News :Waltham

Hundreds of young people across North Lincolnshire will continue to receive support with the cost of travelling to college and sixth form – helping ensure where they live does not limit the opportunities available to them.

North Lincolnshire Council will continue its Post-16 Student Transport Scheme for the 2026/27 academic year – supporting more than 900 students each year to travel to further education and school sixth forms.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is simple. If you’re a young person in North Lincolnshire and live more than three miles from college, we will help you get there.

“No family will pay more than £30 a term. That’s a deliberate choice we have made because we will not allow distance to put a limit on ambition.

“A young person living in one of North Lincolnshire’s villages should have the same opportunity to choose the right course and build a successful future as someone who lives around the corner from a college.

“We’ve promised to back young people and back families to make sure opportunity is within reach wherever you live – and this is us keeping that promise.”

North Lincolnshire Council provides mainstream post-16 travel support that neighbouring councils either charge hundreds of pounds for or do not offer.

In North Lincolnshire, students living more than three miles from their college or sixth form can get travel support for a maximum family contribution of just £90 a year.

Elsewhere, families face charges of hundreds of pounds a year – rising to almost £600 in some areas.

The council works in partnership with local colleges and school sixth forms to provide transport support for students who live more than three miles from their place of study. The scheme helps reduce the financial burden on families while encouraging continued participation in education and training.

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families and young people, said: “Every young person deserves the chance to fulfil their potential, and that means removing the practical barriers that can sometimes stand in the way.

“Whether someone wants to study A-levels, learn a trade or develop technical skills, getting to college should never become the reason they miss out.

“This scheme gives families confidence that support is there and helps ensure young people can access the opportunities that will shape their futures.”

The council’s contribution to the scheme will increase in line with inflation for the 2026/27 academic year, with support continuing to be delivered in partnership with participating colleges and school sixth forms.

Students and families can find full details of eligibility and how to apply through their college or school sixth form.

The post Distance no barrier: Council backs hundreds of students to reach college appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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More than 12,000 residents who spoke up about the future of North Lincolnshire have had their voices heard as the Government confirmed there will be no changes to the council’s boundaries or status as part of Local Government Reorganisation.

North Lincolnshire Council – recently recognised as Local Authority of the Year at the prestigious MJ Achievement Awards – submitted an evidence-led case highlighting the area’s strong public services, established partnerships and clear local identity.

The council’s submission was informed by its largest ever public conversation, with more than 12,000 residents responding.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Today is first and foremost a victory for the people of North Lincolnshire.

“More than 12,000 residents took the time to tell Government what mattered to them. They said they wanted to keep North Lincolnshire as it is.

“This has never been about protecting an organisation for its own sake. It has always been about protecting the services residents rely on, protecting strong local decision-making and avoiding millions of pounds being spent on unnecessary reorganisation instead of frontline services.

“Residents told us they wanted to keep free car-parking, free books for children, to protect libraries, free swimming, investment in leisure centres, improving parks and green spaces and planting hundreds of thousands of trees.

“I’d like to thank staff too – it has been an anxious time for them not knowing what the future would look like. Now, they can get on with what they do best and deliver the things that matter for residents across every community in North Lincolnshire.”

The council’s submission drew on independent analysis showing that proposals to merge North Lincolnshire with neighbouring authorities could have cost up to £49m, taken years to implement and risked disrupting established partnerships across health, policing and the economy.

Cllr Waltham added: “The debate about local government reorganisation is now over for North Lincolnshire. Our focus returns to what it has always been – delivering excellent services, supporting residents and businesses, and continuing to invest in the future of the area.”

The Government proposals see North and North East Lincolnshire Councils remaining as they are and two new unitary councils created in the rest of Lincolnshire – City of Lincoln and Rural Lincolnshire.

The post Residents’ voices heard as Government shelves ‘mega council’ plans in North Lincolnshire appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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North Lincolnshire’s cultural journey will continue – despite not making the short for the UK Town of Culture.

