News :Ashby

Plans to finally connect Scunthorpe’s southern motorway junction to the rest of the town have now been submitted – marking a major step towards delivering the long-awaited link.

The proposed road will connect the M181 roundabout directly to Burringham Road, turning what has long been seen as a standalone junction into a working southern gateway.

If approved, drivers in Ashby, Bottesford, Burringham, Yaddlethorpe and Messingham will benefit from a faster, more direct route to the motorway – easing pressure on Berkeley Circle and improving traffic flow across the town.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is a big step forward – we know residents have been asking for years where that roundabout leads and now we know. This is how this will be turned into a proper route.

“We’ve done the groundwork and secured the funding – now it’s right that the plans go through the proper planning process. This will be considered independently, as it should be, but what we’ve done is make sure everything is in place to deliver it.

The scheme will be delivered by Keepmoat and is funded through the Local Regeneration Fund, with funding confirmed as part of the council’s approved budget.

This latest milestone follows continued investment in the local road network, focused on keeping traffic moving and supporting growth across North Lincolnshire.

Cllr Neil Poole, deputy leader and cabinet member for highways, said: “This is the step that gets it moving.

“Once approved, this link will make a real difference – giving communities a direct route to the motorway and taking pressure off Berkeley Circle.

“It’s a practical improvement residents will feel every day.”

The post Burringham Bypass moves forward – plans submitted for Scunthorpe’s southern motorway link appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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Reg Robinson, from Ashby, is celebrating his birthday by signing up for another season.

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A bid has been submitted to bring UK Town of Culture 2028 to Scunthorpe, with residents and businesses across North Lincolnshire being asked to back the town’s proposal.

Rather than focusing on venues or one-off events, the bid centres on visible change across neighbourhoods – empty units back in use, parks filled with activity, events happening beyond the town centre, young people leading projects, and everyday spaces becoming part of what’s on offer.

Scunthorpe was built from five towns – Ashby, Brumby, Crosby, Frodingham and Scunthorpe. The bid uses that as its starting point, aiming to bring activity into every part of the town.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We know there are challenges – every town has them – but there is real strength in the communities across Scunthorpe, and that’s what this bid is built on.

“This is the start of the journey. We’re putting our hat in the ring and making the case for Scunthorpe on a national stage.

“We want people to get behind this, to take part and to help tell the story of the place they live – because the best stories about Scunthorpe come from the people who know it best.”

The initial expression of interest has been funded through external funding, not local taxpayers’ money. If successful, up to £3m of additional investment could be secured to support activity across the town.

What people will actually see:

• Shuttered high street units turned into working studios, pop-up workshops and places you can walk into, not walk past
• Parks filled with activity – outdoor performances, installations and events where there’s usually just empty space
• Neighbourhoods putting on their own events – from street-level festivals to food, music and community-led activity
• Young people leading projects – creating digital work, exhibitions and events, building real skills and portfolios
• Workplaces and everyday spaces opening up – with activity happening alongside daily life, not hidden away in venues

The expression of interest, submitted by North Lincolnshire Council and partners, sets out how that funding would be used to turn everyday spaces into places where things happen – from neighbourhood events and maker spaces to youth-led digital projects and activity in workplaces and community venues.

Scunthorpe is up against towns across the country, from Blackburn and Barnsley to Redditch and neighbouring Grimsby, with more than 20 already submitting bids.

With hundreds of places showing interest, only a small number will make the shortlist.

The programme is designed to support skills, improve wellbeing and strengthen local connections, using culture as a practical tool rather than a standalone offer.

A shortlist for UK Town of Culture 2028 is expected in June, with shortlisted towns invited to develop more detailed plans.

The post Five towns. One Scunthorpe – bid submitted for UK Town of Culture 2028 appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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Young people in North Lincolnshire are already making a visible difference in their community – with a new youth-led project in Ashby now up and running thanks to a £5,000 grant.

The Keep it Green Ashby project – the first initiative delivered through the Volunteen pilot – has seen young people design and begin creating an inclusive community garden for local residents to enjoy.

The scheme forms part of a one-year programme supporting 10 to 18-year-olds, and up to 25 for young people with SEND, to take part in volunteering and social action.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Young people are telling us they want to get involved, to shape their communities and to take pride in where they live. This project shows exactly what can happen when we back them – real action, led by young people, delivering what residents care about.”

