Chancellor George Osborne is to deliver his emergency Budget today - with billions of cuts to welfare expected.

Here are ten things predicted to be included in the announcement.

Tax credit cuts for families with more than two children. The Chancellor is set to take child tax credits back to the levels seen in 2003-4 to save around £5billion.

If the plan is approved it would mean the benefit would be cut for 3.7million low-income families by around £1,400 a year, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).

The benefits cap could be pulled down to £20,000 a year per household outside the South East.

On Sunday trading hours the Chancellor is expected to confirm a policy to allow councils to decide on extensions to Sunday trading hours.

Currently retailers can only trade for up to six hours on Sunday.

The threshold at which workers start paying the 40p tax rate is expected to be raised as part of an ambition to increase it to £50,000 by 2020.

Plans to cut £12 billion from welfare spending are likely to be implemented more gradually than the two-year timeframe proposed earlier this year.

Devolution for Yorkshire is expected to be on the agenda, with negotiations between Sheffield and Leeds authorities said to already be underway.

Student grants are to be axed and replaced with loans, it has been reported, to save £1.6m. Means-tested maintenance grants are meant to help those from poorer backgrounds.

An increase in the inheritance tax allowances for couples to £1 million.

People on housing benefit could be made to contribute to their rent for the first time - while those aged under 25 and young jobseekers could also see cuts.

The Government has said that it will find £5bn from tackling tax evasion and avoidance.

Doh! Another ‘Dozy Parker’ at work!

Sarah Ward sent in this photo, backing the Journal’s campaign to rid Grantham’s streets of pesky ‘Dozy Parkers’.

It shows a car parked across a bay clearly marked with ‘No parking’ at Grantham Hospital.

Sarah said: “Note that the car park is nearly empty and this driver parks in the ‘no parking’ space.”

A supermarket chain is pressing ahead with its plan to open a multi-million pound store in Melton, which it says would create 40 jobs.

Discount food retailer Aldi has already consulted with the public over its intention to open a store on the site of the former ambulance station in Leicester Road.

A spokesman said that the consultation event, held back in April at Melton Mowbray Baptist Church, was attended by over 115 people. He added that 94 per cent of feedback showed support for the proposal.

Aldi has since been in talks with Melton Borough Council, and expects to submit a planning application shortly.

The Aldi spokesman said: “We are encouraged by the positive response we have received from local residents and stakeholders, who told us that this would be an excellent location for an Aldi store, increasing choice in the local area and making it easier for people to do their shopping. We expect our planning application will be registered and available for public comments shortly, and we would like to thank the people of Melton Mowbray for their support.”

The jobs created would be full- and part-time, with additional job opportunities through construction and supply chain.

Grantham-headquartered Belvoir Lettings is poised to buy a town based competitor in a deal worth more than £6 million.

Belvoir Lettings, which has its head office in London Road, has agreed to acquire franchise property sales and lettings business Newton Fallowell.

The total value of the deal is likely to be £6.3 million and will be funded through a share placing.

The agreement will have to be approved by shareholders at a meeting in London on July 28.

A spokeswoman for Belvoir Lettings said that Newton Fallowell, which has 31 branches across the region and has its head office in High Street, Grantham, would continue to trade under its existing name.

It is the first time that Belvoir Lettings has allowed a new acquisition to retain its branding.

She said: “This is testament to the strength of the Newton Fallowell brand.

She said that jobs would not be lost as a result of the deal.

The acquisition will be funded with an initial consideration of £3.9 million raised by the placing of 3.4 million ordinary shares, which will raise proceeds of £4.3m before expenses.

They are expected to be admitted to the London Stock Exchange’s junior market AIM on July 29.

A further payment of up to £2.3 million will also be paid subject to the amount of EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization and an accepted guide to company performance) generated by Newton Fallowell from the date of completion of the deal to February 2017.

Mike Goddard, chief executive of Belvoir, said: “We are delighted to be announcing the acquisition of Newton Fallowell.

“This is an exciting milestone in Belvoir’s growth, considerably expanding the size of the group with a fantastic new brand to add to our portfolio.

“I’d like to thank our shareholders for their continued support and welcome our new shareholders as we continue to grow the business across the UK.”

