ELDC Councillor William Gray's News

April 2025 News

Digital inclusion sessions with Lincs Digital

Our digital partners, Lincs Digital, have confirmed more drop-in dates to help people access and navigate online services.

Funded by the East Lindsey Investment Fund (ELIF), these sessions offer face to face guidance and help with basic digital skills from the friendly and knowledgeable Lincs Digital team.

Future sessions include:

  • Tuesday 13 May, 10am to 12pm - Wragby Town Hall
  • Friday 16 May, 9.30am to 11.30am - Chapel St Leonards Church Hall
  • Tuesday 20 May, 10am to 12pm - Woodhall Spa Methodist Church Hall
  • Monday 2 June, 10am to 12pm - Revesby Village Hall

 

For more information on local digital inclusion projects and support, please visit: Digital Inclusion - East Lindsey District Council 

If you would like a host community-based drop-in, please contact communitysupport@e-lindsey.gov.uk

Home Energy Advice and Retrofit Team

The Home Energy Advice and Retrofit Team will be in the following locations with ERIC (Energy and Retrofit Information Clinic), offering in-person energy advice and support.

If you would like to suggest a location to the team, please email: heart@e-lindsey.gov.uk

  • Monday 12th May, 10am to 1pm - Trusthorpe Village Hall
  • Thursday 15th May, 10am to 12.30pm - Mablethorpe Library       
  • Saturday 17th May, 10am to 4pm - Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival              
  • Monday 19th May, 10am to 12pm - Louth Library 
  • Friday 23rd May, 9.30am to 2pm - Wragby Market

 

Looking for community grant and support opportunities?

Please find below links to information about the different community support and grants available:

 

Caution for Skegness beachgoers

We're aware of some sightings of brown-tail caterpillars along the path to the beach at Princess Parade Car Park, Lagoon Walk, and the Dunes in Skegness.

Please steer clear of these caterpillars and do not touch them as their hairs can cause skin irritation.

They're covered in dense brown hairs and, when fully grown, have two broken red lines down their back with two red dots near the tail. You'll also see white streaks along the sides.

We are monitoring the situation and working to minimise the chance of them coming into contact with visitors. If you want to find out more about the caterpillars, head to https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/.../inver.../moths/brown-tail

 

 

Weekly food waste collections approved for East Lindsey residents

 

East Lindsey District Council’s Executive Board has given the green light to a major step forward in waste and environmental services, approving the purchase of 27 new food waste collection vehicles in preparation for the introduction of weekly food waste collections by April 2026.

The decision supports national changes introduced by the Environment Act 2021, which requires all local authorities to provide separate weekly food waste collections for households. These changes form part of the Government’s wider "Simpler Recycling" programme, aimed at improving recycling rates, cutting waste, and reducing environmental harm.

The new vehicles, which feature an integrated pod to collect food waste at the same time as general waste and recycling, represent the most efficient and cost-effective option for delivering the service.

The Council’s decision also enables a streamlined collection service, with residents presenting their food waste on the same day as their usual bin collections. This will minimise disruption and help ensure a smooth transition.

The Council also plans to use its allocation to recruit a dedicated Food Waste Engagement Officer, who will guide residents through the transition — helping with caddy use, offering advice on food waste reduction and recycling, and ensuring community support is in place during the rollout period.

This initiative is expected to bring significant environmental benefits. Diverting food waste away from general refuse will reduce contamination of recyclable materials and ensure that waste is processed via anaerobic digestion. This method turns waste into clean, renewable energy and significantly reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Councillor Martin Foster, Portfolio Holder for Operational Services, said: “This is a vital step for East Lindsey. We are meeting our environmental responsibilities while delivering a practical and cost-effective solution for residents. It’s not just about meeting targets – it’s about making a meaningful difference to how we manage waste and protect our environment for the future."

Modelling carried out by Lincolnshire County Council shows that introducing separate food waste collections across the county could reduce CO2 equivalent emissions by more than 4,400 tonnes per year.

Further information will be made available ahead of the rollout in 2026, with regular updates to be shared through the Council’s website and communication channels.

