After a product switching scam was committed in Grantham yesterday, police are warning residents and business owners to be vigilant.

At around midday on Thursday a man entered a shop in the Isaac Newton centre and convinced another man to purchase a new mobile phone from him.

Having bought it the victim discovered that the one he thought that he was buying had been switched for a fake.

Officers are asking people to be aware of the problems of buying high-value goods from unsolicited callers, and have asked for anyone else who has been a victim to report it to the Force.

Investigating officers rely a great deal on information and intelligence from the public and if any inidividuals have been affected and not reported the matter it makes it more difficult to identify and arrest the offenders.

Anyone who knows anything about the Grantham incident, or has been a victim of the scam or has had an attempt made on them, is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 quoting incident 234 of 23/10/2014.

Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Ahead of the clocks going back on Sunday, Lincolnshire Police has issued advice to residents in a bid to prevent crime.

It is not uncommon for offenders to take advantage of earlier hours of darkness and target properties in the early evening when people might not be at home.

As such, the force is raising awareness of measures that can act as deterrents to potential burglars.

Crime prevention tactical advisor Sally Picker said: “One of the best prevention measures is to make your house looks and sounds occupied. Setting timer switches for the lights to come on in front and back rooms in the early evening is a good idea, as is leaving a radio on in the house.

“Also, as always, make sure all your windows and doors are locked before you leave for any period of time so a burglar cannot have easy access to your property.”

Lincolnshire Police offers the following advice to avoid becoming a victim of burglary:

* Even if you are only going out for a short while make sure you shut and lock the external doors and windows, even if you are just going out for a short while.

* Keep all valuables out of sight.

* Keep spare keys safe and out of sight.

* Visible intruder alarms, good lighting and carefully directed security lighting can put an intruder off.

* Never leave your garages or sheds unlocked as tools found inside can be stolen or used to break-in to your property.

* Ensure that your garden is just as secure as your home and do not leave anything of value such as bikes or gardening tools in full view.

* Always keep gates locked when not in use.

Grantham Town travel to lowly Witton Albion tomorrow (Saturday) on the back of two morale-boosting wins.

The Gingerbrads set their recent boardroom squabbles aside and put in two sterling home performances on Saturday and Tuesday to take them up from 15th to seventh place in the league.

Two clean sheets, five goals and six points saw the Gingerbreads return to winning ways following two successive defeats.

Grantham snatched all three points with a single injury time goal against Workington, and followed up that win with a convincing 4-0 drubbing of Nantwich Town in midweek.

Meanwhile, machinations off the pitch continued following the departure of chairman and director Barrie Pierpoint last week.

Responding to Mr Pierpoint’s views on the club and his resignation in last week’s Journal, GranthamTown on Saturday distributed a leaflet at The Meres entitled ‘The Shock Resignation of Barrie Pierpoint – The True Professional – The Facts’.

The club states in the leaflet that itis not afraid of change and as for not liking the speed Mr Pierpoint was “going at” it said: “Too true – we don’t like the speed he has gone through the door and left us with a mountain to climb.”

+ All serving members of the Armed Forces will receive free admission to Grantham Town’s home game against Trafford on Saturday, November 8.

+ The Gingerbreads’ next home game at The Meres is against high-flying Buxton on Tuesday day. Kick-off is 7.45pm.

One Touch Football Soccer School is running two half-term fun football and multi-sports days at Huntingtower School.

Book online at www.onetouchfootball.co.uk

I notice that Bourne-based builders Larkfleet Limited have once again resurrected their ill-conceived proposals to build a large housing estate at Manthorpe, despite the fact that the area affected is not situated within the boundaries designated by our council for the Grantham Area Action Plan.

The Secretary of State for Local Government, Eric Pickles, recently confirmed his opposition to similar examples of “unnecessary urban sprawl”.

As far as I am aware, it has never been the government’s intention that the National Planning Policy Framework would provide “carte blanche” for voracious developers and opportunistic landowners to build wherever they like.

My advice to Larkfleet and their cohorts is: start co-operating with the council, apply to build within the current designated areas or alternatively – go elsewhere!

M. MacGregor

Longcliffe Road, Grantham

The outcome of Grantham Tennis Club’s fourth team mixed match against their own fifths mixed was a victory for the former by two games.

The score was 55 games to 53 games in a very close match. The mixed fourth team, captained by Lorraine Walton, consisted of Peter Elphick and Katy Dines, John Walker and Sue Rowland, and David Todd and Lorraine.

Captain John Petkovic’s fifth team comprised David Hall and Sue Taylor, Matt Street and Tracy Hobson, and John Legard and Elaine Maplethorpe.

It was a very entertaining match held in extremely blustery conditions.