Grantham Flames YFC are running First Sparks introduction to football for boys and girls between the ages of four and seven during the school summer holidays.

First Sparks will be run by FA-qualified coaches over seven weeks from Saturday, July 18 to Saturday, August 29. It will run from 9.30am to 10.30am at Harlaxton Sports and Social Club, Manor Drive, Harlaxton. Cost £1 per child per Saturday.

Those interested can just go along on the day or for further information contact club chairman Lee Gurney on 07920 022682 or secretary Jacqui Harris on 07884 032809.

The Flames are also having a family fun day at Harlaxton Sports and Social Club on Sunday (July 12) from 12 noon. All welcome.

Ever since setting up in 1988, A1 Security Services have kept ahead of the times and protected homes and businesses by providing the latest in alarm and surveillance technology.

Moreover, the development of their own technology, including a CCTV system recently installed along Grantham Canal, makes them a truly innovative business. Business partner Matthew Powell told the Journal more.

How did it feel to win the Business Innovation title at the Grantham Journal Business Awards?

We were absolutely delighted – it has been a huge morale boost for our staff. We were very proud to have designed and built the CCTV system for Grantham Canal on behalf of SKDC, but it sometimes takes someone outside the company to point out what an achievement it is.

What technology and services do you provide?

Our main services include installation and maintenance of intruder alarms, fire alarms, CCTV, access control and intercom systems. Over the past 12 months we have designed and developed a rapid deployment CCTV system based on the cameras fitted on Grantham Canal. This will be available on a hire or purchase basis for protecting, for example, construction sites, fly-tipping areas, high risk flood areas, etc. To work in conjunction with this product we have developed a highly efficient CCTV monitoring system – this can also be overlaid on to any CCTV system. Soon we will be launching a local key-holding and guard response service available to any domestic or commercial customers, even if we didn’t fit their system. We are not aware of any local company offering this service and following many requests from customers we decided to expand into this area. It gives customers peace of mind knowing that if their alarm system goes off a uniformed guard will attend, check the premises and reset the alarm system. It is especially useful for commercial premises or anyone who doesn’t want to rely on a friend or neighbour.

How has the technology developed since you started?

Back in 1988 intruder alarms and CCTV system were quite inefficient by today’s standards. The biggest change has been in the CCTV industry – cameras are getting better and better all the time. We now fit full high definition cameras as standard. The picture quality is fantastic on both live and recorded images, and, with broadband, watching your CCTV cameras on a smart phone or computer is now easier than ever. When we started, CCTV was mainly for the commercial market, but now we are regularly installing systems on domestic properties and can cater for any size of system. In 2010 we launched ‘Tek2’ – our own brand of CCTV equipment. This enables us full control of the quality of equipment and the ability to alter the specifications to meet customers’ needs

Do you work with the police and fire service?

We assist the local police whenever possible – we are regularly asked to download CCTV footage from our systems for evidence. We also have many intruder and fire alarm systems fitted that have a police and fire service response in place.

Visit {http://www.a1-securityservices.co.uk/|www.a1-securityservices.co.uk}

A new ‘national living wage’ which will go up to £9 an hour was announced in today’s budget - but has been described as “gimmickery of the highest order” by academics.

The measure, which will start next April at £7.20 an hour, was one of several measures announced this afternoon in chancellor George Osborne’s first Conservative only budget.

Mr Osborne said that “Britain deserves a pay rise” when he announced the policy to loud cheers.

Dr Craig Berry, deputy director of the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Sheffield, said: “The rebranding of the national minimum wage as the national living wage is gimmickry of the highest order, designed only to soften criticism of the continuing downward pressure on wages rather than bring about real pay rises, and it seems likely that any gains for employees will be offset by losses arising from significant tax credit cuts.”

Restricting tax credits and universal credit to those families with two children was also confirmed in the budget.

Mr Osborne said: “Tax credits subsidise wages in a way never intended.”

On benefits, he said welfare should “not support the lifestyles not achievable to taxpayers who fund it.”

