METOffice) issued a yellow warning for frost, snow and ice and very low temperatures across the East of England yesterday, followed up by a severe warning for snow this morning.

The latest report issued at 4.26am said: “Outbreaks of sleet and snow will spread from the northwest on Saturday, initially into western Scotland, and then into parts of northwest England later in the day before reaching the Midlands and southern England during the evening and night. 1-3 cm snowfall is likely at low levels with 5-10 cm possible above 200 metres across western Scotland and Cumbria. Ice may prove an additional hazard in places.

“Please be aware of the potential for some travel disruption and difficult driving conditions.”

For more advice on driving in the snow visit: www.rac.co.uk/advice/winter-driving/driving-in-snow

Building of a multi-million pound homes development behind Long Sutton’s Bull Hotel will begin around Easter.

Veteran developer Brian Cobb (72) will work alongside Korvin Developments in the project to build 39 apartments at the back of the hotel and, subject to planning consent, convert the hotel to boutique shops on the ground-floor with flats above.

Site clearance of back-to-back style houses is already completed and some of the materials will be retained for use as features in the new apartments development, which will be set in landscaped grounds and have off-street parking.

Sutterton-born Mr Cobb, who now lives in King’s Lynn, has been involved in building projects throughout the Midlands, as well as Boston and Spalding, for the whole of his working life and shows no sign of slowing up.

He said: “I still work seven days a week. It’s a disease, actually, the building trade is.”

Mr Cobb says he’s excited by the project and looking forward to construction, which will involve up to 30 workmen over the life of the scheme.

“It’s the sort of thing I like doing,” he said.

He will be on site daily to project manage the build and says 24 high specification apartments will be built over three-storeys to face Winfrey Park. Then work will start on 15 apartments over two storeys facing Bull Lane, followed by the hotel conversion.

“I think it will be two years before we get to the Bull,” said Mr Cobb.

A chance meeting with district and parish councillor Jack Tyrrell led to Brian being introduced to Jan Von Draczek, of Korvin Developments, who came up with plans to redevelop the Bull site more than a decade ago.

Mr Cobb said Jack and his brother did some building work for him some 35 years ago.

Previously ...

Bulldog spirit to see hotel thrive again

Pub refurbishment is the toast of planners

No agreement over Long Sutton hotel future

New life for Long Sutton’s major hotels

Economy puts Long Sutton hotel scheme on hold

Mock bull fight drums up support

There is a significant issue facing our farmers and growers that has appeared from nowhere, writes Gordon Corner, NFU county adviser for Holland (Lincs).

There is a significant issue facing our farmers and growers that has appeared from nowhere. The proposal to institute a National Living Wage, brought in by the newly elected Conservative Government in the summer budget, has come as a shock to many in our industry as it will cause significant financial issues for our businesses.

Of course, it goes without saying that all of us in agriculture and horticulture support a fair wage for an honest day’s work, but with up to 60 per cent of costs attributed to labour in many of our horticultural businesses, this huge increase in costs will mean an annual wage inflation of just under seven per cent, or 35 per cent for the six years to 2021.

The NFU commissioned an in-depth report from consultants last autumn, which has found that over the next five years, the introduction of the National Living Wage will make many horticultural businesses unprofitable.

Our companies work on slim margins and adding in this extra, unplanned-for cost could mean that they can no longer continue to trade. In fact it could mean that some crops become unprofitable to grow in this country as there is no sign of our competitors abroad having such a wage-hike imposed on them.

Other unintended consequences could include an increase in imported produce and an increase in prices at the supermarket, florist or garden centre.

The NFU has taken up the industry’s case with our local MPs and will be meeting Government Ministers in the coming weeks. As one NFU member said recently: “Our growers have a fantastic track record of growth and innovation, but this rapid inflation in wage costs could have a permanent, damaging impact on many businesses and make them uncompetitive against EU competitors.”

Coun Mair acknowledges the county council has a statutory obligation to deliver free school transport.

