Eco homes built at the Lincolnshire Showground will have kitchens kitted out with wood from sustainable forests.

Developers of the 18 homes, Gusto Group, made a £250,000 partnership deal with Scampton-based Chris Sharp Cabinets to fit out the kitchens and utility rooms.

The company was chosen to fit the homes due to its green credentials, which match the aims of the new homes.

Chris Sharp makes 3,500 pieces of furniture a year using oak, cherry, walnut and tulip wood from sustainable forests in Germany, France and the USA, using craftsmen with a combined experience of 220 years.

The workshop is heated with a biomass boiler using pellets made from wood chips made through the furniture making process.

Paul Kettleborough, Chris Sharp’s operations director, said: “Our company is absolutely committed to the ideals of sustainability and have already been working hard to make our own business as green as possible.

“To work alongside Gusto to create homes that make sustainable living a reality is very exciting.”

As previously reported, permission was granted for the eco homes, called The Edge, in February.

The homes are being constructed to the highest standard of sustainability, which won’t need a central heating system to keep warm.

They will be built to a style similar to the Epic Centre, and contain 2-4 bedrooms plus south-facing glazed sunspaces, with triple glazed windows.

The properties will generate their own electricity and heat hot water through solar panels, plus collect and reuse rainwater.

Gusto Group estimate the new homes would cost £1 per day to run.

“We have been working hard to ensure that, not only our new homes, but the supply chain itself is as sustainable as possible,” said Gusto Group CEO Steff Wright.

“To be able to partner with a company that not only operates under a green ethos but one that is a stone’s throw from the development itself is fantastic.”

The future of the Lincoln Business Improvement Group (BIG) will be decided when 800 businesses vote from September 25.

To help them decide, Lincoln BIG has broken down how levy payers’ money is spent across the city.

Lincoln BIG has been supporting the development of the city for a decade, and this year’s vote will decide whether its role is secured for another five years.

The typical average cost of Lincoln BIG for two-thirds of businesses in Lincoln is £141.35 a year – or 39p a day.

A proportion of BIG income comes from a few larger levy payers which include large shops, the City and County councils, the University of Lincoln, property owners and car park operators.

In total, the 300 larger organisations pick up over half of the levy bill.

The remainder is shared by over 500 smaller business levy payers, who on average see an annual levy bill of £141.

Some 8.5 % of that income is spent on central administration costs.

The bid levy is set at 1% of rateable value and ranges from £60 for a small businesses to over £6,000 for larger levy payers.

The majority of businesses in the city centre are smaller, with two-thirds paying a levy of between £60 and £350 per annum.

The £141.35 average levy is spent on the following:

• Safety strategy – £4.50
• Lincoln in Bloom – £3.18
• Events and promotion – £31.04
• Evening economy management – £5.27
• Access and transport such as walk and ride, parking discounts and cycle lockers – £20.31
• Street management including wardens – £6.47
• Visitor information services (operated under a Service Level Agreement with the city council) – £19.23
• Special projects such as new websites and new city centre signage – £36.72
• Marketing – £2.54
• Central costs, staff and administration – £12.09

Over the last decade Lincoln BIG has driven £10 million worth of investment in the city.

The majority of that money was raised via successful funding bids to organisations like Lottery charities, the government, the Arts Council and Europe and has come on top of the money raised through the levy.

For every £1 raised through the levy BIG has generated a further £2 from other funding streams.

Lincoln BIG Chief Executive, Matt Corrigan, said: “We understand that, for many small businesses and independent traders, every penny counts but the value we deliver to the city and its economy is worth more than the 39p a day it costs for the majority of businesses.

“But we want people to see how their money is invested and to recognise the work that’s been done to make Lincoln an attractive destination for visitors and shoppers.

“We have ensured we bring in as much investment and funding from outside the city as possible and want to continue to build on that success. We have exciting plans for the next five years and hope the business community will support us to allow those plans to become a reality.”

Lincoln BIG proposals, should it achieve another five year term, include a team of tour guides for the Magna Carta celebrations, the development of the walk-and-ride service, and a strategy to develop the evening economy.

City of Lincoln Council’s Executive Committee has agreed the council will cast a ‘yes’ vote in the ballot for the continuation of Lincoln Business Improvement Group (BIG).

Members acknowledged the significant value of BIG’s work, which aims to build Lincoln’s reputation as a retail and tourist destination, at a meeting of the Executive on Monday, September 22.

