» NewsReturning to its heritage, Stoneacre has launched a premier Ford dealership in the heart of Scunthorpe
Additional audiology services will be provided, plus a base for the Community Dental Service
A new episode of News Direct: The Podcast features Scunthorpe businessman and community volunteer Roj Rahman, reflecting on growing up in North Lincolnshire, the challenges of identity and belonging, and the values that shaped his life.
In a candid conversation with host Cllr Rob Waltham, Roj shares memories of arriving in the UK as a child, navigating school life in the 1970s, and the moments that tested – and ultimately strengthened – his resilience.
He also speaks about the importance of mentors, the turning point that reignited his drive to learn, and why he chose to return home after higher education.
The episode also explores Roj’s long-standing commitment to community life, including his involvement in local youth projects and his role in helping steady Scunthorpe United during a difficult period – driven by a belief in service, stewardship and doing the right thing for the town.
Cllr Rob Waltham, host of News Direct, said: “Roj’s story is properly Scunthorpe – honest, hard-earned and full of heart. It’s about what it means to keep going, stay grounded, and give something back without expecting anything in return.
“This is exactly what News Direct is for: real local people with real experiences – and the kind of wisdom you don’t get from polished soundbites.”
The episode is available now on YouTube and Spotify, with a new episode released each week.
The post “Stand Tall, Stand Firm” – Roj Rahman shares powerful Scunthorpe story on News Direct podcast appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.
Our thoughts are with those who have lost a loved one
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:
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.
The new year is bringing a new, simpler leisure offer for every resident across North Lincolnshire – making it easier than ever to get fit, get moving and feel healthier.
Local gyms and swimming pools are now simpler to use, with clearer options, better access and a more straightforward way to get active – whatever your starting point and whatever your goals.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The new year is when many people think about getting more active, but too often it feels complicated or intimidating.
“This new offer is about cutting through that – clearer choices, easier access and great local facilities that people can simply get on and use.”
The refreshed offer follows investment in leisure centres across the area, with upgraded gyms, improved pools and better activity spaces now matched by a simpler, more modern way to use them.
New membership options – Unlimited, Core, Surge, Boost, Ignite and Collective – strip away complexity, offering a clear, flexible and modern way to get active that fits around real life.
And, they give residents access across the whole area – all gyms and all swimming pools in Brigg, Barton, Crowle, Epworth, Scunthorpe and Winterton – with no groups, no tiers and no complicated rules.
Cllr Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities, said: “You don’t need to be a gym expert to get active.
“Whether it’s getting back into fitness, swimming more often or simply moving a bit more in the new year, this new leisure offer makes it easier to start – and easier to stick with it.
“It’s about opening the door to activity for everyone.”
For more details visit our new memberships page.
The post New year, new offer – a simpler way to get active in North Lincolnshire appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.
Following the announcement that the Government will not intervene in NHS plans to strip services from Scunthorpe hospital, North Lincolnshire Council has launched a six-week public survey to give residents a strong voice in shaping the future of this critical part of the local healthcare system.
The feedback will help the council build a clear case to lobby for extra investment and help secure the improvements our hospital needs.
Residents are urged to use the consultation as their chance to influence priorities and make sure our community gets the best possible healthcare for years to come.
While refusing to stop the changes, the health minister did say that the hospital will remain a “key part of the local health system”, and that further investment will come.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “As someone who was born in Scunthorpe General Hospital, I, like many residents care about local health services provided there, and I want to make sure that their voices are heard.
“This survey is about listening, understanding what residents value most, where they think investment should be focused, and how we can build a plan that cannot be ignored.”
Under the previous government, a new A&E was built for £17.3m and a community diagnostics centre (CDC) in the town centre for £19.4m.
The new A&E doubled the size of the previous department and the CDC provides a range tests, checks and scans such as CT, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound and blood tests, with almost 150,000 appointments available every year, close to the town centre and next to the multistorey car park where visitors can park for free for up to two hours.
Cllr Waltham added: “We know investment has already been made, and we’ve been told that Scunthorpe will not be forgotten. This is an opportunity to make sure future decisions are informed directly by the people who rely on these services every day. We intend to use your feedback to make sure that decision-makers in London step up and hear our views, then we can negotiate for more services and investment in our hospital.”
The survey will run for six weeks and will ask residents about their experiences, priorities and ideas for strengthening local healthcare. The results will be analysed and presented in a report to the North Lincolnshire Health and Wellbeing Board, chaired by Cllr Waltham, to help inform future discussions with NHS partners.
The survey will be available online and through alternative formats to ensure as many residents as possible can take part.
More information, including how to complete the survey, is available at www.northlincs.gov.uk/current-consultations.
The post Have your say: Residents asked to help shape future investments in Scunthorpe hospital appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.
News Direct, the podcast has released a new episode featuring Rosie Pugh, a widely respected former headteacher whose life and career span decades of education in North Lincolnshire. Listen on YouTube or Spotify.
Hosted by Cllr Rob Waltham, the episode traces Rosie’s journey from a challenging childhood in Scunthorpe – growing up in a large, blended family with very little money – to becoming an influential school leader known for raising expectations, developing staff, and helping children thrive in difficult circumstances.
In a frank and often humorous conversation, Rosie reflects on being underestimated at school, the importance of self-belief, and the impact a teacher’s words can have for life. She also shares what it took to build strong teams, improve behaviour, and take on leadership roles in schools where recruitment and retention were tough – including stepping in when others wouldn’t.
Cllr Waltham, host of News Direct, the podcast, said: “Rosie is exactly the kind of person this podcast is for – someone who’s done great things, quietly, right here in our communities. Her story is honest, grounded, and properly inspiring.”
Rosie told the podcast: “People are often capable of far more than they realise – but confidence doesn’t appear by magic. It grows when someone backs you, trains you, and says: ‘you can do this.’ I hope listeners take that away – especially younger women who might not yet see what’s possible for them.”
The post Listen now: Award-winning headteacher Rosie Pugh shares an inspiring local story appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.
A court has backed North Lincolnshire Council’s decision to revoke a Scunthorpe taxi driver’s licence following safety breaches.
Read the full story on our website: northlincs.gov.uk/news/court…
A Scunthorpe taxi driver who was caught speeding and watching videos while driving with a passenger failed in his attempt to overturn the Council’s decision to revoke his licence.
Magistrates have upheld North Lincolnshire Council’s immediate revocation of the licence, confirming the driver was not “fit and proper” to carry passengers.
Mr Shah Abu Sufian Md Sheruzzaman Siddiquee, 44, of Ashdown Avenue, Scunthorpe, had his taxi driver’s licence revoked in January 2025. The immediate revocation came after five videos were received of him speeding and watching videos whilst driving.
Licensed drivers are legally required to be considered fit and proper. Drivers are subject to strict standards to ensure public safety.
At a hearing held on Friday 5 December 2025 at Grimsby Magistrates’ Court, the court upheld North Lincolnshire Council’s decision, agreeing that Mr Siddiquee was not fit and proper to hold a driver’s licence and confirming that the Council upheld its duties.
As part of its ruling, Mr Siddiquee was ordered to pay the full legal costs incurred by the Council in bringing the case forward – over £2,000.
The post Court backs council decision to revoke Scunthorpe taxi driver’s licence after safety breaches appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.