At present, national regulations state that all primary school pupils living two miles away from school qualify for free or heavily subsidised transport.

That limit is three miles with regard to secondary schools.

However, the council has no obligation to provide free or even subsidised transport for pupils age 16-plus to attend college.

Coun Mair claims the council’s annual budget for school transport is £20 million. However, he says implementing the national living wage will add another £5 million to the budget.

He added the criteria for free and subsidised transport was being looked at and that children living in ‘borderline locations’ to the mileage criteria could miss out.

He also said any changes to policy could limit the choice of schools for pupils of all ages.

Coun Mair said: “If a child wants to attend a school that isn’t closest to their home, they could have to start paying.

“This could have a big impact on grammar schools who often attract pupils from outside their catchment areas.

“However, the biggest impact could be on college students.

“There is no statutory right for the authority to pay for students over 16.

“This is where the biggest impact could come.

“Imagine a family with two teenagers at college. You could be talking almost £3,000 a year.”

At present, parents/carers have to make a contribution of £418-a-year for transport to and from college.

There are various dispensations for families on certain income levels, benefits - or with medical problems.

Coun Mair warned many parents would be unhappy if the current criteria is changed.

He said: “How many people have two or three thousand pounds just sat around?

“Or what about the parent of an 11-year-old girl who lives close to the two or three mile limit.

“She might well get free transport at the moment but if the criteria is tightened, then she would have to pay for a bus or walk to school - probably along unlit and unsafe routes where street lights are switched off and surfaces aren’t repaired.

“People will say I’m scare-mongering - or talking rubbish. But remember what happened with libraries. There is a legal obligation to provide library services but in some instances, the council just changed their names to community hubs - and shut them.”

County council leader Martin Hill says: “We have a legal duty to provide free transport for qualifying children up to the end of their compulsory schooling at the age 16 - if their nearest school is over three miles from their home address of course we will continue to meet this duty.

“The council also heavily subsidises transport for learners over age 16 to their sixth form or to a college, which we have no requirement to do.

“Very difficult decisions will need to be taken very soon about whether the council can continue to subsidise this at the same rate.

“However, the council is committed to protecting young people’s rights to access further education opportunities and will consult on any specific proposed changes.”

A couple who found out two of their three children suffer from a rare degenerative condition have set up a charity to raise awareness and help support them as their lives change in the years to come.

Anna and Owen Rogers, from Bourne, had always put the slight physical difficulties their sons Ben, nine, and Sam, five, experienced down to the unpredictability of growing up. But as Ben in particular got older, they began to wonder. He would struggle to climb stairs properly, and his movement could be unusual.

They took both their boys for tests and as one thing after another was ruled out, worry started to grow. It was finally confirmed in November that both boys had a form of muscular dystrophy known as Duchenne.

The condition affects around one in every 3,500 boys and has an average life expectancy of about 25. While it is rare, females can have symptoms and even need to use a wheelchair. If a female carrier is symptomatic she is known as a manifesting carrier.

The news came as a hammer blow to Anna and Owen, who also have a seven-year-old daughter Lily.

“When we actually found out what it was, we were in shock,” said Anna. “We found out about both boys in a week.

“We had spent weeks looking on the internet trying to find out whether we could rule out Duchenne. We were devastated.”

After a couple of weeks of tears and soul searching, the couple decided to focus on the future. They were already in the process of having an extension to their home in Tarragon Way built, and those doing the work were happy to help. Designer Jenny McIntee reworked the plans for free to accommodate wheelchairs, a downstairs bedroom and wet room. Impressions Kitchen Design refunded the cost of the kitchen island unit they would no longer would have room for. And Jason Rock Builders kept costs low and were helpful and considerate over changes to plans.

The couple also began to research what could be done for their children. They decided to set up a charity, called Forbenandsam, with three aims: research, awareness and fundraising.

Following the diagnoses the couple discovered research into a therapy known as gene editing, where “molecular scissors” are used to snip out faulty or duplicated code that causes conditions such as Duchenne. This research is still in the early stages, but the couple hope to help fund it and speed up progress.