Cllr Ric Metcalfe, Leader of the city council, said: “I’m delighted Executive members voted for the continuation of Lincoln BIG. The group contributes a hugely significant amount to the city, not least in its ability to generate additional funding that other organisations are not eligible to apply for. Last year the group brought in £350,000 of private sector investment.

“Another key benefit is the volume of events run by the group. There were 167 last year, providing a spread of activity from the Bailgate to the Brayford and St Marks. Exciting events are vital to maintain the vitality of the city centre, bringing people in and increasing footfall for our retailers.”

The University of Lincoln Students’ Union is monitoring the use of the Tower Bar venue in order to enforce a ‘university family’ entry system.

Since taking over management of the Tower Bar and Engine Shed venues on campus on August 1, the SU has been supported by the university in “improving the student experience”.

After announcing the takeover, the SU introduced the idea of a new student admission policy making the space students and guests only. Now, plans also include a non-student membership option.

James Brooks, University of Lincoln Students’ Union CEO, said: “Our priority so far has been making sure the student experience hasn’t been affected in terms of freshers week and launching the new student night on a Wednesday, Quack.

“We’ve also been monitoring the use of the Tower Bar. We are going to make it so that it it students and guests only.

“This isn’t in force yet but we are taking a different stance and if we’ve got people in there that are being offensive towards students then we are asking them to leave.

“After monitoring what’s going on at the bar we will look to enforce a student only or student and guest system, as part of a university family entry policy.

“Realistically we want the people using the bar at the moment to carry on using it. That’s not for business reasons, it’s because the atmosphere in the Tower Bar is really good. We just want students to be able to feel that it’s their venue and that they are part of the venue.

“For people that regularly use it that aren’t students, they can apply to be members and have a right to use it. So it will become more of a members bar.”

While the venues are still bookable to members of the public, University of Lincoln students have priority, and the spaces are being used for sporting activities for the first time.

James said: “It’s exactly the same as every other students’ union in the country. What we are doing is being the Tower Bar to exactly the same level as every other students union which has proven to work.

“We don’t see the Engine Shed’s model changing at all. We are however looking into expanding the staff who book the acts because I am concerned that in the last 18 months there hasn’t been the same caliber of acts that there was previously.”

The SU President, Brian Alcon, added: “Before, students were told the bar couldn’t be closed to the public for their event but now it can.

“What’s the point of being a students’ union if there is no benefit to your members?

“Through our consultation as part of our strategic review two years ago we had positive and negative feedback from students and local residents.

“People have actually emailed in saying thank you because this is the first year in a number of freshers weeks that we haven’t had any disruptions.”

Profits made between the venues will now go towards the running of the students’ union directly.

Brian said: “That will enable us to provide a better quality of service provision for our members and offer more to our members. Now having commercial services, and we have seen with the boost from our takeover of The Shed in January, we can improve the quality of what we already deliver.”

Lincolnshire-based property solutions company Simons Group are celebrating 70 years of business, and looking forward to future challenges.

In September 1944, two 16-year-olds, Peter Hodgkinson and Harry Dunn, were sent by W&J Simons from Nottingham to Lincoln.

Their job was to deliver services under the ‘essential works orders’ that formed the basics of the WWII Home Front Construction activity.

What started out as work under military instruction became a successful venture. Some 20 years later, they bought the Lincoln company they had created from the owners, removed W&J from the title and Simons was created.

From the 1970’s until the 1980’s (at which point Lincoln Cathedral developed their in-house Works Department), Simons’ Small Works team carried out maintenance to Lincoln Cathedral and Close Properties.

The scaffolding works for Lincoln Cathedral still exist to this day, with the same employee having been involved in the works for over 40 years.

Lincoln Cathedral Centre hosted the 70th Birthday celebrations for the local contractor on September 25, attended by the Subdean of Lincoln Cathedral and employees sharing stories.

Paul Hodgkinson, Executive Chairman of Simons said: “After 70 years, the key parts of our DNA as a business can still be seen.

“With roots in the previous generation, we continue to be customer focused with team strength, undertaking technically challenging property solutions, with collaborative working styles and always striving to improve.

“We don’t just believe business is a financial, technical or logical transaction; we believe we are making a connection between people, team members, customers or suppliers. We look forward to the future of Simons, with the next generation continuing with the legacy of the company’s reputation and relationships.”

The Subdean Lincoln Cathedral, Canon John Patrick, added: “The relationship with the cathedral has been going on for many, many years and our experience has always been a very positive one.

