News :Waltham

Residents across North Lincolnshire are discovering new ways to cook smarter, save energy and cut costs thanks to a series of free community sessions from North Lincolnshire Council.

The demonstrations – open to anyone who has received a free air fryer through the council’s energy-saving initiative – will showcase how this modern kitchen gadget can help create quick, healthy, and affordable meals while using less power.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “People are already finding that small changes in how we use modern technology can make a big difference. These sessions are about sharing ideas, inspiring confidence, and helping everyone make the most of the tools that can save energy and money day to day.”

The sessions, taking place in hubs across the region, will share practical tips on how to prepare quick, healthy, and affordable meals, all while saving energy and reducing electricity bills.

It is part of a wider programme helping residents stay active, healthy, and supported, particularly during the colder months.,

Older residents will receive extra fuel payments, free winter warm packs, and low-energy appliances to cut bills and stay safe at home. They’ll also have the chance to build digital skills, which will boost confidence, tackle isolation and help people stay connected.

Cllr Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for sustainability and transformation, said: “Air fryers use much less energy than conventional ovens and are a fantastic way to prepare tasty, healthy meals quickly. By giving residents the tools and know-how to use them confidently, we’re helping households live more sustainably while cutting costs.”

Each session lasts around 45 minutes, with time slots available starting 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm at the following locations:

• Monday 27 October – Scunthorpe Central
• Monday 27 October – Barton Assembly Rooms
• Tuesday 28 October – Ashby Community Hub
• Tuesday 28 October – Winterton Hub
• Wednesday 29 October – Brigg Hub
• Wednesday 29 October – Haxey Memorial Hall

Places on all sessions must be booked in advance. To reserve a space, email community.recreation@northlincs.gov.uk or call 01724 297270.

An online instruction video is also available at www.northlincs.gov.uk/airfryers. Those without access to the internet can use computers and wi-fi free of charge at any North Lincolnshire library.

The sessions are part of North Lincolnshire Council’s Household Support Fund programme, which is funded by the UK Government.

The post Make the most of your air fryer – save on bills and eat healthy appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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North Lincolnshire Council is set to sign the national Age-Friendly Employer Pledge, recognising the experience and contribution of workers aged 50 and over and committing to helping people build fulfilling, flexible careers later in life.

The move is part of the council’s ongoing work to create a modern, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities it serves. It supports flexible working, lifelong learning and progression opportunities for employees at every stage of their careers.

By keeping valuable experience and knowledge in the workplace, the council is helping strengthen local services and the wider North Lincolnshire economy – ensuring that skills, confidence and opportunity continue to grow across generations.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “A thriving workforce reflects its community. Valuing experience and keeping people in work for longer is good for families, good for the local economy and good for public services.

“This pledge shows that we’re serious about helping people continue to contribute, learn and achieve at every age.”

Cllr Elaine Marper, cabinet member for transforming the customer journey, said: “Our residents don’t stop contributing at 50 and neither should opportunity.

“We’re removing barriers, offering flexibility and showing what an age-inclusive employer looks like. It’s about recognising that experience is one of our greatest strengths.”

The post Not over the hill – too skilled to stop: Council backs over-50s workforce appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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An appeal for witnesses has been launched

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More young people are getting the chance to build their careers close to home thanks to North Lincolnshire Council’s expanding apprenticeship offer.

Dozens of residents – from school leavers to career changers – have already taken up roles across the council, developing vital skills while earning a wage.

In the past year, 84 apprenticeships have started across the council – ranging from business administration and planning to social care, IT, engineering and leisure.

Around a quarter of these were new recruits joining the council for the first time, while the rest were existing employees gaining new qualifications and progressing their careers.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is about people, not paperwork. When residents can learn, earn and progress locally, everyone benefits – families, communities and the wider economy.

“Every apprenticeship is another investment in North Lincolnshire’s future.”

The details of the new approach taken by the council were shared in a Cabinet paper approved on Monday 13 October as part of plans to grow local skills and create more opportunities for residents to build fulfilling careers in North Lincolnshire.