This is a long-term goal, but in the short term the couple want to raise awareness of Duchenne. This is particularly important for them, as they know their sons, who are pupils at Bourne Abbey, will eventually have to use wheelchairs permanently, and will often be seen around Bourne.

Owen said: “We would like people to understand it so when they see them in their wheelchairs they recognise that it’s them, and they are like that because of Duchenne.”

And the final goal is to raise money for equipment and life experiences to give Ben and Sam the best quality of life possible.

Owen said: “That’s the positive thing. It can’t all be negative. We have got to look at what we have got and make the best of it. They are still little boys. There’s just this thing going on inside that’s slowly changing them.”

A website for the charity is under construction, but you can find out more at {http://www.facebook.com/forbenandsam|www.facebook.com/forbenandsam}.

Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill admits the level of cuts the authority is being asked to make is ‘not sustainable’.

He says: “Following the General Election the majority of the public have voted for the Government to continue re-balancing the nation’s finances.

“I fully support this and it will mean that the public sector including local government will have to tighten their belts even further.

“However, it is clear that local government is being expected to take too much of that burden.

“Unlike health, police and defence, our budgets have not been protected.

“In Lincolnshire, we have successfully found £130 million of savings over the last four years and mainly managed to protect frontline services.

“However, we are now being asked to find another £170 million in the next four years with our government grant reducing to 10 per cent of what it was only a short time ago. Frankly this is not sustainable.

“We also face considerable extra costs through inflation, increase in demand for services, and the increase in the national living wage, and there will be a serious impact on the services we fund and deliver.

“No area is immune from this and some of our services will stop running entirely.

“Irrespective of which party is in charge at Westminster, we will fight for a fair deal for our county and in public we have been critical of this unfair situation we find ourselves in.

“At this very difficult time, I would appeal to all local politicians to set aside party differences and fight the cause for Lincolnshire.”

Tributes have been paid to a young Spalding police officer who lost her life nine years ago this week after driving home from her first night shift.

PC Stacey Pyke tragically lost her just five days fter fulfilling her dream of becoming a police constable with the Lincolnshire force. She was just 20 years old.

She had joined in August 2006 and undergone five months’ extensive training. On the morning of January 15, 2007 she was driving home after a nine-hour shift at Spalding Police Station when she was in collision with another car near Market Deeping.

At Stacey’s funeral, at St Peter’s Church in Yaxley on January 24, 2007, more than 400 mourners paid their respects.

In July 2008, Stacey’s mum Sue dedicated a tree in her daughter’s memory at an event organised by the COPS organisation – Care Of Police Survivors – for families of police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. A picture os Stacey still hangs in the police training office.

There is also a picture of her at Bourne police station, where she did some of her training.

The force has named the Student Officer of the Year award after Stacey and her family come to present it every year.

A post on the Facebook page One Police UK said yesterday: “Thinking of her family and friends today. Sleep well colleague.”

Replying to that post, her dad Dave Pyke said: “Such lovely messages from people. Stacey was a very beautiful, focused, caring, fun loving young woman, and a very proud dad she made me.

“What a very sad end to a young person’s life when after only a week in the job she dreamed of and had always wanted to do.”

Cambridgeshire officer Tom Robinson added: “I had the privilege of working with Stacey in her old job while she was joining. Lovely girl who’s dream was to become a PC, Such a shame. Now I am an officer I have visited her tree and paid my respects. Rest easy.”

There were tears at the inquest into her death in March 2007 when the final moments of Stacey’s life were revealed.

Stacey was driving home after finishing her first nine-hour night shift at Spalding Police Station when she “momentarily” fell asleep. When the 20-year-old opened her eyes her car had drifted off the A15 carriage-way near Market Deeping.

In a desperate attempt to get back on the road she oversteered her Renault Megane, causing it to swerve into the path of an oncoming Citron Picasso.

The Citron driver wept as he relived the moment.