“Thank you to Simons for all it does for the cathedral, but also thank you for what it does elsewhere in this county and across the country.”

Work to start building the Lincoln East-West Link Road will begin in November, now the County Council has chosen the contractor for the project.

British construction firm Balfour Beatty has been awarded the £10.5 million contract for building the scheme.

The firm was selected as the best value bidder following a tender process.

The Lincoln East West Link Road project will link the St Mark’s junction to Pelham Bridge and Canwick Road via Tentercoft Street.

The work should be completed by the end of 2016.

The £22 million East-West Link Road scheme is an additional route around the city, which will also mean drivers can avoid the High Street level crossing, and allow for the regeneration of the Tentercroft Street and former coal yard area.

Richard Davies, Executive Councillor for Highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This is great news for the people of Lincoln.

“This project, alongside the other major schemes we have lined up, will significantly ease the pressures we see on the road network in-and-around Lincoln every day.

“Over the next few years, well over a hundred million pounds will be invested in Lincoln’s infrastructure, which will spur-on the city’s redevelopment helping to create new jobs and support business growth.

“Hopefully over the next decade we can successfully attract funding from government and the private sector to deliver these schemes and significantly improve the county’s road network.”

Lincoln off-license shops have been given warnings after they failed police test purchase operations with the help of two 15-year-old-volunteers.

On Saturday, September 27, officers from Lincolnshire Police Alcohol Licensing Department and Trading Standards, conducted test purchase operations at stores in Lincoln and Skegness targeting underage sales of alcohol and tobacco.

All Lincoln shops that were targeted due to intelligence made illegal sales to the 15-year-olds, while all others refused dale after requesting ID.

The results were:

• Newport News, 49 Newport, Lincoln – sale of alcohol and tobacco to 15 year old volunteer
• Supasave, 18 Corporation Street, Lincoln – sale of alcohol and tobacco to 15 year old volunteer
• Premier Store, Holme Drive, Sudbrooke – sale refused – ID requested
• Dee’s Convenience Store, 136 Church Road North, Skegness – sale refused – ID requested
• Apex Store, Wainfleet Road, Skegness – sale refused – ID requested
• Jay Chand Newsagents, Drummond Road, Skegness – sale refused – Age requested followed by ID requested
• Apex Store, Roman Bank, Skegness – sale refused – ID requested

Licensing Sergeant Kim Enderby said: “These test purchase operations are all intelligence led, involving premises where we have received information that the staff are selling age-restricted products to underage people.

“On the receipt of such information, the people running the shops, pubs, bars or clubs are sent letters advising them that this information has been received to enable them to check their staff and ensure they are not selling or to stop them selling.

“They are advised that the premises will be tested and invited to discuss any concerns or issues they may have identified following our initial warning communication.

“Following a sale to our volunteers, the premises operators are informed and invited to an informal meeting to explain our procedures, identify any potential weaknesses in their operation which may need addressing and to warn them of the serious potential consequences if they are found to be selling a second time.

“We make serious efforts to warn, educate and advise suspect premises to deal with this issue of underage sales and the impact it has upon anti social and criminal behaviour in local communities and the harmful effects on the health of young people.”

Anyone with information on known underage sales of tobacco or alcohol should contact Lincolnshire Police directly on 101 or anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The second multi-million pound Aldi store will open its doors in Lincoln on Thursday, October 2.

The 990 square metres store at 233 Newark Road, the former site of Ready Rent a Car, has created 40 local jobs.

The store includes a 78-space car park and will be open between 8am and 10pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am until 4pm on Sundays.

To celebrate the opening, the Lincoln District Scout Council has been invited to take part in a ribbon cutting ceremony. Aldi will also make a donation to the group.

The store will feature 1,450 product lines, as well as Aldi’s ‘Specialbuys’. Along fresh food, customers can expect to find a range of local produce.

Aldi Store Manager, Chris Barrowcliffe, said: “We are thrilled to be opening a new store in Lincoln and hope that customers enjoy the day’s celebrations, as well as our fresh quality products at everyday prices.

“We are also very proud to be supporting the Lincoln District Scout Council and look forward to inviting them into our store for future fundraising.”

Open Day Update -

To celebrate the opening of their new store, Aldi donated £250 to the Lincoln District Scout Council.

Lincoln-based building service providers Stirlin Developments Limited is embarking on its largest developments scheme to date — a six acre business park in Saxilby.

Riverside Enterprise Park will be a comprehensive redevelopment of the former Concrete Products factory and garden centre site at Saxilby, adjacent the A57.

