A drink-driver who escaped justice when a judge accepted he was too drunk to provide a breath test has finally been convicted after the decision was overturned following a costly appeal.

Michael Camp (52) was almost three-and-a-half times the drink-drive legal limit after being pulled over by police in Spalding in November 2015.

The salesman was wrongly cleared of failing to provide a breath sample to police at the station and allowed to keep on driving after a district judge decided being too intoxicated was a “reasonable excuse”.

But after a challenge at the High Court in London, two senior judges ordered Lincoln Magistrates’ Court to convict Camp.

At a hearing today (Thursday) at Lincoln Magistrates Court, Camp was duly convicted of failing to provide a specimen and was fined £180, ordered to pay £200 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

He was also disqualified from driving for three years, which will reduce by nine months on successful completion of a drink-drive rehabilitation course.

Karen Thompson from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “The CPS referred this case to the Court of Appeal because we firmly believed that voluntary intoxication through alcohol should not constitute a reasonable excuse for failing to provide a sample of breath. We put forward a compelling argument to the Court of Appeal and they have agreed that Mr Camp’s acquittal should not stand.

“Driving when drunk is extremely dangerous and can put lives at risk. For the CPS, prosecuting those who decide to drink and drive is an important way to make our roads safer for everyone.”

Camp, from Milton Keynes, had been pulled over by police in Oakley Drive, Spalding, in November 2015 after he was spotted driving erratically.

He blew a roadside breath test reading almost three-and-a-half times the legal alcohol limit.

But when he was asked to again blow into the breathalyser at the police station, Camp was unable to do so and the officer gave up.

She concluded he was “just too drunk” to do as she asked.

Camp was charged with failing to provide a breath specimen, but cleared last February by district judge Peter Veits, who said his drunken state was a “reasonable excuse” for his failure.

Lord Justice Lindblom said an “explanation” for failing to provide a specimen was not necessarily a “reasonable excuse”.”

“The fact that voluntary intoxication may sometimes, perhaps often, explain a person’s inability to provide a specimen does not mean that that person will therefore have a ‘reasonable excuse’ for not doing so,” he said in his ruling.

The appeal heard Camp had to be helped out of his vehicle, showing “obvious signs of drunkenness” and having “wet himself”.

But District Judge Veits, sitting at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court, said the fact he was incapable of providing a specimen meant he had not “wilfully refused” to do so.

The case went before the High Court in November in an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Alison Saunders, against the acquittal.

Lawyers argued that there were “strong policy reasons for not permitting a motorist who is under the influence of alcohol to be able to rely on the defence of reasonable excuse”.

Allowing the appeal and ordering a conviction, Lord Justice Lindblom said the excuse given was not “reasonable”.

The case was sent back to the magistrates’ court with a direction to convict Camp.

Uncertainty surrounds Pinchbeck gardening firm Plantiflor amid rumours that parent company Bakker Hillegom may be in financial trouble.

Plantiflor’s depot in Enterprise Way was closed when the Lincolnshire Free Press visited the site on Friday after a contacted the newspaper with concerns about an unfulfilled order.

The London-based customer, who asked not to be named, ordered flowers worth nearly £50 from the Bakker.com website on January 11 and was told that the flowers would arrive in about a month.

But when the customer decided to check up on their order, a recorded message at Bakker said: “Unfotunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we cannot answer your call at this time.”

The customer said: “I placed the order in early January and then phoned Bakker up four or five days later when I was told that the flowers would be despatched in early February.

“The person I spoke to on the phone gave no indication that there were any problems and, in fact, they instantly got my order number up on their screen and said I would be receiving the flowers in early February.

“I had no indication that anything was wrong until last week when I found out that Bakker may be having some problems and that’s when alarm bells started going off in my mind.”

Bakker.com was founded in the UK just after World War II as an importer of flower bulbs grown in the Netherlands to sell on across the country’s growing gardening sector.

Speaking to the Free Press two years ago, managing director at the time Adrian Nind said: “We are the biggest horticultural company supplying directly to customers at home, with a database of over 15 million people.

“At our peak, we can pack over 40,000 parcels a day, with over 600 staff at our head office in Holland.”

Pinchbeck was the base for Bakker’s marketing operations, with a call centre staffed by 40 people who dealt with order and gardening queries from up to 1,000 customers a day.

But recent reports suggested that Bakker had held unsuccessful talks with potential investors and had stopped advertising in the UK.

Mini orchard is just perfect for your patio

Help Plantiflor find its roots

Pinchbeck garden mail order company celebrates with staff

Councillors voiced concerns over the future of Donington’s flora and fauna, but approved the installation of power cables to and from the proposed Viking Link converter station.

Councillors heard that National Grid Viking Link Ltd is planning to build a permanent access road from the A52 to North Ing Drove and to run security fencing along the full length of the 30-hectare site.

Cables would also run from the proposed converter station to the existing sub-station at Bicker Fen.

Similar applications have been submitted to Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey District Council and North Kesteven District Council and all have to be approved before the plan can go ahead.

Speaking on behalf of Viking Link, Liz Wells said the company was committed to being ‘good neighbour’ and that the low carbon energy provided by the proposed station would benefit a million homes.

However, Donington resident Elizabeth Almond also addressed the committee and spoke of her concerns regarding the access road and fencing and the disturbance it would cause to local wildlife.

She said the proposed fence would cut the land in two and restrict movement of animals, forcing them out of the area. She asked that the committee consider removing the fence from the plan and to rethink its design.

Coun Rodney Grocock, county councillor for Donington Rural, said: “In respect of the parish council and people of Donington, they have been dreading this day when it’s about to kick off with the application coming before us.

“Donington is a rural area, it’s not a city or town - it’s somewhere that has a building proposed slap bang in the middle of it which is bigger than Wembley Stadium - it’s unbelievable this is happening.”

Several discussion were made regarding the design and colouring of the proposed converter station - specifics to be decided at a later date.

Coun Harry Drury said assurance was needed about the fence and committee chairman Coun Roger Gambba Jones that the matter would be referred back to the chairman’s panel for further consideration.

Councillors voted unanimously to approve the cable installation proposal.

South Holland is one district expecting a boost from tourism when the Sutton Bridge to Skegness section of the England Coast Path opens next year.

The vision for the path came from the Ramblers but Natural England is steering the project to completion, and inviting public comments on the route with a deadline of March 21.

Sutton Bridge will see more tourists than some places, because the route comes through the port, along West Bank and ends at Cross Keys Bridge.

Then it’s a short step to link up with the Sir Peter Scott Walk to King’s Lynn.

Parish council chairman John Grimwood said: “It’s got to be a good thing for the village, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the port, because I would think people walking will stop off here.”

John Beaven, the South Lincolnshire area footpath officer for the Ramblers, said there are urban sections in Sutton Bridge and Boston but, for the most part, the route is on the outer sea bank while many current paths are two banks from the sea.

He said: “The remit is to have a path within view of the sea for as long as possible.”

Stuart Parker, area secretary for Lincolnshire Ramblers, said: “We believe it represents an important addition to our path network and we are sure it will be well used by the public in Lincolnshire.”

“One of the main aspects of having a complete coast path in England is to assist with economic regeneration of our coastal regions which can often suffer a downturn out of season. Walking is an all-season activity which will help tourism and we look forward to welcoming walkers to the full Lincolnshire coastline.”

• For more visit www.gov.uk and type ‘England Coast Path: Sutton Bridge to Skegness’.

Previously ...

FEATURE: The route to a rambling paradise

From our website ...

Hopes of October start to Peppermint development in Holbeach

Spate of thefts from work vehicles in Spalding

Veteran fundraiser Lorna Webb (93) cooked 200 pancakes – with three pans on the go at once – in her Shrove Tuesday fundraiser for St Barnabas Hospice.

The tradition started 40 years ago when Lorna and her late husband, Derek, dreamt up the pancake extravaganza to help the build the charity’s Jenny Freeman Lodge in Woolram Wygate, Spalding, by supporting its buy-a-brick appeal.

Last year, Lorna fell and broke her arm, and spent a month in Skegness hospital, which meant she was out of action on Pancake Day. Her right arm is still in a surgical support but that didn’t stop her spectacular pancake comeback.

The retired college lecturer said: “I do have three pans on the go at the same time.”

Lorna, from Pinchbeck, doesn’t toss all of the pancakes but she’s pretty handy.

“I am not bad at it,” says Lorna, explaining: “It’s practice, you know.”

Lorna and her team of fundraisers haven’t totted up the total yet – traditionally they do that after the weekend.

Over the years they have raised thousands for St Barnabas but haven’t kept tabs on the grand total. They also help Marie Curie, Macmillan and the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance.

Lorna enjoyed her own pancakes on Tuesday teatime topped with maple syrup and orange.

She says: “I am not opposed to a little bit of butter on the pancake.”

• Are you fundraising for a great cause? Email our editor: jeremy.ransome@iliffepublishing.co.uk

Previously ...

Huge success for hospice fundraiser

Ambucopter fundraiser in Pinchbeck

Festive coffee morning in Pinchbeck a boost for charity

A retired dad-of-three from Holbeach under the care of specialist mental health staff based at Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital has slammed plans to move them elsewhere.

The man, who asked not to be named, branded the planned “temporary closure” and relocation of the hospital’s Rochford Unit as the “Lincoln-ising” of mental health services in the county.

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) plans to move Rochford patients to hospitals in Lincoln and Grantham so the unit at Pilgrim can be used for “elderly, frail” waiting to be sent home.

But the man said: “It doesn’t make sense to me that LPFT aren’t able to send people home when they’re ready and I think the Rochford Unit moving is a cover-up to make more space at Pilgrim.

“The word ‘temporary’ usually means permanent when used in cases like this and there’s going to be a lot of lonely people who aren’t going to be able to see the faces of family and friends who they normally see.

“The unit was really helpful to me when, due to circumstances beyond my control, I was admitted to Pilgrim Hospital with depression after things just mounted up on me in May and June 2016.

“I’m still under its specialist care now and it’s one of the best hospital units I’ve been on.

“That’s what makes me cross that some pen-pushers have the bad idea to do something like this, Lincoln-ising the Rochford Unit and leaving people in Holbeach like me not being able to see my children and grandchildren.

“It’s also definitely going to affect people who don’t have the transport to see their families in Lincoln or Grantham and once this move is instigated, LPFT will say that it can’t afford to bring everything back again and change the Rochford Ward back to the way it used to be.”

Ian Jerams, LPFT director of operations, said: “As part of the county’s health and care community working together to manage increased demand on services during the winter, the Trust is currently working to free up the use of our existing specialist older adult mental health Rochford Unit as a temporary measure.

• Continued on page 4

“The unit could then be used to help discharge predominately elderly, frail people who have been assessed fit for discharge from United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust sites around Lincolnshire but are awaiting short-term community social care support at home.

“We are currently in discussion with the Rochford Ward’s existing patients, their carers and families, to move to vacancies in comparable units in Grantham and Lincoln where it is deemed safe and appropriate to do so.

“The Rochford Unit will then be able to offer temporary accommodation and care to patients from ULHT hospitals until community services become available and patients can be discharged with appropriate support.

“LPFT’s decision to temporarily change a ward’s use is never taken lightly and has been something the Trust has done previously as part of local winter plans.

“This is a temporary measure until demands on local hospital services ease.”

But Coun Chris Brewis, South Holland’s representative on the Lincolnshire Health Scrutiny Committee, said: “Whilst I realise that staffing needs to be safe, the extra distances for people with serious problems, and their families and friends, will pose a very difficult problem.

“It will probably mean that more patients will opt to go ‘out of county’, to places like West Norfolk or Peterborough, at large cost to Lincolnshire’s Clinical Commissioning Groups.

“At the very moment when attempts are being made to treat mental problems more promptly and effectively, this does not make it easy for people suffering with a variety of very difficult and troubling problems.”

Meanwhile, Simon Evans, Health Scrutiny Officer for Lincolnshire, said: “At the moment, the Health Scrutiny Committee has not considered this issue but we have asked for further details and clarification from both Pilgrim and Lincoln County Hospitals.”

Anna explodes NHS ‘myths’ in South Holland community

Hospital trust fined £1million following death of patient

Trust in special measures over £75million debt

The Spalding branch of a dog sitting company is now making it possible for man’s best friend to attend your wedding.

The new wedding package service comes from Barking Mad Dog Care and the idea isn’t as “barking” as it sounds.

Last year, research from the pet charity Blue Cross revealed one in ten British couples are now offering a starring role to their pets as they get hitched ... and more than a quarter said it helped keep their wedding nerves under control.

This year is tipped to be all about weddings as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle get married in May and there is already speculation about whether confirmed dog lover Meghan’s much-loved pet will join the Royal wedding celebrations.

So start planning now if you want to put the furry tail into to your fairytale wedding with your dog attending as a VIP guest.

Social media pictures of doggy flower girls or waggy tailed ring bearers at weddings are among the pooch pictures that go viral.

Barking Mad Spalding owner-operator Kerry Wells said: “Wedding day pet care can be very problematic as pretty much everyone you would trust to look after your four-legged best friend will be a guest at your special ceremony.

“At Barking Mad, we simply adore dogs and understand that they become a real part of the family. As such, it can be unfathomable to consider having such an important celebration without them.

“Our bespoke dog wedding chaperone service allows the bride and groom to relax and enjoy the wedding, knowing their pet is in safe hands. We create an experience which the wedding party and their guests will love, providing fantastic photo opportunities and creating treasured memories, whilst also ensuring the happiness and welfare of their dog.”

Barking Mad Spalding’s advice for planning a wedding with a canine VIP is:

• Ensure you book a dog friendly wedding venue (or one with an outside area for photographs)

• Advise all guests that a dog will be attending the wedding in case of allergies

• Carefully consider what role you would like your pet to play in the proceedings, according to their temperament

• Make sure that any accessories are safe and comfortable for your pet

• Liaise with your wedding photographer, as they will be able to come up with some fun ideas for adorable photos.

In 2016, Kerry was named franchisee of the year at an annual conference in Cumbria.

The accolade came in her tenth year as owner of the Barking Mad dog sitting service that provides dogs with host families when their owners go on holiday.

Kerry revealed then that owners are so devoted to their pets that they can’t rest while they are on holiday without getting texts – not to mention photo and video updates – from the people who are looking after their pets.

One devoted dog owner received reassuring footage of their pet out on a walk ... and opening his stocking on Christmas Day.

At that time, Kerry had hosts in areas stretching out from Spalding to Sutton Bridge, Boston, Stamford, Peterborough, Rutland and the outskirts of Wisbech.

For more information about Barking Mad’s furry-tail weddings, please call Kerry Wells on 01775 720382 or visit 720382.

• Did your dog attend your wedding? Please share your stories and photographs with our editor: jeremy.ransome@iliffepublishing.co.uk

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Firefighters from Holbeach attended Boston Road North in the town yesterday (Thursday) afternoon, where a conifer hedge was on fire.

The blaze, at 2.29pm, was extinguished using one main jet. The cause was accidental and caused by an exploding aerosol can within a controlled bonfire.

Health and beauty firm Savers is seeking consent to remodel its shop front at 21 Hall Place, Spalding.

Plans submitted to South Holland District Council show the double entrance doors being switched to the right of the premises, close to Gibbs shoe shop, but the familiar style of the Savers name above the store is kept.

From our website ...

Have your pet dog at your Spalding wedding ... with help from dog care service Barking Mad

Anger as Pilgrim Hospital’s mental health unit is moved

Sutton Bridge and South Holland district expected to get economic boost from coast path

Representatives from local businesses visited Spalding Grammar School to spend a morning chatting to students about career opportunities.

The visitors chatted to Year 10 students in small groups and also opened the floor for Year 11, 12 and 13 members to find out about their professions.

All of the Year 10 students have work experience later this year so it was also an 
opportunity to ask questions about what would be expected from them.

Companies represented included Iliffe Publishing (Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian), Bakkavor, West Elloe Pharmacy, the Royal Navy, the RAF, the Army, Boston United FC, Bishop Grosseteste University Lincoln, Welland Power, Peter Humphrey Associates architects, Handelsbanken Lincoln, the NHS, Duncan & Toplis accountants, Calthrops solicitors and MMUK fruit company.

Free Press editor Jeremy Ransome said: “It was great to meet so many students and tell them about the industry I’ve enjoyed working in for 29 years.

“There was a lot of interest in journalism and there are a couple of students who we will be working with in the future to help them with their careers choice. It was a worthwhile exercise.”

Sutton Bridge’s University of the Third Age (U3A) group has received its official affiliation with the movements’s governing body, nine months after its formation.

U3A is an organisation which provides opportunities and fun for retired and semi-retired people and the Sutton Bridge branch currently has 80 members and 10 interest groups.

They meet on the first Tuesday of the monthk, 1.30pm for 2pm, alternating between the Sutton Bridge Curlew Centre and the Long Sutton Market House.

There is a short business section followed by a speaker, with hot drinks available and visitors welcome. Membership fees are £16 for the year.

For more information email jane. pavier@u3a.org.uk or call Richard Strudwick on 07834448884.

• Our picture shows regional trustee Jane Pavier handed over the official affiliation certificate to U3A Sutton Bridge chairman Mike Nunn. Photo (TIM WILSON): SG060218-179TW

A 27-year-old Holbeach Clough man who has been smoking cannabis as a painkiller following injuries sustained in a hit and run accident 11 years ago, was found to be more than three times over the drug limits for driving.

Arran Lee Chambers of Clough Road, admitted driving with seven microgrammes of cannabis per litre of blood when he appeared at Boston Magistrates Court on Wednesday. The legal limit is two.

Marie Stace, prosecuting, said Chambers was seen by police to overtake a car in his X-Type Jaguar on the wrong side of bollards on the A16 Spalding Road at Surfleet at 12.35am on November 18.

Mitigating, Carrie Simpson said Chambers, who has no previous convictions, was full of remorse and had not realised he was over the limit or that his driving was impaired in any way.

She said he had never used cannabis before he was involved in a hit and run road accident 11 years ago which left him with nerve damage and muscle wastage.

“He is on permanent painkillers and still has to have physiotherapy,” she said “and cannabis alleviates the pain.”

She said Chambers worked 10 miles from his home so, as he is unable to cycle, it was probable he would lose his employment. “He is a victim of a crime himself,” she added.

He was banned for a year and ordered him to pay £120 and £115 in costs and charges.

A lorry driver’s conviction for driving with excess alcohol will have a ‘catastrophic impact’ on his life, a court has been told.

David Rose (56), of Austendyke Road, Weston Hills, admitted driving with 97 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 milliitres of breath when he appeared at Boston Magistrates Court on Wednesday. The legal limit is 35.

The court heard Rose was driving a lorry and trailer on the A15 South Road at Bourne at around 7pm on January 16 and was throwing up mud and swerving across the road.

Police followed the vehicle, said Marie Stace prosecuting, and after seeing it take a bend too wide, they stopped it.

She said Rose was unsteady on his feet and was sucking a sweet.

After a positive breath test he was arrested and gave a reading of 97 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. In mitigation, Sam Lee said Rose had consumed alcohol on his break, which he had never done before and had no idea why he had done it this time.

He said Rose did not feel
 ‘remotely’ over the limit nor that his driving would be affected. He said Rose was a lorry driver of 36 years’ experience with his own business and driving 80,000 miles a year but that this was no longer 
viable. “He is devastated by his actions,” Mr Lee told the magistrates.

He said it had been a ‘one-off incident’ and it would have a ‘catastrophic impact’ as his wife had been planning on 
retiring but would now have to stay at work as she would be the main breadwinner.

Rose was banned from driving for two years but was offered the drink drivers’ rehabilitation scheme, which will reduce the period of the ban by 24 weeks. He was also fined £300 and ordered to pay £115 in costs and charges.

Highways and environmental health teams from South Holland are trying to solve a flooding problem in Holbeach.

A blocked gully has caused to flooding in Boston Road South, near The String of Horses pub, for at least four months.

The problem was mentioned at a meeting of Holbeach Parish Council last Monday when county councillor Nick Worth said that the flooding was making part of the road “impassable for pedestrians at times”.

Coun Worth said: “It was first reported back in October or November but because of its position next to The String of Horses pub on Boston Road South, county highways officers had to get a road closure in place.

“This is why it has taken time for the work to begin which includes an investigation as to what is causing the blockage so as to clear it.”

A South Holland District Council spokesman said: “Our environmental health team reported the problem to county highways and its staff have completed the repairs.

“But another problem has been unearthed which we are now investigating to find out what is the cause of it.”

A Lincolnshire County Council spokesman added: “We have been investigating what is causing the flooding in Boston Road South, Holbeach.

“It appears that the gully is becoming clogged with something that prevents surface water from being drained away.

“We have reported this to the environmental health team at South Holland District Council and are working with them to identify the cause.”

Flash flooding hell set to go on

Burst main floods conservatory and garden at Spalding home

West Pinchbeck villager condemns vandalism of River Glen

Shoppers and staff at Donington Co-op have dug deep to fundraise for the village fire station.

he inspiration was a festive fair in Donington last December which was supported by firefighters.

Staff decided to continue fundraising by putting collection boxes inside the store and customers could also take part in a raffle.

In total, staff were able to present a cheque for £455 to John Scott, watch manager at Donington Fire Station, pictured with (from left) Emma Minards, Dan Beasley, store manager Chris Pashley and baker Marion Kendall.

Praise for “amazing” volunteers at Donington Community Hub

Dinner lady opens a dream kitchen

Donington traders join forces to stage first Christmas fair

Warm tributes have been paid to a music teacher from Pinchbeck who guided generations of children and young people in how to play orchestral instruments.

A celebration of the life of Peter Case (71), who died of oesophageal cancer on January 7, took place at South Lincolnshire Crematorium in Surfleet on Tuesday.

Mr Case, who is survived by wife Bridget, two children, three grandchildren and a step-grandchild, worked for Lincolnshire Music Services where he taught students the clarinet, flute, oboe and saxaphone.

He was also secretary of South Holland Concerts, helping to organise an annual series of classical music recitals in Spalding, leader of a children’s choir at St Mary’s Church, Pinchbeck, and an active member of Peterborough Cathedral.

David Jones, chairman of South Holland Concerts, said: “Peter had a strong Christian faith which permeated his life, work and relationships with people.

“He was always smiling, welcoming and encouraging, an outstanding parent to his daughter Elizabeth and son Charles, giving them their love of music, their faith and making them wonderfully confident and articulate human beings.

“Peter was the secretary of South Holland Concerts for many years and wrote some of the best programme notes I’ve ever seen, leaving the musicians themselves with hardly anything to add.

“He gave Spalding a great reputation within the performers’ network and he was thoroughly kind, an old-fashioned English gentleman and able to engage with people on many levels.”

Alex Howman, director of music at Spalding Grammar School, said: “I can still vividly recall the first time I met Peter Case.

“I was eight years old and a member of my primary school’s recorder group which was why I was allowed to ‘have a go’ on some woodwind instruments.

“The gentleman in charge of this trial was Peter Case who introduced himself by saying: ‘My name is easy to remember as I carry lots of cases’, accompanied by his trademark smile.

“In those cases were, of course, the instruments that were soon to play a hugely important role in my life, and still do today.

“After several clarinet lessons, music service concerts, solo and ensemble recitals, graded exams (always diligently accompanied on the piano by Mrs Case) and a music degree, I am now fortunate enough to be the Director of Music at Spalding Grammar School, a career path that I may never have taken if it wasn’t for Peter.

“He was a supportive and inspiring teacher, with an infectious love of music, and there is no doubt that he had a huge impact on the musical lives of many people.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have been one of them and I owe Peter a lot for which I will always be thankful, particularly for the time and dedication that he spent helping me to enhance and develop what is now an essential part of my life.”

Parents in Crowland have been warned to know where their children are and what they are doing after a spate of ‘shocking’ anti-social behaviour in the town, including hate crimes against the elderly and disabled.

The warning has been issued by the area’s top policeman, who says increased patrols in the area will result in prosecutions and injunctions against youths if the problems do not desist.

Inspector Gareth Boxall has urged people to report crimes and hand in any private CCTV or ‘dash-cam’ footage they may have. He also said some parents of youths involved in anti-social behaviour had “not been supportive”.

In a statement released this evening, Inspector Boxall said: “Crowland has suffered an ongoing problem with youth-related anti-social behaviour in the last few months.

“In response to this South Holland Police and South Holland District Council have been working hard to not only deal with the offenders and support victims but also work with partners to tackle the causes of those problems.

Despite this work, these problems have continued and last weekend saw a significant increase in crime and anti-social behaviour in the town.

“The youth-related anti-social behaviour is shocking though. These young people have targeted some of the most vulnerable in the community and we have investigated several hate crimes as a result. We completely recognise the impact that such crimes have on victims and the community and the misery that anti-social behaviour causes.

“On Thursday evening, I and a local officer met with parish, district and county councillors to provide an update on what action we have been taking and plan to take. We are grateful for the support that local councillors are giving us and their offer of help in solving these problems.

“We have a significant increase in officers patrolling Crowland currently but this is only one way that we can solve these problems. We investigate all crimes reported to us and my plea to the local community is:

• Report incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour to us (at the time it is happening if possible).

• Inform us of any information you might have about who is responsible for specific incidents.

• Tell us if your own private CCTV or your ‘dash cam’ captures any footage.

“Even where a criminal offence has not occurred, we are determined to tackle anti-social behaviour and we have a stepped procedure in place for doing this. Where young people are involved in anti-social behaviour, they are subject to a staged warning process and, where their conduct does not improve, would find themselves subject to a formal injunction placed by a court which can enforce measures such as curfews.

“Throughout that process we work with youths and parents to address behaviour. Many parents are supportive but I am disappointed that some are not. I repeat my message to parents:

• Know where your teenage children are and what they are doing.

• If we come knocking at your door; we are there for a reason. Anti-social behaviour causes real misery to people’s lives.

• Support us in tackling your child’s behaviour. If warnings aren’t taken seriously by youths and you their parents, and that behaviour continues, there is a real chance you will be standing with your son or daughter in court whilst they are issued an injunction or prosecuted for a criminal offence.

“We will continue to have increased patrols in Crowland but will also work with our partners to address the behaviour of individual offenders and seek to educate all young people in the area of the impact that anti-social behaviour has on victims and the wider community.”

• Inspector Boxall added that a spate of thefts from vans in Crowland last weekend was not connected to the anti-social behaviour issues. He said: “We believe the thefts from these vans were carried out by criminals visiting the area specifically for the purpose of committing these crimes and may be related to recent thefts in other towns and areas throughout south Lincolnshire in recent weeks; we have a wider plan in place to deal with that problem.”

Previously...

Priest in plea for calm in Crowland as vandalism escalates

‘Vigilante’ fears as ongoing youth crime frustrates police

No magic formula to solve town’s crime problem

Youth disorder sparks council call for urgent talks

Frustration over crime grows amid claims of ‘lost impetus’

Your views on Brexit, academy plans and education

Our economy will be boosted by £650billion

Contrary to what Mr Meekings continues to suggest, a recent report by eminent economist Professor Patrick Minford explains why Brexit will boost the British economy by an additional £650billion. This is the equivalent of boosting UK growth by a third every year.

It is also worth noting that Minford has been correct in his forecasts of the major economic changes in Britain over the last 35 years, unlike the IMF, CBI and Treasury who failed to predict previous crashes and recessions, and are continuing to use the discredited forecasting models that they used as part of ‘Project Fear’.

The report is available for readers to view at: www.economistsforfreetrade.com

As the report explains: “Britain will have a competitive currency for some time and be able to leverage its newly-won economic freedoms, giving it a highly-competitive economy.

“The repatriation of fisheries and reform of the Common Agricultural Policy will be a boost. The savings from the net contribution, no longer paid to the EU, can be invested in healthcare, infrastructure and digital while providing tax breaks for business and individuals, boosting both growth and tax receipts.”

Fortunately, those fighting for maximum divergence from the shackles of EU red tape – which costs the UK economy £240billion every year – are winning the battle in Government for a clean Brexit. Better regulation will provide a competitive edge, and the removal of external tariffs will deliver a massive boost for low income families in our area as food, clothes and the cost of other household goods are slashed.

EFT estimate that the effect of the boost in growth accrued from leveraging our economic freedoms combined with the impact of tariffs would produce a startling outcome. Calculated on the basis of Net Present Value (NPV) over 10 years, the EU economy will lose by £507billion while the British economy will gain by over £650billion.

The measure of success of Brexit, as set out by the British electorate, is whether we take back control of our laws, money, economy and borders.

However, the above calculations might help explain why so many entrepreneurs and business owners are committed to the Brexit cause and are calling for as much regulatory divergence from the EU as possible, as well as, the ability to negotiate our own free trade deals.

It is time for the remoaners to embrace Brexit – 90 per cent of all the future economic growth over the next century is going to come from outside of the EU. Global Britain will be ready to tap into that future growth and enjoy the benefits of new free trade deals. Our alliance of English speaking nations – USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – are ready to sign those new trade deals as soon as they can. We share more than just a belief in freedom and independence, free trade, and the rule of law – we also have our common language – English, which is the business language of the world.

Craig Jackson

Vote Leave constituency 
coordinator

Councillor: what I have done for residents

I was first made aware of Springwell Academy potentially taking occupation of the Post 16 Centre by a resident. I acted on the information immediately and arranged a meeting with the head of Spalding High School to discuss the matter.

It became clear during this meeting that this was not an issue which could be dealt with at district council level, but required the attention of the MP. I immediately contacted John Hayes’ office and arranged a second meeting with him and the head.

Following the public meeting in December, I received emails from residents to further convey their concerns regarding the new proposals for the property. I have passed on these concerns and have yet to receive a response.

I have also received no further information with regards to the proposed new occupants or future use. As soon as I do, I will be writing to not 
only the residents who contacted me, but also the residents who have not yet made representation to inform them of any further information I receive.

As a district councillor, there is very little I can do other than to lobby and act as a spokesperson for the concerned residents. I attended the public meeting in order to lobby and spoke on the matter at length, voicing the concerns of the residents.

The only area so far which has fallen under the remit of the district council is in relation to a planning application for a fence and recreation 
area. I voted against this at committee.

Many of the concerns with validity such as traffic movement, parking and highways safety, fall under the remit of the county council. The building itself, I believe to be under the remit of the Education Authority and the Department for Education.

I have had a meeting with the county councillor for the Ward and updated her with the information I had received. She was also shocked and disappointed that she had not received any form of correspondence or consultation from the proposed new occupants and was looking to investigate further.

I will continue to push for further information and will do everything possible to continue to represent and voice the concerns of the residents. I hope to have some information to go back to residents with in the near future once further progress is publicised.

Unfortunately, due to the level at which the prospective deal with Springwell Academy is being discussed, as a district councillor, I have as much influence as a member of the public and furthermore, the organisations involved do not have an obligation to provide me with information should they not wish or feel the need to do so.

I can completely understand the frustration of the residents and empathise, as they, like me, are most likely feeling that this is a ‘done deal’ and that they have been kept in the dark and not consulted correctly.

Springwell Academy provide an extremely important service to the community and one which I have a great amount of respect for, but I believe the question must be asked as to whether their proposed location is the most suitable.

Harry Drury

District Councillor for Spalding St Mary’s

I hope our MP’s concern will spread to his colleagues

I was pleased to read in last week’s ‘Hayes in the House’ column that John Hayes MP has distanced himself from “Those myopically preoccupied with cost ... “.

I hope that John’s opinion, and his concern for public sector staff in the Palace of Westminster, will spread amongst his colleagues and will extend to the people who provide the whole range of public-sector services, and not only those who serve MPs directly in the Palace .

Roger Smith

via email

Perhaps he can explain his educational philosophy

Regarding Spalding Grammar denying a student the chance to go on a Sea Cadet course during school time, perhaps the headmaster might like to write an article for the Free Press explaining his educational philosophy, so that we can all properly judge the wisdom of his decision.

James Daniels

via email

HAYES IN THE HOUSE: By John Hayes MP

Last Monday marked an important day in world history; it is a cause for celebration by all of us who cherish the triumph of freedom over tyranny that the Berlin Wall has now been down for longer than it stood.

Built by the East German Government in 1961, the Wall stood for 10,316 days until its demolition – foreshadowing the fall of communist regimes across Eastern Europe – in 1989.

During that time, it potently symbolised the grim enslavement of millions, creating – as President Reagan put it in his speech before the Brandenburg Gate in 1987 – “a surrounding totalitarian presence that refuses to release human energies or aspirations.” Its checkpoints and watchtowers – so often the hallmark of oppressive regimes – sought to monitor, control and terrorise every aspect of East Berliners’ lives.

It is small wonder that more than 100,000 chose to flee to the West in the hope of a better life. At least 270 of them died as they attempted to escape, as East German soldiers were ordered to shoot any whom they suspected of defection.

Despite East German leader Erich Honecker’s boasts that the Wall would be “standing in 50 and even in 100 years”, the memorable events on November 1989 transformed an edifice of fear into a place of hope.

But we must remember that the deplorable communist legacy of Marx and Engels still affects vast numbers of people today. The North Korean dictator denies his people all knowledge of the outside world, subduing them with mass starvation, torture and public summary execution.

In Venezuela, a socialist regime, which sits on the largest proven oil reserves in the world, robs its citizens of their liberty, leading inexorably to mass shortages of food, healthcare and clean water.

Time and time again, these reckless, ahistorical “experiments” – rejecting the civilising influence of the wisdom of ages – leave those forced to live through them in abject poverty and misery.

Milestones such as last week should keep us alive to the vital lessons to be learned from history. There is no excess of which mankind is not capable, and those who seize total power will routinely use such excesses to maintain their control. We must be constantly vigilant against any prospect of such menace rising again. The scars left by the Berlin Wall demonstrate how appalling the damage can be when we drop our guard.

Previously...

Commons at its best when party politics are put to one side

The latest results from Boston and Lincoln magistrates’ courts.

Boston Magistrates’ Court

January 9

Jane Lier (49), of Mill Lane, Gosberton. Driving without due care and attention (Sutterton). £325 fine, £32 v/s, £625 costs, 6pts.