Stacey, who joined Lincolnshire Police in August, was driving to her home in Broadway, Yaxley, when the accident happened at 7.12am on January 15.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Gordon Ryall said: “It is a tragic end to what she saw as a bright future.

“The most likely explanation does appear to be that she momentarily fell asleep and as a result drifted off the road.”

On behalf of the management team, I would like to thank the local councillors who donated money from their locality budgets to help fund the Mencap Christmas party at Pinchbeck Village Hall.

To the people that we support, this is the one date that they can always look forward to. The evening was brilliant with everyone having a great time.

I would also like to thank all those businesses that once again gave generously for our raffle.

We made £800, which is a great achievement. It will enable us to take everyone to the pantomime and on another trip.

So thank you from the bottom of my heart – what a great success.

Also a big thanks to councillors Gary Taylor, Elizabeth Sneath and Jack Mclean for taking time to attend the party – everyone was pleased to see them.

Finally, thank you to Howdens of Spalding for donating the oven – it was much appreciated.

Without such support, we could not put on these much-loved events.

A very happy new year.

New guidelines about rubbish collections in Bourne and the Deepings have been brought out “to keep the district cleaner”.

The advice includes putting out bins and bags by 7.30am on collection days, making sure the correct recyclable items are left out in silver bin or clear bags and to avoid overloading bins, making themm too heavy for collection.

Cllr Nick Craft, portfolio holder for healthy environment at South Kesteven District Council, said: “Residents that take the time to follow these guidelines are helping us fulfil our pledge to keep the district cleaner, greener and healthier and we thank them for their continued support.

“However, we would like even more residents to help us so we can, for example, increase our recycling rate and ensure the correct items are put in the correct bin or bag.

Other rules made public by the council’s streetcare services are:- Bin lids must be closed, otherwise the vehicle’s lifting equipment can damage them; place bins with handles facing outwards which helps binmen to collect bins quicker and not to leave extra waste out.

In addition, people should make sure that all recyclables are clean before putting them in a silver bin or clear bag and put any shredded paper in a bag to avoid it blowing away during the bin emptying process.

You can view a complete list of guidelines at www.southkesteven.gov.uk/recyclinglist

Think before you put out bagged waste, warns SKDC

Appeal for plastic bags to be recycled in Bourne and Market Deeping

Instant £75 fines for dropping litter in Bourne and the Deepings

I have recently returned to the UK after living in France for several years and read your newspaper avidly to get my feet back under the table, as it were.

I have been amazed and horrified (and yet, in one way, gratified) at the vast amount of public money expended on the services and provision of interpreters. In France, everything is in French; the courts, the police, the health service.

If you don’t speak French, it is up to you, the individual, to take or find someone who does.

Shortly after my return to UK, I had an appointment at Papworth hospital.

There, prominently displayed in the waiting room, was an official notice in 17 languages. What an appalling waste.

How many people’s time and labour did that involve? And the NHS claims to be cutting down on waste.

One other niggle I have, as I scan the court notices, is the predominance of eastern European names that appear.

Is this because immigrants break the law more often, or because the police pick on them more?

From start to finish, it was a horrible day for Holbeach United.

Indeed it seems unlikely that the afternoon could have been much worse.

A couple of second-half saves from Tigers number one Rick Drury prevented a bigger defeat.

Overall, though, they got what they deserved for a very poor performance.

Quite rightly, manager Tom Roberts was not in the mood to make excuses.

This was simply nowhere near good enough for a team who are looking to challenge for the championship.

Holbeach had not played since a home defeat to Yaxley on December 28.

At times they looked like they had never been together on a pitch.

The passing was abysmal, they couldn’t create chances and defensive errors gifted goals to Rothwell Corinthians.

The Northamptonshire side – who finished runners-up in Division One last term – went ahead after only 20 seconds.

Andy White’s angled left-foot drive went past Drury into the far corner and the lethargic response didn’t offer too much hope of a fightback.