Existing buildings on the site cover almost 40,000 sq ft and there are plans to extend by at least the same again with hopes to boost to the local economy in West Lindsey.

Existing occupiers on earlier Stirlin Developments at Saxilby include Print Talk, Spence Accounting and Torque Engineering. Stirlin are also about to complete and hand over new premises to Callow Retail Limited.

Chartered Surveyors Hodgson Elkington are marketing the scheme for Stirlin Developments, and partner Dan Race said: “We have just completed the acquisition of this six acre site and are already talking to potential occupiers.

“The development will comprise the refurbishment of the existing buildings and the construction of new premises.”

James Kirby, Managing Director of Stirlin Developments added: “We are completing our third phase on the nearby Saxilby Enterprise Park and this was a logical move for us.

“This will give us the potential to offer larger buildings with outdoor space for vehicle parking, loading and storage. We are expecting strong demand.”

Banks Long & Co acted on behalf of the vendor in the sale. Director William Wall said: “The property generated a high level of interest due to its prominence and accessibility to the A57 from Lincoln to the A1.

“We are sure that Stirlin Developments will deliver another high quality scheme, in line with their nearby success at Saxilby Enterprise Park.”

It’s not bad for all businesses forced to move to make way for Lincoln’s East-West Link Road, as a curtain and blind specialist benefitted from a new showroom and increased sales.

Roger Davis Interiors Ltd, originally of Tentercroft Street, were advised to move six months ago so the road could be closed and widened.

With support from of Banks Long & Co, the company was able to move into a new, bigger showroom in Newlin Business Park, off Exchange Road.

The bigger space also means the firm can offer customers a wider range of products, and are already benefiting from being near to the A46.

Directors Adrian Davis and Richard Telezynski are now experiencing a rise in both domestic and commercial orders.

Adrian said: “As a business, we have been trading for 40 years. I started out as a sole trader with my late father Cyril, and Richard became involved with the company in April 1993. He invested in the business, formed a limited company and became the managing director.

“We were formerly based in Roses Music’s old premises in Tentercroft Street. As soon as we heard about the likelihood of its demolition to make way for the new road, we knew that we had to seek professional advice and so we contacted Peter Banks at Banks Long & Co.

“We considered moving out of town, but we knew it would have to be somewhere with good access. We had a deadline to work to, but we were finally able to begin trading from the Newlin Business Park in early April.”

The main difficulty the pair faced was finding a premises with both a shop front and workshop space, which proved difficult to find in the city centre, however, their move to the outer edge of town has not proved problematic.

“We wanted space for a showroom, a small workshop and an administrative office, but also the flexibility of being based within a five or six miles radius of the city,” said Adrian.

“We were working to a June deadline, but managed to begin trading from our current site in April.

“To make up for the loss of a city centre presence, we needed to good showroom space, where we could display things properly and we have also incorporated one of the only four JAB shop-in-shop concepts in the UK.

“We approached JAB – a German company specialising in furnishing fabrics, flooring and essential accessories — when they were just starting this concept. It was a bit of a coup to get that company on board and to be able to offer its range of goods and accessories.”

Banks Long & Co Consultant Peter Banks said: “The company has taken a risk moving out of town, but the County Council recognised this and has been as helpful as it could be.

“The result is, however, a credit to Adrian and Richard, who put a massive amount of personal effort into the relocation.”

A Lincoln-based haulage and logistics company is expanding after securing a £600,000 funding package.

Rase Distribution Ltd, which saw a 10% growth in turnover in the last two years, has added 12 new trailers to its fleet after receiving a £600,000 funding package from Clydesdale Bank.

The firm, which was founded in 1967, is based at Wickenby Airfield in Langworth.

It is one of the UK’s leading independent logistics providers to the packaged hazardous goods sector and a range of other industries.

The £8.75m turnover business currently employs 105 staff and runs a fleet of 50 vehicles.

In total it manages more than 35,000sq metres of high quality secure storage facilities.

Following a number of new client wins, it placed an order earlier this year for 12 trailers, including two double-decker trailers, purchased as part of this deal.

These trailers are among the UK’s first double-decker trailers that comply with the most recent European construction standards.

The company’s recent additional services also included a significant investment in an online IT system, offering a ‘real-time’ and fully integrated inventory management system.

Geoff Hill, Managing Director at Rase Distribution Ltd, said: “The funding we received from Clydesdale Bank has enabled us to keep growing the business in a considered way.