The Volunteen project has been working with youth clubs, school councils and local organisations to understand what opportunities young people want and how best to strengthen the local volunteering offer.

The £5,000 investment has supported the delivery of the Ashby project, providing tools, materials and hands-on support to turn ideas into action.

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families and communities, said: “This is youth-led, community-focused and exactly the sort of positive activity we want to champion.

“The inclusive garden in Ashby is now taking shape – created by young people, for their community – and shows how relatively small investments can unlock something really special.”

Following the success of the first project, plans are being developed to extend the Volunteen pilot, with organisations encouraged to get involved and help expand opportunities across North Lincolnshire.

The grant forms part of the council’s ongoing support for grassroots groups that enrich local communities and encourage people to get active, connect and take part.

Since launching in 2011, the fund has supported hundreds of projects across North Lincolnshire – investing in the spaces, activities and facilities that residents say make the biggest difference.

Grants remain available for junior and youth groups, charitable bodies, co-operatives, not-for-profit organisations, and individuals demonstrating excellence in sport, art or culture. Support is also available for venue hire, helping to keep community spaces open and active.

The post Youngsters bring ‘Keep it Green’ project to life with £5k boost appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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Young people in Scunthorpe with additional needs have been taking part in a unique creative project thanks to a £4,611 Positive Activities grant awarded by North Lincolnshire Council.

The funding has enabled The Way Youth Club (SEN), based at Connect Church on Ashby Road, to launch a Puppet Club, a creative and inclusive programme designed to support the emotional wellbeing, communication skills, and confidence of young people aged 11 to 19.

The project provided a series of workshops here young people explored a range of exciting activities, including:

• Music creation for puppet performances
• Script writing and storytelling
• Dance and movement routines
• Voiceovers and microphone technique
• Filming and editing puppet shows
• Exploring black light puppetry
• Prop-making workshops

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is a fantastic project that combines fun, creativity and learning while giving young people with additional needs the chance to grow in confidence and develop new skills.

“The fund is all about creating opportunities where young people can thrive, and The Way Youth Club’s Puppet Club will do just that. I’m delighted we can help make it happen.”

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children and families, added: “The Puppet Club is a brilliant example of how community-led projects can make a real difference for young people with additional needs. It will help them express themselves, build friendships, and enjoy brand-new experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

“Supporting children and young people is one of our top priorities, and I know families will really value this innovative new programme.”

The cash is part of the council’s grant programme – which has pumped millions into grassroots projects across the region – from sports clubs and youth groups to charities and parish councils – helping to strengthen communities and support local talent.

Grants are available for junior and youth groups, charitable bodies, co-operatives, not-for-profit organisations, and individuals demonstrating excellence in sport, art, or culture. Support is also available for venue hire, helping keep community spaces open and active.

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Burringham Bypass CONFIRMED. The long-planned connection between the M181 and Burringham Road will mean a direct motorway route for Ashby, Bottesford, Burringham, Yaddlethorpe & Messingham and less pressure on Berkeley Circle.
northlincs.gov.uk/news/burri…

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North Lincolnshire Council has approved a balanced budget that protects vital support for vulnerable residents while continuing to invest in roads, regeneration, flood resilience and local communities.

Despite reduced Government funding, rising costs and growing demand for essential services, the council has agreed a clear and disciplined financial plan focused on stability, protection and long-term value.

Around 80 per cent of council spending directly supports vulnerable adults, children and local communities – services that are not provided by any other organisation.

The budget safeguards care and support for older and disabled residents, maintains the council’s long-term financial sustainability and continues to back businesses to create secure, well-paid jobs.

Cllr Rob Waltham said: “This is a responsible budget for challenging times. We have protected the things that matter most – particularly support for vulnerable residents – while continuing to invest in North Lincolnshire’s future.

“National decisions have increased costs for councils without fully funding them. We will not hollow out essential services for short-term gain. This plan is balanced, disciplined and focused on long-term stability.”

Higher employer National Insurance contributions, Living Wage uplifts and sustained inflationary pressures have driven significant increases in workforce costs, with more than £6m added to social care costs alone this year.

The Government settlement does not fully fund those increases, leaving councils expected to bridge the gap.