It took 10 minutes to go in search of an equaliser. Stacy Cartwright’s long-range shot was parried, Tom Gosling 
missed the rebound and Andrew Tidswell’s follow-up was blocked.

Nick Jackson should have converted a volley from Tidswell’s corner and Aaron Eyett also missed the target.

Drury held onto White’s 25-yard drive before Roberts made a double substitution plus three tactical changes.

The physical approach by Corinthians continued to put them in control.

Dominic Page’s header was held on the line and then Drury made a low stop from White who got free behind Cartwright.

A mistake by Cartwright allowed Wright to make it 2-0 but Gosling immediately replied with a far-post finish.

White came close to his hat-trick by racing past Jamie Stevens and clipping the woodwork.

Eyett was carried off with an ankle injury which led to a red card for Kalon Peniasko.

Surprisingly there had been no cautions previously which might have calmed it down with a series of niggly fouls.

Even against 10 men for nearly 20 minutes including stoppage-time, Holbeach did not look capable of rescuing a point as Tidswell, Gosling and substitute Jack Smith failed to test keeper Liam Waddy.

HOLBEACH UNITED

4-4-2: Drury 7; Worthington 4 (sub Warfield h-t, 5), Stevens 5, N Jackson 5, Cartwright 5; Thomas 5, Pinner 4 (sub Smith h-t, 5), Eyett 5 (sub Dougill 74 mins), Gale 5; Gosling 5, Tidswell 5. Subs not used: Ward, A Jackson.

ROTHWELL CORINTHIANS

3-4-1-2: Waddy; Cooper, Henson, Peniasko; T Johnson, B Johnson, Page, Wright (sub Downing 79 mins); Arnold; Plowright, White (sub Scarratt 74 mins). Sub not used: Thorpe.

REFEREE

Timothy Doe.

GOALS

White (20 secs, 0-1); White (63 mins, 0-2); Gosling (65 mins, 1-2).

SENDING-OFF

Peniasko (serious foul play).

BOOKING

Gosling (foul).

ATTENDANCE

139

STAR MAN

Rick Drury – the keeper could not be blamed for Corinthians’ goals and the defeat might have been even worse as he made a couple of second-half saves. None of the outfield players came close to matching his performance level.

WHO’S NEXT

Kirby Muxloe (H) – Saturday.

Manager Tom Roberts was angered by Holbeach United’s worst performance of the season as well as the red-card challenge which sent Aaron Eyett to hospital.

An ambulance was called to Carter’s Park amid fears that former Boston Town midfielder Eyett had suffered a broken ankle.

However, it was confirmed on Saturday night that Eyett has serious ligament damage which will rule him out of 
action for eight weeks.

The tackle on Eyett led to the dismissal of Rothwell Corinthians defender Kalon Peniasko.

Roberts said: “I couldn’t believe what was going on.

“Just before the injury I said someone was going to get hurt if the referee didn’t take action over the tackles.

“A few minutes earlier I wasn’t happy about a reckless challenge.

“It was disgusting and I felt their bench were encouraging it a little bit with the way they were acting as well.”

Roberts was also unhappy over the Tigers’ display as he demanded much better.

He added: “It was a bad day all round.

“We gave them two goals with defensive mistakes.

“If it hadn’t been for two good saves then it could have been worse.

“The players need to start looking at each other. Now is not the time to use excuses such as the winter break which we’ve just had.

“They need to ‘man up’. We know how to win matches and Saturday’s performance was not acceptable.

“The performance was below par and probably our worst of the season.

“Corinthians are a battling side but we’ve got players who can look after themselves.

“It was a disappointing day. I had to make changes for the second half when we needed experience and winners.

“Unfortunately we gave away a second goal and you can’t expect to win games if you do that.”

Tom Gosling – who made it 2-1 with a far-post finish after Andy White’s double – starts a 12-match suspension after an incident following a red card for Holbeach’s reserves.

With all due respect to my former fellow Holbeach parish councillor Paul Foyster, whose letters are always readable and well-argued, I wonder if he has ever had to walk the length of Holbeach High Street and back with a load of shopping?