Algirdas Salna (58), of Mount Pleasant Road, Wisbech. Failed to report an accident (Sutton St James). £216 fine, £30 v/s, £150 costs, 5pts.

Craig Sheriff (31), of NFA. Stole handbag and contents of value unknown (Spalding), Community order with rehabilitation activity requirement. Had in a public place an article with blade or was sharply pointed (craft knife), Community order. Possession of cannabis. Community order. Failed to surrender to custody (Boston), Community order, knife and drugs destroyed. Stole meat products worth £102 belonging to Sainsbury’s (Spalding), Community order, £102.10 compensation. Failed to surrender to custody (Lincoln), Community order. Assault (Spalding), Community order, restraining order, £5 compensation, £250 costs. Criminal damage, community order, restraining order.

Lincoln Magistrates’ Court

January 4

Daniel Netting (26), of St Michaels Lane, Wainfleet St Mary. Speeding (Crowland). £40 fine, £30 v/s, 3pts.

David Waugh (67), of West Drove South, Gedney Hill. Speeding (Crowland). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Marek Ziga (19), of Chestnut Avenue, Spalding. No insurance (Spalding), £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts. Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, £220 fine. Defective rear light, £220 fine.

January 5

Jake Boyton (27), of King Street, Market Rasen. Entered as a trespasser with intent to steal (Pinchbeck). 26 weeks prison sentence, £115 v/s.

January 9

Thomas Orme (25), of Perry Close, Spalding. Failed to report an accident (Pode Hole), £80 fine. Driving without due care and attention, £160 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Elton Strikauskaite (39), of Albion Street, Spalding. Speeding (Crowland, £80 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Roy Bennett (58), of Sealeys Lane, Parson Drove. Speeding (Spalding). £325 fine, £32 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Matthew Dye (32), of NFA. Entered as a trespasser and stole mobile phone and pen of value unknown belonging to Abbey Print (Spalding), 23 weeks prison sentence suspended for 18 months, rehabilitation activity requirement, £394 compensation. Entered as a trespasser and stole power tools and cash register of value unknown belonging to B&Q (Spalding), 24 weeks prison sentence consecutive, £50 compensation. No separate penalty for theft of 13 tubs of protein powder worth £537.87 belonging to Holland and Barrett (Spalding), £50 compensation. Commission of a further offence during operational period of suspended sentence was given.

Fernando Alexandre (44), of Artindale, Bretton. Speeding (Crowland). £293 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 4pts.

Christopher Bagworth (40), of St Paul’s Road, Spalding. Driving without a seat belt (Stamford). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs.

Andrew Blewett (45), of Slipe Drove, West Pinchbeck. Speeding (Whaplode). £246 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Kristraps Bokmanis (27), of Norfolk Street, Boston. Speeding (Spalding). £73 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Louanna Clarke (28), of Seagate Terrace, Long Sutton. Speeding (Butterwick). £40 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Kieran Clifton (23), of Dozens Bank, West Pinchbeck. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Philip Codling (41), of Andrew Close, Widnes, Halton. Speeding (Little Sutton). £210 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Douglas Dixon (46), of Furze Ride, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough. Speeding (Whaplode). £440 fine, £44 v/s, £85 costs, 4pts.

Justin Doughty (46), of Dockings Holt, Lutton. Speeding (Pinchbeck). £129 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Mark Dyer (46), of Main Road, Deeping St Nicholas. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Stefan Fallucci (30), of Longfellow Place, Eaton Ford, St Neots, Cambridgeshire. Speeding (Crowland). £107 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Gemma Hasley (37), of Hillgate, Gedney Hill. Speeding (Barrowby Thorns). £440 fine, £44 v/s, £85 costs, 4pts.

Ali Hassam (30), of Clarence Road, Millfield, Peterborough. Speeding (Crowland). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Edgaras Kacinskas (27), of Wygate Road, Spalding. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Timothy Kirk (49), of Constance Avenue, North Hykeham. Speeding (Crowland). £440 fine, £44 v/s, £85 costs, 4pts.

Leonids Kitovs (29), of Marian Road, Boston. Speeding (Cowbit). £126 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Ian Montgomery (53), of Mill Lane, Gosberton. Speeding (Crowland/Cowbit). £169 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Jason Morgan (36), of 24th Avenue, Kingston Upon Hull, East Yorks. Speeding (Little Sutton). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Pawel Paiak (36), of Chequers Court, Bronze Street, March. Speeding (Deeping St Nicholas). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Daryl Pugh (52), of The Warren, Witchford, Ely. Speeding (Cowbit). £62 fine, £30 v/s, 3pts.

Arturas Simanskis (30). of Church Walk, Peterborough. Speeding (Crowland/Cowbit). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Mark Tomson (43), of Margery Park Road, Forestgate. Speeding (Crowland). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Mohammed Yousaf (37), of Kirby Walk, Netherton, Peterborough. Speeding (Crowland). £293 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 5pts.

January 10

Duaine Asher (36), of Sands Court, Rippingale. Failed to comply with community order. Order to continue, £30 fine.