A long-term programme celebrating local creativity, championing the area’s rich heritage, supporting artists and cultural organisations, and bringing more opportunities for people to experience and take part in culture is being launched.

Building on the momentum created through the Town of Culture bid, the council will turn the ideas, partnerships and enthusiasm generated over the past few months into lasting projects that celebrate North Lincolnshire’s unique identity and strengthen communities for years to come.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Of course we’re disappointed not to have made the shortlist, but our ambition has never been about one competition.

“What has inspired me most throughout this journey has been the people. Thousands of residents shared their ideas, while artists, performers, cultural organisations, community groups, schools and volunteers all stepped forward with one shared ambition – to celebrate everything that makes North Lincolnshire special.

“That was the point of winning the bid, so really, we’ve already won. We’ve built relationships, discovered new talent and created partnerships that simply didn’t exist before and we’ll continue working with those people to celebrate our history, champion our creativity and tell the stories that deserve to be heard.

“We’re still saying yes. Yes to our artists. Yes to our theatres, museums and heritage. Yes to our communities. Yes to investing in culture because it strengthens pride in place, creates opportunity and brings people together.

“The competition may be over, but our ambition certainly isn’t – we stared saying yes to Scunthorpe, but now we’re saying yes to every community in North Lincolnshire.”

Thousands of residents helped shape the bid by sharing ideas, celebrating local stories and showcasing the creativity that exists across North Lincolnshire.

They were joined by artists, performers, schools, community groups, businesses, volunteers and cultural organisations, all united by a shared ambition to celebrate the area.

That passion, those partnerships and the wealth of ideas generated throughout the process will now form the foundation of Cultural Futures, ensuring the momentum continues long after the competition has ended.

The Cultural Futures programme will build on everything created through the Town of Culture bid, turning the ideas, partnerships and enthusiasm generated into a long-term programme that celebrates North Lincolnshire’s heritage, supports local talent and creates new opportunities for residents and visitors to experience culture.

The post We’re still saying yes – but to all of North Lincolnshire appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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Passenger numbers on North Lincolnshire’s enhanced rural bus network have increased by more than 40 per cent in the latest month, with thousands of journeys now completed since the services launched earlier this year.

Funded by North Lincolnshire Council, the enhanced network combines smart demand-responsive technology, flexible booking through an app and an in-house customer call centre to make it easier for residents to travel.

The service has now carried 3,728 passengers, helping connect villages and market towns with work, education, healthcare, shopping and leisure opportunities.

After 1,440 journeys were made in May, passenger numbers rose to 2,048 in June – an increase of more than 40 per cent as more residents discovered the improved routes and services.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Good bus services are a lifeline for rural communities, and it’s encouraging to see more people choosing to use these services each month.

“For many residents, they’re about far more than getting from A to B. They help older people remain independent, get to medical appointments and do their shopping, while giving younger people the freedom to meet friends, access education and discover leisure opportunities across North Lincolnshire.”

The investment has funded a range of improvements to bus services across North Lincolnshire, strengthening connections between villages, market towns and key destinations across the area.

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families and young people, said: “We’re continuing to invest in making the service even better. Alongside a new fleet of buses, we’re using smart technology to make journeys easier to plan and book, while our in-house customer team is on hand to help anyone who prefers to speak to someone.

“Whether you book through the app or over the phone, we want the service to be as simple and accessible as possible.

“We’ll continue listening to residents, using feedback to shape the service as more people get on board – the more people who use this, the better it will get.”

Residents with eligible the enhanced concessionary bus passes can also use their passes on the service, making it even easier for older and disabled residents to stay connected to the people, places and services that matter most.

Connect2 fares start from just £2.50 for adult single journeys, with a maximum cap of £3 per trip. Reduced fares will also be available for passengers under the age of 19.

The service will operate Monday to Friday from 7am to 7pm, and on Saturdays from 8am to 6pm.

Residents can plan and book journeys through the Connect2 North Lincs app or by calling 01724 297777.

