The chief executive of Environcom has told the Journal he is grateful nobody was hurt in last night’s fire in Grantham.

Sean Feeney said the incident was “nowhere near as bad as it looked. He said: “We expect Monday morning to be business as usual.”

Mr Feeney said the fire damage was confined to one cormer of the site. He added: “There are no casualties at all and the fire brigade did an excellent job. There is minimal damage. There is far less damage than you might expect.

“We take the issue of fire safety very seriously. Everybody takes fire precautions to make sure everyone is safe during such an eventuality. Everyone got out quickly and safely. It is an extremely unusual occurrence.”

Mr Feeney said there was a full shift of about 30 people on site when the fire broke out. Fire investigators are now at the scene trying to discover the cause of the blaze.

Mr Feeney. who was born in Grantham, added: “There is no danger to the people at Environcom or to the people nearby. The fire was well contained.”

Environcom has four plants around the country. An Environcom plant in Houghton Road, Grantham, was completely destroyed by fire in 2007. The cause was found to be an accident.

I see Anthony Hindmarch is having a go at HGVs (Journal, April 25).

Many others have suggested putting more freight on the railways, but have they seen any rail lines going into supermarkets, industrial sites, or factories? I don’t think so.

It’s not HGVs they should be blaming for a lot of the potholes. If the highways department did their job in the first place instead of bodging, it would be fine.

Let me remind everyone that everything they have in life - materials, houses, cars, furniture, food, clothes - has travelled by HGVs.

Without them you would have nothing. And don’t say that gas, water, and electricity doesn’t, because the cables, pipes and fittings do.

As for potholes on Hill Avenue, Sandon Road, Harrowby Road, Avenue Road and St Catherine’s Road - not many HGVs use these roads so it’s a poor excuse for the state of the roads.

HGVs use country roads because a lot of them have to get seeds and fertilizer to the farms, while taking potatoes and vegetables from the farms to the mills and packing plants to make the bread and various food stuffs for the public to eat.

So remember, anything you have has travelled by truck at some time, with the driver working long, unsociable hours so everyone gets what they want when they want it. Give HGVs a break.

Mr A. Patchett

Turnor Crescent, Grantham

Talented artist and author Richard Coppin is raising awareness of mental illness through his latest novel.

In writing The Curse of Beckett’s Wood, Richard has drawn on his own first-hand experience of a breakdown, and said: “It’s still there; the taboo. Even in this politically correct world we now live in, the idea of mental health is still steeped in stigma.”

The book is a three-part psychological, mystery thriller about an unknown cyclist who becomes oppressed by sinister forces in the local area and entangled in murder, passion and revenge.

Part two follows David Harper as he struggles through life trying to block out difficult memories but is unsettled when he finds out more about his past.

“I hope that by letting the fictional character of David Harper tell his story, people will come to realise just how easy it is to fall victim of something that society would like to brush under the carpet,” added Richard.

The Curse of Beckett’s Wood was released on Monday to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week, and is available to download from the Amazon Kindle Store for £5.14.

For more information on Richard’s work go to www.facebook.com/RichardCoppinBooks

I am looking for an old cycling friend of mine from way back in 1949/50.

Her name at the time was Susan Campbell and she was a student, aged 16, at KGGS.

She lived at the Angel and Royal Hotel with her parents.

I believe she married an American serviceman from RAF Lakenheath, but I don’t know what the year was.

I am quite anxious to make contact with her.

I was an apprentice at Aveling Barford from 1946 to 1952.

Susan Campbell was a member of my cycling group, Kesteven Aces. She was an outstanding lady cyclist.

Any information would be gratefully received via the Grantham Journal.

Roy Rayson

Melton Mowbray, Leics

An 18-year-old has produced and published an authentic Italian recipe book to enable her to take part in a project tackling poverty in Rwanda.

With the help of her half-Italian family, Costanza Pearce created the book ahead of spending ten weeks in Rwanda to work on a development programme.

Constanza explained: “Since my mother is Italian and my sister a keen photographer and we all love both cooking and eating, producing a recipe book seemed a perfect fund-raising activity.”

A former KGGS student, Constanza is now on a gap year and received a place on the government funded International Citizen Service (ICS), which enables 18-25 year olds to contribute to development projects abroad.

She is volunteering with one of ICS’ partner organisations Tearfund, a Christian relief and development agency which aims to improve access to healthcare and education, and promotes income-generating activities.