Some of the other key budget announcements were:

-No fuel duty rise

-Personal tax allowance to rise to £11,000

-£37 billion of further spending cuts by 2020 including £12bn of welfare and £5bn from tax avoidance

-Working age benefits to be frozen for four years

-Housing benefit will not be able to be claimed automatically by 18-21 year olds

-Major reform to vehicle excise duties to pay for new road building fund in England with new VED bands for new cars from 2017

-Public sector pay rise to continue at 1 per cent for the next four years

-Deficit to be cut at same rate as in last Parliament -securing a budget surplus a year later than planned in 2019-20

-Inheritance tax threshold will be increased to £1m from 2017

-The point at which people start paying income tax at 40p to rise from £42,385 to £43,000 next year

-Rents in social housing sector will be reduced by 1 per cent a year for the next four years

-Higher-income households in social housing made to pay rents at the market rate

-State pension ‘triple lock’ to be protected

-Annual tax relief on pension contributions to be limited to £10,000 a year

Talented young musicians pulled out all the stops to put on an impressive performance for family and friends, at Hose Village Hall.

Violins in the Vale, organised by Harby-based music teacher Zosia Cocker, involved about 60 children aged 7-18 from schools across the Melton borough and beyond.

An afternoon of music rehearsals and workshops finished with a massed performance for parents and friends. Young violinists, viola players and cellists played alongside pupils from other local schools.

Mrs Cocker said: “All the musicians put on a magnificent concert with pieces ranging from Harry Potter to Frozen. A collection raised £114 for Dove Cottage Day Hospice, in Stathern, so thank you to everyone.”

Belton Park continued their great charity fund-raising efforts with £3,200 raised over two events in the last two weeks.

Hosted by Tony Nickson, Sunday’s Gents Captain’s Day raised £1,200 for Parkinson’s UK and Heartlink Children’s Charity and saw 160 men in 40 teams of four play a two from four Am-Am.

The weather was set for some excellent golf and the players did not disappoint with some fine scores recorded. The winning team returned with an amazing score of 99 points. Darrell Froggatt recorded his first hole in one.

The ladies played in a Fourball Texas Scramble, again with some excellent scores.

Results: Men’s Am-Am – 1 Ben Bayless, Alistair Holmes, Ian Whyte, Pat Doyle 99; 2 Jason Hose, Alan Addis, Craig Allen, Philip Cotton 98, 3 Graham Feasby, Kim Ferguson, John Fisher, Les Bamford 97; nearest the pin on the sixth - Darrell Froggatt.

Ladies’ Texas Scramble – 1 Julie Hamer, Shelley McClelland, Jean Tetley, Sandra Pask 28.2, 2 Anna Clarke, Jools Taylor, Jackie Barson, Olga Ebbsworth 29.2, 3 Jean Sutcliffe, Kathy Hill, Yvonne Bashford, Judith Potter 29.6; nearest the pin on the 21st - Jean Sutcliffe.

Forty-eight teams from across the region contested the Belton Park Ladies’ Charity Am-Am, which raised more than £2,000 for McMillan Cancer Support and Alzheimer Society UK on Thursday.

Lady captain Joy Stepney was in the winning team with three players from John O’Gaunt who scored 85 points. Runners-up with 83 were Rebecca Foster, Carole Stothard, Julie White and Lisa Lui from Belton Woods.

Joy expressed thanks to all who played and to organisers Sheila Mason and Sue Addis, along with the team of ladies who supported them.

SUDBROOK MOOR

Sudbrook Moor Junior Intermediates met on Saturday for their second monthly medal of the summer season.

It was a bumper turnout and the improving scores are testimony to their weekly coaching with PGA resident professional coaches Tim and Ben Hutton, and their parental and family members’ support, both on and off the golf course.

Youngest junior in the scheme, Blake Smith, aged six, playing off a handicap of 54 and partnered by grandfather Stuart Smith, returned the best scorecard of the morning with a net four under in the greensomes format, adding the day’s top Order of Merit points to make a new total of 17.

After a first place last month and a second this time, top of the table are Kev Woollas and daughter Jasmin Mawson on 19 points. Equal third best scorecard were those of Martin and Lilliya Greene, and Adrian and Oliver Hands, now in overall fifth and fourth places respectively. Another splendid card came from Trevor Eldred and grandson Robert.

