Further to my mail last week, now we have some of the details for the reason for the delayed phase two bypass build, I would only comment and look for further answers from Mr Davies and Mr Boles to the following.

Why did we only find out that the Highways Agency had plans to do some work at Harlaxton on the A1 on the month we had been promised phase two would start?

This, after prior promises of earlier start dates and given this multi-million pound development, who is responsible for missing this item?

Is it not possible to combine both projects and make traffic system plans in order to do this? We all have to travel at times over long stretches of roadworks, sometimes with little going on. This, given some stretches of current roadworks in mileage terms, would be very small.

Why can Highways not wait for our much more important project to complete, then do their bit? What actually are they doing that will have any impact on the bypass build ?

We have been told on many occasions that funding is in place for the whole of the project, a contractor had been nominated, so what has happened to the phase two money – has it been allocated to other projects?

Perhaps Lincoln ran out of cash again on one of the many projects they have going presently to increase tourism?

Stuart Allan

By email

An eventful weekend in the Readers Lincolnshire ECB Premier League that included defeat for the leaders, two centuries and a hat trick opened up both ends of the table.

The centuries came from Prasanna Jayawardene at Woodhall Spa and Sleaford’s Cephas Zhuwao, the hat trick by Grantham’s Dan Freeman kept his side in second place and a winning fifth wicket stand of 93 off 50 balls pushed Boston into the top half of the table.

Bracebridge’s lead was cut to five points as Dan Freeman’s hat trick turned the game at Lindum in Grantham’s favour after the visitors reached 192 for eight at the close of their innings, Freeman hitting 71 before the introduction of spin saw wickets begin to tumble.

Freeman then took the first two Lindum wickets for only 11 runs and the third fell on 38 but Will Wright and James Kimber steaded the innings with a stand of 42 and at 109 for five, Lindum were still in the running.

Jake Benson and Tom Lindsay put together a 50 partnership for the seventh wicket but the final two balls of Freeman’s 13th over saw Benson out for 23 and his replacement back in the pavilion.

The first ball of his next over brought the hat trick and it was left to Lindsay with an unbeaten 46 and Jonny Miller to bat out the overs, with Lindum 16 runs short.

This leaves Grantham six points up on third placed Bourne but the bottom half of the table is even tighter with only 11 points separating the bottom six.

Results: Grimsby Town 103 (Hallam 52no, Miles 5-39), Spalding 105-3 (Javed 53no); Woodhall Spa 259-6 (Jayawardene 110, Timby 64, Irving 51), Market Deeping 244 (Sargeant 91, Smith 65); Bracebridge Heath 185-9, Bourne 188-7; Sleaford 243 (Zhuwao 126), Boston 246-4 (Cheer 66); Louth 183 (Pitchers 80), Alford 141-9; Grantham 192-8 (Freeman 71), Lindum 176-9 (Freeman 5-37 inc hat trick).

TV naturalist Sir David Attenborough has warned that UK butterflies face a critical summer after a string of poor years has seen the numbers of many common species decline.

Last year was the fourth worst on record for butterflies and Sir David is urging people across Lincolnshire to take part in the Big Butterfly Count survey to help reveal how widespread species are faring this summer.

Common species such as the Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper experienced declines in 2016, but the warm, dry spring and early summer experienced over much of the UK so far this year could offer butterflies some respite if the good weather continues.

The Big Butterfly Count is the world’s largest butterfly survey, which encourages people to spot and record 18 species of common butterflies and two day-flying moths during three weeks of high summer.

Families are being invited to do a count while helping to get the butterfly garden at Chambers Farm Wood near Bardney ready for the summer ahead. The free event is taking place from 2pm until 4pm on Wednesday, July 26.

Another chance to take part and help with butterfly conservation work will be on Wednesday, August 2, at Snakeholme Pit near Langworth. More information can be found at www.butterfly-conservation.org.

Butterfly Conservation President Sir David said: “The next few weeks are a vital period for our butterflies. They need to make the most of this chance to feed and breed. Last year, despite a warm summer, butterflies like the Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper saw their numbers fall as a warm winter and cold spring earlier in the year led to problems that affected their numbers later on.

“Worryingly, we are now seeing the fortunes of some of our once common butterflies mirror those of our rarest species and they too are now also suffering significant declines with butterflies declining more rapidly in urban areas than in the countryside.

“In the last decade our butterflies have experienced several poor years and although resilient, they simply cannot sustain repeated losses, especially if the habitats they need in order to rebuild their populations are also under threat.”

More than three-quarters of the UK’s butterflies have declined in the last 40 years with some common species, such as the Small Tortoiseshell, suffering significant slumps.

