Posted: May 6th, 2011 | Author: sirennews| Comments Off
Labour has regained control of the City of Lincoln Council for the first time in four years after gaining an extra seat to gain a majority of 17. The Conservatives lost one seat and now hold 15 in the council whilst the Liberal Democrats were able to hold onto their one seat.
The only change in council’s political make up came in the Glebe ward, with Labour’s Councillor Patrick Vaughan securing 101 more votes than the Conservatives to gain the crucial seat from them and regain the ruling majority of the council.
The closest battles of the night came from the Birchwood and Minister wards. Conservatives were able to hold onto control of both seats with the slimest majorities of the vote, beating Labour by just 21 votes in the Birchwood ward and 39 votes in the Minsiter ward.
After last year’s election the council was left with ‘no overall control’, with Conservatives and Labour holding 16 seats each and the Liberal Democrats holding the remaining one seat.
Over 50 candidates ran for the 11 positions up for election this year in the City of Lincoln Council. The turnout was the highest for a local election in several years, with 36.43% of those eligible voting in Lincoln.
The count began in Lincoln at 1am, with around 60 people working through the early hours of the morning to count the votes.
The results were declared around 2.30am, slightly later than most people at the count had expected. The AV result will be announced later on Friday afternoon.
Here is a full list of all 11 positions decided in the 2011 local election (in the order they were declared).
Minster ward – Cllr David Gratrick (Conservative)
Bracebridge ward – Cllr Darren Grice (Conservative)
Glebe ward – Cllr Patrick Vaughan (Labour)
Park ward – Cllr Chris Burke (Labour)
Hartsholme ward – Cllr Ronald Hills (Conservative)
Abbey ward – Cllr Fay Smith (Labour)
Carholme ward – Cllr Neil Murray (Labour)
Moorland ward – Cllr Bob Bushell (Labour)
Castle ward – Cllr Donald Nannestad (Labour)
Boultham ward – Cllr Gary Hewson (Labour)
Birchwood ward – Cllr Eddie Strengiel (Conservative)
Lincoln Council 2011
Labour – 17 seats
Conservatives – 15 seats
Liberal Democrats – 1 seat
Total – 33 seats
Posted: April 12th, 2011 | Author: sirennews| Comments Off
Lincoln’s top stories on Tuesday 12th April.
Plans for new marina in Lincolnshire
Residents of Cherry Willingham in Lincolnshire have launched a campaign against plans to build a multi-million pound marina near their village.
Although the new marina could boost the local economy and create jobs, residents are worried that the development could see their village become a town.
Thomas Bowen has more…
Plans to re-open Lowfields Infant School
Lincoln residents are backing ideas to re-open an empty infant school.
Julie Roe and her daughter Leanne have been asking residents if the former Lowfields Infant School, in Calder Road should be put back into use.
They say, so far, all of the responses have been in support for the re-opening of the school.
The building will be part of the proposed Therese Lord Independent School for one hundred and forty special needs children aged between four and eighteen.
Warmth for Students
A planning application has been submitted to Lijncolon City Council proposing draught proof entrances be installed in the University of Lincoln’s Main Admin Building.
The University is hoping that the alterations are carried out over the summer so they’re ready for students in the new two-thousand and eleven two-thousand and twelve academic year.
Less students on gap years
Statistics released by leading student travel provider, Essential Travel, show less backpackers are set to take a gap year travelling due to tuition fee rises.
With Fee’s now capped at £9,000 less students are looking to take a year out.
Siren Fm asked the University of Lincoln’s students whether they thought gap years were a good idea.
Lincoln’s bid for sports funding
People in Lincoln are being asked what kind of sports and activities they’d like in their communities.
Lincoln City Council’s Sports Development Team is applying for around four hundred thousand pounds from the Big Lottery Fund’s ‘Reaching Communities’ scheme.
If successful, the money would be used to bring healthy activities and sports to the city, which is being chosen by residents in an online survey.
The Wombats are coming to town!
The indie rock band, The Wombats, will be visiting Lincoln on the 3rd of October to perform at the Engine Shed.
They will be doing a number of shows around the UK in order to
promote their new album ‘The Modern Glitch’ which is set to be
released on the 25th of April.
Free Ice Cream
And finally, it’s not every day that you are given free ice cream just for going in a shop.
However on Tuesday at the Lincoln Odeon’s branch of Ben and Jerry’s that’s exactly what’s been going on!
Siren FM went down to the shop to ask why the free ice cream was being served.
Hobbs returns to Lincoln Ladies
Nicola Hobbs, FA Cup Winner, has returned to The Lincoln Ladies Football club after a 4 year absence.
Nicola, who has been improving her international chances by playing for Everton, now wants to return home.
She says she feels more of a connection to the Lincoln Ladies.
Scott Spencer to cover for Grimes during suspension
Scott Spencer is set to take the place of Ashley Grimes for two weeks due to Grimes’ suspension from playing for the Imps.
Spencer, if he proves himself through training this week, will earn a place in the Lincoln City versus Crewe match this Saturday.