“I’m really excited to be part of this scheme, making a lasting difference in disadvantaged and impoverished communities and bringing what I’ve learnt home – it’s a life-changing experience,” she added.

When back in the UK, ICS volunteers undertake an Action at Home Project, so that they can use their new skills to benefit the local community.

The recipe book is not the only way in which Constanza has been raising funds for the project.

“I also held a fundraising Valentine’s Ceilidh, and did some bag-packing in Sainsbury’s. Many thanks to the generous shoppers on Sunday February 23 who helped us raise £346 and a special thank you also to all the staff including Jess and Tom who were very patient with us on the day.”

Copies of Constanza’s recipe book are for sale at Oblio’s Deli and Bistro in the George Centre and at Piccola Venezia Italian Restaurant on Wharf Road, or can be requested by emailing costanza.pearce@googlemail.com. A minimum donation of £5 is asked for and all the profits go to Tearfund.

You can also sponsor Costanza at www.justgiving.com/Costanza-Pearce1 or by texting “CPRW95” followed by your donation to 70070.

To find out more about ICS, visit www.volunteerics.org or call 0208 780 7400.

At the Grantham Journal Business Awards the title of Businessperson of the Year went to David Charles.

Not only has he run Grantham Computer Centre for 24 years, but he is also founder of the Grantham Retailers Association (GRA), supporting independent businesses.

What did it mean to win?

The award was a great honour for me, especially as it was the first time I had been nominated. The competition I managed to fight off for the award was proof in itself of how well I had done. To be recognised for the many hours of hard work put into running a successful business and starting the Grantham Retailers Association was very gratifying.

What services and products are available at Grantham Computer Centre?

We do everything you would expect of a computer shop, including all types of repairs in store or on site. If we don’t have what you want we will always try our best to get hold of it for you. Not known to everybody is that we have a fantastic range of second user laptops, all with 6 months warranty.

Who makes up your team?

Our staff is our biggest asset and the service is superb, getting a highly commended award for our customer service. We have five regular staff working in the shop and three others who work on site at homes and businesses. Our software engineer Ian will get rid of that nasty infection, back-up your data etc. Steve will replace that laptop screen or build you the latest high powered PC. Twig, myself and Harry are the people to come in and talk to about any problems or any new hardware or software purchases you might need. Also Richard, Anthony and Richard give fantastic on site support for business or home equipment. We are open 9pm to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 9pm to 5pm Saturday and open Sundays in December.

You set up the centre yourself - what advice do you have for others thinking about starting their own business?

The answer to this is quite simple . . . get advice, know your stuff, be prepared to work really hard, and keep on top of your accounts. There are plenty of business owners willing to help. I know it can be quite daunting but networking is a very important part of running a business and can give that much needed advice or contact. Know the business you are wanting to move into, know your market and customers and plan properly. If you’re not an accounts genius get the correct help. Far too many fail by not keeping on top of their cash flow.

You also set up Grantham Retailers Association to help independent businesses - how is that going?

We have over 40 members on our website www.gra.uk.net and a Spend Local Card giving offers and discounts in over 30 independent retailers. We have raised £200 for charity and have our first open meeting this year to discuss a big announcement on May 21. We also have monthly focus group meetings and will have a float and Independent Retailers marquee at the carnival.

SATURDAY (May 31)

Cricket

South Lincs & Border League

Premier Division – Grantham v Boston, Stamford Town v Belton Park, Welby v Bourne 2nd.

Division One – Heckington v Billingborough, Market Deeping 2nd v Grantham.

Division Two – Belton Park 2nd v Grantham 3rd, Claypole v Welby.

South Notts League

Division B – West Bridgfordians v Belvoir, Southwell v Bottesford.

Division E – Belvoir 2nd v Whatton & Aslockton.

Division G – Bingham v Plumtree 3rd, Bottesford 2nd v Kimberley Institute 3rd.

Division L – Belvoir 3rd v Thurgarton 2nd.

Division M – Whatton & Aslockton 2nd v Great Dalby.

Division N – Beeston Toton Sycamore 3rd v Bingham 2nd.

SUNDAY

Cricket

Grantham & Melton Association

Division One – Belton Park v Belvoir, Bottesford v Empingham, Buckminster v Grantham, Woolsthorpe by Belvoir v Barkby United.

Division Two – Croxton Kerrial v Sholay, Rothley Park v Welby, Syston v Sproxton.