With the teams battling hard, after the first two rounds the scores were tied and it all went down to the last round, which the fourth team managed to grasp in a nail-biting end.

l Last week’s club championships report was submitted with incorrect information.

The overall win in the Mini Oranges (age nine and under) competition went to Jack Street, not Jack Croft as was reported.

The front page of last week’s Journal covered the story of the South Kesteven District Council public consultation on the new Southern Quadrant (to be known as Spittlegate Heath) outline planning design.

It was noted that few people have formally commented to SKDC planning department regarding the proposals as of yet.

I trust the person who wrote to the Journal last week on the subject also sent their comments to SKDC. The lack of response is very concerning given the extent of the development and potential impact of some elements of the proposed development on specific community groups – especially those living opposite the planned river route and those living along, or roads off, Bridge End Road. Many people I have met have raised verbal concerns but these need to be submitted formally.

There are extensive documents relating to the scheme and there is limited opportunity to view large scale plans. I raised concerns with SKDC officers that while members of the Londonthorpe Parish Council had an opportunity to meet SKDC planning officers and the developers, those people living elsewhere in Grantham have not. The SKDC officers agreed to a further public meeting and Buckminster Estate (landowners) representatives agreed to support the event.

Therefore, please note there will be a final opportunity to view plans and raise questions at a public meeting in Witham Place Communal Room, off Bridge End Road, on Wednesday, October 29. A drop-in session will commence at 2.30pm, finishing at 8pm. I have asked for a presentation on the plans to be provided as well. This will take place at 7pm. Comments may be left at the event and will be handed to SKDC planning officers.

I am aware some people feel a sense of inevitability about the scheme. But, given that SKDC have made their strategic decision, this is a key time for people to look at the details that will define what can be built and where. I agree with the Civic Society members that ultimately, whatever aspirations may be had for the site, much will depend on which developers come forward. Anyone interested in seeing the plans and unable to get to SKDC offices in working hours may contact me on 574748 or by email: charmaine725@btinternet.com.

The details of the development are available online as well. I have a set of drawings for reference and will be happy to share these.

Coun Charmaine Morgan

St Anne’s Ward

An independent video games retailer has opened in the George Centre.

Reload Games sell consoles, games and accessories ranging from the retro Spectrum and Amiga to the latest releases with the Playstation 4 and Xbox One. It is the brainchild of business partners Andy Jones and Michael Wealleans, who already have a branch in Newark.

Prior to this they worked for Gamestation, but were determined to stay in the industry when this went into administration.

Andy said: “We were looking to expand and already had a relationship with Grantham through regular customers who often made the journey to us.

“It seemed like the right time to open with numbers in the George Centre and on the High Street picking up.”

Customers can also trade in consoles and games for store credit, and Reload offer a layaway scheme, so items can be pre-ordered and paid for by instalments.

Opening times are Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5pm, with more details available at the website www.reloadgames.co.uk

We need to bring immigration from other European countries under some sort of control.

That is what I argued in the book I published in 2010, Which Way’s Up. So I think David Cameron is quite right to say that this will be his top priority in the renegotiation of Britain’s membership of the EU that will take place before an in-out referendum in 2017, if he is re-elected as Prime Minister next May.

I strongly believe that Britain benefits from some immigration – economically, socially and culturally. Our care homes and hospitals depend on the skills and commitment of carers who move here from the Philippines and other points east. Lincolnshire’s farmers and growers depend on the hard work and reliability of young men and women who come here from Eastern Europe and Portugal. Our pharmaceutical companies and technology businesses depend on the scientific prowess of young Indians and Chinese. I do not believe that it would be in anyone’s interests for any of these vital activities to be deprived of migrant labour. But I don’t think it is unreasonable for people to expect politicians to get control of immigration and to place limits on the overall numbers.

Canada, Australia and New Zealand welcome a lot of immigrants every year – but they operate a strict points system which ensures that they decide how many people to take in and on what basis. Their citizens accept a steady stream of immigration because they know that their government is in a position to decide who should be allowed into the country and manage the flow of people so that the whole country benefits.

We may not be able to achieve complete control over immigration because the freedom of movement is one of the founding principles of the Treaty of Rome. But I am confident that David Cameron will be able to negotiate a package of reforms that sets much stricter conditions on would-be migrants and leads to a reduction in overall numbers.

That would go a long way to reassuring the British people that our immigration system is run for their benefit and not to satisfy the ideological fixations of Europe’s founding fathers.

New traffic regulation measures have been approved by Lincolnshire County Council, to try and tackle three troublespots around Grantham.

Proposals concerning Sandon Close, Station Road East and Dysart Road were approved at the latest meeting of the Planning and Regulation Committee.