The approach is creating new routes into skilled work and keeping local talent in North Lincolnshire. Many apprentices go on to secure permanent roles or higher-level qualifications, building the next generation of professionals.

Cllr Elaine Marper, cabinet member for transforming the customer journey, said: “We’re seeing young people and adults find a real sense of purpose and pride through these opportunities. It’s practical, hands-on experience that leads to lasting careers and stronger services for residents.

“The report recognised that apprenticeships play a wider role in strengthening the local economy – helping people start and grow their careers right on their doorstep.”

The programme is funded through the apprenticeship levy, cash that would be sent to central government if not used for training and development for local residents.

The council is one of many local employers offering opportunities, with dozens more available across the area in engineering, health, construction, digital and more.

To explore current apprenticeship opportunities with the council and other local employers, visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/jobs.

The post Building careers on your doorstep: Apprenticeships creating opportunities across North Lincolnshire appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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Investment in stronger communities, better roads, new facilities and targeted support for families is continuing to make a real difference across North Lincolnshire.

It comes as North Lincolnshire Council’s latest financial report confirms that, despite national pressures from inflation and rising costs in care and education, the authority balanced its budget for 2024/25 while maintaining healthy reserves.

The year-end position shows the council finished the financial year with a small underspend and no unplanned service reductions – all while protecting key local priorities.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Residents can see the results for themselves – roads being resurfaced, play areas refurbished, new community facilities opening, and more families getting the help they need early.

“This report confirms we’re doing what we said we would: delivering value, staying stable and investing in the things that make a difference.”

Independent auditors once again praised the council for its robust financial planning, accuracy of accounts and timely reporting – placing North Lincolnshire among the best-run councils in the country.

The financial position also reflects continued investment in prevention and early help, supporting families before they reach crisis and reducing the need for more expensive interventions later.

Cllr Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for sustainability and transformation, said: “Balancing the books isn’t an end in itself – it’s what enables us to keep improving local services and investing in the future.

“Every decision we take starts with the same question: does this improve life for residents? This year’s results show that approach is working.

“The report shows that we prioritise what matters and deliver what matters.”

The post Strong finances delivering what matters for residents and communities across North Lincolnshire appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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Decisions relate to Grimsby Central Library, Cleethorpes and Waltham

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A spectacular new dining experience is coming to the heart of Scunthorpe – with the team behind The Imaginarium announcing plans to open a stunning new restaurant at Elizabeth Quarter.

The celebrated restaurant brand, which has won acclaim for its unique blend of immersive dining, bold flavours and theatrical design, has signed a lease to open its second venue in the newly built Elizabeth Quarter this Christmas.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Elizabeth Quarter is at the heart of our vision for a new Scunthorpe – a place where families, businesses and communities thrive.

“To have a brand of this calibre choosing to invest here is a huge vote of confidence, and it will put the town on the map for visitors. This is about delivering what matters for residents: new opportunities, new experiences, and new reasons to be proud of Scunthorpe.”

The move marks a milestone in the long-term plan for Scunthorpe town centre, bringing new life, jobs, and vibrancy to one of the area’s most iconic buildings.

Humberside Police are set to build a new town centre police station on the site, and the local NHS has signed a long-term lease for the office space at Elizabeth Quarter for consultations, patient appointments, and a base for their community mental health teams.

Tracey Moxon, co-owner of The Imaginarium, said: “Our offer is something for everyone – fresh, quality food made in-house. You’ll find healthy, modern options alongside our much-loved Imaginarium favourites. From freshly baked breads and cakes to open sandwiches and barista coffee, everything is crafted with care and designed to bring people together.

“Our vision is simple: to serve food that nourishes, in a place that connects. This restaurant will always be more than the menu, because for us it’s not just about opening the doors to a restaurant – it’s about opening doors to a brighter future. This space will belong to the people of Scunthorpe.”

The new restaurant will blend imaginative design with a contemporary menu, complementing the wider transformation of Elizabeth Quarter into a vibrant hub for culture, business, and leisure.

