Hundreds of families attended a series of town centre events across the summer – as miles of new road surfaces were completed, £100k of community grants were handed out and new classrooms completed, Green Flags awarded to parks and new bus routes launched.
These are just some of the matters completed across the summer in North Lincolnshire.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “As the busy summer draws to a close, we’re looking squarely ahead to the autumn to ensure the commitment made to communities across North Lincolnshire continues.”
In papers set to go to the first full meeting of North Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet following the summer recess, a number of new priorities have been set out – with the cabinet team meeting at the Angel in Brigg to discuss (pictured).
A paper which assesses the achievements through 2022/23 against the Council Plan, states: “The new administration has announced an ambition to back every community across North Lincolnshire to thrive, tougher on environmental enforcement and ensuring young people, families, and older people can live happy, fulfilling and safe lives.”
Cllr Waltham added: “A number of new policies have emerged across the summer, though they remain founded in backing every community across North Lincolnshire.
“This commitment will be fast-tracked through the autumn; we will double down on the commitment to combat fly-tipping, littering, and underage vape sales while ensuring we’re using taxpayers’ money to enable communities to grow and flourish.”
Across the summer of whole host of projects were started, with many others being completed.
Alongside an announcement from Government that millions of pounds would be provided to move forward a pioneering carbon capture and storage project – which will secure existing and create new jobs in North Lincolnshire – investment in the road network has been accelerated.
Major resurfacing works have taken place in Scunthorpe, parts of Ashby, and towns and villages such as Winterton and Burringham. Mortal Ash Hill and Doncaster Road have been resurfaced.
An investment in Godnow Road in Crowle – worth more than £3m – is being completed at pace to protect homes and businesses from flooding. It comes alongside £35m from Government for a new pumping station at Keadby.
The council also completed the five-year housing supply plan announcement, detailing plans to transform housing, particularly for older people.
Cllr Waltham added: “The investment in roads makes a huge difference to communities and, with the five-year land supply now finalised, providing quality housing where there is a need is huge progress.”
Other successes through the summer include the completion of a multi-million investment in Scunthorpe’s oldest school, creating new learning environments for children at Frodingham Infants.
It was also announced in summer that Barton St Peters Primary School and Scunthorpe CE Primary School were set to undergo major improvement works through the school summer holidays.
In April, funding for school children across North Lincolnshire was increased by more than £7m, an average increase of more than £300 for each child.
Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families and communities, said: “There is no greater investment we can make with taxpayers’ cash than improvements to learning environments now so that we create a better future for children and young people.
“We’re building from a strong base, with nine out of ten schools already rated good or outstanding and the care and support for children who do not get it from family or friends as the best in the country.”
Two new bus routes were launched, across the Isle of Axholme and through the Low Villages between Brigg and Barton. A bus charter has also been launched, setting the highest standards for passengers across all routes and providers.
Cllr Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for connectivity at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Passengers rightly expect a safe, comfortable, connected, experience across the network – no matter who they are travelling with or where they are going.
“Passengers should be able to plan their journey with confidence, enjoy a safe and comfortable waiting environment, that buses are clean, well maintained and that they turn up – and arrive at their destination – on time.”
Elsewhere, hundreds of children have enjoyed free swimming across the council’s pools, £100,000 of grants have been delivered for new play equipment and community projects, £600 grants released for new childcare providers, and 5,000 pensioners sent £100 Government cash to help with cost-of-living increases.
