The general manager of Grantham Museum has been suspended from her paid position amid widespread reports of a Margaret Thatcher statue coming to the town.

News outlets this week from the BBC to the Daily Mail and even Der Spiegel in Germany have quoted Grantham Museum general manager Jayne Robb as saying an eight-foot, £150,000 Margaret Thatcher statue has been offered to Grantham Museum.

However, the Journal can report that Jayne Robb has now been suspended from her position due to her “erroneous” claim that the statue has been offered to Grantham Museum.

A spokesman for Grantham Museum said: “We have never been offered the Margaret Thatcher statue. Any suggestions we have are entirely erroneous.”

The spokesman added: “The general manager has been suspended following allegations which have been made. She has been suspended while investigations are carried out.

“We cannot comment further on those allegations.”

The museum could not comment on whether the allegations go beyond the Margaret Thatcher statue controversy.

The statue said to be on offer to Grantham Museum hit the headlines in 2002 when it was decapitated where it stood in the Guildhall Gallery.

The attacker, Paul Kelleher, was jailed for three months for criminal damage.

READ THE FULL STORY IN TOMORROW’S GRANTHAM JOURNAL

Councillor Ray Wootten has been backed by a fellow district councillor in his on-going row with developer Larkfleet Homes.

Larkfleet is seeking to build more than 1,000 homes at Manthorpe but Coun Wootten vowed to fight the plans “tooth and nail” in the Journal.

Great Gonerby district councillor Jeff Thompson has offered his backing against what he describes as a “hideous” proposed development.

Here is Coun Thompson’s letter in full:

I would like to draw your attention to my attached response back in November 2012 following the Inspector’s rejection of the Grantham Area Action Plan.

I hate saying “I told you so” but I remain just as resolute in my opinions and objections to any large development in this area no matter what might be proposed; if that is deemed as pre-determination in the eyes of some, then so be it.

I repeat that very few apart from the developer want any proposal to come to fruition; as Great Gonerby will be most adversely affected, as the village’s councillor, I will offer Ray Wootten every support in sustaining the hitherto extremely successful resistance that several of us have instigated since this hideous prospect was first mooted.

Rest assured, neither of us will roll over!

Regards,

Jeff

Lincolnshire residents will face an increase in their council tax after the county’s Police and Crime Panel voted through new budget plans this afternoon (Thursday).

The panel gave their backing to Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick’s proposed two per cent precept increase, as well as his Police and Crime Plan, at their meeting at Manby, near Louth.

During the near-three hour meeting, councillors representing every district and borough council in Lincolnshire grilled Mr Hardwick over the planned increase which will cost the average taxpayer an extra 6p per week.

Mr Hardwick, as well as Lincolnshire Police’s Chief Constable Neil Rhodes, explained how the force was at a “tipping point” and had already squeezed every penny from their budgets.

The force has had to contend with massive cuts from central government, culminating in a £20m black hole by 2014/15.

In his Police and Crime Plan, which was voted through unanimously, the commissioner has pledged to keep 1,100 officers on the beat across the county, taking on another 23 in the near future.

He said he wanted “boots on the ground” and promised to demonstrate that Lincolnshire Police was not “Lincoln central”.

Councillor Stephen Woodliffe, of Boston Borough Council, did propose that the precept increase be pegged at one per cent, but the vote was lost.

Afterwards, Alan Hardwick said: “I expected to be challenged and I expected my plan to be challenged, but at the end of the day the majority of the Police and Crime Panel saw the wisdom of an increase which will mean an extra 6p per week for the vast majority of council tax payers in Lincolnshire.

“Money is short everywhere but I know with this two per cent increase and my other elements in my Police and Crime Plan that we can continue to keep Lincolnshire one of the safest counties in the country.”

Moy Park has announced plans for a major £20m investment in its Grantham food processing site, creating 150 jobs.

The proposed investment will see a new state-of-the-art convenience foods facility being built within the company’s Grantham site, creating over 150 additional jobs in the local area.

Plans for the new facility at Grantham would see capacity increase by over 25 per cent, using environmentally-friendly, state-of-the-art technology.

Executive director for convenience foods and new business Tony O’Neill said: “In the current economic climate this proposal is good news for Grantham. The new development could create 150 jobs at the factory and help secure the future of over 700 current jobs on the site.

“This investment will help us increase capacity and develop new and innovative products under both our own brand and for our customers in the UK retail and foodservice sectors. It is proposed that the initial stages of the new development at the Grantham site would be operational for the summer season.”