“We are already targeting a turnover of £9.5m this year and are looking for opportunities to open new depots at locations near to main road infrastructure.”

The deal was arranged by business development manager David Burgess from the Business and Private Banking Centre in Lincoln.

David Burgess added: “This was the company’s first transaction with Clydesdale Bank. Geoff is forward-thinking and ambitious. He has big plans for Rase but he balances this with a sensible growth strategy.

“While recognising that there is the capacity for further expansion, it’s the company’s high level of customer service – primarily its attention to detail – that has enabled it to win major contracts.

“As the economic outlook continues to improve, Clydesdale Bank remains focused on supporting the growth ambitions of businesses in Lincoln.”

Lincoln broadband suffers the fourth biggest drop offs in speed between peak and off-peak hours in the country, a survey has shown.

According to broadband speed test data conducted by price comparison and switching service uSwitch.com, surfers in Lincoln experience speed drops of almost 50% between 5am and 9pm.

On average, the 50 largest towns and cities surveyed, showed a drop of 21% by 9pm.

Busy evening hours are usually the slowest time of day to go online. Across the UK, broadband download speeds are fastest at 5am, averaging 18.1 Mbps, but drop by over a fifth by the peak time of 9pm to 14.3 Mbps.

The study, based on more than three million consumer speed tests over the past 12 months, reveals that Manchester (19.2 Mbps) and Birmingham (18.8 Mbps) enjoy the fastest evening peak time surfing.

Other than their Roman roots in common, the cities of Exeter, Chester, Bath and Lincoln have the biggest speed decline.

Average broadband speed in Lincoln decreases from 25.5 Mbps at 5am to 13.1 Mbps at 9pm, a drop of 49%.

The slowest speed recorded at 9pm is Aberdeen with an average 7.9 Mbps.

Customer research conducted by uSwitch.com found 45% of people were affected in their leisure time by slow connections, 43% said it stopped them from watching TV, films or listening to music and 38% said it stopped them from working.

Ewan Taylor-Gibson, broadband expert at uSwitch.com, says: “It won’t come as a surprise that your internet is bright eyed and bushy tailed in the early hours when it’s not groaning under the weight of evening demand. What will surprise many people is by how much speeds drop.

“Given that most of us want to use our home broadband in the evening, it may be concerning to find out that the speed advertised when we sign up won’t necessarily be the speed we get at peak hours.

“It’s worth running an online speed test at home to check that you are getting the best possible service available in your area.”

The Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce announced at its Annual General Meeting a new £2 million growth fund for local businesses.

The Greater Lincolnshire Business Capital Growth Fund was officially launched at the AGM on October 3 at Charlotte House Hotel in Lincoln.

The chamber reported positive response prior to the launch, with over 150 enquiries about funding since Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce won it’s bid for the funding in April.

Grants ranging between £10,000 and £250,000 will be available to local businesses and inward investors who can demonstrate sound business growth investment proposals.

Proposals must also be linked to significant job creation and includes property purchase, new machinery, software and training.

The project will run from of October 3, 2014 until December 2016.

Members who attended the AGM learned about their eligibility from chamber chief executive Simon Beardsley and funding advisor and keynote speaker Ian Jones.

Simon Beardsley, Chief Executive at the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We have been listening hard to what our members and county businesses have been saying about the challenges they face accessing business finance.

“As a result of this, we are pleased to announce the launch of the Greater Lincolnshire Business Capital Growth Fund which will see Greater Lincolnshire companies grow and develop, in turn creating new jobs and supporting the local economy.”

Ian Jones, who joined the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce last week as the Investment Readiness Advisor for the growth fund, said: “I am excited to be involved in the Capital Growth Fund project where the £2 million will directly support local businesses grow and reach their full potential.

“Throughout my twenty years in corporate banking, I have always enjoyed helping businesses achieve their goals and that is exactly what the Greater Lincolnshire Business Capital Growth Fund will do.”

Anyone wishing to find out more about how to apply for the funding should contact enquiries@lincs-chamber.co.uk, or 01522 523333.

Some 27 members of Lincolnshire Co-op staff were awarded for their combined 675 years of service since starting their careers in 1989.

Colleagues from all sectors of the business reached the 25-year landmark together, including florists, travel agents and customer service staff.

The achievement was celebrated with a Long Service dinner. Members of staff who attended were presented with a commemorative gold watch from the society to say thank you.

Colleagues recounted fond memories of their workplaces.