Division Three – Barrowby v Skillington, Grantham 2nd v Melton Mowbray, Harlaxton v Barkston & Syston, Whissendinen v Colsterworth.

FOOTBALL RESULTS

Grantham & District Sunday League

Premier Division – FC Osbournby Rangers 3 Lions FC 0.

Lincs ASC Three-wood

Grantham 49

Nettleham 38

Dave Pimm, Ray Smith and Bob Adams won 17-14; Joyce Asher, Bob Sowerby and Toni Asher won 17-10; John Duke, Roland Barnes and Jay Lewis won 15-14.

Plants exhibited at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show will now be growing at Grantham care homes courtesy of donations by the Woodland Trust.

The Trust’s display ‘Beauty Sleeping’, which demonstrated the importance of restoring ancient woodland sites, won a silver medal at the prestigious horticultural show.

Now that the annual flower celebration has ended, the Trust has decided to give back to the community by donating a variety of woodland plants from their exhibit to Gregory House and Apple Trees Care and Reablement Centre for residents to enjoy.

On Wednesday, Woodland Trust staff planted trees and flowers including silver birch, wood anemones, bluebells and dog violets, to create a little piece of woodland at the homes.

Beccy Speight, the Woodland Trust’s new Chief Executive said: “The Chelsea Flower Show was an exciting way to show people the hidden gems that ancient woodland restoration can uncover.

“However, now that the event has passed we are thrilled to move the plants and trees from the event to the two Grantham care homes.

“Woods and trees are of vital importance and the benefits of green spaces to the elderly are well-known. For example, many report lower levels of mental stress and increased life satisfaction when living in greener areas.

“We hope that the plants will be a source of enjoyment for all who visit the care homes in the future.”

Denise Booth and Anne Upton, the Managers of Apple Trees and Gregory House, were delighted to have been approached by the Woodland Trust.

They said: “We are so thrilled by this generous gesture by the Woodland Trust. The people living with us benefit tremendously from being able to enjoy the outside space around our homes.

“We’ve all been following the Chelsea Flower Show on TV, and to have these wonderful trees and plants, which were exhibited there, is very exciting. They will certainly enhance our gardens and make a real difference to everyone living here. We can’t say thank you enough!”

A Grantham woman who was almost prosecuted for fly-tipping through little fault of her own has spoken out in a bid to warn others.

Roseanne Nugent was shocked when she received a letter from South Kesteven District Council informing her that waste dumped in Welby was found with her address on.

Ten days earlier she had been approached by two men who offered to remove the waste in her garden for £50. Keen to get rid of the rubbish, which included an old kitchen, she agreed.

But she failed to check the men were licensed waste carriers and ended up in the firing line when the items were fly-tipped. She was identified by a note on a vacuum cleaner box which displayed her name and address.

Mrs Nugent said: “I was shocked and upset when I saw the letter. It was just naivety as I wanted the mess out of the way so my children were safe to play in the garden.

“I was not aware that I needed to check if they were licensed and where the waste was going to be left.

“It’s really annoying paying someone out of your own pocket, trusting them to get rid of the rubbish responsibly and then they dump it like that.”

Anyone who does not check that the person removing their waste has a licence to do so, and fails to check where the waste is going to be disposed of, faces a criminal prosecution and fine of up to £5,000.

As such, the message from SKDC’s portfolio holder for healthy environment, Councillor John Smith, is to use only licensed collectors.

He said: “Once waste leaves your home or premises it is your responsibility to check the service you use holds a Waste Carrier’s Licence and where the waste will be disposed of to avoid committing an offence. This is a clear way we can reduce fly-tipping.

“Rogue waste collectors unfortunately operate in the district without these licenses and, as Mrs Nugent has found out, SKDC is committed to prosecuting those who flout the rules.

“On this occasion we have decided to give Mrs Nugent a warning as she genuinely believed the waste was going to be disposed of at an approved centre.”

For scrap metal collectors, householders need to ask to see documentation that is issued by SKDC. Any other waste carrier must show residents licences issued by the Environment Agency, so they can do their part to avoid unlicensed carriers fly-tipping in the district or elsewhere.

It is an offence for a scrap metal collector to fail to display the licence and offenders face a £1,000 fine.

If residents are approached by an unlicensed waste collector contact SKDC on 01476 406080 and note any vehicle details.

