News :crosby

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.

The bid for money to support defence and ag-tech comes as the Greater Lincolnshire combined authority is also consulting on a plan to improve skills training in the county

Our thoughts are with those who have lost a loved one

A scene guard remains in place

‘Two cyclists came suddenly from behind the road near the bus stop and threw eggs at me’

Axholme Central ward councillor David Robinson has sadly passed away following a long period of ill health.

Born and raised in Epworth, David lived in the town throughout his life and was deeply rooted in the community he represented.

Throughout almost 15 years in office, he served residents with commitment and dedication, working tirelessly on behalf of communities across the Isle of Axholme. He continued that service through a prolonged period of ill health, which he bore with characteristic quiet dignity.

David first served residents after being elected to North Lincolnshire Council in 2011, representing the Axholme Central ward. He was re-elected in 2015 and 2019, and again in 2023, continuing his long-standing service to Epworth as councillor for Axholme Central.

Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, Rob Waltham, led the tributes. He said: “David was a respected colleague who brought experience, integrity and a deep understanding of his ward to his work.

“He was widely regarded for his intellect and thoughtfulness, and for his ability to scrutinise complex issues, form clear arguments and represent residents with diligence and care. He brought warmth, good humour and humanity to his work, alongside a strong sense of duty and public service.

“His best work was undoubtedly championing and fighting for the rights of thousands of patients through health scrutiny.

“His passion for Epworth and the surrounding towns and villages was clear for all to see. He didn’t just believe in the importance of public service at a community level – he delivered it.

“He served with integrity, diligence and warmth, and his loss will be felt across North Lincolnshire, within the council and by the wider community.”

During his council career, David held a number of senior roles and was particularly respected for his work in scrutiny and governance. He served as Lead Member for Asset and Estate Management and later as Lead Member for Sport and Leisure.

He chaired several key scrutiny panels, including Corporate Scrutiny, Governance, Governance and Standards, and Health, Integration and Performance. He also chaired the Humberside and Lincolnshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and was a long-standing chair of the Axholme Central Neighbourhood Action Team.

Further details regarding funeral arrangements and how residents can pay their respects will be shared in due course.

The post Councillor David Robinson has sadly passed away appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

March 2027 is the scheduled completion date for construction of the relief road

‘This is nothing but good news for North East Lincolnshire’

Everyday journeys in Epworth are set to become smoother, safer and more comfortable, with fresh investment focused on the roads people rely on most.

From February through to early March, some of the town’s busiest routes will be upgraded, making everyday journeys smoother, safer and more comfortable for everyone who uses them – whether travelling to work, school, shops or local businesses.

The improvements will be delivered through full resurfacing works on High Street West, High Street East and Carrside, giving these key streets a visible, long-lasting upgrade and a better feel underfoot and wheel.

Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council said: “This is about investing in the everyday things that matter most to people. Roads shape how we experience our towns – how easy they are to get around, how safe they feel and how welcoming they are for residents and visitors alike.

“By focusing on streets that are used day in, day out, we’re making sure our investment delivers real, noticeable improvements for communities.”

Deputy leader and cabinet member for highways, Cllr Neil Poole, said: “Residents don’t want temporary fixes – they want roads that feel right to use. This work will give Epworth smoother surfaces, safer conditions and a clear step up in quality.

“We’ve also planned the programme carefully, timing works to reduce disruption while still delivering a result residents will notice straight away.”

To help keep the town moving, work on High Street West will take place during school holidays, while High Street East will be worked on Sundays, with roads reopened each evening wherever possible to maintain access to homes and businesses.

Advance notices and on-street signage will be in place ahead of works starting.

The post Something’s improving on Epworth’s streets this February appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

Safer neighbourhoods and stronger local policing could be supported through a proposed commitment that would enable council staff to volunteer with the police.

The council is considering a proposal that would allow employees who serve as special constables or police support volunteers to be supported through authorised, employer-supported release to carry out their duties — making it easier for people to step forward and give their time to local policing, subject to a formal decision.

If approved, the approach would help increase visible policing, provide additional support for frontline officers, and offer greater reassurance for residents, while enabling council staff to contribute directly to community safety where they live and work.

Cllr Elaine Marper, cabinet member for transforming the customer journey, said: “This is about backing people who want to give something back and strengthening community safety.

“We already have employees who volunteer their time to support local policing, and this proposal would provide clear, structured support for others who may want to step forward. It would be good for our staff, good for local policing, and most importantly, good for residents.”

Special constables are volunteer police officers with full policing powers, while police support volunteers assist with roles such as front desk services, administration and community engagement — helping to free up officers to focus on frontline policing.

The proposal would see the council take part in the national Employer Supported Policing initiative, which encourages employers to actively support staff who volunteer with the police in a structured and responsible way.

If agreed, residents would benefit from more support for local policing teams, greater visibility and reassurance in neighbourhoods, and stronger partnerships focused on keeping communities safe.

The post More support for local policing to help keep North Lincolnshire communities safe appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.