 

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Adventure Awaits: Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival returns this Saturday with over 100 events

The Lincolnshire Wolds will come alive with adventure from Saturday 17 May until Sunday 1 June as the beloved Outdoor Festival returns with more than 100 diverse and exciting events.

The 2025 festival begins with a free family-friendly activity day on Saturday 17 May at National Trust’s Gunby Hall. This exciting launch event offers something for everyone, from the tranquillity of sound baths to adorable animal encounters and the chance to discover unique offerings from local exhibitors.

The Festival will then unfold into a diverse programme providing a wealth of opportunities to connect with nature. From learning how to ride horses at Hundleby Equestrian Centre, to taking in breathtaking panoramic views from an adventure above the hills in one of Trent Valley Gliding Club's two-seat gliders, embracing the great outdoors has never been more appealing.

For those that prefer their feet on the ground, a range of guided countryside walks will uncover hidden gems and local history. Many dog-friendly activities are available too, including the wellness walks, Under the Sea and Fishing Fun Day.

Councillor Adam Grist, Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and the Rural Economy, said: “The Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival serves as a fantastic gateway for both residents and visitors to uncover the unique charm of our region. Beyond the stunning landscapes and activities, it provides a vital platform to directly support our local businesses and the passionate individuals who offer these fantastic activities too.

“There really is something for everyone to enjoy throughout the Festival. It is the perfect opportunity for exploring something new and creating memories within our beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape”.

The festival draws to a close on Sunday 1 June with Celebrating the Outdoors Open Day at Stourton Woods. This final event features a trail run, a delightful mini farmers market and tempting refreshments. Attendees can also enjoy unique Farm Safaris on a tractor and trailer around the estate and delve into the wilderness with bushcraft activities. The day will also host a wedding fair within the Safari Tent, making it an ideal stop for engaged couples seeking local suppliers.

To find the full schedule of events, head to https://woldsoutdoorfestival.com/.

The festival is organised by Love Lincolnshire Wolds, and their partners of East Lindsey District Council, West Lindsey District Council, Lincolnshire County Council, Let’s Move Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire Rural Support Network, Ramblers Lincolnshire, Stourton Estates, South Ormsby Estate, and the Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service.

 

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Age UK Lindsey has closed

Age UK Lindsey has faced severe financial challenges due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the ongoing cost of living crisis and the national insurance and minimum wage increases, which have placed huge pressure on available resources.

Unfortunately, the Board of Trustees has made the difficult decision to cease operating on Friday 2 May 2025, meaning that the charity is no longer able to offer its current services to older people across East Lindsey, West Lindsey and North Lincolnshire.

The organisation is deeply saddened that it has come to a closure decision and its number one priority is how older people in the area can be supported. Age UK Lindsey is working closely with its local partner Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire, looking at the best ways this can be achieved.

Age UK Lindsey is mindful that this news will be upsetting for the older people that it supports, as well as staff, volunteers, partners and stakeholders and the organisation has been contacting as many of those affected by this news as possible.

Any older person or their families looking for help can contact Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire on 03455 564 144 or they can also contact the Age UK national advice line on 0800 169 6565.

After nearly 35 years of service to the local community, Age UK Lindsey is deeply grateful for the privilege of supporting so many older people and their families, and sincerely thanks all clients, partners, supporters, staff, and volunteers for their unwavering support and commitment.

 

The Seasonal Beach Ban for dogs is now in effect

The following beaches are now banned for dogs:

  • Central Mablethorpe
  • Central Sutton on Sea
  • Central Skegness

Dog friendly beaches include:

  • Ingoldmells Beach (South Beach, all year),
  • Saltfleetby Theddlethorpe Dunes
  • Chapel St Leonards Beach.
  • Huttoft/Moggs eye
  • Winthorpe
  • Anderby creek / Wolla Bank
  • Trusthorpe
  • Sandilands beach

Please note that failure to adhere to the PSPO will result in a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN)

 Find out more about the PSPO - www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/PSPO

Beach ban areas can be seen online here - https://loom.ly/it7WW-o

 

Thursday, 15th May 2025