Belton Park’s 26th Charity Am-Am continued to go from strength to strength and attracted a record entry of 48 teams.

Sponsored by Eden Wine Bar and Specsavers (Grantham), this year’s event raised in excess of £7,000 for its chosen charities of St Barnabas Trust (Grantham) and English and Welsh Blind Golf.

Blessed with great weather and a course in excellent condition, the day’s golf consisted of an 18-hole Am-Am competition plus a nine-hole Texas Scramble, both of which were keenly contested and resulted in some impressive scores.

An auction conducted by Tony Snarey attracted lively bidding for a number of sport related lots and raised in excess of £3,000. Lots included the opportunity to play golf on the highly prestigious Royal Birkdale and Wentworth golf courses, both of which fetched more than £500, plus other attractive ones including executive box tickets to watch a Manchester United match. To conclude the evening, a draw sponsored by the Reindeer Inn, Long Bennington, raised a record £650 for St Barnabas Trust.

Results: Team Am-Am – 1 Gary Tupper 89pt, 2 Paul Cook 86, 3 Rob Fox 85, 4 Terry Guest, 5 Robin Harris 84, 6 Paul Adams 83, 7 John Bexon 82, 8 Chris Broad 81; Team Texas Scramble – 1 Peter Snelling 24.2, 2 John Bexon 24.7, 3 Rob Bartlett 25.4.

l Inclement weather forced the Over-55s Am-Am team competition to be shortened to 11 holes.

Results: 1 Mr Screen 58, 2 Mr Brogan 57, 3 Astrons 53, 4 Mr Underwood 53, 5 Scivers 52, 6 Mr Bartlett 51.

l Belton Park played host to some of the Midlands’ finest professional golfers as the Eagle Tour rolled into Grantham last Thursday.

The scoring matched the weather with Blankney Golf Club professional Rob Harris notching an excellent seven under par score of 64.

l The Quincentenary Cuup any combination competition was won by the pairing of John Baxter and Mark Paddock with a score of net 66.

Runners-up with 69 were Dale Evison and Steve Redford, with best gross scored by Chris and Edina Burn (76).

l Belton Park’s first team got their season back on track after their shock home defeat, earning a hard-fought 3-3 draw at Stoke Rochford. Poor weather forced the cancellation of the second team’s home fixture with Stoke.

The Elsham foursomes side of Chris Burns, William Walker, Alex Clarricoates, Matt Haynes, Steve Mitchell and Leon Bell defeated Lincoln GC 3 up.

C Team

Burghley Park 3.5

Belton Park 2.5

Tony Davies and David Nock won 1 up, Colin Mason and Stewart Boylan halved, Ben Bayliss and Richard Claxton won 8&6, Bob Rogers and Martin Clarke lost 3&2, Dave Wing and Andrew Macgowan lost 2&1, Ian Carroll and Nigel Strutt lost 4&3.

Ladies

Coronation Cup – 1 Donna Hayley nett 68, 2 Kathleen Bell 69, 3 Sue Walker-Sherriff 71, 4 Sally Knight 72.

The ladies’ scratch team have had two recent fixtures at home to Greetham Valley, where the visitors ran out 3-0 winners, and away against Stoke Rochford where the ladies from Stoke triumphed 2-1.

The ladies’ handicap league team started their season with a fixture at home to Lincoln B. In what turned out to be a very close match, the visitors triumphed 3-1.

Seniors

Good conditions were reflected in a number of high scores in the May Stableford competition that attracted 44 members.

Results: 1 Fred Williams 43 ocb, 2 Mick Goodacre 43, 3 Ron Prothero 41, 4 John Aysbury 40; best back nine – Peter Rollings 20, best front nine – Dave Jackson 21.

STOKE ROCHFORD

Seniors

Stoke Rochford’s 18th Seniors Open was played again on a glorious day with the course in as good a condition as most could remember.

The overall winner and also winner of Group A was Kevin Whelan of Beeston Fields with 41 points.

Winner of the Ben Tyler Trophy as the best Stoke Rochford player and also Group B was Charles Donnison with 40 points, and topping Group C with 39 points was Nev Marris, also of Stoke Rochford.

Other Stoke Rochford placings were Graham Manton (39) and John Martindale (38) who finished second in Groups B and C respectively. David Hamilton (38) was third in Group B and in Group C Philip Varley was third with 37.