Jennifer Lloyd who now works in Property Maintenance, recounted receiving an odd return, many years ago whilst working at the former Silver Street Store.

She said: “One of our customers came in to return a faulty casserole dish – with sausages still in it. What’s more, she wanted the sausages replacing too!”

Head of People and Performance Heather Lee said: “It’s a testament to what a great place Lincolnshire Co-op is to work that people stay with us for so long.

“We’re really very proud of the staff that have been with us for 25 years; the long service dinner and awards are just one way of recognising their hard work and dedication.”

The members of staff receiving the award were:

• Gillian Berry – Burton Road Pharmacy
• Margaret Briggs – Market Rasen Food Store
• Rachel Clifton – Spalding Travel
• Alan Downs – Food Distribution Centre, Lincoln
• Garry Fisher – Long Sutton Butchery
• Paul Halfpenny – Graphic Designer at Head Office, Lincoln
• Tanya Harvey – Market Rasen Food Store
• John McKerracher – Pharmacy Project Manager, Lincoln
• Judith Parker – Market Rasen Food Store
• Barbara Radley – Brant Road Pharmacy
• Julie Bell – Food Distribution Centre office, Lincoln
• Alan Bent – Woodhall Spa Food Store
• Angela Canty – Nettleham Food Store
• Paul Chapman – Pharmacy Warehouse, Lincoln
• Lorna Cole – Carlton Centre Food Store, Lincoln
• Maree Frankish – Market Rasen Food Store
• Nicola Hackney – Florist, Birchwood Centre, Lincoln
• David Howe – Transport, Lincoln
• Karen Judge – Member Accounts, Head Office, Lincoln
• Jennifer Lloyd – Property Maintenance, Lincoln
• Roger Meanwell – Food Distribution Centre, Lincoln
• Teresa Palmer – Birchwood Food Store
• Nikki Turner – Pharmacy Warehouse, Lincoln
• Julie Walters – Operations Manager, Tritton Road Travel, Lincoln
• Karen Wright – Birchwood Food Store
• Jill Archer – Birchwood Food Store
• Deborah Green – Market Rasen Food Store

Work to redevelop Yarborough Leisure Centre in Lincoln has begun, with £1 million worth of improvements around the corner.

As previously reported, the Active Nation centre refurbishment plans were approved by the City of Lincoln Council, who made the investment and extended their management partnership until 2025.

The centre will be given a new double floor gym in the current space of the squash courts, a complete reception and foyer refurbishment, new dry changing rooms and improvements to the wet change area.

The studio will also be turned into a state-of-the-art dedicated cycling studio, while the gym becomes a new large exercise class studio capable of more than doubling the current capacity.

In addition there will also be new sauna and steam cabins and a new swimming pool roof.

Work on the redevelopment is expected to be completed by January 2015.

To cause as little disruption as possible the gym will remain open as normal and other projects throughout the venue will be phased over the coming months.

Access to group exercise classes, swimming lessons, the Sport’s Hub, football pitches, rugby pitches, netball courts, tennis courts, athletics track, cycling track, pools, diving boards, basketball courts, badminton courts and most of the venue’s other facilities will continue as normal.

The first phase of the redevelopment involves the construction of the new gym area, as well as the transformation of the reception and dry changing rooms.

Active Nation’s Contract Manager for Lincoln, Stuart Blackbourn, said: “These really are exciting times for Yarborough Leisure Centre.

“The investment by the City Of Lincoln Council is going to make a huge difference to almost every area of the venue.

“Over recent years Yarborough Leisure Centre has already seen a significant amount of investment, but this further stage will help to ensure that we can continue to provide excellent service and facilities for the local community as demand for using the venue continues to grow.”

A fish and chip shop in uphill Lincoln is preparing to compete in the national round of the annual National Fish & Chip Awards after topping the Eastern England category.

Burton Road Chippy is one of just 10 fish and chip shops in the country now competing in the 2015 National Fish & Chip Awards organised by Seafish, to win Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year.

They will now have to present their skills in front of a panel of specialist industry and media judges, being quizzed on a diverse range of industry related topics.

Finalists will also get to visit Ålesund, Norway, to see first-hand why the country is regarded as one of the world’s most sustainable fishing nations.

The winner will be announced at an award ceremony in London on January 20, 2015.

Des Anastasiou and Lesley Graves, owners of Burton Road Chippy, commented: “We are so happy to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. We have an amazing, dedicated team of over 13 staff who have worked hard throughout the year to help us achieve this accolade.