The Imaginarium Scunthorpe will open its doors before Christmas, operating seven days a week – from 7.30am to 10pm Mondays and Tuesdays, 7.30am to 4.30pm Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7.30am to 11pm Fridays, 9am to 11pm Saturdays, and 9am to 7pm Sundays – with recruitment now underway ahead of the grand opening.

Those interested in joining the team can get in touch via imaginariumrestaurantbarton@gmail.com.

The post Imaginarium restaurant set to bring its magic to Scunthorpe’s Elizabeth Quarter appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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All conversions to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) could soon need full planning permission in North Lincolnshire – closing a loophole that allows rogue landlords to sidestep local scrutiny.

Councillors have approved an Article 4 Direction that, once confirmed, will mean all conversions to HMOs require full planning permission. This will give residents a voice, raise housing standards, and protect the character of local neighbourhoods.

Until now, landlords could convert family homes into small HMOs without planning permission. Residents had no say, often leading to overcrowding, parking pressures, and the loss of family housing.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Families want safe, stable neighbourhoods – not streets hollowed out by badly run HMOs. We are drawing a line in the sand: homes must work for local people, not be exploited by rogue landlords.

“This is not something councils do lightly – it is rare to take this step and follows a lengthy legal process. But where family homes are at risk, and where communities are being undermined, we will act. This is about standing up for residents and making sure housing serves the people who live here.”

The Article 4 Direction was approved at a Full Council meeting and will now be subject to public consultation before being confirmed. If confirmed, it will remove the automatic right to convert properties into HMOs, meaning every proposal will face proper scrutiny and local people will have their say.

Cllr Richard Hannigan, cabinet member for adults and health, said: “We know that poor-quality HMOs can have a devastating impact – not just on tenants but on whole neighbourhoods. This is about raising standards, protecting vulnerable residents from exploitation, and making sure communities remain safe, supportive places for families to grow and thrive.

“We know most landlords provide decent homes and play a positive role. This isn’t about them – it is about tackling the small minority who cut corners, cram people into poor conditions and damage whole communities. Families deserve better, and we are sticking up for them.”

The Article 4 Direction is part of the council’s wider drive to focus on what matters most – protecting neighbourhoods, supporting families, and ensuring every resident has access to good-quality, safe housing.

The next step is a formal consultation, where residents and landlords can give their views. After this, the council will consider the feedback before deciding whether to confirm the Article 4 Direction and bring it into full effect.

The post Protecting family homes and empowering communities – Council moves to act on HMOs appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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Hundreds of fines have been issued across North Lincolnshire in recent months as part of a continued crackdown on littering and nuisance behaviour.

Figures show that in August alone, 177 fines were issued, the majority in Scunthorpe, as officers targeted issues including littering, begging, cycling in restricted areas and street drinking.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is about delivering what matters for residents – clean streets, safe public spaces and communities’ people can be proud of.

“If you choose to drop litter, ignore the rules or behave in a way that blights our town centres, you will face the consequences. I make no apologies for fining people who think it is acceptable for others to clear up after them – local taxpayers will not foot the bill for other people’s poor behaviour.

“We’re firmly on the side of the residents who do the right thing every day – the families, neighbours and businesses who are proud of their communities and do the right thing.”

The council spends more than £1m a year cleaning up after others and manages a network of more than 4,000 bins across the area – giving people every opportunity to dispose of rubbish responsibly.

Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities, urban, added: “This is something we would rather not have to do, but residents tell us time and again that tackling nuisance behaviour and littering is a top priority.

“These fines send a very clear message: if you spoil our towns and villages, you will pay for it. We are backing the majority of residents who take pride in where they live – those who don’t will pay the price.”

The latest figures follow targeted patrols in Scunthorpe town centre over the summer months, focusing on hotspots for street drinking and other nuisance behaviour. Enforcement teams will now return to their wider patrols across towns and rural areas.

By working with partners, the council is delivering on its promise to create cleaner, safer, stronger communities – standing with residents to make North Lincolnshire a better place to live, work and visit.

The post War on litter louts continues as council doubles down on tough action to deliver cleaner, safer streets appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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