The post Connected communities: Almost 4,000 journeys made on new rural bus services appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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Sam Walker will be joined by his dad and grandad on the charity cycle

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From first touches to cup-winning performances, young footballers in Barton are being given more chances to train, develop and thrive thanks to an £8,937 community grant from North Lincolnshire Council.

The funding is helping Barton Junior Football Club secure continued access to high-quality local training facilities at Baysgarth School’s Sports Village, supporting regular sessions for young players from across the area.

For boys and girls aged four to 17, those sessions are about more than football, helping them stay active, build confidence, make friends, and develop the discipline, teamwork, and resilience that sport can inspire.

The support comes at an exciting time for the club, with more young players getting involved and teams continuing to develop across all age groups.

One recent highlight saw the club’s under-12 girls become the first team from Barton Junior Football Club to win the Lincolnshire County Cup, a fantastic achievement for the club and its players.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire council, said: “This is exactly what community grants are about, backing local people who are opening doors, creating opportunities, and helping young people achieve their potential.

“Barton Junior Football Club is giving children and young people a positive place to train, compete and belong, while helping them develop confidence, discipline, and a sense of pride in being part of their club.

“By supporting grassroots clubs like this, we are investing in the next generation and helping young people enjoy sport close to home, in facilities that give them the space to keep improving.”

The £8,937 grant is helping cover hire costs for Baysgarth School’s Sports Village, including 3G pitch hire between April and September 2026.

It means the club can continue delivering regular weekly sessions, supporting young players’ physical health, mental wellbeing, and personal development.

Cllr Christine Patterson, cabinet member for healthy communities, said: “Regular physical activity plays a vital role in helping children and young people build healthy habits for life.

“This funding is helping Barton Junior Football Club continue its important work, giving more young players the chance to train regularly, stay active and develop in a supportive local environment.

“Grassroots clubs play an important role in supporting healthy lifestyles and creating opportunities for young people to take part in sport close to home.”

Based at Pasture Road in Barton-upon-Humber, Barton Junior Football Club provides football opportunities for boys and girls across the local area.

Vaughan Foster, from Barton Junior Football Club, said: “The grant received enables the club to continue supporting all the children, which benefits them through physical training, mental wellbeing, and team building.

“Without the grant we would probably have to cut back on weekly sessions. We are most appreciative of the grant.”

Anyone interested in joining Barton Junior Football Club can contact Vaughan Foster by emailing vaughan.foster15@gmail.com or calling 01652 635611.

The funding is part of the council’s community grants programme, which supports grassroots groups, clubs and organisations to deliver projects and activities that make a real difference in their communities.

Grants are available for local groups and organisations, with support available for a range of projects, including venue hire, equipment and activities that help communities thrive.

To find out more about community grants and how to apply, visit our community funding and grants page.

The post Back of the net: Council support helps Barton Junior Football Club bag their training goal appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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People across North Lincolnshire will be invited to rediscover their inner child as part of a new project celebrating the games, toys and playground memories shared across generations.

Wilderspin National School Museum has been awarded £5,000 from North Lincolnshire Council’s Cultural Futures grant scheme to support The Art of Play: Past, Present and Reimagined.

Led by Barton-upon-Humber-based artist Annabel McCourt, whose work has been exhibited across the UK and internationally, the project will bring people of all ages together to play, share stories and explore how childhood has changed over time.

From skipping ropes and marbles to playground rhymes, classroom games and the toys remembered from home, the project will use creative workshops, the museum’s archive and local memories to turn the everyday experience of play into a new public exhibition.

The project will celebrate what connects generations as much as what has changed, giving children, parents, grandparents and visitors the chance to compare how they played, what they remember and what those shared experiences say about growing up in North Lincolnshire.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Everyone has memories of how they played when they were young, whether that was in the playground, at home, in the street or with friends after school.

“This project will bring those memories together in a creative way, helping people reconnect with their own childhood while sharing stories across generations.

