Summary

  • Top Lincolnshire police officer 'disappointed' with lack of investment

  • Fate of Lincoln's Uphill Bus service unsure after funding withdrawn

  • £2m lost to scams in Lincolnshire - Trading Standards

  • 'Excess winter deaths' rose in Lincolnshire last winter, figures show

  • Man hit by minibus in Boston is seriously injured

  • Updates on Friday 24 November 2017

  1. Police defend Guy Martin tank decisionpublished at 21:47 Greenwich Mean Time 20 November 2017

    The TV daredevil was not allowed to drive a tank through Lincoln for safety reasons, police say.

    Read More
  2. That's all folks: Five things we learned todaypublished at 17:59 Greenwich Mean Time 20 November 2017

    Harry Parkhill
    BBC Local Live, Lincolnshire

    Congratulations, Monday is over and done with!

    That's it for our rolling news updates for today, but we'll be back at 0800 tomorrow.

    In the meantime I'll leave you with five things we didn't know this morning.

    Have a super evening!

  3. Only four hospital beds for people sectioned in Lincolnshirepublished at 17:56 Greenwich Mean Time 20 November 2017

    A change in law means that from December only four beds will be available to people who are sectioned in Lincolnshire.

    The figure came out after Lincoln's MP expressed concern that the number of beds won't be enough to cope when the law changes:

    Quote Message

    With around 750,000 residents there will be only four hospital based places of safety... Last year 89 people were detained in police cells because there were no other options. Will the minister give an assurance that moneys would be made available to provide adequate resources for this change.

    Karen Lee, MP for Lincoln

    In response, Minister Nick Hurd said that £30m funding has been available to local areas for this.

    Half of the money had been allocated but he welcomed applications for the other half.

  4. Farmers struggle to find workers after Brexit votepublished at 17:46 Greenwich Mean Time 20 November 2017

    Lucy Parry
    BBC Local Live, Lincolnshire

    A former NFU Chairman farmer is challenging suggestions that the Brexit process is not causing a shortage of labour in the UK.

    sproutsImage source, Getty Images

    Jonathan Brant, who used to be chairman of the National Farmers Union in the East Midlands, says local farmers are struggling to find people to pick vegetables like brussels sprouts this winter.

    He says Eastern European workers are leaving the country to pick fruit and vegetables in Spain.

    Quote Message

    My friend near Boston who grows Brussels Sprouts, and baby carrots and baby broccoli, he's struggling to find labour. He had three gangs who've left him now and gone off to Spain. These were Polish gangs that he's looked after really well and they're disappearing. It must be a nightmare when you've grown the crop, you've grown the product, and you can't find the labour to pick it.

    Jonathan Brant, Former NFU Chairman

  5. EU divorce bill must be "reasonable", says MPpublished at 17:32 Greenwich Mean Time 20 November 2017

    Harry Parkhill
    BBC Local Live, Lincolnshire

    Grantham and Stamford's MP says it's reasonable for the UK to pay for some EU commitments after Brexit, but warns there'll be anger if the EU is unfair.

    The Prime Minister is chairing a meeting of the Cabinet today to try and settle the so called "divorce bill" as the UK leaves the European Union.

    It's proved a sticking point in negotiations, preventing talks from moving onto arranging a trade deal with the Union.

    nick bolesImage source, Nick Boles MP

    Nick Boles, MP for Grantham and Stamford, says we made commitments whilst we were a member of the EU.

    If the methodology the bloc uses to work out how much the UK owes is reasonable, then he says "everybody can live with it".

    But if it's "egregious" then he says we'll be "very angry about it".

  6. Hull MP calls for reassurances on the future of Red Arrowspublished at 17:26 Greenwich Mean Time 20 November 2017

    Diana Johnson MP for Hull North has called for a Parliamentary debate on the future of the Red arrows.

    This comes after BAE Systems, which produced the Red Arrows' Hawk T1 aircraft, announced plans to cut 2,000 jobs in the UK.

    These cuts would see 400 job losses at the firm's Brough site in East Yorkshire, which currently produces parts for the Red Arrows' aircraft.

    Red Arrows
  7. Vigilance needed after rural burglariespublished at 17:15 Greenwich Mean Time 20 November 2017

    Police in Skegness are urging the public to be vigilant after a string of rural burglaries near the town.

    Three thefts have targeted garden and agricultural equipment in rural areas.

    Two caravans, a ride on lawnmower, trailer and gardening equipment have all been stolen.

