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Homes, businesses and farmland across the Isle of Axholme will continue to be protected from flooding after North Lincolnshire Council agreed £1.1m of funding for the Internal Drainage Board.
The investment ensures vital drainage infrastructure continues to operate, reducing flood risk, protecting livelihoods and keeping one of the most productive areas of the country safe and viable.
Cllr Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for sustainability and transformation, said: “This is a significant investment, but a necessary one. The Isle of Axholme depends on effective drainage – without it, homes, businesses and farmland are at risk.
“We are making a clear choice to protect communities, support local economies and honour a responsibility that goes back centuries. This funding ensures the system continues to work, not just today, but for the future.”
The commitment to water management stretches back exactly 400 years this year, to the original drainage of the Isle of Axholme by Dutch engineer Cornelius Vermuyden.
North Lincolnshire Council’s decision reinforces that long-standing duty: maintaining the pumps, channels and systems that make daily life and economic activity on the Isle possible.
Cllr David Rose, cabinet member for environment and strategy, added: “The Isle of Axholme exists because of drainage, and it thrives because that system is maintained. This decision is about protecting people and places – plain and simple.
“Flood risk is not abstract here. It’s real, and it’s constant. This funding helps ensure the infrastructure is there to manage it properly.”
The funding was agreed at a board meeting of the Isle of Axholme and North Nottinghamshire Water Level Management Board on Monday, 26 January. It is responsible for managing water levels across the area – a role that remains as critical today as it was four centuries ago.
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A new episode of the News Direct podcast – Inspiring People – sharing real stories from across North Lincolnshire, shines a spotlight on Rachel Stephenson, Headteacher of Holme Valley Primary.
In the episode, Rachel reflects on growing up locally, her own school journey, and the moment she was told she might not achieve the grades needed to become a teacher.
Rather than being deterred, she describes how determination and resilience shaped her path – from classroom teacher to school leader – and how those same values now underpin her approach to education.
Podcast host Cllr Rob Waltham said: “Rachel’s story is a powerful reminder that great leadership is often forged through challenge. This isn’t just a conversation about education – it’s about resilience, belief, and what happens when someone is given the space to prove themselves and make a difference for hundreds of children and families.”
Rachel talks candidly about the realities of modern teaching, the growing complexity of pupils’ needs, and why strong relationships with children, families and staff sit at the heart of a successful school. She also shares what it was like stepping into headship unexpectedly, the responsibilities that come with leading a large primary school, and the importance of building a strong, values-led team.
The episode forms part of News Direct’s ongoing series highlighting people who grew up locally, care deeply about the place, and continue to make a positive impact in their communities.
The full episode is available now on YouTube and podcast platform Spotify.
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A busy junction used every day by families, cyclists and commuters is getting a safety upgrade this spring.
The new crossing will be built at Brumby Wood Lane and Rowland Road roundabout, making it safer and easier to cross on foot or by bike.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is about making everyday journeys safer and simpler for people.
“Where we see busy junctions being used by families, cyclists and pedestrians, we act. Improving crossings like this reduces risk, improves confidence and helps people move around their communities safely. It’s a practical investment that delivers real benefits.”
Work is expected to start in mid-March and will take around three weeks. The money used for crossings like this is specifically set aside for road safety and cannot be spent on potholes or general road repairs that teams are working on every week across North Lincolnshire.
Cllr Neil Poole, deputy leader and cabinet member for highways, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We know roadworks can be frustrating. That’s why this job is short, focused and planned to keep disruption down.
“The result is a safer crossing at a junction where people use it every day.”
To carry out the work safely, the road will be closed at the crossing while construction is underway, access to nearby businesses will be maintained, and pedestrians will still be able to get through. Diversions will be in place and clearly signposted.
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One of the world’s most influential contemporary artists has arrived in Scunthorpe.
Jenny Holzer – renowned for her bold, provocative work across the globe – is the focus of a major, free exhibition at 20-21 – North Lincolnshire’s premier arts gallery.
Presented as part of ARTIST ROOMS, in partnership with Tate and National Galleries of Scotland, the exhibition brings internationally significant contemporary art to North Lincolnshire.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities (urban) at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “You don’t have to travel to London or Edinburgh to see world-class art.
“This exhibition brings internationally renowned work right to the heart of Scunthorpe, free for everyone to enjoy – and that says a lot about our ambition for North Lincolnshire.”
Holzer is best known for using words as her medium. Her short, striking statements explore power, politics, equality and truth – challenging how language influences what we believe and how we behave. Her work has appeared everywhere from city streets and billboards to some of the world’s leading galleries.
The exhibition brings together works spanning more than five decades of her career. Highlights include Truisms – the short, often contradictory statements that first appeared as posters and stickers across New York – presented through illuminated LED works.
Ceri Lewis, Senior Curator for ARTIST ROOMS, said: “Jenny Holzer challenges our expectations about art: what it is, where we see it, for whom it is made, and what it can do in the world. She chose language as her medium for its power to reach people, wanting to make art ‘that’s understandable, that has some relevance and importance to almost anyone inclined to look’.
“For five decades her provocations around power, equality, politics and social justice have sparked debate. We hope that her art and her activism will resonate with a new generation though this collaboration with 20-21 Visuals Arts Centre, which brings our national collection to new audiences in the communities of North Lincolnshire.”