“It is exactly the kind of project Cultural Futures is here to support, rooted in local heritage, led by local creativity and open to people of all ages.”

The Cultural Futures grants programme is part of the council’s wider work to support local organisations, artists and communities, helping more people take part in culture and celebrate the stories, places and creativity that make North Lincolnshire distinctive.

Cllr Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for Rural Communities and Market Towns, said: “Wilderspin National School Museum is a special part of Barton’s heritage, and this project gives people a fresh and accessible way to connect with that history.

“By focusing on play, it opens the door for everyone to take part. Children can explore how previous generations grew up, while adults can share memories that might otherwise be lost.

“That mix of creativity, heritage and community is what makes projects like this so valuable for our towns and villages.”

The project will culminate in a public exhibition, giving visitors the chance to see how local memories, museum collections and creative workshops have helped reimagine the story of play.

People can also learn more about upcoming events at Wilderspin National School Museum, how to get involved as a volunteer and the wider work of the museum by visiting its website.

The post Find your inner child: £5,000 grant helps Wilderspin Museum celebrate the art of play appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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Parents and carers who stop on double yellow lines outside schools to walk children to the school gates will now be fined – under new rules designed to improve safety around schools.

The changes make it clear that drivers cannot leave their vehicle on waiting restrictions, including double yellow lines, to accompany a child into school.

Keeping school entrances clear improves visibility, maintains access for emergency vehicles and helps create a safer environment for children and families at the busiest times of the day.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Nothing is more important than the safety of children.

“Most parents park responsibly, but we continue to see vehicles stopping where they shouldn’t, creating unnecessary risks outside schools.

“This is about protecting children, not catching people out. We want parents to understand the rules, make safe choices and help us keep school entrances clear for everyone.”

The move follows ongoing concerns about dangerous and inconsiderate parking outside schools, where vehicles parked on restrictions can force children into the road, block sight lines and create congestion.

Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for Ashby, Bottesford and Scunthorpe, said: “Parking restrictions outside schools are there for a reason. They help maintain visibility, keep traffic moving and allow children to cross more safely.

“I’ve met parents and residents at Bottesford schools, we’ve listened to their concerns and we’ve made changes to provide greater clarity about what is and isn’t permitted and will help enforcement officers apply the rules consistently.

“We’ll continue working with schools, parents and carers to encourage safer parking and safer journeys to school but if people persist in flouting the rules and putting their children in danger, we’ll fine them.”

The post New school parking rules to keep children safer appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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North Lincolnshire Council is calling on the Government to finally deliver long-promised protection for the northern Lincolnshire Wolds after years of delay.

In 2020, Natural England formally registered a proposal to extend the boundary of the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – to include the nationally important landscape in North Lincolnshire.

Despite the commitment to expand protected landscapes, no progress has been made now the council is urging ministers to make the extension a priority.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The northern Lincolnshire Wolds deserve the same recognition and protection as the rest of this outstanding landscape.

“Five years ago this proposal was accepted for consideration, yet today local communities are still waiting for action – we hear Government speak repeatedly about protecting nature, improving access to the countryside and supporting rural areas. Now is the time to turn those ambitions into reality.

“This isn’t simply about changing a boundary. It’s about recognising an exceptional landscape, protecting wildlife, supporting sustainable tourism and ensuring future generations can enjoy this special part of North Lincolnshire.”

The renewed call comes as North Lincolnshire continues to lead major environmental initiatives, including work with partners to secure biosphere status for the Humberhead Levels – which includes the Isle of Axholme.

Cllr Waltham added: “We said we’d protect these landscapes and we’re getting on with it, whether that’s restoring habitats, planting trees or working towards international recognition through the Humberhead Levels Biosphere – now the Government needs to play its part for the Wolds.

“Extending the Lincolnshire Wolds would strengthen nature recovery, support local businesses and tourism, and give this nationally important landscape the protection it deserves.

“We’ve waited long enough. It’s time to get on with it.”

The post Council leader renews call to extend protected Lincolnshire Wolds landscape appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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