BELTON WOODS

Seniors

Nottinghamshire GC 5½

Belton Woods 2½

Captain George Forbes and Mick Hall halved, Bob Blake and Colin Musson lost 3-2, David Toule and John Williams halved, Tom Rea and Ray Woodcock halved, Peter Bishop and Mike Whitington lost 7-6, Dave Inglis and Colin Thornton won 7-5, John Bratt and Ian Nisbet lost 5-3, Paul Stanley and Phil Turrell lost 3-2.

New Grantham mayor Ian Selby has outlined a five-point plan for his reign and made a plea for people to lend a “helping hand” to others who need assistance.

Speaking at the Guildhall last night (Thursday) minutes after taking office until May next year, the Labour councillor expressed his admiration for the Queen and said he would not preach party politics. He also praised the Journal for being a “marvellous asset for our town since 1854”.

His plans are to:

* Promote Grantham and its organisations and businesses;

* Modernise the workings of the mayor’s office and use social media to communicate with the community;

* Promote the work of the mayor’s office within the town;

* Stay local as much as possible;

* Raise funds for his three “inspirational” charities. His charities for the year are: Kesteven Rideability, the Journal’s Children’s Fund and Gravity FM.

The full account of his speech is: “Honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen, friends. Thank you very much again to Bruce and Mike for nominating me for this role and to my fellow charter trustees.

“I am delighted that Coun Mike Cook is the new deputy mayor. Mike is a smashing chap and I have full confidence in him as the deputy mayor and his good lady Midge the deputy mayoress for the year ahead.

“To my predecessor Coun Frank Turner and his good lady Christina. I will always remember them for making me feel so very welcome in the Mayor’s Parlour and at the various functions I have attended. They are lovely people and I thank them sincerely.

“One of the very first things I did over a year ago when it became apparent that I may become the Mayor of Grantham was to contact The Rev Tony Pick and I asked him to keep this evening free in his diary. No disrespect whatsoever is meant to any other members of the Church; instead it is more of a compliment to say there was always only one man for the job of prayers and blessings for this evening for me and that is Rev Tony Pick. I am absolutely delighted that he agreed to come along this evening. Thank you very much Tony.

“I come from a very working class background. You won’t get much more of working class a background than my father’s background. He comes from a long line of village blacksmiths from Skillington, dating back seven generations.

“I can’t tell you how pleased I am that my father Mr John Selby is here this evening to share this moment. I want to take this opportunity to say to my father and to you all here this evening, that my father is the nicest man I have ever known in my life.

“My next thank you goes to my mother and the new Mayoress of Grantham, and mark my words she will make a wonderful mayoress. I say thanks Mum for doing the job.

“So a thank you to my parents for everything they have done for me in the past and I would not be undertaking this role without their support in the past.

“Unfortunately there were some very good friends of mine that were unable to attend this evening. There is one in particular that I wish to give a mention to. My very best mate Les Sheen who so much wanted to be here this evening. I’d known Les for 30 years, and in February last year he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and sadly passed away just four days before Christmas. His widow is here this evening; thank you Janet for coming up from Southend on Sea to be with us this evening.

“In a very cold February 1994 my mate Les was with me the day I made a 36-hour protest in a tree in Parliament Square in Westminster against some rather horrendous government legislation that turned my life upside down. This eventually led to my involvement in politics and then becoming elected to our council in 1995. And now in 2014 becoming the Mayor of my home town Grantham.

“As the Mayor, I have a five-point plan for the year ahead. My goals in a nutshell:

1. To help promote Grantham and its organisations and businesses;

2. To embrace social media, putting the mayor’s office in the 21st Century in order to inform the public about the role of the mayor and my activities;

3. To promote the mayor’s office, (in the best possible light);

4. To focus my activities locally as much as possible, however where an opportunity arises to promote our town by travelling further afield I will embrace a good opportunity;

5. To raise funds for my three nominated charities.

“I want to say a few words about my nominated charities. There are representatives here this evening from the three charities I have chosen, and I thank them for coming this evening. My nominated charities will be;

“First, Kesteven Rideability. They are a wonderful local charity who help people with such a wide variety of disabilities. The good work they do should not be underestimated.

“Second; the Grantham Journal Children’s Fund. The Grantham Journal has been a marvellous asset for our town since 1854. The Journal has a wonderful, local charity that assists local children when they are most in need of help. I recall in recent years two young children that have needed help in our community, one being Christopher Buckingham, another being Christopher Scarlett. It’s our youngsters that are often an inspiration to us, and none more so than can been seen at the Rotary Clubs Annual Children of Courage Awards.

