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A man went on a shoplifting spree at stores around the country, stealing more than £13,000 in goods before being caught in Scunthorpe. He had travelled from his home in Rochdale to steal from stores in Wales, the North West and North East of England, Grimsby Crown Court heard. Martin Collins 28, of Lever Road, Rochdale, admitted 22 offences of shop theft from Morrisons and other stores in October until he was finally stopped in Scunthorpe last month. Prosecuting, Harry Bradford said the total amount taken from Morrisons stores amounted to £12,230 in one month and was more than £13,000 to include thefts from other stores, including Asda and Tesco. He said the haul ranged from £160 to £1,485. Sometimes he visited three stores in one day to steal, told Mr Bradford. On November 8, PC Harrison of Humberside Police was in Morrisons Lakeside store in Scunthorpe when he spotted a security guard going towards a suspected shoplifter. The security guard asked for the police officer’s assistance. Collins was later detained and found to have £830 of goods which had not been paid for. The items were concealed in a homemade Bag-for-Life which was designed to avoid detection from security devices. Mr Bradford said the defendant claimed he was going to press charges against the security guard for his actions. Police later found a car in the store car park which was laden with toiletries and nicotine products. The car was suspected to have false number plates. Mr Bradford said Morrisons security staff had collated information about the wide ranging thefts from stores throughout the north of England. There were 19 offences of high-value goods being stolen. A total of £5,231 was stolen and £6,999 worth had been recovered. Nine separate police forces had gathered information about the thefts in Wales, North Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. In one day Collins had stolen from Morrisons stores in Denby, Bangor and Caernarfon in Wales and on another day from Telford and Shrewsbury. On October 19, a total of £465 was stolen from Asda in Scunthorpe. The prosecutor said Collins had six previous convictions, five of which were for similar shoplifting offences. Judge John Thackray KC said there had been significant degree of planning by the use of specially-designed bag, a disguise of a cap and travelling from county to county to steal from stores. For Collins, Craig Lowe said his client was relatively-lightly convicted. He added he had three children to whom he provided childcare as his wife worked. He said his client had built up a debt through drugs and alcohol. Judge Thackray KC said: “It is difficult to think of a more clear cut case of significant planning. This was sophisticated, professional planning of all these offences, using a motor vehicle on false plates, a specially-designed box to avoid detecting and there was attempt at disguise by wearing a cap. It was determined and sophisticated shop theft of large amounts. “It is increasingly concerning to members of the public and staff in stores who feel powerless to intervene. Offences such as these increase costs to everyone at a time of a cost of living crisis.” He said £1,000 hauls were taken in Rhyl and in Hyde and Thornton Cleveleys. He jailed Collins for a total of 40 months. Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe

North Lincolnshire has been selected as one of the 20 UK locations to host the Baton Of Hope Tour in 2025 with applications open to be a baton bearer. The tour, just in its second year of running, is the largest suicide prevention initiative in the UK. It was established by fathers Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip, both of whom tragically lost a son to suicide. The tour will commence in Blackpool on September 1, pass through North Lincolnshire on Monday, September 15, and conclude in London on October 10. Cllr Christine Patterson, cabinet member for healthy lives and places at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We are honoured to be one of the lucky 20 locations chosen to be part of such an iconic tour. “Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility, and the Baton Of Hope Tour is an incredible and empowering opportunity for people and communities to come together and show solidarity in breaking down the stigma around suicide and mental health. Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from Scunthorpe with our free newsletter “We are planning for the baton to make several landmark stops across North Lincolnshire and are looking for individuals and organisations to play a vital role in helping the baton make its journey across the county by becoming a baton bearer. “Applications are open now until 31 January 2025 and invite anyone who is interested to participate in this special day and dedicated to changing the narrative surrounding suicide to find out more and apply.” All the details, including how to apply are available on the Baton of Hope website. Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe

North Lincolnshire has been selected as one of the 20 UK locations to host the Baton Of Hope Tour in 2025 with applications open to be a baton bearer. The tour, just in its second year of running, is the largest suicide prevention initiative in the UK. It was established by fathers Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip, both of whom tragically lost a son to suicide. The tour will commence in Blackpool on September 1, pass through North Lincolnshire on Monday, September 15, and conclude in London on October 10. Cllr Christine Patterson, cabinet member for healthy lives and places at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We are honoured to be one of the lucky 20 locations chosen to be part of such an iconic tour. “Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility, and the Baton Of Hope Tour is an incredible and empowering opportunity for people and communities to come together and show solidarity in breaking down the stigma around suicide and mental health. Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from Scunthorpe with our free newsletter “We are planning for the baton to make several landmark stops across North Lincolnshire and are looking for individuals and organisations to play a vital role in helping the baton make its journey across the county by becoming a baton bearer. “Applications are open now until 31 January 2025 and invite anyone who is interested to participate in this special day and dedicated to changing the narrative surrounding suicide to find out more and apply.” All the details, including how to apply are available on the Baton of Hope website. Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe

A review of speed limits on North Lincolnshire’s A and B roads has led to a recommendation to lower the limit on the A18 Mortal Ash Hill from the national speed limit to 50mph. With around 25,500 daily journeys on the Scunthorpe road, reducing the speed limit is expected to decrease the risk of accidents and enhance safety for all road users and enhance overall safety. The proposed 50mph speed limit would be enforced from the Forest Pines roundabout to the steelworks Gate A roundabout, and local residents are being invited to share their thoughts on the plan by the end of the year. Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from Scunthorpe with our free newsletter Cllr Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for connectivity at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This decision has come about following discussions with our partners at Humberside Police and Safer Roads Humber. “Mortal Ash Hill is one of our main arteries and we need to ensure travelling along it is as safe and smooth as possible. “This reduction in speed will not only protect motorists but also reduce emissions in the area.” Residents can submit their comments on the proposed plan to the Traffic Safety Team, Billet Lane, Normanby Enterprise Park, Scunthorpe DN15 9YH or traffic@northlincs.gov.uk before January 2, 2025. Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe

Pensioners in North Lincolnshire can get a free air fryer or slow cooker following the loss of the winter fuel allowance for the vast majority. The council has already committed to providing the most vulnerable pensioners with £200, and now all pensioners across the area will be eligible to receive free healthy cooking appliances. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We know many pensioners are struggling and relied on the winter fuel payment at the time of year when energy bills soar. The £200 will go some way to help but we want to do more, to help older people eat healthily and at the same time reduce their energy bills by using things like air fryers. “Thousands of pensioners will be able to get a free energy efficient cooking appliance and have access to healthy cooking lessons. All they have to do is register on the form or pop into one of our hubs where the staff can register for them once they are registered, in the coming weeks we will be out and about delivering them.” Hubs are available in Ashby, Barton, Brigg, Crowle, Epworth and Scunthorpe. The council also offers an energy switching service, open access libraries which serve as warm locations, packages for older people in leisure, investment in older and disabled persons’ free bus pass and provides free car parking. Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from Scunthorpe with our free newsletter Approximately 3,000 pensioners on council tax relief, who are not recipients of the winter fuel payment, will be granted £200. There’s no need to apply as all those eligible will receive a letter which can be exchanged for the £200 at any post office. The healthy cooking appliances and courses will become available early next year, with one per household. The funding for these appliances and the £200 will be sourced from the Government’s Household Support Fund. Pensioners keen on receiving an air fryer or slow cooker can express their interest by filling out this form, visiting a community hub, or dialling 01724 297000. Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe

North Lincolnshire Council will request the Health Secretary intervenes over planned changes affecting Scunthorpe General Hospital. The Humber Acute Services review organised by NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) proposed service elements move from Scunthorpe‘s hospital primarily to the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, in Grimsby. After “extensive” public consultation, most of the proposed changes were confirmed in July. However, local resolution talks since between the council and ICB proved unsuccessful. Changes include Scunthorpe no longer having a trauma unit, and adult patients with heart, lung or stomach problems who may need a more than 72 hours stay in hospital being seen at Grimsby. The ICB say the changes will affect around seven patients a day, which works out to more than 2,500 a year. All councillors have now backed requesting Health Secretary Wes Streeting call in the ICB’s decision. The motion stated the council “strongly believes that the decision will have a substantial negative impact on health inequalities, transportation, social care, and the future sustainability of vital local services”. An ICB spokesperson said “it is disappointing” the council has requested the call-in. They asserted the changes “were never about saving money” but using resources most effectively for patient outcomes. Scunthorpe General Hospital – Humber Acute Services ICB agreed changes, July 2024 Revised proposals to pooling of service elements from Scunthorpe General Hospital to Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby, have been agreed by NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB. The changes approved are: Trauma unit to be at Grimsby only Emergency surgeries are no longer planned to be consolidated at Grimsby only – ophthalmology will be at Hull Royal Infirmary, urology at Scunthorpe General, as is already the case, gynaecology at both Scunthorpe and Grimsby, while trauma and orthopaedics, acute general surgery, and ear, nose throat (ENT) emergency surgeries would be consolidated at Grimsby Adult patients with heart, lung or stomach problems who may need a more than 72 hours stay in hospital will be seen to at Grimsby only Children needing an overnight stay will remain at both Scunthorpe and Grimsby hospitals. However, there will be “work towards a reduction through implementation of community-based paediatrics model”. To read the proposals in full and public consultation feedback, follow Humber Acute Services review links here. ‘No consideration for the inequalities’ Council leader Cllr Rob Waltham said residents were “genuinely concerned about any proposals to make changes to our local hospital”. He said being in the resolution negotiations was “probably one of the most challenging moments of my political career”. The Conservative politician said he had even taken to reading a trade union book for guidance. There was “no consideration for the inequalities that will exist”, he added. The negotiations involved Labour opposition group councillors too. “In many ways, that process has highlighted the difficulties and frustrations that cabinet members in particular and senior officers from the council have about the ICB,” said group leader Cllr Len Foster. He added: “I believe the ICB from the offset made the decision on financial grounds. It’s never been about patients, it’s never been about patient care. It’s always been about the money.” The changes are expected to cost £9m capital to implement, and save £4.1m revenue. Deputy council leader Cllr Richard Hannigan called the ICB decision “a dreadful piece of judgement”, and claimed it was contrary to the area’s integrated care strategy it had agreed to. The strategy “clearly states” place as a priority and to improve health inequality and outcomes. A major concern since the changes were first proposed has been transport for patients and loved ones. Cllr Tony Gosling said there were “no credible transport links and one road prone to closure” for patients going from Scunthorpe to Grimsby’s hospital. Cllr Tony Gosling, pictured, said there were no credible transport links between Scunthorpe and Grimsby’s hospital. (Image: North Lincolnshire Labour Group) Cllr Max Bell told of how his disabled mother spent four days in Scunthorpe General Hospital last month. The prospect of trips to Grimsby “sends a shiver down my spine”, he said. “That’s an entire day I have to take off work, as someone unable to drive due to an eye condition,” he said, highlighting economic impact for people. The patient transport system nationally was “already failing”, noting previous Scunthorpe Live coverage of an experience he and his mum had. “This proposal will make those existing barriers worse.” “The fact that they’re undertaking a review to review the eligibility criteria for non-emergency transport makes me sick,” he said of the ICB. “That bad faith alone is enough reason to refer to the Secretary of State.” Cllr Julie Reed reported on transport provision to Grimsby and scorned suggested reliance on “massively oversubscribed” voluntary car schemes. “Our local Scunthorpe General Hospital has been unfunded for so many years and fundamentally, the ICB think it’s cheaper to update Grimsby rather than Scunthorpe,” claimed Cllr Andrea Davison. Through Scunthorpe MP Sir Nic Dakin, she met health minister Karin Smyth on December 4. Cllr Foster highlighted the case of Cllr Bell’s mother “as an example of the state we’re going to be in”. Under the changes, her four-day stay in Scunthorpe General would have been handled at Grimsby, he stated. Wrapping up, Cllr Waltham said, “this decision is callous, calculated and ill-considered.” Councillors had “imparted incredibly emotive stories about how this decision makes us feel”. The united opposition “will send a very clear message that if you come for our hospital we will come for you”, to NHS bosses. Read More: Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from Scunthorpe with our free newsletter What the ICB say Approached for comment, an ICB spokesperson said: “It is disappointing that North Lincolnshire Council has chosen to make a request to the Secretary of State (SoS) to call in the decision, without putting forward any new mitigations for consideration. “We stand by the decision made in July which we firmly believe is in the best interest of