Cllr Waltham added: “The Government has chosen to cut funding to councils. This budget is not about expansion – it is about protection.

“It preserves frontline support and ensures the council remains financially resilient in the face of externally driven cost pressures. More than 80 per cent of our capital investment programme is funded through external grants rather than local taxation, and our ongoing efficiency programme continues to reshape services around prevention and long-term value rather than crisis response.”

The budget commits more than £200m over the next four years to infrastructure, regeneration and community facilities – strengthening town centres, protecting homes from flooding, supporting economic growth and improving local environments.

Budget highlights include:

• £20m for highways improvements from April
• £10m investment in schools across North Lincolnshire
• £3m grant pot for rural communities
• Creation of an additional 100 new special educational needs school places
• Multi-million-pound leisure refurbishments at Pods and Riddings & Quibell Park
• Investment in Scunthorpe community centres
• Development of the Ashby Hub
• Tree-planting target increased to 750,000
• Free swimming during Easter and summer holidays for children and young people
• Free books for all children up to the age of five
• Free car parking in Ashby, Brigg and Scunthorpe
• Continued support for the Armed Forces community
• Weekly brown bin collections with no additional charge
• £5m for flood protection across the Isle and along the Humber bank
• Completion of the Burringham Bypass
• Expansion of Sir John Mason House, adding five new rooms

The post Budget 2026: Balanced budget protects and backs North Lincolnshire’s future appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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Pensioners across North Lincolnshire are being urged to act quickly, with just 1,000 free air fryers remaining under the council’s hugely popular energy-saving cooking scheme.

Around 15,000 residents have already benefited from free appliances designed to help people eat well while cutting household energy bills. But with stock limited, this is a last opportunity for eligible pensioners who have not yet applied.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This scheme has already helped thousands of pensioners save money and stay healthy – and now we’re down to the final appliances.

“If you’re eligible and haven’t applied yet, don’t miss out. Once these are gone, they’re gone.”

Each eligible household can receive one energy-efficient cooking appliance, including an air fryer, along with access to free healthy cooking sessions to help people get the most out of it.

Cllr Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for sustainability and transformation, added: “We’re genuinely sorry that the scheme is now drawing to a close, because we know how much of a difference these appliances make to people’s everyday lives.

“The last thing we want is for pensioners who would really benefit to miss out simply because they didn’t realise time was running out.

“If you’re eligible and haven’t applied yet, please do so now – this support is there to be used.”

How to apply – before it’s too late

Pensioners can apply quickly and easily by:

• Completing the online application form, or
• Visiting a local community hub in Ashby, Barton, Brigg, Crowle, Epworth or Scunthorpe, where staff can help with registration.
• Contact your ward councillor for help and assistance to apply.

Appliances are available for collection from community hubs.

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The fostering team at North Lincolnshire Council are launching their heartfelt Christmas campaign, Give the Gift of Home, celebrating the power of family, care and belonging. 

The campaign shines a light on what truly matters during the festive season: the presence of a safe and loving home, encouraging local people to consider whether they could make a difference. 

To launch the campaign, the fostering team hosted a special Fostering Film Showcase with fostering friendly members, social workers, foster carers and members of the Children & Families workforce at The Ropewalk in Barton upon Humber.  

The showcase unveiled a powerful short film created in collaboration with Know Film, one of North Lincolnshire’s fostering friendly members, and is a project that was brought together by professionals, carers and young people.  

The film is a result of months of creative collaboration that captures real stories and emotions, showing experiences of local foster carers and young people sharing their voices and perspectives throughout the process. A heartfelt glimpse into the lives of children in care and the transformative impact of fostering; a film that celebrates resilience, love and community spirit.  

A big thank you to all involved, particularly fostering friendly members, DN Colleges and Aeroschool for helping create a beautiful backdrop for our film and allowing our young people to feel a part of something special.  

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families and communities, said: “The showcase was a heart-warming celebration of everything fostering represents, love, compassion and community. The film is a reminder of how vital our foster carers are and how every single one of them helps to change lives. It’s wonderful to see our partners, carers and young people working together on something so special. 

 “As we head into the festive season, Give the Gift of Home is a beautiful message. It reminds us that the greatest gift any of us can offer is time, care and a safe place to belong; not just for Christmas, but all year round. 