“My third charity is Gravity FM. Our local radio station is at the heart of our community doing a fabulous job, run by volunteers, that does superb work promoting local worthy causes, supporting the business community, promoting community events, helping give youngsters an opportunity to pursue a career in the radio industry and that includes the young man who is commentating this evening on this ceremony. It’s the first time that this ceremony has been broadcast live on the radio, so thank you to Ross Garrigan. And Ross before you ask, NO I’m not wearing my sandals this evening, mate. Comment has been made in the past about my dress sense, especially my cap and also my ties, my shorts, even my socks. Well, I guess when you are a trend setter you also become a fashion guru...

“Also a thank you to Mr Doug Hough for helping to set up the live broadcast this evening. So I will say a very good evening to all of the listeners on Gravity FM. I am aware that we have listeners from overseas listening online via the internet.

“My three charities will be my inspiration in the coming year.

“We have some guests with a birthday today. Mr Trevor Wainwright, Mrs Karen Thompson Kesteven Rideabilty. Also Flight Lieutenant Paul James OIC 47F, who could not be with us this evening but I understand he may be listening via Gravity FM. Happy Birthday to you all, I hope you are having an excellent day.

“Thank you to my cadets and all the staff and cadets of our four cadet forces; thank you so much for all the good work that you do, and I wish you all every success with your future careers.

“To my knowledge we have four younger members of our community here in the audience. I’d like to present a small gift to them all.

“Thank you to my new staff, the mayor’s officer Peter and mayor’s clerk Ann, to Taff and to Robert.

“I’d also like to say a special thank you to Mrs Alison Rowley and her team for the buffet that awaits us in the ballroom for the reception.

“I’m delighted that two directors from Grantham Town FC are with us this evening. Good evening to Barrie and Simon from the football club, who are doing some great work putting our football club at the heart of the community. It should be noted that Harrowby Utd have also had an excellent year.

“This year is a very poignant year. It’s the 100th year since the beginning of the First World War, and locally it is 100 years since Grantham’s very own Edith Smith became the first ever policewoman.

“We also have the 70th anniversary of D-Day. The ultimate sacrifices have been made by Armed Forces personnel, we will remember them. Thank you very much indeed to our guests from Her Majesty’s Armed Forces for attending this evening. Also to the police and fire service.

“A thank you in advance to Major Dennis Hannant who will be singing for us at the reception, an excellent singer as well. Also to a marvellous local musician, singer and entertainer Mr Trevor Leeson who will shortly be playing the National Anthem for us and also entertaining us at the reception. Trevor has dashed back from a gig this afternoon in Solihull. Thank you very much to Trevor.

“Although I am a left of centre politician, all my life there is one person whom I have always admired. That is Her Majesty the Queen. Someone who has given her life to the service of her country. The Queen works unbelievably long hours and has done so for many years, and she knows far more about politics than all the top politicians and from all of the political parties put together. So I have therefore included the National Anthem into this evening’s ceremony.

“I’d like to say a brief word about some forthcoming events I have planned for the year ahead, and all in aid of my nominated charities. A diary date for you is 4th December. I have a traditional Christmas show planned in our arts centre theatre.

“At the Grantham carnival on 14th and 15th June we will have a tombola stall; if anyone has anything they would like to donate for our stall please let me know, items gratefully received.

“Talking of the carnival on 14th and 15th June, I will have the opportunity to promote the Shire horse. The Shire Horse is an endangered breed, and I hope to ride one in the Carnival parade, and this is kindly been arranged by the Shire Horse Society.

“I have many other charity fund-raising events planned for the year ahead, so please do feel free to come and get involved.

“The Mayor of Grantham is a non-party political role. There is a big difference between politics and party politics. The people I admire most in politics are those who will put the people and the interests of our town first and foremost. Those who do the right thing in a selfless manner.

“I won’t hesitate to talk politics if it’s for the benefit of our town and its people, whether it’s speaking up for our ambulance station, our hospital, our shops, businesses etc.

“Finally, for me, local politics is about people. It’s the people that we live with in our town and the surrounding area, and it’s also the environment, it’s the bricks and mortar of some of the wonderful buildings we have, it’s the parks, it’s our wildlife and also our domestic animals that make up our community.