A residents parking permit scheme at Sandon Close along with additional waiting restrictions is aimed at reducing the number of parked cars and frequent traffic jams in the area, particularly at school pick up and drop off times.

County councillor Charmaine Morgan said: “There have been problems for a long time, to the point that emergency services are unable to get up the road and the local bus service is threatening to withdraw its service.”

It is also hoped that extending ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions along Station Road East will improve road safety, although Coun Morgan questioned these plans where there is a shortage of parking for residents.

Meanwhile, on Dysart Road, a zebra crossing and school safety zone will be created near its junction with Dexter Avenue, due to a lack of pedestrian crossing places for Isaac Newton Primary School pupils and residents.

Following his anti-farmer rant in the Journal last week, I have been thinking how best we might cheer up your Community columnist Peter Clawson.

I have the great privilege of working with farmers across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands and can say they are among the most uncomplaining people I have met. Of course a world record harvest brings low prices but all accept that along with the weather it is part of the farming package.

My suggestion to Mr Clawson would be to switch off his social media and spend a day out in the Grantham countryside with some real farmers. His faith would be restored.

By the way, thanks to the current retailer wars, he can buy four pints of milk for well under £1, so I would urge him to take the chance to liberally pour some on his cereal along with a sprinkle of sugar, all of which are produced courtesy of Lincolnshire farmers.

Richard Hezlet

Reg. Director, East Mids NFU

Thank you to Coun Ray Wootten for proposing a motion calling on the trust which runs Grantham Hospital to be fully open about its intentions regarding the old hospital building.

This will be voted on before a full meeting of the council on November 6.

Surely this vote is ‘no brainer’ and should be a unanimous vote in favour of the ‘full facts’ surrounding the proposal to demolish Grantham’s old hospital. In particular, all the figures obtained regarding demolition, or destruction as I prefer to call it, and a rebuild?

The hospital should remain and the interior refitted!

Keep us informed please.

Vicki Burrows

Barrowby Road, Grantham

Downtown opened its doors on September 29, 1989. Twenty-five years later, it is still going strong and has undergone a transformation.

The Journal spoke to store manager Lisa Bracey along with distribution manager Sean Wragg and service assistant Carol Curry, who have both worked there since the start, to find out the secret behind its continued success.

What is the store doing to celebrate 25 years?

Lisa: We are having a birthday party on November 1 and 2, and have various activities going on including renowned chef Nigel Brown serving up food in our kitchen department on the Saturday (November 1). There will also be children’s entertainment and a birthday cake. Staff are dressing up in 80s costumes, and we will be playing 80s music and the old advert with the slogan ‘you get it all at Downtown’. And there will be various offers including 25% off, giveaways and competitions.

What has kept Downtown going over the 25 years?

Lisa: We give exceptional service and have retained a local feel. It’s always been a family firm and we’ve kept it close to those roots. We see ourselves as local and want to look after our local customers.

How has it changed in that time?

Sean: There has been a large increase in customers and the whole shop has expanded. Orginially the distribution centre was incorporated within the main building, and then about 15 years ago the warehouse was built and the shop converted. And when we opened we only sold furniture and furnishings.

Lisa: We’ve kept up with the times including having a website and delivering further afield. We’ve looked to the local and national markets to see what we should be doing, but without losing our core values of customer service and offering a good level of service.

How many people does Downtown employ and what training do you offer staff?

Lisa: In the store and in distribution we employ 250 people, and then 90 in the garden centre. As a business we do a lot of team development. We have talent pools where we identify people in the stores that might be ready for progression, so we are very active in enabling staff to progress through the business. As well as Sean and Carol, employees Julie Marratt, Wendy Rumbold, Andy North, Maggie Sadler, Patsy Temporal and Bridget Danylew have been with us throughout the 25 years.

What can customers expect at Downtown?

Lisa: Choice and value for money. We stock furniture, fitted kitchens, large domestic appliances, TVs, audio, men’s, women’s and children’s fashion, cosmetics, homeware, food and drink, and also have a very nice cafe. And we’re always looking to attract new concessions to the store, with Dorothy Perkins and Stila cosmetics the most recent additions. We’re trying all the time to have more brands so we can offer more choice. We work with a strategy of being able to offer entry, mid and top end prices.

Carol: It is easier for customers having everything all under one roof, and free parking.

What are the plans for the next 25 years?

Lisa: To keep evolving to give customers what they want, by listening and reacting to them.

Police are appealing to anyone who saw suspicious activity in Colsterworth last night (Friday) to get in touch following a burglary.

A property in Brunel Avenue was targeted sometime in the evening or overnight.

Anyone with information is asked to call Lincolnshire Police on the non-emergency 101 number, quoting incident number 107 of October 25.