CEO Nigel Dunlop said: “This proposed new development will transform our Grantham site into one of the most efficient state-of-the-art operations of its kind in the UK and Europe.

“It will allow us to continue to successfully grow in line with market opportunities and develop our convenience foods division. In order to further enhance our innovation and customer service, strengthen our competitive position and build upon our success in this sector, we plan to consolidate our Grantham and Wisbech convenience foods operations to deliver a more streamlined structure for the business.

“We are commencing consultation with all the affected staff regarding these proposed changes. As part of this major investment it is proposed that Wisbech will be repositioned as a cooked sliced meat facility. Full consultations on this change will start immediately with all employees and if the proposal is confirmed the affected employees will be offered a guaranteed option of full redeployment to other manufacturing sites within the group.”

Adopt a cat from Grantham Rescue of Cats and Kittens (ROCK) and make a wonderful addition to the family.

The rescue home is once again full to bursting with a growing list of homeless moggies waiting to be taken in.

All cats are neutered, de-flead and wormed before being rehomed, plus checked over by a vet if necessary. Advice on looking after cats is given to new owners by Cath Rowson, who runs the rescue centre from her home in Redcross Street.

The cat pictured is Nancy, and she is just one of many looking for a new home. More moggies will be featured in Friday’s Journal.

To find out more about Nancy or the other homeless cats, call Cath on 01476 571636.

* Any donations of food are always appreciated. These can be left in the donation box at Kennelgate Pet Superstore, in London Road, Grantham, or at Cath’s home at 41 Redcross Street.

Tell your loved one how special he or she is through the pages of the Grantham Journal.

We are giving you the chance to share your Valentine’s Day messages, to be published in the newspaper and online.

You can do this by text for £1 plus your network charge.

Messages will be published online on Valentine’s Day and in the newspaper on Friday, February 15.

***Send your text message to 61500

Start your message with GJP LOVE followed by the name of the recipient and then your message.

For example: GJP LOVE Windsor, William. Happy Valentine’s Day, love from your Princess xxx

Texts cost £1 plus your standard network rate. By supplying your telephone number you’re happy to receive sms messages from Johnston Press and its approved business partners. Johnston Press (or via its agents) and its business partners may contact you about new promotions, products and services. Please add the word STOP at the end of your message if you do not wish to receive these. Please note: if you should enter after the stated closing date your entry will not be valid but you may still be charged. For quality and training purposes we may monitor communications. sms service is provided by Velti DR Ltd SE1 8ND - 020 7633 5000.

Alternatively, fill in a coupon published in the current edition of the Grantham Journal. You can include up to 16 words for £1 or up to 16 words in a red heart for £5.

All you have to do is fill in the coupon and send it to us by 5pm on Tuesday, February 12.

The editor reserves the right to exclude unsuitable messages and refund the money. Messages received after the February 12 deadline will not be published and we cannot be held responsible for lost coupons or failed text messages.

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League

Premier Division

Grantham Town 3

Kendal Town 4

A potential relegation decider saw Grantham Town lose to third from bottom Kendal after leading twice in the first half.

A humdinger of an opening 20 minutes saw the Gingerbreads have the best possible start with a goal after just 45 seconds. Danny Elliott’s ball over the Kendal defence found Sam MacVicar who slotted home past visiting keeper Damian Clifton.

Kendal were straight back in the game on three minutes when referee Mr Fox adjudged Grantham keeper James Martin to have fouled Maison McGeechan in the box. Like Lazarus, McGeechan sprang back to life and promptly fired the spot kick past Martin to level the scores.

The Gingerbreads nudged ahead a second time with a quarter of an hour played. Nathan Watson made an incisive run and put the ball over for Kallum Smith to head in with aplomb.

The visitors equalised again three minutes later when Mike Rushton’s long cross-cum-shot was tapped in by Zach Clark at the far post. Kendal took the lead a minute afterwards with a McGeechan header from a corner kick.

Grantham had a chance to level once more in the 25th minute, with MacVicar forcing Clifton to tip his beautifully curled effort over the bar. A minute later, Adie Hawes went close with his header going just wide of the far post.

Watson drove a shot over the bar seconds later and Karl Demidh’s ball across the face of goal in the 34th minute needed the slightest of touches, but Smith was unable to make contact. The Gingerbreads had one final opportunity before the half time whistle, but Danny Elliott’s cross-cum-shot curled wide of the mark.

The home side looked to have got the equaliser a minute into the second half, but somehow skipper Emeka Nwadike managed to head over the open goal from two yards out.