“By involving foster carers and young people in shaping the film, North Lincolnshire Council aimed to ensure authenticity at every stage. Their stories and insights helped to guide the creative vision, ensuring that the final piece reflects the reality and rewards of fostering in North Lincolnshire.” 

Pete, co-owner of Know Film, had this to say about what being involved in the film has meant to him: “I know first-hand the impact foster carers can make to the young people they look after, especially as 25 years ago I spent some time in foster care myself.  

“Creating this film wasn’t a run of the mill project for us, we put our heart and soul into this project, and we hope it shows.” 

As part of the Give the Gift of Home campaign, the fostering team will be out and about in the community, spreading festive cheer and raising awareness. There will also be festive giveaways and activities for families to enjoy. 

You can find the team at a variety of events, including: 

• Friday 5 December, Christmas Pantomime at Baths Hall, Scunthorpe, please note that this is a ticketed event, you can book through the Baths Hall website, 5pm to 7pm 

• Saturday 6 December, Normanby Christmas Market, Normanby Hall Country Park, 10am to 4pm 

• 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 December, Christmas Tree Festival with Rotary Club, Old Brumby United Church, Ashby Road Scunthorpe, Friday – 10am to 12.30pm, Saturday – 10.30am to 5pm, Sunday – 12noon to 4pm

• Friday 12 December, John Leggott College Christmas Fair, John Leggott College, West Common Lane, Scunthorpe, 5pm to 7pm

Could you Give the Gift of Home this Christmas? 

To find out more about becoming a foster carer, visit the fostering webpage, email fostering@northlincs.gov.uk or call 01724 297024. 

The post Could you give the gift of home in 2026 for a local child in North Lincolnshire? appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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Every great business starts somewhere – from Dyson’s first prototype in a garden shed, Gymshark’s first embroidered t-shirt or Amazon’s first book sold from Jeff Bezos’s garage.

Now, North Lincolnshire Council is helping local people turn their ideas into reality, with free advice, one-to-one support and grants of up to £500 available for new start-ups.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We are committed to creating an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive – this cash not only helps new businesses get off the ground but also ensures long-term resilience in our communities.”

The start-up grants can be used to support residents setting up their own business or becoming self-employed within their first 12 months of trading – with the available to help cover essential costs such as:

• Marketing and advertising
• Equipment such as desktop computers
• Training, permits or accreditations.

The Barrel Shop in Barton-upon-Humber – a zero-waste store selling a wide range of groceries, cleaning products and cosmetics – recently received a grant.

They invested in a commercial electronic weighing scale and a computerised stock control system – helping the business streamline its operations by improving stock accuracy and enabling more efficient day-to-day management.

Cllr Waltham added: “This funding is about giving local people the tools they need to succeed and supporting the kind of ambition that keeps our towns and villages strong – by backing local talent, we’re investing in the future of North Lincolnshire and delivering real opportunities that matter to our residents.

“The Barrel Shop is a fantastic example of innovation that is creating jobs and supporting the town to thrive.”

The team at the Barrel Shop also worked with the council’s one-to-one support to produce a clear business plan and cashflow forecast, and completed the online start-up workshop to build their knowledge and confidence as a new business owner.

Aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners are invited to attend a series of informal drop-in sessions taking place across North Lincolnshire over the coming months.

These events offer the opportunity to speak one-to-one with a business advisor and discover the range of support and funding available, including how to access the start-up grants.

All sessions run from 9am to 11.30am on the following dates:

Waters’ Edge, Barton – Wednesday 3 December 2025

Ashby Hub – Wednesday 7 January 2026

Normanby Gateway, Scunthorpe – Wednesday 14 January 2026

The Angel, Brigg – Wednesday 28 January 2026

Crowle Hub – Wednesday 11 February 2026

No appointment is necessary – simply drop in at a convenient time. However, if preferred, appointments can be pre-booked via an online form.

If you’re unable to attend in person, you can also schedule a 45-minute online appointment with a start-up advisor at your convenience.

The programme directly supports Priority Three of the North Lincolnshire Economic Growth Plan 2023–2028: to increase business start-ups and sustain high survival rates. It also aligns with the UKSPF’s wider mission to promote inclusive, local economic growth.

For more information about the grant and how to apply, go to the Invest in North Lincolnshire website or email businessinfo@northlincs.gov.uk.

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