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News :North Lincolnshire & Surrounding area

We’re still saying yes – but to all of North Lincolnshire

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North Lincolnshire’s cultural journey will continue – despite not making the short for the UK Town of Culture.

A long-term programme celebrating local creativity, championing the area’s rich heritage, supporting artists and cultural organisations, and bringing more opportunities for people to experience and take part in culture is being launched.

Building on the momentum created through the Town of Culture bid, the council will turn the ideas, partnerships and enthusiasm generated over the past few months into lasting projects that celebrate North Lincolnshire’s unique identity and strengthen communities for years to come.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Of course we’re disappointed not to have made the shortlist, but our ambition has never been about one competition.

“What has inspired me most throughout this journey has been the people. Thousands of residents shared their ideas, while artists, performers, cultural organisations, community groups, schools and volunteers all stepped forward with one shared ambition – to celebrate everything that makes North Lincolnshire special.

“That was the point of winning the bid, so really, we’ve already won. We’ve built relationships, discovered new talent and created partnerships that simply didn’t exist before and we’ll continue working with those people to celebrate our history, champion our creativity and tell the stories that deserve to be heard.

“We’re still saying yes. Yes to our artists. Yes to our theatres, museums and heritage. Yes to our communities. Yes to investing in culture because it strengthens pride in place, creates opportunity and brings people together.

“The competition may be over, but our ambition certainly isn’t – we stared saying yes to Scunthorpe, but now we’re saying yes to every community in North Lincolnshire.”

Thousands of residents helped shape the bid by sharing ideas, celebrating local stories and showcasing the creativity that exists across North Lincolnshire.

They were joined by artists, performers, schools, community groups, businesses, volunteers and cultural organisations, all united by a shared ambition to celebrate the area.

That passion, those partnerships and the wealth of ideas generated throughout the process will now form the foundation of Cultural Futures, ensuring the momentum continues long after the competition has ended.

The Cultural Futures programme will build on everything created through the Town of Culture bid, turning the ideas, partnerships and enthusiasm generated into a long-term programme that celebrates North Lincolnshire’s heritage, supports local talent and creates new opportunities for residents and visitors to experience culture.

The post We’re still saying yes – but to all of North Lincolnshire appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

July 14, 2026 |

Connected communities: Almost 4,000 journeys made on new rural bus services

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Passenger numbers on North Lincolnshire’s enhanced rural bus network have increased by more than 40 per cent in the latest month, with thousands of journeys now completed since the services launched earlier this year.

Funded by North Lincolnshire Council, the enhanced network combines smart demand-responsive technology, flexible booking through an app and an in-house customer call centre to make it easier for residents to travel.

The service has now carried 3,728 passengers, helping connect villages and market towns with work, education, healthcare, shopping and leisure opportunities.

After 1,440 journeys were made in May, passenger numbers rose to 2,048 in June – an increase of more than 40 per cent as more residents discovered the improved routes and services.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Good bus services are a lifeline for rural communities, and it’s encouraging to see more people choosing to use these services each month.

“For many residents, they’re about far more than getting from A to B. They help older people remain independent, get to medical appointments and do their shopping, while giving younger people the freedom to meet friends, access education and discover leisure opportunities across North Lincolnshire.”

The investment has funded a range of improvements to bus services across North Lincolnshire, strengthening connections between villages, market towns and key destinations across the area.

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families and young people, said: “We’re continuing to invest in making the service even better. Alongside a new fleet of buses, we’re using smart technology to make journeys easier to plan and book, while our in-house customer team is on hand to help anyone who prefers to speak to someone.

“Whether you book through the app or over the phone, we want the service to be as simple and accessible as possible.

“We’ll continue listening to residents, using feedback to shape the service as more people get on board – the more people who use this, the better it will get.”

Residents with eligible the enhanced concessionary bus passes can also use their passes on the service, making it even easier for older and disabled residents to stay connected to the people, places and services that matter most.

Connect2 fares start from just £2.50 for adult single journeys, with a maximum cap of £3 per trip. Reduced fares will also be available for passengers under the age of 19.

The service will operate Monday to Friday from 7am to 7pm, and on Saturdays from 8am to 6pm.

Residents can plan and book journeys through the FlexiLincs app or by calling 01724 297777.

The post Connected communities: Almost 4,000 journeys made on new rural bus services appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

July 14, 2026 |