Kendal increased their advantage on 54 minutes. A defensive error saw Deon Meikle chest the ball to his keeper, but Martin fumbled and Rushton was there to tap home.

Martin made amends to a certain extent two minutes later when he rushed out to thwart Rushton’s advance on goal with a good tackle.

Home substitute Jamie McGhee forced a good diving catch from Clifton just before the hour. Two minutes later, the Gingerbreads pulled a goal back when Watson put a good ball through to McGhee who fired in with a single touch into the far corner.

Grantham had the ball in the net a fourth time on 70 minutes, but Mr Fox ruled it out for a foul against the home side in the area.

Watson made another good run to set up MacVicar in the 77th minute, but the number 10’s shot was too soft and when straight to the Kendal keeper.

A minute later, Callum Hoctor was put off his stride by Grantham’s Alistair Asher, forcing him to shoot wide, and the Gingerbreads were denied again on 84 minutes when Hawes’s header was headed off the line by a Kendal defender.

Grantham had several more opportunities to take a share of the points, but it was not to be. Smith dragged his 86th minute effort into the side netting, McGhee’s 25-yard free kick was saved at the near post one minute into time added on, and Watson’s 93rd minute free kick forced a desperate punch out by Clifton in the goalmouth melée.

Grantham Town: Martin, Asher, Meikle, Hannigan, Hawes, Elliott (Lewis, 66), Watson, Nwadike (c), Demidh (McGhee, 47), MacVicar, Smith (Troke, 89). Subs not used: Maddox. Att: 187.

A man who pleaded guilty to damaging a window was told he must wait three weeks to discover his punishment.

Lewis Bremner of College Street in Grantham admitted damaging the window of a house in College Street following an incident on January 10.

Bremner, 25, was told he must return to court on February 25 for sentencing.

He was released on unconditional bail.

A woman who admitted six shop thefts was sentenced to 26 days in prison - but walked free from court due to time already served.

Nicole Fabre, of Bridge End Road, in Grantham, was released immediately after being sentenced as she had served 26 days on remand in custody.

The court heard how Fabre, 25, repeatedly walked into supermarket and off-licences in Grantham, selected alcohol from the shelves and brazenly walked out. In one case she stood outside a shop in London Road drinking the alcohol she had stolen moments earlier.

Chris Pye-Smith, defending, told the court Fabre’s was a “sad case”.

He added: “I think it is very important to remember these offences were all unsophisticated, low-level value matters where the defendant has stolen items - usually alcohol, sometimes food - and two if not three were committed in the middle part of last year.”

Magistrates sentenced Fabre to 26 days on each matter to run concurrently. She was released having already served the time whilst on remand.

Chair of magistrates Richard Spink told Fabre: “You have had a taste of custody and know what that means now so it’s up to you dear. It’s up to you.”

Two drink-drivers were caught by police when one crashed into the other in Grantham.

Lee Goddard of Norton Street in Grantham and Nathan Melton of Baysdale Grove in Grantham both admitted drink-driving.

The pair were spotted walking along Harlaxton Road in the early hours of January 7. Officers spoke to the pair and it was revealed that Goddard had crashed his Ford Focus into the back of Melton’s Ford Fiesta at the junction of Springfield Road and Harlaxton Road.

Melton was found to have 46mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood while Goddard was found to have 89mg in 100ml of blood.

Melton, 21, only gained his driving licence in October of last year.

Rory Macmillan, defending Melton, said: “This is clearly out of character for him and he is very sorry about what has happened.”

Chris Pye-Smith, defending Goddard, said: “I would ask that you give him credit for his co-operation with the police.”

Melton was fined £240 and ordered to pay a £24 surcharge and £85 in costs. He was disqualified from driving for 14 months.

Goddard, 24, was fined £305 and ordered to pay a £30 surcharge and £85 in costs. He was disqualified from driving for 24 months.

A man admitted breaching his bail but denied stealing a bottle of whiskey from a supermarket.

Gregory Guille of Clyde Court in Grantham admitted he had failed to answer bail by not attending Grantham police station when he was supposed to.

However, he denied a charge of stealing a bottle of whiskey from Morrisons in Grantham.

A trial date was set for April 2.

Guille was released on bail with the conditions he does not enter any Co-op or Morrisons and attends the police station every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at some time between 2pm and 3pm.

A man admitted carrying out an assault on a woman at an address in Grantham.

Gary Neil, of George Street in Grantham, admitted assault by beating following the incident on January 9.

The court heard Neil drank 10 beers during the day before attacking the woman.