Let’s hope this will let the Imps recover from their crushing defeat last weekend with Gillingham Football Club.
Posted: April 9th, 2011 | Author: sirennews| Comments Off
Lincoln’s top stories on Wednesday 6th April.
Elections on May 5th
The Lincoln City Council is urging people to count at the elections on Thursday 5th May.
The count, which will be for both the election and the referendum, will take place from 10pm on the day at the Lincoln Drill Hall.
If you want to take part, further details are available on the Lincoln city Council website.
School campaigns for safer roads
Pupils at Witham St Hughs Primary School in Lincoln have been protesting with a zebra to campaign for a 20mph speed limit and a crossing at Warren Lane.
We spoke to Emily Moxon, spokesman at road charity ‘Brake’, on why she thinks this issue is important.
Former Radio 1 producer visits University of Lincoln
Former Radio 1 producer and visiting professor in radio and sound at the University of Lincoln, Trevor Dann, officially opened the Lincoln Sound Theatre on Wednesday.
The facility features the latest sound technology.
Alex Lewczuk spoke to Trevor Dann about the sound theatre.
“Quicker response” in Lincoln shops
Shops in Lincolns City centre are to receive QR codes or Quick Response codes to put in their windows to promote deals and offers.
These codes can be used by people with smart phones and work when they are scanned.
Siren FM took to the high street to gauge opinion on whether QR codes are a good idea.
Anyon returns off loan
Lincoln City goalkeeper Scott Anyon has returned from his loan at Morecambe after making only 4 appearances at the Globe Arena.
He featured in a reserve clash with Grimsby reserves which the City 2nd stringers won 3-0 due to 2 goals from Scott Spencer and 1 from Drewe Broughton.
The fixture also saw 29 year old trialist Adam Nowland handed a starting place, Nowland has played for Blackpool, Nottingham Forrest and West Ham.
Time running out for Joe Anderson
Joe Anderson, who has featured lately for City after being relatively ignored by Steve Tilson, has come out and said he may only have 6 games left as a Lincoln player.
Lately he has deputised at left back for the injured Stephen Hunt but he has said he wants to give manager Tilson a selection headache when Hunt returns to action.
Charity football tournament for Alan Gibbons Trust.
A group of University of Lincoln students have organised a football tournament to raise money for the Alan Gibbons Trust.
The tournament started at 5PM and runs until 8PM this evening at the sports centre.
Siren FM caught up with organiser John Purdy to find out more about the event.
Posted: April 5th, 2011 | Author: sirennews| Comments Off
Lincoln’s top stories on Monday 4th April.
Business Booming in Lincoln
It appears business is thriving in our area following the results of a study by Royal Mail which revealed that Lincoln is the UK’s hot spot for business growth.
In the last six months 100 new businesses have started up in the city. This brings the number of businesses trading in Lincoln up to 8000.
Siren FM spoke to Anna May Blease the assistant manager of one new enterprise Eskimoo, just off the High Street.
School calls for safer roads
A one if the city’s largest private schools is calling for a road that to be closed after safety fears for its pupils.
Staff at Lincoln Minister School have openedinformal discussions with Lincolnshire County Council, asking that Upper Lindum Street be blocked off.
Pupils must cross the busy road in order to access different areas of the school.
10K Run
The annual 10k took part in Lincoln on Sunday with thousands of runners turning out.
With competitors of all ages took part on the winding figure of eight route, the run finally ended at the cathedral with the sprint finish into the castle.
Neil Witham was one of those who took part:
Lincoln’s driest March in 40 years.
It’s been a challenging month for agriculture in the county as March was one of the driest months on record.
According to Met office figures it only 4.5 millilitres of rain fell,a record which hasn’t been broken since 1929, over 40 years ago. Back then just under 6 millilitres.
Siren FM spoke to Helen Chivers from the Met office;
Community Payback cleaning up Lincoln High Street.
Lincoln High Street will be getting a spring clean over the coming weeks.
As part of a new scheme, offenders will be scrapping chewing gum off of Lincoln’s streets as part of their community payback.
Kelvin Defty has more.
New show at LPAC
The Lincoln Performing Arts Centre is showcasinga brand new play, Aftermath, later this year.
The contemporary story follows a young girl who suffers abuse from her peers as she struggles to fit in to society.
The play, which is open to everyone, will be opens on the 6th of May and tickets are available from the LPAC box office.
Cake Time
The public are being encouraged to throw cake parties this week as part of something called “Cake Time”.
The nation-wide event has been organised by the charity Shelter, which raises money for housing and homelessness.
As part of the event, many celebrities have volunteered their favourite cake recipes, including Fearne Cotton’s chocolate cup cakes and Dawn Porter’s Lime and Ginger cake.
To get involved visit the Shelter website.
Lincoln pay off players
The Imps chairman, Bob Dorrian, has has voiced his concern about the number of players whose contracts are being terminated early.
Mr Dorrian admitted that the money used for the pay offs that funds should have been spent more wisely in the past.
