News :Waltham

In the heart of Scunthorpe town centre, we’re opening up a new space for people who want to be part of the town’s cultural, creative and digital future.

This isn’t just a unit – it’s an opportunity to plug into a growing creative community, test ideas, collaborate with peers and start building something new.

It’s a space designed to support creative industries entrepreneurs, offering access to advice, support with business planning and the chance to learn alongside others on a similar journey.

This is about strengthening Scunthorpe’s cultural offer, supporting local creative talent and bringing new energy, activity and confidence into the town centre. It’s about turning ideas into opportunity, and creativity into sustainable enterprise.

No need for perfect.

Just a strong idea – or even the start of one.

Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We want to build a stronger cultural and creative community here in Scunthorpe and give people the chance to be part of the town’s cultural, creative and digital future.

“Whether you’re producing content, designing, making, performing, coding or curating, this space is about helping people create, connect and be seen.

“It’s about strengthening Scunthorpe’s cultural offer, backing creative talent, and giving people the space and confidence to step forward, try something new and be part of the town centre’s future.”

No long process.

No barriers upfront.

Just a space – and a conversation.

Come and see what’s possible at the open day on 15 April, 9am to 5pm,

Meet the team, explore the space, connect with others

Got an idea?

Come and see where it could take you.

Register here.

The post A space to create. A place to belong. Your move. appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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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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Working-age residents in North Lincolnshire facing terminal illness will no longer have to worry about a council tax bill, under a new scheme agreed by councillors.

A new support scheme in North Lincolnshire responds to growing evidence that people at the end of life often face a sharp drop in income alongside rising costs.

National charity Marie Curie has highlighted this issue and called for councils to act – North Lincolnshire Council has.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Facing losing a loved one is one of the hardest things any family can go through and the last thing anyone should be worrying about in those circumstances is a bill landing on the doormat.

“This is about doing the right thing. We’re stepping in with practical support when it matters most, so families can focus on each other without any added financial pressure.”

From April 2026, the scheme will provide targeted support for working families, easing immediate financial pressure at the most difficult time and removing one of the key worries identified by end-of-life charities.

Under the scheme, where a resident has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and meets the eligibility criteria, the council will use its discretionary powers to fully remove council tax liability for the household for a year.

The approach means families can focus on spending time together and arranging care and support – not worrying about bills landing on the doormat.

Cllr Richard Hannigan, cabinet member for independent families (adults), said: “This will make a real difference to people at the most difficult point in their lives. We know that when someone is facing terminal illness, everything changes – emotionally, practically and financially.

“By removing council tax at that moment, we’re giving people space to focus on their care, their family and the time that matters most, without that added pressure.”

The scheme will operate under powers available to councils to reduce council tax liability in exceptional circumstances and will sit alongside existing council tax support and discounts.

The scheme will initially run for two years while the council monitors take-up and impact.

Cllr Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for transformation and sustainability, added: “We are determined to make sure support works for people when they need it most.

“This is a targeted, responsible use of the council’s powers to support residents in exceptional circumstances that is compassionate, respectful and provides practical help.”

Further information on eligibility and how to apply will be published on the council’s website.

Matthew Whittley, Senior Local Public Affairs Manager at Marie Curie, said: “North Lincolnshire Council deserves real credit for taking this important step to support working age residents facing the end of life. By removing council tax for people who are terminally ill, the council is showing real leadership and proving that compassionate, practical policy change is entirely achievable.

“Marie Curie has long highlighted the financial pressures people face at the end of life, and this scheme directly responds to that evidence. We urge other councils across England to urgently follow the example of North Lincolnshire and the nearly 20 other councils so far to have made this move – people who are dying and struggling with their bills simply cannot afford to wait.”

The post One less bill to worry about: 12 months council tax removed for families facing terminal illness appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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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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Residents in East Halton will soon see progress on plans to repair and strengthen College Road, with the project moving into its next stage following work to address the nearby badger sett.

The sett has now been safely collapsed in line with environmental guidance, allowing the council and its partners to move forward with the scheme.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Residents in East Halton have been incredibly patient while the issues around the badger sett have been worked through.

“The important thing now is that we can move forward with a clear plan to repair the road and make it safe for the future.

“I’d also like to thank partners and environmental bodies for working with us pragmatically so that we could both protect wildlife and get this important repair project back on track.”

Finalising engineering plans have now been received and to repair and stabilise the embankment – with a formal procurement and contractor appointment stage.

Subject to final confirmation and contractor availability, the council expects physical works on site to begin in early May, with the aim of completing the improvements by 1 July 2026.

Further updates will be shared with residents as the final design is confirmed and work on site approaches.

The post College Road repair work set to begin this spring after design update appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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The future of Scunthorpe United has been strengthened further after the club agreed a new 10-year lease for training facilities with North Lincolnshire Council.

The agreement gives the club long-term certainty over the land used for training and player development – allowing the Iron to invest in coaching, develop players and expanding its community programmes.

It builds on the council’s support in 2023 to secure the Glanford Park site, ensuring professional football remained in the town after a period of uncertainty.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Scunthorpe United is a huge part of the identity of this town. When its future was uncertain we stepped in to secure the ground for the long term.