Rory Macmillan, defending, said Neil was feeling frustrated at his job situation and difficulties in his relationship.

Mr Macmillan said: “He accepts at one point he grabbed her by the throat. When he came to his senses five or 10 seconds later he let her go.”

Mr Macmillan told the court Neil also admitted grabbing the victim by the arms and “pulling her to her feet”.

Mr Macmillan continued: “In the course of which she stumbled forward and fell into the fire place. That caused a bump to her head.”

Mr Macmillan said Neil felt remorse for his actions.

He said: “He feels very depressed. He would not feel comfortable about entering into a relationship with anybody until he learns to deal with things better.”

The case was adjourned until February 25 for pre-sentence reports.

A Grantham taxi driver fears he will have to give up his job because of the racial abuse he suffers whilst at work.

The comments were read out in court via a victim statement following a guilty plea to racially aggravated harassment by Jonathan Musson of Elliot Close in Grantham.

In the statement made following the incident the victim said: “I felt racially abused. I felt it was all because of the colour of my skin.

“It is not the first time this has happened to me - a similar case is going through the courts involving different people.

“It is seriously making me think about my future as a taxi driver. I work hard to provide for my family but I feel I don’t want to go through a situation like this again.”

The court heard how the taxi driver was called to pick up a group from the Farrier pub.

Jim Clare, prosecuting, said the victim told Musson he could not bring alcohol into the taxi after he pub with a pint glass still containing a drink.

When the driver dropped the group off in Harlaxton Road one of the women took out her purse to pay the fare but Musson stopped her, saying he didn’t want to pay the fare.

Mr Clare told the court that when asked by the taxi driver why he would not pay, Musson called the driver “a b*****d, a w****r and a f*****g black pervert”.

When the driver informed Musson he had contacted the police Musson told the driver he would “f*****g smash your face”.

A police officer arrived and attempted to calm Musson but he shouted abuse at the officer and the driver, calling them both “c***s”.

Musson stepped towards the officer with a bottle of beer in his hand which splashed onto the officer. When Musson again moved towards the officer he was warned. Then the officer, “believing he was about to be assaulted, sprayed the defendant in the face”, said Mr Clare.

Chris Pye-Smith, defending, said Musson had become angry with the victim after one of the women in his group said she was touched on the thigh by the taxi driver. Although Mr Pye-Smith conceded: “Nobody is saying it was done deliberately, necessarily.”

Musson, 41, admitted racially aggravated harassment and resisting a constable. He was fined £60 for resisting the constable and £134 for racially aggravated harassment.

He was also ordered to pay £200 in compensation to the taxi driver along with £85 in costs and a £20 surcharge.

Nottingham Forest Supporters’ Club (Grantham branch):

Forest are at home tomorrow (Saturday, February 16), kick-off 3pm, and at home to Huddersfield Town on Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm.

Bookings are being taken for away games at Charlton Athletic on February 23, 3pm, Sheffield Wednesday on March 2, 5.20pm, and Hull City on March 16, 3pm.

For details contact Bob Taylor on 01476 550242.

A Russia-born Vietnamese national may face deportation after being caught driving on the A1 at Grantham whilst disqualified.

Hung Phi Nguyen, 19, of Springfield Grove in London, drove after being disqualified from driving for a year for driving without insurance.

Rob Arthur, defending, said Nguyen got behind the wheel as the other male in the car was too drunk to drive.

The court heard that Nguyen could be deported.

Jim Clare, defending, said: “The police national computer revealed an immigration marker showing he should be recalled to prison as he was deported in September 2012.”

However, Rob Arthur, defending, said there was some confusion as to whether Nguyen had been mistaken with another man with similar details who faces deportation.

Mr Arthur said: “I don’t want him to spend an inordinate amount of time in custody then with immigration if he is not the person they think he is.”

Mr Arthur added that immigration officials need to get to the bottom of the “true facts” .

Nguyen admitted driving whilst disqualified. He was sentenced to one day in custody - already served - and given a further 12-month driving ban.

However, Nguyen was told he would not be released as immigration officials needed to interview him.

Grantham Town Supporters’ Club lotto winners (February 9):

£200 – 173 C. Jackson; £10 – 225 P. Manterfield; £5 – 140 Mrs Boyne, 671 GSCC, 463 T. Fraher, 243 Galaxy Fish Bar, 281 I. Welham, 327 L. Selby.

A petition organised by parents collected 1,341 signatures at the weekend in protest at the proposed closure of Charles Read Academy in Corby Glen.