This comes after Sierra Leonean winger Albert Jarret had his contract terminated and Steve Tilson came out saying that money would be saved in the long run.
Imps Lose
Meanwhile Lincoln City have lost their fourth game on the trot.
City lost the game two nil against Torquay, with Ben Hutchinson having Lincoln’s best effort. Sadly his shot was saved by Torquay keeper Scott Bevan.
The result means the Imps will host Gillingham on Saturday, eighteenth in the League Two table.
Keith Alexander and Richard Butcher remembered at Lincoln 10K run.
Yesterdays 10K run saw a number of former Lincoln City players and current fans don running shoes.
They ran to raise money for former Imps manager Keith Alexander and player Richard Butcher who have tragically passed away in the last year.
The runners were also joined by members of Richard’s family.
Non-League Football
In the weekend’s non league football both Lincoln United and Moorlands Railway managed to avoid defeat.
Moorlands Railway came from behind to beat Tadcaster Albion four, three.
Railway won the game despite going down to ten men, when Ben Clucas saw red in the second half.
The result leaves Moorlands fourth in the Northern Counties East League Table.
Lincoln United on the other hand could only manage a nil, nil draw with Quorn
The Whites have now gone four games unbeaten.
Lincoln Ladies
And finally with Lincoln Ladies opening fixture of the Women’s Super league now only a week away, some of the team were representing England last weekend.
Imps’ winger Jess Clarke scored the opening goal in England’s two one win against the USA, on Saturday.
Lincoln Ladies will play their first Super League game against Doncaster Belles next Wednesday.
Posted: April 1st, 2011 | Author: sirennews| Comments Off
Lincoln’s top stories on Thursday 31st March.
New financial year cuts
The new financial year begins tomorrow, and with that comes the government’s austerity measures.
As the government attempts to reduce the country’s debt, cuts of over £7 billion are being made to the public sector.
Jack Dobson-Smith looks into what’s going to happen.
Have you filled out YOUR Census form?
There are now only 10 days left to complete the questionnaire. Ignore it and you could end up facing a big fine.
The mandatory form has to be completed by each householder, and some are finding difficulties when it comes to answering the questions.
Siren FM News hs been finding out what people think…
New breathing equipment for Lincoln County Hospital
New state-of-the-art equipment at Lincoln County Hospital is helping to diagnose patients with breathing problems.
The new respiratory function laboratory replaces an older and smaller one.
Siren FM’s Hannah Gilbey found out more.
Local businesses worried about race on Mothers Day
Businesses in the Bailgate area of Lincoln City could lose money as a direct result of this Sunday’s 10K Road Race.
The event clashes with Mothering Sunday – leaving businesses worried that road closures and parking restrictions may prevent potential customers from being able to gain access.
Mark Hollimgworth , Chairman of the Bailgate Guild – which represents businesses in the area, believes the clash should have been identified earlier.
New services for visually and hearing impaired in Lincoln
A new contract for sensory impairment services across Lincolnshire starts on Friday 1st April.
BID Services will deliver this service which has been developed with carers who look after sufferers with this condition.
Sign language interpretation, deaf awareness training and advocacy services – these are just some of the provisions that will be made available across Lincolnshire from the 1st.
BID Services already has experience running these provisions in Warwickshire, Birmingham, Leeds and Staffordshire.
Existing services provided by organisations such as DEAF Lincs will continue to function and will not be affected by this new provision.
With more on this story, here’s Siren FM’s Jonathan Holmes…
Paralympics Success
A local Paralympics’ hopeful claimed first place and an almost-perfect score at her first international competition last week.
Sarah Woods, a thirty five year old from Lincoln is a Paralympics’ 10 metre Air Rifle Shooter. She represented Great Britain in Szczecin, Poland last week at the first International Paralympic Committee Shooting World Cup event of 2011.
Sarah returned to the county with a new personal best of 599 out of a possible 600 and claimed first place in the ‘Falling Targets’ category.
She is also hoping to compete in two World Cup events later this year.
Imps play on Saturday
Lincoln make the long trip to eighth place Torquay on Saturday as they look for just their second win in eight games.
The Imps will be boosted with the news that star striker Ashley Grimes and centre back Danny Hone could be declared fit.
City manager Steve Tilson knows it will be tough, but after a good performance on Tuesday he feels they have a chance.
Andy Hutchinson sent on loan
Still with the Imps, young striker Andy Hutchinson is being sent on a month long loan deal to Blue Square Bet side Lewes.
Hutchinson has only featured once under Steve Tilson and will be at Lewes until the 30th of April.
Provided the paperwork goes through in time Hutchinson should go straight into the squad for Lewes fixture against Maidenhead United.
Drewe Broughton recalled
Journeyman striker Drewe Broughton has been recalled from his loan spell at AFC Wimbledon after making only 8 appearances for the Dons.
He has gone straight into Lincoln City’s squad for this weekend’s trip to Torquay and is expected to be on the bench for the fixture.