This year’s count follows new findings that butterflies are declining more rapidly in urban areas than in the countryside.

As many Big Butterfly Counts take place in gardens, parks and urban green space, this year’s results from these habitats will help inform conservationists on how to make our urban landscapes more butterfly-friendly.

Richard Fox, Butterfly Conservation Head of Recording, said: “With increasing numbers of our common and widespread butterflies in long-term decline, Big Butterfly Count is more important than ever. Simply taking 15 minutes out of your normal day to enjoy the sunshine and count butterflies can help us monitor their populations. It’s a win-win for wildlife.”

Sir David added: “Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count is good for butterflies and it is also good for us all. The count is good for butterflies because your sightings will tell us which species need help and in which areas we need to help them.

“But the Big Butterfly Count is also good for you because 15 minutes spent watching butterflies in the summer sunshine is priceless; spending time with butterflies lifts the spirits and reinvigorates that sense of wonder in the natural world.”

The Big Butterfly Count is sponsored by Waitrose. Tor Harris, Waitrose Head of Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing, said: “We recognise the fundamental role pollinators play in the production of food and are committed to supporting their future which is why we’re delighted to be sponsoring the Big Butterfly Count for the second year and helping grow this important event.”

The Count runs from July 14 to August 6. Taking part in the Count is easy - find a sunny spot and spend 15 minutes counting the butterflies you see and then submit sightings online at www.bigbutterflycount.org or via the free Big Butterfly Count app.

The Big Butterfly Count is being launched at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) London Wetland Centre.

WWT Chief Executive Martin Spray CBE said: “Butterfly spotting brings great immediate rewards. You get to see beautiful little animals, and by counting butterflies you can help them too. It’s a great activity for families getting outside on a summer’s day. That’s why we’re giving out spotter sheets at all our wetland centres across the UK.”

A school was invited to Buckingham Palace for the finals of a national awards ceremony.

Charles Read Academy, in Corby Glen, formed part of the Burnet News Club, run by The Economist Educational Foundation, to support and encourage students to discuss topical issues and develop their skills of negotiation, logic, storytelling, scepticism and curiosity.

The school was shortlisted based on activity on the online hub where students write comments and posts based on the topics being discussed. Topics have included the NHS, fake news and democracy and the snap election. Ten students responded with video diaries, written posts and even drama, and have become the school’s official media team.

The award ceremony was at the Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, and attended by Principal Robert Sloan and Charlie King, Assistant Principal, who said: “Although we didn’t win, it was a real honour to be short-listed and we are very proud of our club members and look forward to continuing with the club next academic year.”

Samaritans kicked off their annual month-long awareness campaign ‘Talk to us’ last week to encourage people to improve their listening skills.

Volunteers will be visiting Grantham and Newark railway stations to hand out their SHUSH listening tips and highlight the support they provide for the community.

Samaritans believes that listening is crucial to helping people find their way through their problems, and the charity would like to encourage people to seek help early, rather than when they reach a crisis.

Every six seconds, someone in the UK and Ireland contacts Samaritans, and every 90 minutes in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, someone takes their own life.

Director from Grantham, Margaret Baker said: “Suicide is everybody’s business and we can all do our bit to encourage people to be better listeners and reach out for help if they need to. This year we’re asking people all over the country to SHUSH and take time out to listen to others. Listening is the greatest gift you can give to somebody, and it can save lives.”

SHUSH listening tips:

- Show you care: focus just on the other person, make eye contact, put away your phone

- Have patience: it may take time and several attmepts before a person is a ready to open up

- Use open questions: that need more than a yes/no answer and follow up e.g. ‘Tell me more.’

- Say it back; to check you’ve understood, but don’t interrupt or offer a solution

- Have courage: don’t be put off by a negative response and, most importantly, don’t be afraid to leave silence.

For more information, visit: www.samaritans.org or call free at any time on 116 123.

Waste management firm Mid UK Recycling has been awarded a renewed three-year contract to process 6000 tonnes a year of Rutland County Council’s green waste.

Mid UK Recycling, who are based in Lincolnshire, won the contract to process Rutland’s green waste, which the council put out for tender earlier this year. The contract, which started at the beginning of June, will continue for a period of three years. The company started its partnership with Rutland Council in 2010, and the latest deal will see it continue through to 2020.

Mid UK Recycling will process the waste at their Honey Pot Lane composting facility, at Colsterworth near Grantham. The company process 25,000 tonnes of green waste per annum at the facility. The green waste is processed into Quality Compost (PAS100) which is used as a soil improver by a local farmer growing rye grass. This is then supplied to an anaerobic digestion plant near Stamford.