People signed the petition in the Isaac Newton Centre on Saturday and a further 55 signatures were gathered when parent Sharon Broughton-Eley and her family visited Fun Farm on Sunday.

Mrs Broughton-Eley said “We were very pleased at Morrison’s on Saturday. We got an outstanding 1,286 signatures and some excellent comments and lots of supporting people. Also at the family day at Fun Farm yesterday we got 55 signatures. Thank you to all for signing and many thanks to those who helped with the petition.”

On Thursday, parents and pupils protested outside the school gates and a further protest has been arranged for Friday lunchtime when it is hoped more people will gather. MP Nick Boles is also due to attend a public meeting in Corby Glen on Friday evening. The West Grantham Academies Trust has proposed closing Charles Read in September 2014 and transferring all 230 pupils to its St Hugh’s site in Grantham.

There is nothing remotely military about this pub/restaurant in Great Gonerby, despite its slightly intimidating name.

So whatever you do, soldier, don’t let the title put you off giving it your full attention.

It’s a comfortable, cosy place with the full five hygenie stars (military perfection?) and with more than 20 people in the restaurant on a Monday lunchtime, deservedly popular.

And no wonder. The prices are pitched just right and with special offers on top, represent unbelievably good value - for instance, the Golden Years menu (no age restrictions mind) provides slightly smaller - suitable for lunch - portions and you get two courses for £5.95 and three for £7.95. And the Sunday roast - get this - is three courses for just £11.95.

The service at bar and table was upbeat and cheerful and the three meals arrived altogether a regimental 10 minutes after the orders had been taken.

I went for the scampi with chips and salad, one of the most expensive meals on the menu at £8.25. The scampi was cooked just right - too many times it can be overdone - and the salad had lots of ingredients. The chips - thick and a golden yellow - were epic...just a hint of crispness on the outside and a warm floury flavour inside. I wished I’d had the Golden Years portion because this one beat me, I regretfully left half-a-dozen chips and half the salad.

One of my companions - on a diet - opted for the roast ham and pineapple salad (£6.50) with crusty bread. She described the ham as lovely and the meal overall much better quality than you would expect from a pub.

The other guest went for pan fried Cajun spiced chicken baquette with salad and chips, a proper bargain for £6.50. He said the chicken was “nice and spicy, but not too hot” and agreed with my assessment of the chips - crisp and golden delicious.

The pub puts on themed evenings - a Greek Night and Jazz Night were advertised on the boards. But you don’t need a special reason to stand to attention and salute this particular sergeant.

xxxx½ (out of five)

Midlands League 3

East (North)

Mellish 0

Kesteven 33

Kesteven travelled to Mellish looking for a win to keep the pressure on at the top of the league. Rob Cooper and Doug Hayward made their first starts of the season, and James Goodrich made a welcome return, all following long injury spells.

Mellish started the game well and came out firing. They dominated the breakdown early on and forced Kesteven to concede a number of penalties at the set piece. Fortunately for the visitors, the Mellish kicker was having an off day and missed three early kicks at goal.

Eventually, Kesteven settled into the game and caused the home side problems when they ran the ball out wide. A couple of chances were created, but a combination of the final ball not going to hand and some strong Mellish defence prevented any scoring and the half finished scoreless.

The second half started in the same vein and it looked like a close game was on the cards. The deadlock was finally broken when Turner took a quick tap and broke through to score. Parker kicked the conversion.

Mellish came back and put Kesteven under pressure on their own try line. Fortunately a charged down kick found its way to Keiran Taylor who ran the ball up to halfway and relieved the pressure. Some good forward play resulted in a try for Hayward, following a number of short drives. The try was converted to give Kesteven a 14-0 cushion going into the final 15 minutes.

When Turner broke away from halfway to score his second, the game was won. Taylor added two late tries to secure the bonus point and give the score line a slightly flattering look in what had been a tough game.

The first of Taylor’s tries was a long run in from a loose Mellish pass, and the second was a good finish following some good play from Ks’ back line.

Kesteven: Whittaker, Taylor, Cooper, Goodrich, P. Jordan, Parker, Lines, Sheardown, Hayward, Purvis, Pert, Cowley, Flear, Turner, Woolerton. Reps: Midgley, Carew, O Hughes.

A trial will be held after a man accused of an assault occasioning actual bodily harm entered a not guilty plea.

Patrick Sawicki of Wroxall Drive in Grantham is accused of attacking a man who was sat in a car parked in Grantham.

Sawicki, 30, will next appear in court on Arpil 2 for his case to be committed to the crown court.