“At Burton Road Chippy we are all about variety and offer a wide selection of products, ranging from fish species to batter type, in order to cater to all our customers’ varied needs.

“The shop has been established for nearly 12 years and this is our second year being shortlisted as a top 10 shop, so fish-fingers crossed for the final.”

To get to the national heat, Burton Road Chippy went through two other heats, undergoing assessments by judges on criteria such as product quality, sustainable sourcing policies, marketing initiatives and customer service.

Paul Williams, Chief Executive of Seafish, added: “Our aim has always been to showcase the very best fish fryers in the UK while setting incredibly high standards for the industry.

“I would like to offer up my congratulations to the finalists and wish them the best of luck as they battle for the top accolade. The bar rises year on year for the awards and I can’t wait to see the top fryers go head-to-head at this year’s ceremony.”

Over 1,000 members of staff from Lincolnshire are taking part in nationally-recognised World Host Customer Service training this week in a mission to improve the visitor experience in the area.

The training project falls alongside tourism preparations for Lincoln Castle’s big reveal and the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta.

Destination management organisations Visit Lincoln and Visit East Lincolnshire will work with businesses to roll out the World Host training programme.

The full day training course refreshes staff in excellence in customer care. It also provides an opportunity for delegates to learn about the local area.

The qualifications address one of the key priority areas, as identified by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

The training is delivered over one day by either Boston College, Lincoln College, First College, North Lindsey College, Steadfast Training or Lagat. It is accredited by City & Guilds.

This training is available thanks to the European Social Fund and Skills Funding Agency co-funded Skills for the Workforce project.

Boston College is the contract holder for the project, which is worth £2.5 million to Greater Lincolnshire.

The first business to take part in the project, which launched on October 6, was the Whit Hart hotel in Lincoln.

Businesses wishing to take part can still do so by contacting emma@visitlincoln.com or 01522 852 705.

Emma Tatlow, Visit Lincoln Partnership Manager, said: “I am delighted to be working with General Manager Ian Robinson and his team at the White Hart who are the first team to take part in the WorldHost Customer Service qualification.

“Excellent customer service is an important element of the overall visitor experience. We want to support businesses and their staff to ensure that, as a city, the visitor welcome and knowledge of staff meets and exceeds visitors’ expectations.”

Councillor Colin Davie, Executive Member for Economic Development at Lincolnshire County Council, added: “This is excellent news for Greater Lincolnshire.

“2015 will be a big year for the county as the new and improved Lincoln Castle re-opens and we celebrate the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta.

“This will draw thousands of new visitors to the area and by giving them a world-class welcome, we can keep them coming back for more. Make sure your business doesn’t miss out.”

The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is looking for partners to deliver a £123 million European funding strategy.

The new European Structural and Investment Fund (ESIF) Committee will be responsible for the development of the Greater Lincolnshire European Structural and Investment Fund Strategy.

The challenges for the committee will include overseeing and developing project proposals, agreeing the investments and monitoring performance against contracted targets.

Committee members are expected be drawn from a number of bodies, including the LEP, local authorities, business, the voluntary sector, environment, trades unions, education and rural affairs.

LEP Manager, Ruth Carver, said: “The committee will ensure that local strategic aims are considered alongside national strategic and operational objectives and that our activity is compliant with EU funding regulations.

“This is a unique opportunity to support Greater Lincolnshire’s future growth. The role of the committee member will be vital to the future success of the LEP, the EU programme and the area as a whole.”

The first meeting of the Greater Lincolnshire ESIF Committee will be in late November 2014.

Anyone interested in being a representative on the committee should send their CV and a covering letter highlighting relevant experience to Greater Lincolnshire LEP, City Hall, Beaumont Fee, Lincoln LN1 1DD or by email to emma.mumby@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

For an informal discussion contact Emma Mumby on 01522 550178, or download the candidate briefing pack.

The deadline for applications is October 27.

The former Tokyo nightclub in Lincoln has been taken over by a trio of local music promoters, who will open their new double venue this weekend.

The Grade II listed Constitutional Quarter on Silver Street will open its doors on October 11 as new club Circle, plus ground floor bar called Brewhaus.

The upstairs Circle nightclub features new lighting and sounds with a ‘festival-style’ LED wall, ‘Vegas booth’ seating with table service, mixed media artwork by Dirty Hands Co and a VIP den.

The popular MODA nights will continue as usual in the Basement, along with guest DJs, Lovedough, hip hop and R&B club nights.