Chris Mountain, Managing Director at Mid UK Recycling, commented: “We are delighted to continue our long-standing and valued relationship with Rutland County Council. I know many people often question what actually happens to the green waste they put in their recycling bins, so it’s great to be able to confirm for Rutland residents that theirs is being being used to grow crops used to further generate green energy!”

Dave Brown, Director for Places at Rutland County Council, said: “Mid UK Recycling has been an extremely reliable partner since our initial contract began in 2010. The company’s support has been invaluable in delivering the county’s green waste service for the past seven years and we are looking forward to continuing working closely with them.”

A district councillor says the taxpayer will have to stump up millions more pounds for the Grantham southern relief road following the news that the second phase will be delayed.

Coun Nick Craft says he is ‘saddened’ by the news that the start of the second phase will not start until the new year because Highways England is to undertake resurfacing works along a stretch of the A1 near the A607 junction from September.

But Coun Richard Davies, Lincolnshire County Council’s executive member for highways, says Coun Craft is wrong and a delay will not mean any rise in costs.

Coun Craft, of the South Kesteven Independents, said: “It is with some sadness that I read of a further delay of the Grantham bypass, but I think with this news Lincs County Council should be looking to start phase three now instead of waiting to finish phase two in two years’ time.

“When I was involved in the planning of this road as an SKDC representative, I was told that to start phase three and phase two simultaneously would not be cost effective, but when one factors in inflation of above three per cent per annum on civil engineering on an estimated cost of £81 million (less phase 1), waiting for phase three will cost millions more of rate payers’ money.

“As the money is in place, an early start at the Old Somerby roundabout would be a sign of intent and would also stabilise costs.

“We are now being told by the new administration at SKDC, that the town needs urgent attention to make it punch it’s weight, so we cannot wait another four years at best to improve the traffic situation. I would hope that those in power would use their good offices to see that quick and cost saving action is put in place as soon as possible.”

Coun Davies said negotiations with utility companies and other bodies, including Network Rail, could lead to some delays but costs were in place and would not be affected. He insisted that this would not affect the start of phase three of the road which includes a bridge over the East Coast railway line. He said the project was still on course for completion by the end of 2019.

Coun Davies added: “I appreciate Coun Craft’s input and support over the years, and his local knowledge is invaluable. No one is more frustrated than me that Highways England is not letting us start work as soon as we’d like – we’ll be meeting with ministers in Westminster to escalate this. In the meantime, we’re exploring a number of options to get the road and bridge delivered as soon as possible.

“However, there are elements that are outside of our direct control, which will require ongoing negotiations with Network Rail and the utility companies.”

A fire and rescue crew from Grantham attended Keats Avenue in the early hours of this morning (Monday)

The crew used two hose reel jets to extinguish a hedge and a fence on fire.

No one was injured.

A Grantham couple have put their restaurant and award-winning chip shop up for sale.

Allison and David Wells have put Wellies shop in Springfield Road and their Wellington’s Kitchen and Bar in High Street on the market.

Mrs Wells said that they had struggled to get enough skilled staff into the businesses and their daughter Amii, who runs Wellies, would be leaving for a year on maternity leave, making it more 
difficult to run both businesses.

Mrs Wells added: “Our daughter is going on maternity leave for a year and we felt we could not keep up the standard for the two businesses. We don’t want to let either business go downhill and lose that good reputation.”

She added: “We have tried to take on a number of friers but we cannot find the people with the adequate skills to replace the staff who have left.

“We would love to keep both of the businesses. The chip shop is doing really well, but we don’t want to be in a position where we cannot give either of them enough attention.”

Mrs Wells said if one of the businesses was sold they would be able to concentrate on running the other.

She insisted there was no other reason for putting the businesses up for sale, and added: “I get sick of people putting Grantham down. Independents like us are trying to do something positive for Grantham.”

Mr and Mrs Wells opened the High Street restaurant in March. The restaurant serves traditional British dishes as well as Continental dishes. The couple also opened a cafe, to the side of the premises, which they have called A Bit on the Side, which also sells fish and chips, sausage and chips and other dishes. The cafe also provides take-outs.

A doting grandson is appealing for the safe return of his late grandfather’s treasured Second World War medals.

Peter Flatters, 37, was given the medals after his grandfather, and former Grantham mayor, Joseph Flatters passed away in 2005, aged 73.

As Peter worked away a lot, he kept them at his mother’s house in Grantham for safe keeping, but the family were left devastated after they went missing last year. Peter is now appealing to the public after a police investigation did not amount to anything.