    Police say those with high value outdoor equipment should be especially alert., external

  8. 'Knitivity' baubles return to Boston stumppublished at 17:06 Greenwich Mean Time 20 November 2017

    Scott Dalton
    Presenter, BBC Radio Lincolnshire

    A collection of knitted baubles, made by BBC Radio Lincolnshire listeners, have made a return to Boston Stump.

    baubles on trees

    The baubles were knitted as part of a campaign for people to dedicate a homemade decoration to someone they were thinking about at Christmas.

    Thousands of baubles were knitted for the campaign, so Boston Stump decided to return them to the church's Christmas Trees.

    Quote Message

    We were absolutely amazed last year at the amount of baubles we were sent so they'll be back out for people to come and see.

    Adam Kelk, Verger at St Botolph's Church

  9. Bunny reunited with ownerpublished at 16:45 Greenwich Mean Time 20 November 2017

    Hope Bolger
    BBC Local Live, Lincolnshire

    Can you remember "Bun-bun" the rabbit?

    bunnyImage source, Tia Capri Redpath

    "Bun Bun" was found at Donna Nook last week by Good Samaritan Tia Capri Redpath and the picture was posted on social media to try and find its owner.

    After four days, 7,600 shares and hundreds of comments, the bunny has now been reunited with its owner, Ava from Louth.

    Needless to say, Ava is now one happy bunny.

  10. Closure of special treatment centre "concerning"published at 16:31 Greenwich Mean Time 20 November 2017

    Jake Zuckerman
    Journalist, BBC Look North

    A health watchdog says it's "concerning" that people in Lincolnshire aren't getting an equal level of service, after the closure of a specialist care unit.

    Long Leys court in Lincoln provided live in care for patients with learning disabilities and complex mental health issues.

    It was closed temporarily in 2015 after patient Wayne Elvidge (pictured) died there.

    WAYNE ELVIDGEImage source, Family Photo

    A police investigation decided there were no grounds to bring criminal charges against anyone.

    But the trust which runs the service is now formally beginning the process to close the unit permanently.

    Many who would have been patients at Long Leys Court are now treated in the community, but some are being forced to travel to similar units outside the county.

    Healthwatch Lincolnshire says it means people in Lincolnshire aren't getting a good deal compared with other areas of the country.

    But the NHS trust says the new model of service is better for patients:

    Quote Message

    There is a very small number of people who have actually required specialist learning disability in-patient care, and what that shows is that when the unit was open we were probably admitting people to hospital that could have been cared for elsewhere.

    Ian Jerams, Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation NHS Trust

  11. Police respond to Guy Martin tank programme criticismpublished at 16:14 Greenwich Mean Time 20 November 2017

    Harry Parkhill
    BBC Local Live, Lincolnshire

    Lincolnshire police have been forced to respond to criticism after apparently refusing to let TV presenter Guy Martin drive a tank down Lincoln's high street.

    A Channel Four programme (aired last night, external) wanted to commemorate 100 years of the tank, which was designed in Lincoln.

    Guy martin's tankImage source, North One Television

    But after safety concerns the tank wasn't allowed to drive on the city's high street, and ended up on a street in France.

    The force says that Lincoln's Safety Advisory Group were "thrilled" at the idea, and "open minded" but needed safety precautions in place to make sure it was feasible.

    But instead of complying with the conditions, the production company decided to move the stunt to France.

  12. 27-year-old man dies at immigration centrepublished at 15:52 Greenwich Mean Time 20 November 2017

    A 27-year-old Iraqi man has died whilst being held at an immigration removal centre.

    The man was detained at Morton Hall immigration removal centre near Lincoln.

    The death will now be fully investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.

    Quote Message

    Our thoughts are with his next of kin at this sad time.

    Home office spokesperson

  13. Watch: This afternoon's weatherpublished at 15:24 Greenwich Mean Time 20 November 2017

    Paul Hudson
    Weather presenter, BBC Look North

    Turning brighter this afternoon

  14. Bank worker in court over £200k theftpublished at 15:00 Greenwich Mean Time 20 November 2017

    A bank worker has appeared before magistrates charged with stealing more than £200,000 from a Halifax in Louth.

    Alison Todd, 54, from Tyler Avenue in Grimsby faces three charges of theft.

    She's been bailed and will appear before Lincoln Crown Court next month.