“This agreement strengthens those foundations even further – giving the club the stability it needs to train, develop young talent and grow again.

“The club plays an important role in the life of this place and we want to see it thrive for many years to come.”

Scunthorpe United’s chairwoman Michelle Harness, said: “There’s a shared understanding with the council about what this club means to the town – Rob and the team have helped create the stability we need, particularly over the last few years.

“That gives us a strong platform to keep developing players, and build for the future and supporting the wider community.”

The post Future strengthened for Scunthorpe United as long-term lease on training ground secured appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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A leisure centre on the Isle of Axholme is set to slash its energy bills, securing its long-term future after being chosen for a major solar power investment.

Axholme North Leisure Centre will soon generate much of its own electricity thanks to a large rooftop solar installation – cutting running costs and helping keep the popular community facility open and thriving for years to come.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is about protecting local leisure centres like Axholme North – while others are closing leisure centres and libraries, we’re creating more sustainable futures.

“Energy costs have rocketed in recent years and they are one of the biggest pressures on facilities like this. Generating our own power helps keep the bills down and makes sure centres in rural communities like the Isle of Axholme remain viable long into the future.

“It’s a commercial, common-sense approach – reduce the running costs so we can keep investing in the facilities people use every day.”

The new solar system, made up of more than 200 panels, will generate around 48,000 kWh of electricity each year – saving more than £10,000 annually on energy costs.

Cllr Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for community wellbeing (rural), said: “This is exactly the sort of common-sense approach councils should be taking – drive down the running costs so we can keep investing in the things people actually care about.

“In North Lincolnshire we’ve made a clear choice. Whether it’s our libraries, free swimming for children, free parking in our town centres or keeping leisure centres open in rural communities, we’re determined to keep delivering the services that matter most to local people.”

The installation will make Axholme North Leisure Centre one of the most energy-efficient facilities of its kind in the region, helping ensure it continues to serve residents across the Isle of Axholme for years to come.

The post Solar power plan creates more sustainable future for Isle leisure centre appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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Rural households across North Lincolnshire who rely on heating oil are set to receive extra help – with funding on the way.

Communities and residents across North Lincolnshire have been identified as one of the areas set to benefit from a share of new funding aimed at helping rural communities hit hardest by rising heating oil prices.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We know this is hitting people in our rural communities hard – families who rely on heating oil don’t have the same protections as those on mains gas.

“This funding is welcome, but the most important thing is making sure people get help now. If you’re struggling, come forward – we will stand by you and do everything we can to help.”

Cllr Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for transformation and sustainability, said: “We’ve always backed our rural communities – whether that’s keeping services local, investing in villages, or stepping in when people need support. This is about doing what matters for residents.”

While the funding will be formally allocated next month, residents on heating oil are now being urged to come forward and register their interest so support can be targeted where it’s needed most.

What you need to do

If you use heating oil to heat your home, register your interest through the council portal.

If you need help completing the form, you can also visit your local community hub where staff will support you to get registered.

The post Heating oil costs spike – cash support on the way for rural households appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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Thousands of older and disabled residents will continue to benefit from free and extended bus and rail travel in North Lincolnshire, as councillors confirmed the concessionary travel scheme for another year.

The decision keeps the long-standing scheme in place from April, helping people stay independent, connected and active while supporting local bus services and high streets.

The scheme includes the national free off-peak bus pass, alongside a package of additional concessions that councillors in North Lincolnshire have chosen to maintain for nearly a decade – going far further than the national minimum.

Locally, the scheme includes:

• Free bus travel throughout the day, including early mornings before 9.30am and late night journeys after 11pm for local passholders.
• Discounted local rail fares, and in many cases free local rail travel.
• Companion passes for disabled residents who need support to travel.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is about protecting the things that matter most to local people. Thousands of older and disabled residents depend on free travel to stay independent – to get to the shops, attend medical appointments, see friends and family and remain part of their communities.

“We have deliberately chosen to invest in our older residents to help them stay independent and connected. That investment also supports our town centres and helps keep local bus services viable.

“We promised to go further than the national minimum and we’ve kept that promise for almost a decade now.

“If you are eligible and haven’t applied yet, I would strongly encourage you to do so. The pass helps people stay connected, can be used as a form of identification, and every journey helps support the local services our communities rely on.”

The concessionary offer supports more than 25,000 local passholders, giving them the freedom to travel without worrying about costs or rigid timetables. These enhancements go well beyond the national minimum standards and have been protected locally since they were first introduced in 2017.

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for independent families (children), said: “Accessible, affordable travel changes lives. Whether it’s attending vital appointments, staying active or simply getting out for a coffee with friends, this support helps people stay connected.

“For our children with disabilities, independent travel on public transport is a really important life skill that opens up opportunities for them.

“We are working with schools and bus operators to expand our travel training programme so more young people can gain the confidence and skills to travel independently.

“By confirming the scheme for the coming year, we’re giving residents certainty that this support will remain in place at a time when household budgets are under real pressure.”

The scheme will continue from 1 April, taking North Lincolnshire’s enhanced concessionary travel offer into its tenth year.

The post Investment in older people’s travel keeps lifeline for 25,000 residents for tenth year appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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