“Time goes by so very quickly, so I say embrace our community and all its wonderful assets, but most importantly, most VERY importantly, try and embrace a helping hand to those in our community that are most in need of some assistance, so then we can all share in the pleasures of our beautiful town.

“Thank you, and God bless.”

Residents and campaigners are shocked after signs indicating the location of a proposed wind farm have been stolen in a series of raids across the Loveden area.

Campaign group reVOLT and its supporters raised money to print banners showing where the intended industrial scale wind farm at Temple Hill is located, but now eight signs have gone missing from five different locations.

Concern has been raised not only by the thefts but by the trespass, with signs being taken from residents’ gardens during the night or while they were out.

Hugh Wilson of Stubton, from whose property a banner was taken, said: “We have opposed this entirely unsuitable planning application by RWE npower to erect five huge industrial wind turbines in this quiet rural area.

“Local people raised money to print and erect some signs to show exactly where the site is, as the developers have used different names in their communications and not everyone knows the precise location of Temple Hill. These have been mounted on local residents’ private property.

“Over the last few weeks, perhaps as the decision for the planning application draws near, they have been removed. I can only assume pro-wind activists are responsible. As this action is trespass and theft, I cannot imagine that RWE would sanction it,” Mr Wilson added.

Police have been notified of the incidents which residents describe as ‘very unsettling’, particularly given the apparent use of pliers and other tools to take down the signs, while reVOLT said it ‘smacks of desperation’ as the decision on the site approaches this summer.

Another affected householder, Muriel George from Stragglethorpe, said: “We have prominently displayed these banners provided by reVOLT because we were dissatisfied with the poor answers given by RWE during the planning process.

“Stragglethorpe will be devastated by the massive disruption and danger of the construction traffic should this go ahead.”

Paul Miley, spokesman for reVOLT, described the removal of the signs as ‘undemocratic’, and added: “We view this action by a tiny minority as actually strengthening our argument. These massive structures if built would be visible from over 30 miles away.

“Resorting to stealing a few small banners cannot hide that this is a wholly inappropriate development for such a rural setting.”

Boxing fans keen to support Nottingham star Carl Froch in his big rematch with George Groves at Wembley Stadium can watch the fight on TV in the Black Dog public house on Saturday night.

The rematch for Froch’s WBA and IBF super-middleweight belts comes following the Nottingham fighter’s win from a controversial stoppage in their first encounter in November, after he was knocked down by Groves in the first round

Also on the underdcard, James DeGale will face Brandon Gonzales in a a title eliminator, with the winner destined to face either Groves or Froch.

Rising heavyweight star Anthony Joshua will also be on the bill, taking on Matt Legg.

The event starts at 6pm with the Froch v Groves bout scheduled for around 10pm.

The Black Dog has three screens indoors and is planning to have the fight relayed on to a large screen outside via a projector in the beer garden, where there will also be a barbecue.

A man left his partner’s friend injured after shattering glass when he tried to force his way through a closed door, Lincoln Crown Court was told.

Owen Dawson had arrived at his home to find his belongings outside and was told by his partner that their relationship was over.

David Outterside, prosecuting, said that Dawson’s partner was inside the property in Leadenham talking to a female friend when Dawson attempted to enter.

Mr Outterside said: “The defendant started kicking and shoulder barging the front door.

“A pane of glass shattered. His partner’s friend was on the other side of the door trying to stop the defendant getting in.

“As the pane shattered shards of glass went over her stomach causing unpleasant cuts that needed hospital treatment.

“The incident moved outside and the defendant at some stage put the victim in a headlock making breathing difficult for her.”

Dawson, 24, of North Road, Leadenham, admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm on March 3.

He was given a six-month jail sentence suspended for 18 months with 150 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £300 compensation to his partner’s friend.

Judge Sean Morris told him: “This was a very unpleasant episode. It is quite clear that you completely lost your temper because you were being thrown out of the house by your partner.

“I am satisfied that you are ordinarily a decent man and there is no history of domestic violence or abuse.”

Sunil Khanna, defending, said Dawson had not intended to cause the injuries but had acted recklessly.

He said Dawson, who has no previous convictions, was “appalled” by his own behaviour. He is back together with his girlfriend.

“There is no pattern of domestic abuse.”

Witnesses to a crash on the A1 near Claypole are being sought by police.