Police want to speak to the driver of the car in this image following a collision in which a pedestrian suffered life-threatening injuries. On Saturday, November 30 between 5.05am and 5.20am, a crash happened on Rowland Road in Scunthorpe involving a car and pedestrian. The pedestrian suffered life-threatening injuries as a result of the incident. Humberside Police has now released an image of a white car, citing that the driver may be able to provide them with information to help with their investigation. A spokesperson for Humberside Police said: “Can you help us identify a key witness? “Officers are keen to speak to the driver of the vehicle who is believed to be a key witness in connection with a road traffic collision on Rowland Road in Scunthorpe between 5.05am and 5.20am on Saturday 30 November. “An investigation was launched following reports that a car was in a collision with a pedestrian who is alleged to have endured life-threatening injuries as a result, and officers have conducted several lines of enquiry since the initial report. Keep up to date with all the latest crime and court news from Grimsby and Scunthorpe with our free newsletter “There’s no suggestion that the driver of this car was involved in the reported incident, however, we believe they may be able to provide us with vital information and assist us with our investigation. “We would be very grateful if they could get in touch, or we would also like to hear from anybody who thinks they may know who they are and can help. “If you were the driver, or know who is, we ask you to contact our non-emergency number 101 quoting log 91 of 30 November.” Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe

Plans for a concrete batching plant at Slate House Quarry, near Hibaldstow, have been refused by North Lincolnshire Council ‘s planning committee. Welton Aggregates Ltd already run a quarry between Hibaldstow and Redbourne that produces limestone products. It applied in 2023 for the concrete batching plant. Councillors deferred a decision before for a site visit. When there, they were dismayed to see an existing planning traffic condition being broken. Permission was given to reopen the Slate House Quarry site where the concrete batching plant would be in 2009, after a planning appeal. The proposed batching plant would have produced an average of 250 tonnes of ready-mix concrete per day and potentially employed a minimum of three additional full-time experienced members of staff. Dozens of residents and two parish councils had objected. Read More: Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from Grimsby with our free newsletter ‘A further industrialisation of the countryside’ “Neither Redbourne or Hibaldstow are classifed as strategic industrial locations,” said Lynn Wainwright, calling for the batching plant’s refusal. “We have lived with the dust, noise and vehicle movement impact of the Slate House Quarry for over 15 years,” she said. “There are 500 acres of ex-industrial available land far more suitable for this type of manufacturing in Scunthorpe.” Extra HGV lorries the batching plant would bring was also highlighted – in its submitted transport statement, Welton Aggregates contends there will be the same number of HGV movements to site per day. On a condition for vehicle movements from the site to go via a haul road to the A15, they warned: “History will tell us conditions previously applied are very easily disregarded.” Ms Wainwright described the proposal as “a further industrialisation of the countryside”. Ridge Ward Cllr Trevor Foster said there were “many flaws in this submission”, including no demonstrated concrete supply need in the area and no viable transport plan or environmental impact assessment. There were “at least five batching plants in North Lincolnshire already”. He called it “totally unacceptable”, the industrialisation of open countryside. “This application has generated significant public concern,” said fellow Ridge Ward Cllr David Garritt. Messingham Ward Cllr Neil Poole also weighed in. He recalled the original appeal allowing the quarry was for the production of “quality block stone”. This would refurbish historic places, like Lincoln Cathedral. “Since then, we have seen the site go from its original application to basically removing aggregate and also some recycling.” “I cannot see for the life of me what a concrete batching plant has to do with the production of high quality stone”, adding he felt there was “no economic benefit whatsoever” to Hibaldstow or Redbourne. “It’d be interesting to know how many employed live in North Lincolnshire, let alone Hibaldstow and Redbourne.” He also called suggested road conditions “laughable” because existing ones “have never been enforced”. Committee member Cllr Carol Ross said on their site visit earlier that day, committee members saw a lorry go straight onto Redbourne Road and one come back in the same direction. They also “saw the damage caused” to the road and verges by the traffic. Join the FREE Grimsby Live WhatsApp Community Get all the latest stories, sent straight to your WhatsApp – all you need to do is click the link. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. She added, “Residents of Scawby are having problems as well” with traffic associated with the quarry. “If you were going to ensure enforcement for one morning, you’d think you’d do it when there’s eight people from the council stood there,” said Cllr Max Bell. He was “not satisfied that the potential positives outweigh the negatives”. Cllr Mick Grant said he would welcome it if it was proposed for a Scunthorpe ex-industrial area. Permission was refused, with only Cllr Grant in favour. “We’ve had it for 15 years,” whispered a resident to the press about the quarry as they left the meeting. The quarry currently is only allowed to operate to 2026, but there is a pending application to extend its life. Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe

The latest UK storm has been named as the Met Office have issued a yellow weather alert for most of the country. From 3pm on Thursday, December 6, northern Lincolnshire will be under a yellow wind warning until 6am on Sunday, December 8. The weather service says that ‘strong winds associated with Storm Darragh are likely to lead to some disruption and damage.’ The wind may cause disruption to travel and there is a slight chance that there will be damage to buildings (such as tiles blown from roofs) as well as power cuts occurring. It is likely that some roads and bridges could close as a result of falling trees and longer journey times are to be expected. Met Office Chief Forecaster, Jason Kelly, said: “Storm Darragh is an evolving system and will bring several hazards, including wind gusts of up to 70-80mph around western coasts, especially from Devon and Cornwall to southwest Scotland and Northern Ireland. Wind speeds in inland areas will be slightly reduced with maximum gusts expected to reach 60-70mph.” Deputy Manager at National Highways, Dale Hipkiss, said: “If you’re planning to drive over the next few days, prepare in advance for the journey and take extra care on the roads. If weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour to manage the conditions as safely as possible. It’s also a good idea for drivers to check their vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, before heading out to reduce the risk of breakdowns.” Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe

New data has emerged which reveals that the NHS Trust in northern Lincolnshire has paid out more than £1.3 million in damages for gynaecology medical negligence claims in the last five years. The Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs both Grimsby’s Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital and Scunthorpe General Hospital, has had 36 claims and incidents of gynaecology-related medical negligence reported to NHS Resolution, the legal arm of the NHS, since 2019. In five years, the Trust has paid out £1,345,438 in damages to settle 25 gynaecology negligence claims – the highest number of claims in the region. The data, obtained by medical negligence compensation website Medical Negligence Assist, comes amid a new report from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), which revealed that women are being left in “debilitating” pain for years, with more than 760,0000 on the waiting list for appointments due to a gynaecology care “crisis”. It was uncovered that the most common primary injury sustained as a result of medical negligence and cause of claims was unnecessary pain, with 1,337 claims put in by women across the country. The second most common was additional or unnecessary operation(s), and the third most common was cancer. A generic view of Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby. The findings also revealed the most common cause of claims was “failure to warn – informed consent” regarding gynaecology treatment, of which there were 1,324 claims and incidents across NHS Trusts in the last five years. These are usually instances where a patient is not made fully aware of the details and/or risks of a procedure or treatment and/or has not knowingly consented. Dr Kate Wood, Group Chief Medical Officer at NHS Humber Health Partnership, told Grimsby Live that the Trust endeavours to “make all possible improvements”. She said: “Our aim is to deliver the highest possible standards of patient care. However, on the very rare occasions where those high standards are not met, we endeavour to learn and make all possible improvements to prevent it happening again.” Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from Grimsby with our free newsletter Dr Ranee Thakar, President of the RCOG, said: “A way forward is urgently needed to tackle the UK gynaecology crisis. NHS staff are also deeply concerned and distressed that they do not have the necessary resources to deliver good care, affecting their own wellbeing. “The UK government must act now. The RCOG is calling on them to commit to long-term sustained funding to address the systemic issues driving waiting lists, alongside delivering an urgent support package for those currently on waiting lists. “The investment will not only benefit thousands of individual women but the wider economy too, because the evidence shows that healthy women are the cornerstone of healthy societies. Get it right for women and everyone benefits.” Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe