Local Democracy Reporting Service

Six out of nine Lincolnshire districts have dropped down the Covid-19 infection rate rankings since Christmas, new figures show.

Lincoln and Boston were among the areas with the highest UK infection rates at the beginning of December, but are now out of the top 100 in the UK.

Greater Lincolnshire’s fall in ranking is not all due to a decrease in infection rates, but a rise in other parts of the country which have overtaken the region.

On 3 December, Lincoln had the ninth highest infection rate in the UK, with 385.7 per 100,000 of the population. Now, Lincoln is 119th, but with a higher infection rate of 388.7.

Boston became the hub for high infection rates on 3 December, with 547.2, placing it second nationally. Now, it is 354.8 per 100,000 people and 132nd in the country.

Areas such as North East Lincolnshire have more than halved their infection rate since the beginning of the month, with an infection rate of 223.7 on 3 December to 110.9 now, placing it 343rd in the UK.

While England has seen a rise in its rate of infection over the last few weeks, Greater Lincolnshire has started to fall gradually.

On 3 December, the average infection rate for Greater Lincolnshire was 267 per 100,000 people, but now it's 254.

Business leaders in Lincolnshire say they're hoping for a better year for the county's high streets in 2021.

Image source, Google

Some big retailers have struggled and even closed during the coronavirus pandemic, while small businesses have faced major difficulties during the lockdowns.

However, Sarah Loftus, chief executive of Lincoln's Business Improvement Group, says there is still a future for town and city centres.

Witnesses are being asked to come forward after a man was stabbed and seriously injured in Grimsby earlier this month.

Image source, Google

The attack happened in the Patrick Street underpass (pictured) between 02:45 and 03:00 on Sunday 6 December, according to Humberside Police.

The victim was attacked by two men, one described as white and wearing dark clothing, the other described as black and wearing a blue tracksuit.

The victim suffered knife wounds to his shoulder, arms and hands and needed hospital treatment, though his injuries were not life-threatening, police say.

Anyone who saw what happened or who has information about the attack is being asked to contact the Humberside force.

Police said a black Mercedes-Benz 200 and a blue Suzuki Swift crashed on the A16 Spalding bypass.

Morecambe maintain their spot in the League Two play-off places as they come from behind to beat managerless Grimsby.

BBC Weather

It will be a mainly dry night for Christmas Eve in Lincolnshire.

Here's the latest forecast:

Last night's heavy rain has led to a number of flood warnings being issued in Lincolnshire.

Image source, Environment Agency

They include Ruskington Beck in Ruskington, Swaton Eau in Swaton village, and isolated properties and villages near the South Forty Foot Drain and its tributaries.

Full details can be found on the Environment Agency website, external.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue says it received almost 200 calls from across the county in the last 24 hours - and attended more than 100.

A report of a girl asking for a paint set in 1895 was discovered in the Grantham Journal's archives.

There'll be some rain around in parts of Lincolnshire this morning. Here's the latest forecast:

A 26-year-old man died in hospital after he was found injured at a property in Skegness.

Tributes are being paid to a paramedic who has died from Covid-19.

Image source, East Midlands Ambulance Service

East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has confirmed the death of Tony Chadbourne, external, often known as Chad or Chadders, who devoted 23 years to the ambulance service and worked in both the Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire divisions.

His family said in a statement: "He was an NHS hero, but he was our hero. Our rock. Our beloved son, brother, uncle and friend.

"Tony has left behind a heartbroken family who loved him beyond words."

Mr Chadbourne's career began in 1997 as an Ambulance Technician with the Lincolnshire Patient Transport Service.

He later moved to the Nottinghamshire division where he qualified as a paramedic in 2007.

While continuing to respond to patients as a paramedic, he worked as a Clinical Operations Manager based at Newark and was promoted in November.

In addition, he had also recently received his 20 years long service medal at EMAS.

Richard Henderson, EMAS chief executive, said: "Losing Chad is incredibly sad, and it’s difficult to find the words to express how colleagues across the service will be feeling as they hear this devastating news."

Derek Turner spends a month setting up the lights on his Wragby house.

Ian Holloway quits as Grimsby Town manager amid talks of a potential takeover of the League Two club

Seven crew had "injuries, some life-changing" as their boat was thrown in the air in the North Sea.

Bradford City edge further away from the League Two relegation zone with a hard-fought win at Grimsby Town.

BBC Weather

There'll be some rain around in Lincolnshire later.

Here's the latest forecast:

The Woodhall Spa site has been opened due to an unprecedented number of deaths, officials say.

Government money being given to the Loewen Cinema in Mablethorpe is being described by the people who run it as a lifeline.

Image source, Google

The cinema is receiving £19,000 to help support it during the coronavirus pandemic.

Marcus Earle, from the cinema, says the cash boost will "help keep everything going".

Meanwhile, the Kinema in The Woods in Woodhall Spa has also been given money to help it through the pandmemic:

It will be a dry day in Lincolnshire. Here's the latest forecast:

Evie Toombes claims the GP failed to recommend doses of folic acid to her mother.