  15. Streetlight switch-off "makes prisoners of the vulnerable"published at 14:42 Greenwich Mean Time 20 November 2017

    Harry Parkhill
    BBC Local Live, Lincolnshire

    Lincolnshire County Council's decision to turn streetlights off overnight has "made prisoners of the vulnerable" according to a district councillor.

    light switch off

    You're being asked for your opinion on the county council's policy, external, which has saved £1.7m per year.

    South Kesteven District Councillor Charmaine Morgan says the decision "has made prisoners of the vulnerable and, combined with poor paving & road surfaces, has created a safety hazard."

    Batman Actor Colin McFarlane has also joined the conversation online, external, saying that the county council should "put health, well being and safety ahead of penny pinching", adding that he hopes "sanity prevails".

    Lincolnshire County Council has consistently said that there's been "no evidence to suggest that the decision has had an impact on people's safety".

  16. Children In Need: Fundraising total for the regionpublished at 14:21 Greenwich Mean Time 20 November 2017

    People across East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire have raised more than a million pounds for Children in Need so far this year.

    £1,007,925 has been raised in total.

    Fundraising efforts included a world record attempt of performing Pantomine Dames, the team at BBC Radio Lincolnshire walking the Viking way and Peter Levy completing 7 challenges which included the decorating gingerbread Pudseys.

    Pudsey Bear
  17. From Lincoln to the battlefields of World War Onepublished at 13:53 Greenwich Mean Time 20 November 2017

    Harry Parkhill
    BBC Local Live, Lincolnshire

    Commemorations marking 100 years since the first tanks were used in World War One have taken place in Lincolnshire.

    World War One tankImage source, Imperial War Museum

    The Mark 1 Foster Tank was designed and built in Lincoln.

    Tanks first proved their potential in the Battle of Cambrai on 20 November 1917 when the largest tank force so far assembled in the war - nearly 480 machines in all - smashed a seven-mile wide, four-mile deep hole in the Germans' toughest defences.

    Tank historian Richard Pullen says the weapon was such a revolutionary idea that originally no-one quite knew what to do with it on the battlefield.

    Quote Message

    It wasn't until Cambrai that really people got the idea of how to use it in a battlefield situation - this cutting-edge weapon created in Lincoln."

    Richard Pullen, Tank Historian

  18. Teenager in court over school airgun incidentpublished at 13:31 Greenwich Mean Time 20 November 2017

    A teenage boy has appeared in court in Lincoln after being charged with possession of an air weapon and bladed article with intent to cause fear of violence.

    A 13-year-old boy was arrested on Monday 13 November after being called to a secondary school. No-one was injured during the incident and the school was not closed.

    The boy spoke at Lincoln Youth Court only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and nationality.

    No pleas were entered and there was no bail application.

    He's been remanded into custody until 18 December when he will reappear at Lincoln Youth Court.

    Neither the boy nor his school can be named for legal reasons.

  19. Your views: Grimsby's 20mph speed limits under scrutinypublished at 13:16 Greenwich Mean Time 20 November 2017

    BBC Look North
    East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

    Figures published by North East Lincolnshire Council suggest the number of serious accidents has increased on some of Grimsby's roads after 20 mph zones were put in place.

    Speed signsImage source, Getty Images

    You've been getting in touch with us on our Facebook page, external to tell us what you think:

    Quote Message

    The trick with 20 mph limits is for them to be temporary while schools are opening and closing. Also enforce this with cameras similar to those which monitor the variable speed limits on motorways which adjust according to the limit in force."

    Xander

    Quote Message

    Speed limits may exist, but give most drivers a clear road and they're going to go as fast as they want. See it every day, no matter where you go in the country."

    Gary

    Quote Message

    Speed limits are a good thing, but what will stop people exceeding that limit? Nothing. There are no enforcements like cameras or checks. I live in a 30 zone and it might as well be a 60 as people don’t care."

    Wayne

  20. Views sought over Lincolnshire's streetlight switch-offpublished at 12:54 Greenwich Mean Time 20 November 2017

    People's views are being sought over a decision to turn off streetlights after midnight across Lincolnshire.

    streetlights

    The lights have been turned off overnight since April last year and it's estimated the move has so far saved about £1.7m.

    Now, Lincolnshire County Council wants to hear local residents' views, external about whether the switch-off has affected crime rates and the number of road collisions, or had an impact on businesses.

    The decision has been criticised for heralding an increase in crime - something the council denies.

    Quote Message

    Part-night lighting has been in place for some months now, and we've seen no evidence to suggest the changes have had a negative impact on people's safety."

    John Monk, Lincolnshire County Council