Police community support officer Stuart Bowden, of the Grantham Rural South neighbourhood policing team, is urging residents to check security lighting and alarm systems as the clocks go back tonight. He said: “If you do make use of lighting timers, they are most effectively used in usually occupied rooms, such as living rooms and kitchens, rather than hallways and landing areas.”

Good news...we all get an extra hour in bed tonight!

At 2am tomorrow morning (Sunday), the clocks go back an hour to Greenwich Mean Time, taking us back to 1am.

So don’t forget to change your clocks before your head hits the pillow tonight.

Junior students from Sleaford, Grantham, Newark, Corby Glen and Melton joined in the fun day circuit before entering their Tae Kwon-Do belt promotions at The Meres leisure centre.

Examiner for the day was Grandmaster David Oliver, ninth Dan black belt and world president.

Results for Grantham and Corby Glen clubs: Red Belt 2nd Kup - Frances Arnold, Sue Patrick; Blue Belt 3rd Kup - Lucy Reeve, Samuel Reeve, Bryanny Parkhouse, Joshua Bentley, Zy Esponilla, Zen Esponilla, Jiaxin Zhuo, Jordan Bean; Blue Belt 4th Kup - Philip Lee, Henry Wharton, Jason Zhuo; Green Belt 5th Kup - Jack Croft; Green Belt 6th Kup - Ben Doughty, Xifen Xie; Yellow Belt 7th Kup - Abigail Bailey, Hannah Harby, Yixin Xie, Hanne Cook, Regan Cook, Yashodha Silva, Justine Sheardown, Isabella Sheardown; Yellow Belt 8th Kup - Bianca Pereira, Vidhu Silva, Yixuan Xie; White Belt 9th Kup -Jennifer Groves, Hayden Marshall, Rihards Linde.

Club instructors Malcolm Scholes (7th Dan), Jill Pearce (6th) and Daniel Pearce (5th) were very pleased with the high standard.

The Grantham and Corby Glen clubs are now taking on new members. Contact 01476 570616.

Warmest congratulations to the cast, orchestra and production team of the recent staging of Dracula - The Musical by the Harrowby Singers.

The singing and acting were of the highest quality. The performers had great stage presence and the complete show was so atmospheric and mesmerising that it could easily grace any stage in London’s theatreland.

Betty Elmer

Gladstone Terrace, Grantham

We would like to congratulate Hannah, Harriet and Nigel Butcher on a wonderful evening at the charity ball in aid of Parkinson’s, held at Woodland Waters on Saturday.

Right from the moment we got there until it finished, we were well looked after.

We would like to say a big thank you to all involved. It was superb. We are looking forward to the next ball.

They raised over £2,000 for the charity.

The Camerons

Christchurch Road, Grantham

In the absence of a response from local MP Nick Boles to my recent challenge over the future of Grantham and District Hospital, I can only assume the worst.

My challenge was to guarantee that the hospital would not only be saved, but also restored to its former glory if the Conservatives win next year’s General Election. One of his most ardent fans, however, accused me of challenging the wrong person.

This I found odd, as it is his government, collectively in my book, who seem bent on destroying the whole NHS as we know it.

But she pointed to a letter in last week’s Journal from Brian Bruce, which appeared to indicate the real culprits as the United Lincolnshire Hospital NHS Trust.

Brian quite rightly questions the validity of claims by the Trust, that a new day surgery could be built near the site of the old Grantham Hospital, which is due for demolition and transformation into a temporary car park.

Last week’s edition also contains a story regarding a motion to be put before South Kesteven District Council calling on the Trust to be fully open about its intentions for the old site. All very well, but why is SKDC only interested in the old building, historic as it is? Yes, it has been allowed to fall into an unacceptable state of disrepair, yet surely the fate of the whole hospital is more important than merely its controversial semi-derelict section? And where does the elusive South Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group stand in all this? They have to decide where to send us for the right treatment, so I am told.

Thus we can see, there are still many more questions to be answered about this unsavoury situation, even if the apprently slumbering local populace can’t be bothered to ask them. The hospital’s hard-done-to and dedicated staff and volunteers deserve it.

Outline planning permission has been given to demolish existing industrial buildings on West Road and use the site for 23 houses.

South Kesteven District Council’s development control committee gave unanimous approval on Tuesday for the former Grimers Transport depot to be demolished and redeveloped for residential purposes.

The application also includes the creation of a single access road from West Road into the site.

The current layout drawn up for the houses is indicative only, with exact details still to be approved via reserved matters.

There were no public speakers at the meeting and while questions were asked by councillors regarding the site’s current use for storage and demand for housing, overall redevelopment of the brownfield site was considered beneficial.