The ground level area of the building has been opened up in order to create the new Brewhaus bar.

Run by experienced leisure manager Rob Smith, Brewhaus is a contemporary bar with an industrial-style look created by award winning designers Collective Design.

The bar will offer live weekend music sessions, an in-house pizzeria and a bar menu created by drinks consultants The Liquorists.

There are 72 world beers to choose from at the bar as well as wines, cocktails and a separate Tap Room bar where guests can pull their own beer.

Entry to Bewhaus will be free before 11pm and will open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through October. From November it will open 7 days a week from 4pm until late.

The lauch on October 11 will begin in Brewhaus at 7pm.

The music minds behind the takeover of the club are Ben Webb, Dumi Siwo and Matt Lovedough, of Lovedough.

Benn Webb said: “We’re thrilled to have created this opportunity – it’s a case of three dedicated music fans and promoters coming together to combine their knowledge and passion.

“The club nights we’re keeping are already massively successful and we have exciting plans to build on these. We hope people will come down and share the love – it’s an incredible venue and deserves to shine again.”

Simon Mcilwraith of Collective Design added: “We work on many listed buildings and it’s always a pleasure to lovingly frame their hidden treasures.

“To create Brewhaus we focused on original features such as exposed brick and steel work.

“The original, ceiling and full height arched windows soften the industrial edges, creating an authentic feel, true to the history of the building.

“In retaining the building’s original features, scars and all; it tells the story if what this epic building has been through, whilst introducing a unique, impactful and stylish bar to the space. Brewhaus is a wonderful place to relax in and enjoy together.”

The former Tokyo nightclub was closed in June following complaints about the alcohol being served by the operators.

An outline application to build a 75-bedroom care home on the site of a former adult education centre in Lincoln has been approved.

Tanglewood Care Homes Ltd submitted outline plans for the building on Long Leys Road, which were approved by the City of Lincoln’s planning committee on October 1.

The three storey care home will be accessed via Long Leys Road.

Car parking spaces will be provided for 31 vehicles in the main car park, with two spaces for disabled users and three additional visitor spaces suggested. Storage space for bicycles has also been proposed.

The plans lie within the Long Leys Urban Village Special Policy Zone and should contribute to the enhancement of this area as a partially self-contained village within the wider urban area.

The zone has been identified as an area of major housing development with a current lack of facilities.

The urban village approach is dependant on participation and consultation with local residents and businesses.

Some residents raised concerns over the impact on the visual amenity and the character of the area, the implication on general amenities and highway safety.

The City Council received three objections to the plans.

Matters such as the building and landscaping of the site will be considered by a separate application.

The conditions of the outline approval state that details of foul and surface water drainage must be given, as well as constraints to access and a construction management plan.

A new restaurant in Lincoln’s city centre has officially opened its doors, offering a taste of Lithuania.

Dainava on Sincil Street opened in August, but was officially opened by Lincoln MP Karl McCartney on October 5.

The restaurant is run by Tomas and Daiva Palioniene, who live in Newark. Their aim is to share their love of Lithuanian food with both the Lincoln and Newark areas.

The restaurant serves traditional Lithuanian specialities such as Cepelinai (grated potato balls filled with minced pork) plus British favourites such as an English breakfast and fish and chips.

Drinks include Gira, a traditional Lithuanian soft drink made from bread.

Prices start at £3 for salads, starters and desserts, and £7 for mains, plus a children’s menu available from £4.

Daiva Palioniene said: “We are getting both English guests who love trying out our national cuisine, and Lithuanians, Latvians and Poles who miss their home cooking.”

Karl McCartney commented: “I was delighted to be able to officially open this restaurant here in Lincoln City Centre on Sincil Street which will give residents and visitors alike another great option for eating out in the City.”

The couple managed to set up their first restaurant with funding from NBV Enterprise Solutions and Virgin Start-Up for a start-up loan.

Karl added: “I would like to thank NBV Enterprise Solutions and Virgin Start-Up for the their financial support in helping Daiva and Tomas realise their dream of opening a traditional Lithuanian restaurant and would like to wish the couple the best of luck for the future.”

Richard Dearden, Chief Executive of NBV, said: “We are very pleased to be part of the Virgin solution for entrepreneurs who have a viable business idea, but no access to finance. We see start-up loans as being of huge benefit to people living in the East Midlands who are looking to start their own business.

“The launch of Dainava really showcases what NBV, and the collaboration with Virgin StartUp, is all about.”

Dainava is open Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm until late evening.