He said: “My grandfather was a child during the Second World War but he volunteered to act as a firewatch boy. Just after meeting my grandmother Una when she was 17 and he was 19, he had to complete his mandatory service and spent two years in Egypt as part of the Lincolnshire Regiment, which has since disbanded.”

The young couple married in January 1950 and went on to have two children, Martin and Julie. It wasn’t until much later in his life that Joseph was awarded with the Palestine medal and general service medal.

Joseph was born and bred in Grantham and was well known around town, making a name for himself as a sign manufacturer for Musson Signs before taking it over and renaming it Swift Signs. He also spent a number of years as a councillor before becoming Mayor of Grantham for two terms in 1981.

After listening to his grandfather’s stories as a young boy, Peter followed in his footsteps and joined the military six years ago. He is now a reservist, based in London, and served in Afghanistan from 2015-16.

He added: “The medals have huge sentimental value. They are up there with the watch I received for my 21st birthday and my wedding ring.

“They are very distinctive as they’ve got my grandfather’s surname ‘Flatters’ inscribed on the Palestine one and they might also have his initial ‘J’ and PTE to highlight his private rank, also inscribed. I am hoping that the medals have been kept together.”

Peter is offering a £500 award for anyone with information that leads to their return, adding: “These medals are worth very little to sell but they are priceless to our family.”

Twelve years since his passing, Peter often thinks about his grandfather.

He added: “He was a great man.

“He came from a very modest background and worked so hard for everything that he achieved.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 01476 541431.

A proposal for a {http://www.granthamjournal.co.uk/news/welcome-news-as-grantham-site-is-chosen-for-garden-village-of-4-000-homes-1-7755571 |garden village of up to 4,000 homes} at Spitalgate Heath, to the south of Grantham, will be discussed at a planning meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) – which is open to the public.

It is the only agenda item at a meeting of the South Kesteven District Council development management committee.

It will be held in the council chamber on St Peters Hill, Grantham, at 6pm, rather than the usual 1pm start.

A former King’s School boy will be signing copies of his second novel in Grantham on Saturday (July 22).

Nick Barrett will be at WH Smiths from 11am with copies of Advent Term (or Snowmen don’t wear Thermals...). It is the second in a series of comic novels Nick has written based loosely on his days at King’s School.

As Nick says: “It’s faster, it’s funnier, and the puns are even worse...”. The second book continues the story of Nicky, now 13, who is older, slightly taller, and still baffled by the bizarre institution that is St Onan’s Academy. The book follows on from Nick’s first novel called Michaelmas Term (or Why is that Boy Naked?).

Nick grew up in Great Gonerby. He has lived in Essex for about 17 years where he used to worked as a manager for the Royal Mail until retirement. Before that he played drums in bands and was a session musician, stand-up comedian and roadie.

For the first time, the Rotary Club of Grantham will have more than one president serving this year. In fact, six past presidents of the club will share the duties, serving for two months each.

The first, Bob Brownlow, took over from outgoing president Neville Thompson. He thanked Neville for his work as leader during the past year, wonderfully supported by his wife Merrilyn.

Bob said that although the presidency was to be shared during the year, they hoped to inspire members to build on the club’s service to the community and challenge themselves to serve in different ways.

Bob thanked the secretary, treasurer and committee chairmen who will be serving during the forthcoming year.

Members and guests then watched a talk on aspects of Rutland, illustrated by a series of short films with musical soundtracks, given by Richard Adams of Oakham.

Information on Rotary: call David Burr on 01476 563358

An outdoor classroom has been opened at a Grantham school on Friday in memory of fund-raiser Gemma Burland.

The Ambergate Sports College outdoor classroom was opened on Friday in memory of Gemma, who was a member of FOSA (the official PTA for Grantham Additional Needs Fellowship). Over two years she helped to raise £30,000, but sadly Gemma lost her battle with breast cancer in March 2016.

Her husband Scott and children Zak and Emily, were at the opening. Scott said: “It was a nice gesture to name the outdoor classroom after Gemma. I hope the pupils will get lots of joy from it.”

The classroom was funded by the Tesco Bags of Help initiative and features recycled rubber grass matting for disabled access, allowing pupils to meander around the cherry trees, and a nonslip decked outdoor classroom space with seating and storage.

The space is elevated above the ground with disabled access ramps. The decking also has rope balustrades with bamboo wind chimes. A large canopy to shelter the seating has also been erected to make the facility all weather and a large chalkboard erected, with additional hand held chalkboards which can be stored under the seating.

The project comes complete with raised beds to add touch, smell and taste to the area, creating a sensory zone for pupils. There is also a raised pond. A bird hide and feeder complete the project.