Other partnerships in the scheme are Luke Harley and Mia Mawson, Joseph Ablewhite and Melissa Mawson, John Russell and granddaughter Issy Linsley, Steve and Olivia Bradley, David and Jack Richardson, Matthew and Emily Chapman, and Richard and Sam Howes.

l Sudbrook Moor ladies had the most exciting annual friendly fixture at home against Boston West, with a fairly strong field of Betterball Pairs.

The unbeaten lead partnership of Amanda Roberts and Joan Doughty brought home the first point, 2&1. Sue Chambers and Shirley Gardiner went down, while third pairing Hnin Shein and Norma Shelley had a very steady front and back nine to secure a winning point on the 16th with a 3&1 result.

At the turn, the last match of Thea Law and Jeannie Priest looked unlikely to bring in the necessary point to win the overall match, but all changed from the 11th hole and a positive run the 18th green brought back a halved encounter to finish the day with a 2½-1½.

BELTON WOODS

Seniors

Belton Woods senior captain Pat Stanford’s away day was held at Sleaford GC on a very hot and sunny Friday.

Thirty-three seniors took part and winner of the Hamilton-Smith Trophy was Les Vine who finished two points clear of his nearest rivals.

Results: 1 Les Vine 41, 2 Denis Manton 39 ocb, 3 Richard James 39 ocb, 4 Pat Stanford 39, 5 Bob Blake 37 ocb, 6 Ian Nisbet 37; nearest the pin - Jeff Tooms, nearest the pin in two - Mike Learwood-Griffiths, nearest the centre line - Ray Woodcock, longest drive - Ken Claxon, best value - John Bratt.

In a closely-fought competition, Norman Tidy emerged the winner on countback in the July Stableford.

Results: 1 Norman Tidy 37 ocb, 2 Pat Stanford 37, 3 Bob Blake 36, 4 Del House 34 ocb, 5 Mike Whitington 34 ocb, 6 Richard James 34, 7 Alan Lowen 33 ocb, 8 Henry Knight 33 ocb, 9 Phil Turrell 33, 10 Tom Rea 32.

STOKE ROCHFORD

Ladies

The Ladies’ Invitation Open was won by Marion Carvath and Caroline Woodhouse (Scarborough South Cliff).

Runners-up were Avis Griffin and Peggy Newton (Melton Mowbray), whilst Sheila Dugmore and Jackie Friend (Greetham Valley) finished third.

The Rawson Relic flag competition was won by Chris Rowley who placed her flag further down the fairway on the second playing of the first hole than Norma Varley in second place. Third place went to Kathy Horner who placed her flag in the 18th hole.

The Carton Cup stapleford competition was won on countback by Sue Taylor with 37 points from Sheila Dugmore. Marion Carvath took third place with 35 and the scratch prize was won by Pam Watson with 31.

Seniors

Radcliffe on Trent 7

Stoke Rochford 1

Mike Nixon and Charles Scott lost 5&4, Graham Manton and Graham Miller halved, Brian Ayto and Charles Donnison lost 2&1, Keith Dugmore and Brian Keightley lost 1 down, Phil White and Mike Dickinson lost 2 down, Mike Graves and Barry Coop lost 1 down, Ray Elsome and Eddie Malloy halved, Tim Haward and Philip Varley lost 3&2.

Stoke Rochford 6½

Glen Gorse 1½

Graham Manton and Duncan Bennett won 6&5, Roger Nicholls and Mike Graves halved, Phil White and David Hamilton won 1 up, Tim Haward and Eddie Plant won 3&2, Don Werner and David Hampston won 6&4, Philip Varley and Ken Taylor won 4&2, Mick Rance and Mike Thornton halved, Trevor Harvey and Roy Rowe halved

Forty seniors played in the annual Stoke Rochford senior captain’s away day. Team winners were Dave Esswood, Eddie Plane and Phil Hewes with 78 points, whilst in second place were Don Werner, Bill Duke and Steve Major with 75.

There is a ‘very high’ pollen warning for the East of England and East Anglia for Thursday, Friday and Saturday according to Met Office forecasts.

Temperatures are due to raise to 20c by Saturday, but with the sunshine comes problems for hay fever sufferers.

One in five people in the UK suffer from hay fever, with different pollens setting off symptoms in individual sufferers.