Five people were seriously injured in the crash, which involved a red Mazda and a dark coloured Ford Mondeo, and happened at about 5pm on Monday, April 28.

The Mazda was crossing the southbound carriageway of the A1, having come from the direction of Claypole, when it was in collision with the Ford, which was travelling south.

Police are keen to trace witnesses and believe the occupants of two vehicles, which turned off into Claypole shortly before the collision, may have seen what happened.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 744 of April 28, 2014.

Helping Grantham to grow and prosper is hugely important to SKDC and is the reason why full council decided to budget for a new six-screen cinema complex for the town.

Like Councillor Morgan (Your Views, May 23) we recognise the importance of investing in our town centres. Grantham has a lot going for it, but we believe this new scheme will make it even better.

Early feedback from local people has been very positive. The majority support our plans and see the proposals as a way to not only improve the leisure offer but to regenerate a large town centre site and create a raft of new jobs.

Of course it is vital that we have a robust and transparent planning system to help us achieve this. We make it our business to involve our elected councillors and local people along the way.

Designs for the scheme are now being drawn up and I look forward to the application for the cinema being considered by SKDC’s development control committee.

I am confident that members of the committee will rely on their local knowledge and their sound appreciation of planning procedures and policies.

Residents and businesses will play a major role in the process. They will have an opportunity to have their say on the proposals during a three-week public consultation.

We will continue to involve the community, our partners and other agencies to achieve the best possible outcome for everyone.

We are determined to help improve Grantham’s town centre to make it more attractive for residents, visitors and investors. We believe the cinema development, if granted planning permission, will represent a major step towards that.

This is an exciting and ambitious proposal which will bring a huge improvement to our leisure and cultural offer and a huge economic boost to the whole area.

Not one to relax for too long, Olympic artistic gymnast Rebecca Tunney made the most of her return to her mother’s home in Grantham with visits to Little Gonerby Infant School and Sports Direct.

The 17-year-old gymnast, who competed in the London 2012 Olympics, said she wanted to promote the sport, particularly among children.

She added: “I want to inspire them to try gymnastics. It’s become more popular since the Olympics, but it’s still really quite an unknown sport.”

Assistant manager of Sports Direct Dan Newton said it ws great to meet Rebecca, a competitior who has achieved so much at a young age.

Whenever people in high places start bandying the name of Hitler about it really worries me.

In fact, as one of the original ‘war babies’ born in 1940 it scares me half to death! I think the issue is so serious that the powers-that-be in this country should be reminded of some of the Nazis’ most effective tactics in gaining control and inflicting their evil on pre-Second World War Germany. Hitler and his henchmen discredited the police and substituted their own version of what they considered to be law and order.

The free press was abolished and free speech taken away, followed by persecution of people unable to defend themselves.

Far be it from me to point the finger in any particular direction nowadays, but as we were quite rightly warned during World War Two: ‘Careless talk can cost lives.’ Therefore in the case of recent attacks on international leaders and from other directions on the police, we should be very wary of what my granny dubbed: ‘The pot calling the kettle black.’

In my opinion the only justified criticism of ‘Bobbies on the beat’ in Grantham is that there are nowhere near enough of them. Lincolnshire Police Commissioner please note ... again.

Officers I have met in the town, incuding those who have to be drafted in from places like Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire to make up the numbers are decent blokes. By and large they simply wish to do their jobs in enforcing the law and protecting us all from the ever-increasing tide of criminal activities, recorded or not. So what possible legitimate agenda could any government have in preventing them from trying to do just that?

We were always taught that it was a crime in itself to interfere with the police in the execution of their duty. Likewise with attempts to severely inhibit the freedom of the press.

Sounds like ... Well! What do readers think?

We have lived on Hunters Gate for six years and have had cause to contact Persimmon over the years for lots of house related problems.

At the moment though, our main problem with the developers is the state of the surroundings that they leave existing residents in.

We have had a battle to get such simple problems put right such as a broken street light, (reported on January 14). To date this street light still isn’t fixed. It may not seem like a big problem but, when you put it together with the broken drains, the unfinished paths and roads, the overgrown communal areas, and the lorries constantly mounting the curbs to get round bends, it makes a pretty sorry picture of what should be a lovely development.

There is also a much larger issue around the Section 106 agreements that I and others have been working on along with SKDC, to make Persimmon deliver the provisions (formal and informal space) set out in the agreement. Persimmon have thus far been less than forthcoming.

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