At the risk of further antagonising my former council colleagues, I would comment that none of them use buses regularly for shopping and, like Mr Foyster, are not fully aware of the difficulties faced by disabled, lame or elderly non-drivers who visit Holbeach for shopping or to see a doctor.

The town is a nightmare for parents with prams, wheelchair users or anyone with a mobility problem.

Getting to the surgery, clinic or Women’s Institute Hall in Park Road from the interchange entails walking almost twice the length of the High Street, while Tesco or Boyes are even further; but at least they will be open for business.

Most potential customers are retired with money to spend, but the smaller shops don’t seem to want their cash; inconsistent opening hours and medieval early closing combine to confuse the elderly, who like to know when it’s safe to venture out and negotiate narrow, uneven pavements in uncertain and often unkind weather.

Shops appear to be run as hobbies, opening when they feel like it without regard for the customer.

Even with the renewed expectation of a Peppermint junction roundabout to take the HGVs away from town, Holbeach streets are far from inviting, despite wonderful flower displays; yet repeated requests for a shortcut from the High Street to Park Road are met with stubborn resistance.

There are several possibilities that could greatly benefit the town and visitors but, over the years, the council has failed to prevent developments that have blocked them or made them inaccessible.

Some forethought in the planning process could have saved much shoe leather and helped prevent Holbeach becoming a ghost town.

The removal of market stalls to the Boston Road car park will simply be another step too far for most.

Of course, we should all pull together, but, as a market town, Holbeach should consider its customers first. To paraphrase Kipling: What do they know of Holbeach that only Holbeach know?

The new boss of the Environment Agency has pledged to work with communities amid calls for greater co-operation between public bodies and better communication with local people.

Sir James Bevan only took up his post as chief executive in November and has already had to cope with major floods in northern England and southern Scotland.

But, during Friday’s floods summit in Downham Market, he said: “A big part of my agenda is to make sure you’re making the decisions, rather than forcing things on you that you don’t think are right.”

And environment secretary Elizabeth Truss said there would be a bigger role for local groups in the future.

She said: “The critical question is how can we enable the internal drainage boards to do more of this work. The reality is that’s how it’s going to happen.”

But the meeting also heard pleas for work on flooding to be part of a much wider approach to managing water needs.

Other delegates called for a wider scope of defence work to be carried out across county boundaries.

And David Collinson, of Norfolk County Council, said all parties needed to work more closely together.

He said: “There’s an awful lot of organisations that have flood risk at the heart of their purpose and we don’t adequately work together.”

And Brian Long reminded delegates of the need to keep local communities informed.

He attended a Magdalen parish council meeting the previous evening where he was asked why the river had not been recently dredged.

Although officials said river bed conditions meant the work was not needed at present, Mr Long said that was the sort of message that was not getting through.

He said: “They need to know this and they’re not getting it filtered down.”

Fire crews attended a collision involving two vehicles last night (Saturday).

The crew from Crowland was called to the B1040, A16 junction near the village at 4.59pm.

A tweet from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue said two vehicles were made safe with no persons trapped.

Officers are urging people to be aware when leaving cars running and unattended in the morning that they are breaking the law and could have their vehicle stolen by opportunist thieves.

Lincolnshire Police PCSO Jason Possnett sent out a Lincs Alert this morning which said: “It has been brought to my attention that many people still start their vehicles and leave them unattended to allow the vehicle to warm up on frosty mornings.

“Please be aware that there are persons that are looking for this opportunity to take the vehicle whilst the vehicle is unattended and running.

“As yet there have not been any recent reports of this happening in our area but feel we all at times need a reminder to be vigilant.”

The Lincs Police Specials account (@LincsSpecials) also retweeted a warning from Nottinghamshire PC Adam Pace.

Mr Pace said: “If you need to de-mist your car tomorrow. Please DONT leave it running and unattended. It’s an offence and it may be stolen! #Police”

According to the MET Office, Lincolnshire still currently has yellow warnings for snow and ice across the county, valid until 11am this morning (Sunday).

