News :North Lincolnshire & Surrounding area

Safer neighbourhoods and stronger local policing could be supported through a proposed commitment that would enable council staff to volunteer with the police.

The council is considering a proposal that would allow employees who serve as special constables or police support volunteers to be supported through authorised, employer-supported release to carry out their duties — making it easier for people to step forward and give their time to local policing, subject to a formal decision.

If approved, the approach would help increase visible policing, provide additional support for frontline officers, and offer greater reassurance for residents, while enabling council staff to contribute directly to community safety where they live and work.

Cllr Elaine Marper, cabinet member for transforming the customer journey, said: “This is about backing people who want to give something back and strengthening community safety.

“We already have employees who volunteer their time to support local policing, and this proposal would provide clear, structured support for others who may want to step forward. It would be good for our staff, good for local policing, and most importantly, good for residents.”

Special constables are volunteer police officers with full policing powers, while police support volunteers assist with roles such as front desk services, administration and community engagement — helping to free up officers to focus on frontline policing.

The proposal would see the council take part in the national Employer Supported Policing initiative, which encourages employers to actively support staff who volunteer with the police in a structured and responsible way.

If agreed, residents would benefit from more support for local policing teams, greater visibility and reassurance in neighbourhoods, and stronger partnerships focused on keeping communities safe.

The post More support for local policing to help keep North Lincolnshire communities safe appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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If quitting smoking is on your mind again this January, here’s the straight truth: waiting for the “right time” hasn’t worked – but this might.

Thousands of people want to quit every year. Most try. Many stop for a bit. Then life gets in the way, and they end up back where they started. That cycle is exactly what Swap to Stop is designed to break.

North Lincolnshire Council is backing residents to quit smoking for good in 2026 by giving them something practical, not preachy: free vape starter kits and structured support that actually helps people stop.

The council has partnered with Scunthorpe retailer Liquid Mist to offer thousands of free vape starter kits to smokers ready to stop cigarettes and commit to a 30-day quit attempt.

This isn’t about “cutting down” or “seeing how it goes”. It’s about switching, sticking with it, and getting through the first month – because people who quit for 28 days are five times more likely to quit for good.

Christine Patterson, cabinet member for healthy lives and places, said: “Most smokers already know why they should quit. What they need is help that actually works.

“Swap to Stop removes the barriers – cost, access, and going it alone. If you’re serious about quitting in 2026, this gives you a real chance to do it properly.”

Anyone aged 18 or over and living in North Lincolnshire can apply online for a free quit pack, which includes:

• A vape starter kit
• E-liquids
• A quick-start guide

Packs are delivered straight to people’s homes so they can start immediately. Those who complete the 30-day quit can receive a refill pack to help them stay smoke-free.

People who’ve already taken part are clear about what made the difference:

“This service is brilliant – I’m now smoke-free.” – Viv

“I wouldn’t have done this on my own. The support made me stick with it.” – Victoria

“I couldn’t have quit without the help I received.” – Della

If quitting smoking is already on your mind – stop thinking about it and start. Find out more and apply online.

The post This time, quit smoking – properly appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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A major milestone has been reached in the delivery of the Barton link road, with a contractor now appointed to build the scheme – marking the move from plans to delivery.

North Lincolnshire Council has confirmed Jackson Civil Engineering Group as the delivery partner for the project, which will improve safety, reduce pressure on existing routes and create new opportunities for walking, cycling and healthier everyday journeys around Barton-upon-Humber.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Appointing a contractor means this scheme is now firmly in delivery, turning years of planning into visible progress that will benefit people who live, work and travel in and around Barton.

“We committed to delivering this and we’ve kept our promise – many people have pushed hard to get things to this point, its great to see we are at the point of delivery.”

The road forms a key part of the town’s wider regeneration programme and will be delivered alongside improvements to the A1077 corridor.

Together, these works will make it easier to move around Barton, improve reliability for local journeys and create safer, more attractive routes for residents, businesses and visitors.

The scheme is funded through Barton’s £19.7m allocation from the Levelling Up Fund, focused on practical improvements that residents can see and use.

The wider programme of works includes new and improved active travel routes, making walking and cycling safer and more appealing and a mobility hub at Barton railway station, improving links between rail, cycling and pedestrian routes.

It also includes green corridors, with new tree planting and hedgerows to strengthen biodiversity, improve air quality and create more attractive routes through the town.

Cllr Chris Patterson, cabinet member for healthy lives and places, said: “This scheme is about creating healthier, greener and more connected places.

“By linking new cycle and walking routes with green corridors, tree planting and safer roads, we’re making it easier for people to build active travel into everyday life – whether that’s walking to the station, cycling to work or enjoying the town’s open spaces.”

Martin Vickers, MP for Brigg and Immingham, welcomed the announcement. He said: “What’s encouraging in Barton is that plans are now translating into visible progress. When community priorities are backed by investment and delivery on the ground, it builds real confidence that things are moving in the right direction.”

The road builds on wider recent investment in Barton-upon-Humber, including the adoption of the Barton-upon-Humber Neighbourhood Plan, backed by strong community support, and improvements to local parks and play spaces such as the Humber Bridge Play Park and Water’s Edge Country Park.

All works are scheduled to be completed by March 2027, with progress closely monitored to ensure the scheme delivers lasting benefits for Barton-upon-Humber.

The post Contractor appointed as council delivers on promise to build Barton link road appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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Chancellor insists people will benefit from investments by the 2030s

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