Drinking alcohol can make your symptoms worse as it contains histamine, the chemical that sets off allergy symptoms in the body.

One in five people in the UK suffer from hay fever and 95 per cent of those sufferers are allergic to grass pollen rather than tree or weed pollen.

The pollen count season is normally March to August. However, it can start as early as January and end as late as November.

The pollen season separates into three main sections:

- Tree pollen – late March to mid-May.

- Grass pollen – mid-May to July.

- Weed pollen – end of June to September

Witham Wheelers promoted their first open 25-mile time trial for quite a few years on Saturday afternoon on the Sleaford-Osbournby-Somerby and back course.

A strong south-easterley wind made for really testing conditions on the outward leg which gradually rises up to the High Dyke, with riders hopefully saving something to take advantage of the fast return to the finish.

Despite the conditions, the event was still won by Neil Palmer (Spalding CC) in a rapid 54min 53sec, from his clubmate Chris Ward (55.35). Third was Sleaford Wheeler Richard Hamblin in 56.01.

Witham Wheelers took the next four places with Reece Egner leading the way with a very good 57.01 and top junior, fifth was Gary Symons 58.34, sixth John Pilgrim 59.47, still not fully recovered from a recent illness, and seventh was Jon Beere, just over the hour by 25sec.

Possibly the ride of the ride of the day came from Michael Smalley in 1.03.42 for 11th overall and third veteran on standard.

Reece Egner was also awarded the David Chantry Memorial Trophy for the fastest club rider, originally donated some 50 years ago in memory of a young club rider tragically killed on the A52

Other club results: 14 James Westwood 1.04.19, 16 Adam Egner 1.04.41 (1st juv), 21 Martin Hedley 1.08.17, 23 Martin Lister 1.10.14, 25 Dave Miller 1.11.11, 29 John Scott 1.18.35.

The new Conservative county councillor for Grantham Barrowby says one of his priorities is the state of local roads and speeding.

Mark Whittington, an accountant, was elected to Lincolnshire County Council in last Friday’s by-election.

Coun Whittington easily won the Grantham Barrowby seat with 579 votes. He was followed by Rob Shorrock, Labour, with 257 votes. Maureen Simon, of UKIP, won 179 votes and Lincolnshire Independent Michael Williams received 155 votes.

Coun Whittington, a Barrowby Parish Councillor with experience working in local government and NHS finance, said: “I feel very pleased to have won the by-election and to be representing the residents of the Grantham Barrowby division on Lincolnshire County Council. It was a very short and intensive campaign but my campaign team and me managed to knock on over a thousand doors in the district and canvass people’s views directly.

“Based on our canvass returns we thought that we stood a good chance of winning the election but the size of the victory (increasing the Conservative vote from 38% in 2013 to nearly 50% and the majority from 82 to 322) did take us by surprise. I am very grateful to all the people who voted for me but am determined to represent the interests of all the residents of the district regardless of who they voted for.

“The main issue that came out from speaking directly to people was roads (the state of them) and road safety (speeding). Additionally on the Earlesfield the subject of anti-social behaviour and litter came up as well.

“I already have been contacted by several residents with specific issues, such as parking, trees blocking light into a block of flats, potholes and speeding traffic, and I am working to try and resolve them. Quite a bit of the work of a councillor will involve this and I will try and do my very best to sort out any problem that a resident has.

“On a wider scale I want to work with all councillors of whatever party to improve Grantham, especially the town centre and high street. Supporting the Grantham BID, campaigning for free parking in Grantham town centre car parks and looking at other measures to make Grantham town centre a better place to visit and encourage the growth of small independent retail shops. Also doing everything that I can to ensure that Grantham Hospital retains a full range of services and ensuring the delivery of the by-pass.

“In a time of tight budgets I am determined to protect vital frontline services by looking to reduce inefficiency and waste in the manner in which these services are provided. I am an accountant and have worked in both the public and private sectors. But it is my public sector experience in both local government and NHS finance which I can use to work towards this. I have already been appointed to the Value for Money Scrutiny Committee on the County Council which, as the name implies, looks at how the council’s resources are spent. I have also been appointed to the Adult Services Scrutiny Committee as well.”

The by-election took place after former councillor Jo Churchill became MP in Bury St Edmunds.

Lincolnshire CCC earned seven points from a rain-affected draw at Cumberland.

The team travelled to Sedbergh School for the third of their Unicorns Championship Eastern Division matches of the season.

The hosts were one point in front of the Lincolnshire side at the top of the table and a close encounter was envisaged with both sides having won their opening two fixtures.

Unfortunately, the bad weather resulted in more than 150 of the scheduled overs being lost and both teams were left to play for bonus batting and bowling points.

Ross Carnelley returned to the side in place of the injured Sam Kelsall, whilst the previously injured Karanjit Bansal and Martin Weightman also returned.

Cumberland won the toss and had no hesitation in putting Lincolnshire in to bat.

Bansal and Carnelley gave the innings a good start before the latter was dismissed with the total on 61.

A middle order collapse then followed as Lincolnshire slumped to 102-6 with Louth, Freeman, Wilson and Robinson all falling for single figure scores.

Bansal also fell for a fluent 54 and the visitors were now in some trouble.

There then followed the stand of the innings as Weightman and Osmond added 70 for the seventh wicket before Weightman was dismissed for a valuable 45.

Osmond and Lucas added a crucial 38 to take the total past the 200 mark before Lucas fell for 16.

Osmond continued to attack the bowling and was finally caught for 67 as the rain clouds gathered.

At 226-9 play was abandoned for the day as heavy rain forced the players from the pitch.

On day two, Lincolnshire’s last pair, Shepherd and Willerton, added a further 44 to the total, Shepherd making 26 and Willerton 25 not out.

This gave Lincolnshire a final total of 270 and two batting points.

Cumberland began their innings in confident style and reached 51 without loss before rain again intervened and no further play was possible for the day.

A delayed start on day three meant there was little hope of a result.

Both sides were looking to obtain bonus points and Lincolnshire’s hopes of doing so seemed good as Cumberland were reduced to 112-3, with David Lucas taking all three wickets.

There then followed an outstanding partnership as Jon Miles and Gary Pratt added 259 for the fourth wicket, Miles making 106 and Pratt a magnificent 156 not out, thereby giving Cumberland maximum batting points.

The hosts eventually declared on 386-4 a lead of 116.

There was little time for Lincolnshire to bat again before the inevitable rain fell and the match was abandoned.

Cumberland took 12 points from the match (four batting, four bowling and four for the draw), and Lincolnshire took seven points (two batting, one bowling and four for the draw).

Cumberland now lead the table jointly with Buckinghamshire, six points in front of Lincolnshire who are in third place.

Lincolnshire’s next fixture is at Grantham starting on Sunday, July 19, when they entertain Cambridgeshire.

Grantham Tennis Club ladies played at home, triumphing 12-6 for another great win against a strong Farnsfield side at the weekend.

The team consisted of Lorraine Walton and Tracy Hobson, Elaine Maplethorpe and Karen Pye-Smith, and Elaine and Rachel Pulfree

It was a great match with some closely fought sets, especially the final one which went to a tie-break, ably won 7-5 by Lorraine and Tracy.

l The men’s second team played away at Magdala. Grantham’s youthful side comprised of Rob Start, Nathan Gunning, Karel Meuwissen, Toby King, Josh King and Michael Cragg.

However, they were unable to make a big impact on the strong Magdala team and lost 12-6 overall.

It was their third defeat out of three in the Nottinghamshire League and things will need to improve if they are to avoid relegation.

Organisers of Stathern Festival are stepping down from the role in the hope that volunteers will do something different in the future.

This year marked the 10th anniversary of the festival which featured an impressive 20 events in total.

Some of the attractions included the inaugural Party in the Park, Summer Ball, Caribbean Carnival, 10-hour Danceathon and an anniversary exhibition.

Sally Fagan said: “We wanted to go out with a bang rather than a fizzle.

“This year we’ve raised around £10,500 for local good causes despite the dreadful weather. When the festival started we took £5K in our first year and have raised in excess of £110K in total over the ten years.

“It is likely that some of the larger festival attractions will continue but for now fresh ideas are needed.”

Fourteen jobs are being created at a new Lincolnshire Co-operative store which is soon to open in Long Bennington.

Recruitment is under way to find people to fill various roles from customer services to supervisor.