To keep updated visit: www.metoffice.gov.uk

Fire crews released a casualty from a collision in Bicker last night (Saturday).

Crews from Donington and Kirton attended the incident on Church Street at 7.49pm.

A tweet from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue said the crews used manpower and short extension ladder to release the casualty.

A Spalding mum who has survived a string of traumas and mental health problems is thinking of taking on the London Marathon.

Vanessa Hills, the driving force behind a new group, Community Mind Matters, is about to start training runs with Adam Davis (31), who has already been accepted as a runner for the mental health charity, Mind, in the London Marathon on April 24.

Adam was inspired to run for the charity after his younger sister suffered anxiety and depression, and happily found herself on the road to recovery following a spell as an inpatient at a young people’s psychiatric unit in Sleaford.

Adam read about Vanessa’s long battle with depression and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on our website – www.spaldingtoday.co.uk – and offered his assistance to her and the group she helped found.

Through the group, Vanessa wants to give people suffering from conditions like depression and anxiety the chance to meet, socialise, share solutions to problems and access help.

She said: “I am going to do some training runs with Adam and then I want to do the marathon the following year. It’s a goal for me to get better.

“I have got to get back my fitness because it’s good for my mental health.”

Vanessa would prefer to raise cash to help people locally who suffer mental health problems, but realises it’s tough to get through the ballot and may be forced to opt for a charity place on the run.

She said: “This was something I wanted to do for my group – I want to get a group of fundraisers together to help with mental health issues here.”

Vanessa may opt to raise money for Help for Heroes as she wants it to be for “something personal”.

Vanessa, who will be 48 on Thursday, was widowed aged 21 when her husband, Ken, was killed in the Army just four days before their baby son’s first birthday.

Adam was due to run in London last year, but broke his ankle. He returned to training in March, but it didn’t give the first-time marathon man enough time to be fit for the April event.

He’s stuck to a training programme ever since and expects to make it round the London circuit in four-and-a-half hours.

Adam moved to Spalding when he was 19 and has worked in a number of roles, including a lifeguard at the Castle Sports Complex, a PCSO and as a display manager with a fireworks company. He’s also a qualified lorry driver. To help Adam raise money for Mind and read his sister’s story visit www.justgiving.com/adam-davis15

Previously ...

Mum is the driving force behind a new group to help Spalding people with mental health problems

Jerry Green Dog Rescue is encouraging dog owners to get their pets microchipped ahead of a change in the law which will make it compulsory.

From April 2016 new legislation in England will state that all dogs aged eight weeks and over must be microchipped and registered on an authorised microchip database.

The Alagarkirk-based charity says microchipping is a quick, simple and painless procedure which implants a chip the size of a grain of rice into the neck of a dog. The unique 15-digit microchip code is then assigned to the dog for life, with the owner’s contact details saved on an authorised database.

“We welcome the introduction of the new law on microchipping,” said Jacqui Bell, CEO at Jerry Green. “Not only will it help reunite lost dogs and owners, it will also provide an element of closure for owners whose dogs have been fatally injured.

“If you’ve recently moved house, taken ownership of a puppy or you’re yet to get your dog microchipped, January is the perfect time to update your details or book your family pet in for the simple procedure.

“As a dog owner myself I can imagine how dreadful it is to have your dog slip its collar and run off. But if the worst happens, I’d like to think someone would take my dog to the nearest vet to be scanned.”

As well as offering advice on all manner of dog-related issues, the teams at Jerry Green Dog Rescue offer a microchipping service in return for a donation to the charity. It offers peace of mind and helps fund the general running costs of the centres.

To book your dog in for microchipping call 01205 260546.

l All the dogs being cared for at Jerry Green Dog Rescue centres are microchipped as part of the preparation for finding forever homes.

l For more information about microchipping contact Jerry Green via fundraising@jerrygreendogs.org.uk or call 01652 650886.