NEWS The best ‘good news’ stories

Meet Lucy at Lincoln Castle...!

AMONG THE HIGHLIGHTS OF LINCOLN THIS SUMMER IS A NEW RESIDENT, LUCY!

LINCOLN Tourism bosses in Lincolnshire are anticipating a big boost in visitor numbers this summer, and have created a website at visitlincolnshire.com described as a ‘big beast’ to try to capitalise on 2021’s likely staycation boom. Lincolnshire County Council has made a £500,000 investment in tourism services which includes a new tourism website under the Visit Lincolnshire brand. “This year we are expecting our county to be incredibly popular as a tourist destination, both for people who live here and from elsewhere in the country,” says Councillor Colin Davie, of Lincolnshire County Council. “The development of the site has been a long-term piece of work but I’m delighted we’ve been able to accelerate its launch to enable it to go live as people plan their summer holidays.” “The new website will help to show that Lincolnshire has more to offer than just the coast, or a day trip, and that visitors can book a week or even longer to really explore the countryside too.” Business Lincolnshire reports that tourism is worth £2.39bn to the county’s economy and employs 30,000 people full time. It’s thought that over 20m people visit Lincolnshire each year. n In addition to its Lincolnshire Experiences, and City, Countryside & Coast sections, the new website also teases Lucy, the castle’s resin dragon sculpture (pictured), who will appear this summer.

Outlet village breaks ground

RIOJA DEVELOPMENTS BEGINS WORK ON ITS IMPRESSIVE £100m RETAIL DEVELOPMENT

GRANTHAM A ground breaking ceremony was recently held near Grantham making the beginning of work on Rioja Estates’ new £100m outlet shopping development on the A1 at Spittlegate Level. Covid has delayed the beginning of construction work and pushed back the site’s anticipated opening date by a year to summer 2023. Already a number of retail partners have been confirmed though these remain subject to a press embargo. The site will total 273,000ft2 in its first phase and will comprise 90 retailers with a further 48 to follow in a second phase of development. It’s anticipated that the site will attract over 3,500,000 visitors each year and will create 1,500 jobs. Even during construction the site has created 200 jobs with Bowmer & Kirkland appointed the main contractors for the project. “Grantham Designer Outlet Village will serve Lincoln in the north, Nottingham to the west, Leicester in the south west and Peterborough and Cambridge in the south,” says Rioja MD Giles Membrey. n

Adopt a phone box

EAST LINDSEY HAS 16 RED BOXES FOR SALE

SPILSBY Alas, but with the emergence of the mobile phone, a British icon has pretty much come to the end of the (telephone) line. In the East Lindsey region of Lincolnshire alone, there are now just 16 remaining telephone boxes which for all intents and purposes have now become redundant. That’s why BT bosses are offering them up for sale to communities wishing to transform them into... well, anything constructive, really. 4,000 red boxes across the UK have already been transformed into mini- museums, arts centres, or to house life-saving defibrillators. One example in Burgh-leMarsh near Skegness is already being used as a book exchange. If you’ve a great idea how to use one near you, BT’s Adopt a Kiosk scheme will allow members of the public to take them over for just £1. n For more information on the scheme, see business.bt.com.

93,000 hours of spring cleaning for Cathedral...

LINCOLN If you’ve grumbled about your spring cleaning travails recently, remember, it could be worse. Cleaners have spent 93,000 hours utilising the latest laser technology to expertly restore and conserve Lincoln Cathedral, a project which has been progressing since 2016. The 14th century Gallery of Kings is the latest frieze to benefit from the use of lasers to remove carbonate and sulphate pollution gently, preserving and brightening the stone for future generations. n

Carre Gallery reopening

SLEAFORD GALLERY HOSTS POSTPONED EXHIBITION FEATURING TWO VERY DIFFERENT LOCAL ARTISTS

SLEAFORD The Carre Gallery in Sleaford will host an exhibition this month delayed following its closure because of Covid. Welding & Watercolours on from 1st - 22nd May will feature Brett Barker of Upcycled Innovations’ eclectic metal poppies, WWII aircraft and other sculptures created from upcycled metal tools. Simultaneously, Sleaford’s Pat Christopher will exhibit her watercolour work featuring local scenes, farming equipment, sea views and eclectic red telephone box images. The exhibition will include social distancing and other Covid precautions. n See www.carregallery.co.uk. The Diana, Princess of Wales, Hospital in Grimsby is enjoying an £8.4m investment in its estates and facilities which has just seen one of two brand new MRI scanners delivered to the hospital. Currently being installed, they will replace 15-year old machines and will run alongside a new CT suite which has already helped to treat 650 patients.

GRIMSBY n

£8,400,000

LOCAL NEWS

In Brief

BOSTON x

BOSTON’S £21.9m TOWN FUND WINDFALL

Boston is looking forward to a new era after receiving the news that it is to be given £21.9m from the Government’s Towns Fund scheme.

The Boston Town Deal group put forward several large projects aimed at creating jobs by investing in the town.

These include the creation of a Digital Transport & Logistics academy at Boston College, the creation of a multi-purpose space for the community in Shodfriar’s Hall, an upgrade to Boston’s train station and restoration of 102 properties in the town’s Heritage Cluster. n

WOODNOOK, HOUGH ON THE HILL, GRANTHAM OIEO £1,000,000

A magnificent seven-bedroom country residence whose elegant proportions effortlessly combine contemporary interior styling with classic period design elements to create a truly unique family home. The ground floor accommodation is entered through a palatial reception hall with central oak staircase and includes a light and spacious family kitchen with Aga and granite worktops, sun-room with vaulted ceiling and a spectacular drawing room with mezzanine and impressive inglenook fireplace with wood burner. The spacious driveway leads to a detached triple garage with separate one bedroomed guest accommodation whilst, to the rear, the large gardens lead down to a stream with a cascading waterfall and woodland beyond. NORTH LODGE, SYSTON PARK, GRANTHAM £850,000

Distinctive stone-built former country estate lodge in an idyllic and secluded woodland setting which has been lovingly renovated and extended to create a contemporary six- bedroom family home. Ground floor accommodation includes a stunning family kitchen with Aga, granite worktops, and vaulted ceiling, a stylish formal dining room, elegant living room with feature fireplace and charming study. There is an impressive principal bedroom with feature fireplace and stylish en-suite bathroom and five further spacious double bedrooms; three to first floor and two to ground floor. Nestled on a hilltop, with an imposing stone walled and gated entrance and south-facing 2.4-acre (STS) garden/paddock, North Lodge offers the perfect blend of country and town life, within walking distance of the nearest village and farm shop, and a short drive from the historic market town of Grantham with its high-speed rail network to London Kings Cross and excellent Grammar schools.

5 7 4 EPC Rating: D 3 6 3 EPC Rating: E

THE WOODHALL, ALLINGTON, GRANTHAM £595,000

A charmingly contemporary property in a sought-after commuter village location which has been extended and upgraded to create a stylish hi-spec four-bedroom family home boasting over 2,200sq ft of accommodation. Ground floor accommodation includes a stunning family kitchen with bi-folding doors, dining room, elegant sitting room, study / playroom and utility room. To the first floor there is a stylish principal bedroom with en-suite wet room, en-suite guest bedroom and a further two double bedrooms. To the front aspect of the property there is a driveway leading to a double garage with impressive loft conversion whilst, to the rear, the south-facing garden has been professionally landscaped. Grantham’s excellent grammar schools and high-speed rail network to London Kings Cross are within easy reach (3 miles). BURNS PLACE, THE COLOSSEUM, LINCOLN £795,000

A superior six-bedroom family home located in the prestigious Uphill Lincoln gated development, The Colosseum. Burns Place is part of a landmark crescent of homes and offers 4450 sq. ft of modern living space combined with classic Georgian design over four storeys. The superb light filled open plan kitchen/dining room with log burner is a particular feature as is the opulent primary bedroom suite which occupies the entire second floor. The fully enclosed garden with patio terrace offers a beautiful space to relax and entertain. Residents of The Colosseum will find themselves surrounded by a wide variety of amenities; the popular Bailgate shopping area, the cathedral, the castle and a superb choice of restaurants are all within a short distance. There are direct daily trains from Lincoln to London Kings Cross (travel time approximately 2hrs).