Headteacher James Ellis said: “With thanks again to Tesco and Groundworks, for the fantastic opportunity to obtain the funding. It has allowed us to install this superb outdoor facility for our pupils and will enhance their learning, particularly in Science. We are so pleased that Scott and the children could come along today. It’s been quite emotional seeing Gemma’s children playing in the outdoor classroom.”

Alan Long, Lincoln City FC community officer, cut the ribbon and took the National League Trophy for the children to see.

Grantham Town eased comfortably into the last four of the Lincs County Senior Cup with a 3-0 victory over Spalding United at The Meres on Friday night.

Gingerbreads manager Adam Stevens took the opportunity to debut some of the new faces at the club, including Matt Baker, Jack McMillan, Keegan Everington and Ollie Luto.

The home side went in front in the eighth minute when last season’s top scorer Lee Shaw squared across the six yard box where Spalding’s Paul Walker turned the ball past his own goalkeeper.

Grantham were two to the good around the quarter-hour mark when Danny Meadows’ header connected with a corner kick from Curtis Burrows.

Town were unable to extend their advantage in the first half and, following the half time break, Stevens brought on substitutes Rhys Lewis and Andy Wright for Everington and McMillan.

With no further goals, Stevens swapped Jeremiah Dasaolu, Shaw and Ludo for Reece Thompson, Tom Potts and George Couzens – and it was the latter who scored the Gingerbreads’ third with a neat finish past the United goalkeeper.

The final quarter-hour saw Academy player Tom Curtis and Charlie Wolfe come on as the Gingerbreads saw out a promising start to their pre-season campaign.

Grantham will now meet Gainsborough Trinity in the semi-finals at The Northolme on Thursday night, kick-off 7.45pm.

The two sides last met in 2015/16 when Trinity won 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at The Meres.

The winners will face either Boston United or Grimsby Town in the final.

The Gingerbreads travel to Lincoln United tonight and will host York City at The Meres on Saturday.

Grantham Town Supporters Club lotto, July 15 draw:

£200 – 884 I. Cook; £10 – 54 Mrs Turner; £5 – 159 M. Hodgkinson, 221 J. Gilbert, 224 L. Manterfield, 513 S. Bird, 74 Mrs Winter, 333 E. Selby.

Nottingham Forest Supporters Club (Grantham branch):

Forest begin the season on Friday, August 4, at home to Millwall, kick-off 7.45pm.

Bookings are being taken for away games at Brentford on Saturday, August 12, kick-off 3pm, and Barnsley on Tuesday, August 15, kick-off 7.45pm.

For details, contact Bob Taylor on 01476 550242.

A lorry has hit the bridge on Harlaxton road.

More details as we have them.

Tarmac’s cement plant at Barnstone has joined forces with an enthusiastic group of parents and local suppliers to help put the finishing touches to a play garden for young children in Bottesford.

The plant donated specialist products for securing posts and a tepee structure, as well as floor slab laying in the garden for Bottesford Pre-School.

The pre-school staff and parents joined together to transform an overgrown outside area into a space where the children can play and enjoy being outdoors. Once the garden plans were agreed, the pre-school was overwhelmed with support and donations.

As well as the tepee, it will include a woodland story area complete with log seats, a willow tunnel, a tyre obstacle course and a sensory garden.

Plant manager Chris Stephens said: “This has been a great project to get involved with. Developing this garden for the children to enjoy more time outside has been a real example of community spirit and generosity. It’s been a bit like a mini DIY SOS!”

Pre-school chairman Donya Donger said: “The support from Tarmac and other local businesses has been overwhelming and we couldn’t have achieved so much without all the help we have received from the parents and community. It’s great to be able to provide the children with a fantastic space on such a low budget. We can’t thank everyone enough.”

Rotarians were so moved by a talk on the effects of Parkinson’s that they decided to hold a fund-raising event for Parkinson’s UK.

Members of Grantham Sunrise Rotary held a curry night at the Everest Inn, in Westgate, and raised £300. This was the last official duty of outgoing president Ian Brodie, who was thrilled to make this presentation to the Parkinson’s group, thanking the restaurant and Rotarian John Cussell for organising ‘such a wonderful event, for such a worthy cause’.

The event followed a talk by former commercial airline pilot Ray Flack, of the Grantham branch of Parkinson’s UK, during which he spoke about the devastating effects of Parkinson’s.

Pictured are, from left – Kalpit Bhandari of Everest, Ian Brodie, Chris Ward, Ray Flack, Shirley Ward MBE of Parkinson’s UK, Mos Kalbassi of Parkinson’s UK and Raju Giri of Everest.