At the heart of the exhibition is Blue Purple Tilt, a dramatic, large-scale LED installation programmed with hundreds of Holzer’s texts, flooding the gallery with colour, movement and message.
The exhibition is free to visit, removing barriers to access and giving local audiences the rare chance to experience world-class contemporary art on their doorstep – while also attracting visitors to Scunthorpe from across the UK.
Cllr Davison added: “This is about ambition, access and pride in place – bringing world-class art to North Lincolnshire and making it free for everyone.”
Visitor information
Exhibition: ARTIST ROOMS: Jenny Holzer
Venue: 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, Scunthorpe
Dates: 31 January – 13 June 2026
Opening hours: 10am–4pm, Tuesday to Saturday
Admission: Free
Image Information
Jenny Holzer BLUE PURPLE TILE 2007
ARTIST ROOMS Tate and National Galleries of Scotland
Photo © Tate / Artwork © 2026 Jenny Holzer, member/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
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Works on College Road in East Halton are moving forward, with teams on site and visible progress being made.
The scheme, being delivered in partnership with Natural England, is taking a practical, approach – protecting local wildlife while getting on with the job of making the road safer.
Last week marked the first real signs of action, with clearance work completed on the embankment. During the works, a curious badger was spotted having a nose around near the sett, but after a quick investigation decided not to move in – allowing progress to continue without delay.
This week, crews are busy getting the road ready for the next big step. Old safety barriers are being removed, the site is being set up, and preparations are underway for strengthening work to begin. From 2 February, work will start to reinforce and stabilise the embankment, helping to secure the road for the long term.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s good to see work progressing on College Road. This shows what can be achieved when we take a sensible, pragmatic approach and work closely with partners.
“I want to thank Natural England for the constructive way they’ve worked with us to get this project moving.
“There’s still a way to go but great to see that work is cracking on.”
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Plans to strengthen the long-term future of the historic Isle of Axholme have been formally approved by North Lincolnshire Council.
Cabinet agreed to support participation in the proposed Humberhead UNESCO Biosphere, a move that will protect the area’s unique landscape, improve flood resilience, restore nature and support farming and local livelihoods.
The decision opens the door for closer working with farmers, landowners, communities and environmental partners, and for residents to get involved in shaping projects that celebrate and protect the Isle as a living, working landscape.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is about keeping our promise to protect the Isle of Axholme, its landscape, its history and the communities who live and work here.
“This approach strengthens flood resilience and nature recovery without imposing new planning restrictions, and it gives local people a real voice in what happens next.”
The designation will not introduce new planning controls. Local decision-making remains with the council, while existing protections stay in place.
Cllr David Rose, cabinet member for environment and strategy, said: “Approving this plan is an important step, but it’s only the starting point.
“Making the most of it will depend on working closely with local communities, farmers and landowners to shape what happens on the ground and ensure the Isle of Axholme thrives for the long term.”
More information on how residents, farmers and community groups can get involved will be shared in the coming months.
The post Promise kept: plan agreed to protect beauty of the Isle of Axholme appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.
Pensioners across North Lincolnshire are being urged to act quickly, with just 1,000 free air fryers remaining under the council’s hugely popular energy-saving cooking scheme.
Around 15,000 residents have already benefited from free appliances designed to help people eat well while cutting household energy bills. But with stock limited, this is a last opportunity for eligible pensioners who have not yet applied.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This scheme has already helped thousands of pensioners save money and stay healthy – and now we’re down to the final appliances.
“If you’re eligible and haven’t applied yet, don’t miss out. Once these are gone, they’re gone.”
Each eligible household can receive one energy-efficient cooking appliance, including an air fryer, along with access to free healthy cooking sessions to help people get the most out of it.
Cllr Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for sustainability and transformation, added: “We’re genuinely sorry that the scheme is now drawing to a close, because we know how much of a difference these appliances make to people’s everyday lives.
“The last thing we want is for pensioners who would really benefit to miss out simply because they didn’t realise time was running out.
“If you’re eligible and haven’t applied yet, please do so now – this support is there to be used.”
How to apply – before it’s too late
Pensioners can apply quickly and easily by:
Appliances are available for collection from community hubs.
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Brigg’s historic Buttercross is looking its best again, thanks to a community grant that has funded two brand-new flags proudly flying in the town centre.
The Union Jack and Lincolnshire flag have replaced the previous set, which had been in place since 2020 and were beginning to show signs of wear.
The refresh has brought a bright new look to the much-loved landmark, celebrating both national pride and Lincolnshire heritage.
In addition, a St George’s Flag has been purchased to fly at the Monument Roundabout War Memorial on St George’s Day, marking the occasion and honouring the town’s history and community spirit.
The new flags were made possible thanks to a £290 Community Grant from North Lincolnshire Council to Brigg Town Council.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Brigg’s Buttercross is a real focal point for the town and somewhere people feel proud of. Sometimes it’s the small touches that make a big difference, and these new flags help keep the area looking smart and cared for.
“Our Community Grant Fund is all about supporting projects that matter to local people – whether that’s improving safety, celebrating heritage or enhancing public spaces. It’s great to see this funding helping to maintain such an important part of Brigg’s identity.”
Since launching in 2011, the Community Grant Fund has supported hundreds of projects across North Lincolnshire – from village improvements and safety schemes to sports, arts and cultural initiatives.
If you have an idea that could make a difference in your community, visit the community grants page to find out how to apply.
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