scunthorpe

News :Scunthorpe


Five towns. One Scunthorpe – bid submitted for UK Town of Culture 2028

Comments Off on Five towns. One Scunthorpe – bid submitted for UK Town of Culture 2028

A bid has been submitted to bring UK Town of Culture 2028 to Scunthorpe, with residents and businesses across North Lincolnshire being asked to back the town’s proposal.

Rather than focusing on venues or one-off events, the bid centres on visible change across neighbourhoods – empty units back in use, parks filled with activity, events happening beyond the town centre, young people leading projects, and everyday spaces becoming part of what’s on offer.

Scunthorpe was built from five towns – Ashby, Brumby, Crosby, Frodingham and Scunthorpe. The bid uses that as its starting point, aiming to bring activity into every part of the town.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We know there are challenges – every town has them – but there is real strength in the communities across Scunthorpe, and that’s what this bid is built on.

“This is the start of the journey. We’re putting our hat in the ring and making the case for Scunthorpe on a national stage.

“We want people to get behind this, to take part and to help tell the story of the place they live – because the best stories about Scunthorpe come from the people who know it best.”

The initial expression of interest has been funded through external funding, not local taxpayers’ money. If successful, up to £3m of additional investment could be secured to support activity across the town.

What people will actually see:

  • Shuttered high street units turned into working studios, pop-up workshops and places you can walk into, not walk past
  • Parks filled with activity – outdoor performances, installations and events where there’s usually just empty space
  • Neighbourhoods putting on their own events – from street-level festivals to food, music and community-led activity
  • Young people leading projects – creating digital work, exhibitions and events, building real skills and portfolios
  • Workplaces and everyday spaces opening up – with activity happening alongside daily life, not hidden away in venues

The expression of interest, submitted by North Lincolnshire Council and partners, sets out how that funding would be used to turn everyday spaces into places where things happen – from neighbourhood events and maker spaces to youth-led digital projects and activity in workplaces and community venues.

Scunthorpe is up against towns across the country, from Blackburn and Barnsley to Redditch and neighbouring Grimsby, with more than 20 already submitting bids.

With hundreds of places showing interest, only a small number will make the shortlist.

The programme is designed to support skills, improve wellbeing and strengthen local connections, using culture as a practical tool rather than a standalone offer.

A shortlist for UK Town of Culture 2028 is expected in June, with shortlisted towns invited to develop more detailed plans.

The post Five towns. One Scunthorpe – bid submitted for UK Town of Culture 2028 appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

Original Source .

March 30, 2026 |

Future strengthened for Scunthorpe United as long-term lease on training ground secured

Comments Off on Future strengthened for Scunthorpe United as long-term lease on training ground secured

The future of Scunthorpe United has been strengthened further after the club agreed a new 10-year lease for training facilities with North Lincolnshire Council.

The agreement gives the club long-term certainty over the land used for training and player development – allowing the Iron to invest in coaching, develop players and expanding its community programmes.

It builds on the council’s support in 2023 to secure the Glanford Park site, ensuring professional football remained in the town after a period of uncertainty.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Scunthorpe United is a huge part of the identity of this town. When its future was uncertain we stepped in to secure the ground for the long term.

“This agreement strengthens those foundations even further – giving the club the stability it needs to train, develop young talent and grow again.

“The club plays an important role in the life of this place and we want to see it thrive for many years to come.”

Scunthorpe United’s chairwoman Michelle Harness, said: “There’s a shared understanding with the council about what this club means to the town – Rob and the team have helped create the stability we need, particularly over the last few years.

“That gives us a strong platform to keep developing players, and build for the future and supporting the wider community.”

The post Future strengthened for Scunthorpe United as long-term lease on training ground secured appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

Original Source .

March 25, 2026 |

⚽ Scunthorpe United’s future strengthened Following the support to secure Glanford Park back in 2023, a new 10-year lease on training facilities has …

Comments Off on ⚽ Scunthorpe United’s future strengthened Following the support to secure Glanford Park back in 2023, a new 10-year lease on training facilities has …

⚽ Scunthorpe United’s future strengthened

Following the support to secure Glanford Park back in 2023, a new 10-year lease on training facilities has now been agreed.

Find out more: northlincs.gov.uk/news/futur…

Original Source .

March 25, 2026 |

Council supports puppet club for young people with additional needs

Comments Off on Council supports puppet club for young people with additional needs

Young people in Scunthorpe with additional needs have been taking part in a unique creative project thanks to a £4,611 Positive Activities grant awarded by North Lincolnshire Council.

The funding has enabled The Way Youth Club (SEN), based at Connect Church on Ashby Road, to launch a Puppet Club, a creative and inclusive programme designed to support the emotional wellbeing, communication skills, and confidence of young people aged 11 to 19.

The project provided a series of workshops here young people explored a range of exciting activities, including:

  • Music creation for puppet performances
  • Script writing and storytelling
  • Dance and movement routines
  • Voiceovers and microphone technique
  • Filming and editing puppet shows
  • Exploring black light puppetry
  • Prop-making workshops

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is a fantastic project that combines fun, creativity and learning while giving young people with additional needs the chance to grow in confidence and develop new skills.

“The fund is all about creating opportunities where young people can thrive, and The Way Youth Club’s Puppet Club will do just that. I’m delighted we can help make it happen.”

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children and families, added: “The Puppet Club is a brilliant example of how community-led projects can make a real difference for young people with additional needs. It will help them express themselves, build friendships, and enjoy brand-new experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

“Supporting children and young people is one of our top priorities, and I know families will really value this innovative new programme.”

Picture of the outside of the Connect Church on Ashby Road.

The cash is part of the council’s grant programme – which has pumped millions into grassroots projects across the region – from sports clubs and youth groups to charities and parish councils – helping to strengthen communities and support local talent.

Grants are available for junior and youth groups, charitable bodies, co-operatives, not-for-profit organisations, and individuals demonstrating excellence in sport, art, or culture. Support is also available for venue hire, helping keep community spaces open and active.

The post Council supports puppet club for young people with additional needs appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

Original Source .

March 18, 2026 |

Peter Smith obituary

Comments Off on Peter Smith obituary

My father, Peter Smith, who has died aged 97, set up a pioneering health food store in the unlikely setting of Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, in the late 1950s, at a time when the pursuit of vegetarianism and healthy eating was a fringe interest.

He ran the shop until the mid-1960s before spending a number of years living and teaching in Japan and then opening up another health food outlet in Surrey in the early 70s, guiding it successfully into the late 90s, by which time his advocacy of healthy diets had become much more mainstream.

Continue reading…

Original Source .

March 17, 2026 |