Lincolnshire Co-operative has invested £1.2 million creating the 3,000 square feet convenience store in Main Road.

The store is expected to open in September.

There will also be two more staff - a manager and a duty manager - employed at the site.

The new store has been opposed by some village businesses who fear it will undermine their trade.

Anyone interested in applying should visit www.lincolnshire.coop or https://jobs.lincolnshire.coop

Related:

{http://www.granthamjournal.co.uk/news/local/opposition-to-plans-for-new-store-in-long-bennington-1-6036470|Opposition to plans for new store in Long Bennington|Read more}

Grantham and District Darts League’s annual meeting takes place at the Westgate Club on Monday (July 13), between 8pm and 9pm.

Any teams wishing to register for the 2015/16 season should be in attendance.

Call league secretary Sandra Webster on 01476 565773 for more information.

Hundreds of thousands of Co-op customers have potentially been charged twice in a blunder involving people using their cards in the retailer’s food stores or petrol stations.

A spokesman for The Co-operative Food said: “Due to a processing error customers who shopped with us or used a petrol filling station on July 7 using a credit or debit card were charged twice.

He was unable to say how many people were affected but it is thought that it could run into hundreds of thousands.

The spokesman added: ​“We would like to apologise to all those affected, and reassure customers that refunds will be made directly in to their accounts within 24 hours.

“We will also reimburse any customers who have incurred bank charges as a result of this error. These customers should contact our customer careline.”

The Co-op has 2,800 food stores and 200 filling stations across the UK. It said all of them could potentially have been affected and any type of debit or credit card could have been involved.​ ​

Not everyone shopping on Tuesday with Co-op will have been affected, and if people are unsure about whether they have been affected they should check their statement.​

The Co-op’s customer careline number is 0800 0686 727. ​

Lincolnshire Police’s funding “crisis” has been a talking point in the House of Commons this week.

Sir Edward Leigh, the Member of Parliament for the Gainsborough constituency, has raised questions with ministers on the issues of funding shortfalls in the area.

Speaking to the Minister of State for Policing and Criminal Justice on Monday, Sir Edward said: “Lincolnshire Police are in crisis for want of a mere £3 million to £4 million.

“In my area of 600 square miles, there is barely one police car on duty through the night. This is a crisis: £3 million would be a drop in the ocean compared with what we spend on international development, so will my right hon. Friend persuade the Chancellor to transfer just a little money to us? Charity begins at home.”

Sir Edward also made a point of raising his concerns further with the Secretary of State for International Development on Wednesday.

Sir Edward argued that value for money in government spending would come from investing more in the provision of vital services in rural communities.

He said: “I am sure the Secretary of State will want to give an explanation for how she will ensure value for money in her Department.

“May I give her one project for which I could ensure value for money, where it takes four to five weeks to see a doctor, the roads are filled with potholes and the police are in crisis? I refer, of course, to that tribe inhabiting the frozen plains of the north, the Lincolnshire yellowbellies.”

Work has started on major improvements to the buildings of ChristChurch in Finkin Street.

Phase one of the work is under way in which the kitchen will be upgraded, access to the halls improved and modern toilets and disabled facilities provided.

The phase one work has been made possible with a £40,000 grant from WREN (Waste Recycling Environmental Limited) so the church can be used more widely by groups and individuals in the town and surrounding area.

ChristChurch Minister the Rev Jane Campbell said: “After many years of prayer and planning, we are delighted that the grant from WREN, together with other funders and our own local fund-raising has enabled the refurbishment to be started. We look forward to providing comfortable and easily accessible premises for the groups who currently use our halls and for new groups looking for meeting space in Grantham town centre.”

It is hoped work on the hall will be finished by the end of August.

Meanwhile the fund-raising continues because there are plans to improve the space at the back of the church and refurbish the stonework and windows of the church which is a listed building. One aim is to improve the performance and rehearsal space in the church which is already used by a number of local arts groups.

WREN representative Cheryl Raynor, grant manager for the area, said: “I am delighted the local advisory panel recommended that this project be funded. WREN have recently seen the completion of a number of projects in Grantham and I am sure the local community will benefit from the improvements.”

The architect’s plans for the building are available to see in the church.