5 4 3 EPC Rating: C 3 6 3 EPC Rating: B

Spilsby Road, Boston £525,000

Fantastic four bedroom Grade Two Listed Georgian property, with many original features and a range of outbuildings to include former coach house, stables, multiple garages, games room and a workshop. There are four reception rooms, three en-suites and an attractive mature garden with outdoor kitchen and pizza oven.

Station Rd, Sutterton £399,000

Charming five bedroom detached period property with spacious and versatile accommodation. With a large plot, situated in a village location with several amenities and offered with NO ONWARD CHAIN.

Halton Holegate £495,000

Hawthorn House is a beautifully designed property with a high standard of fixtures and fittings throughout and features the most stunning views over the Wolds to the rear. Situated on a no-through-road, in an idyllic location. It has four double bedrooms.

Cemetary Rd, Bicker £365,000

Located in the sought after village of Bicker. With four double bedrooms and two reception rooms as well as a dining kitchen, the property would be ideal for a family. There is also an incredibly spacious driveway and a Double Garage converted into an Annexe which could also be used as a studio or home/office. This absolutely beautiful detached bungalow has been renovated within the last five years. Immaculately presented throughout, with three double bedrooms, en-suite to the master and a lovely fitted kitchen. Two individual garages or a garage and a workshop depending on preference.

Linden Way, Boston o/o £385,000

Incredibly well presented four bedroom detached house convenient to both Pilgrim Hospital and Boston High School, with a beautiful large and well established garden divided into several individual sections, two reception rooms and two bathrooms. Offered with No Chain.

Toynton All Saints £375,000

THE WILLOWS Gold Fen Bank | Wrangle | Boston | Lincolnshire | PE22 9BG

• Exceptional Detached House with 15 acres and over 7,000sqft of Agricultural Buildings • Modernised House with 4/5 Reception Rooms, Large Modern Kitchen/ Diner, 4 Bedrooms, Dressing Room AVAILABLE • Integral Double Garage, Underfloor Heating, Garden Room FREEHOLD WITH • Set in 2 Acres of Formal Gardens with 1/3 of an Acre Lake VACANT POSSESSION • Adjoining Agricultural Yard Extending to 0.63 Acres, 0.25 Hectares • Over 680sqm, 7,300sqft of Steel Framed Agricultural Buildings £875,000 • Would Suit Smallholder, Equestrian, Self Sufficient Lifestyle Subject To Contract

ROSE VILLA 40 Lindis Road | Boston | Lincolnshire | PE21 9RT

• Well Modernised Detached House For Sale Freehold • 3 Reception Rooms with Open Plan Kitchen/Diner, Separate Office, Conservatory • Coach House, Outbuildings and Mature Private Gardens Extending to 0.33 Acres • 3 Bedrooms, Box Room, Family Bathroom, Ensuite FOR SALE FREEHOLD WITH VACANT POSSESSION £379,950

Subject To Contract 35 PRINCESS ROAD Kirton | Boston | Lincolnshire | PE20 1JW

• Spacious Executive 5 Bedroom Detached House on a 0.23 acre Plot in a Non Estate Location in Popular Village • Large Fitted Kitchen with Separate Utility Room and Pantry/ FOR SALE FREEHOLD WITH Cloaks, 3 Reception Rooms and Spacious Conservatory VACANT POSSESSION • 5 Double Bedrooms, En-Suite to the Master, 2 Family Bathrooms • Double Integral Garage, Large Driveway with Parking for over 8 vehicles • Private Rear Gardens and a Number of Additional Sheds/Stores £450,000 Subject To Contract NO ONWARD CHAIN