Former Lincoln Ladies captain comes out as gay

Former Lincoln Ladies captain, Casey Stoney, has publically revealed that she is gay.

31-year-old Stoney, who is also the England skipper, stated how the courage of other high profile sports stars to publically out themselves gave her the strength to do the same.

In recent months both diver Tom Daley and ex-footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger have both spoken out about their sexuality.

Stoney, who recently joined Arsenal, has received wide spread backing from high profile names, including former England international Gary Lineker and former teammates.

Lineker took to Twitter to say “All the very best to England women’s football captain Casey Stoney. Her ‘coming out’ is another important step forward.”

Former Lincoln teammate Meg Harris, also voiced her support to her former captain, who captained Great Britain at the Olympics in 2012.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Casey Stoney today. I really hope this can help inspire and support others.”

Police Issue Weather Warning

Lincolnshire police have issued a weather warning following high speed winds spreading across the county.

Stormy winds have been troubling many residents within the area and the rain has also made traveling difficult for workers.

The majority of the UK has been suffering from weather problems, with some parts of England completely flooded.

Recent developments have prompted the Met Office to issue a red weather warning for parts of the UK, whilst Lincolnshire has remained reasonably calm.

Weather Causes Havoc

However recently, the strong gusts have encouraged Lincolnshire police to warn local residents of travelling across the county.

‘Lincs Road Police’ tweeted: “Should advise (residents) not to travel unless necessary.”

“Some very strong gusts around the county tonight. Drive carefully and anticipate debris on the road ahead.”

Motorists are the main focus of the warning with high sided vehicles and trees falling the main danger to the roads and those using them.

Although Lincoln have only got a yellow weather warning, residents are reminded to be aware when going outside, despite Lincoln being one of the few places who have currently escaped the terrible weather other counties have been receiving.

Meanwhile, Lincolnshire fire and rescue teams have gone nationwide in an attempt to lessen the effects in other areas. The teams have been sent to Berkshire, whilst Lincoln ensure they have adequate cover to deal any problems in the county.

Written by Jack Carnell

Residents rally against plans for Skate Park

A group of residents from the West End of Lincoln have grouped together to oppose plans for a new skate-park in the area.

The proposed design for the skate park at Hobblers Hole, just off Long Leys Road.

Planning permission for the park, which would be located at the Hobblers Hole, just of Long Leys Road, were accepted back in late January, to the disgust of some who live in that area of the city.

The group, named ‘Save Hobblers Hole’, have wasted no time in taking action, and have had public meetings to discuss where they go from here.

City of Lincoln Councillor, Neil Murray, chaired the meeting and he said: “We are not against having a skate park, but we are against having it on that particular site.”

He then outlined his concerns for this. “Hobblers Hole forms the end of the Wildlife corridor, which stretches along Burton ridge to open countryside. This vital corridor allows for the flow of wildlife into urban areas.”

“There are grave concerns over the long term implications of digging into Hobblers Hole due to the unstable nature of natural springs. This issue became apparent at Spring Hill in recent years, costing the local authority thousands to stabilize.” He said.

However, there are those who believe the skate park is a good idea, including local skaters, who are often found in the town centre and around the University of Lincoln.

Mike Davis, a 17-year-old who has been skating around the Lincoln city centre for two or three years, hopes the plans stay approved.

“We always get moaned at by adults for skating around the city centre and it will be good for both them and us if we get the new skate park.”

“Being a skateboarder comes with a lot of stereotypes but it is just a hobby and a new skate park will be a perfect place to practice this.”

Written by Edward Seaman

Lincolnshire awarded National Road Race Cycling Championships

Lincolnshire has been awarded a part in the 2015 British Cycling National Road Race and Time Trial Championships.

British Cycling, the governing body for cycle racing in the UK, announced their decision, which will see the Time Trial Championships for women, men under 23 and elite men held on June 25 in a loop around the Lincolnshire Wolds.

This will then be followed three days later on the Sunday by the National Road Race, with the winner of the race also claiming the Lincoln Grand Prix crown.

The event could see the likes of Mark Cavendish, the current holder of the British Road Race title and Chris Froome, the 2013 Tour de France winner, pass through the county.

The news was announced by The Velo Club Lincoln Grand Prix organisers, whose chairman, Roger Hobby, is delighted by the news.

“All of us at the club are naturally delighted by the National Championships have been awarded to Lincoln. This is a well earned reward for the 60 years that Lincoln has promoted what always was a top class event but eventually evolved into the best single day event on the calendar.”

He was also full of praise for Ian Emmerson OBE, who was the man behind the bid.

“Ian Emmerson’s vision and tenacity plus the long term support of the Council, the help of the police and the enthusiasm and loyalty of the Lincoln people will ensure a must visit weekend for thousands of visitors.

“It will also create a catalyst of want to be cyclists to get on their bikes.”

Councillor Colin Davie, Executive Member for Economy and Tourism at Lincolnshire County Council has also expressed his delight.

“The Lincoln Grand Prix has been a huge success since it began and I’m delighted that the National Road Race and Time Trial Championships are to be hosted in the county next year.”

“It is a reward for all of the hard work that has been put in by The Velo Club, and by officers at the County Council.”

Written by Andy Phillips and Edward Seaman 

EDL to face counter protesters in Grantham

Nick Parker the co-organisers of the anti-demo against the East Anglian Patriots in Lincoln last month has spoken out in support of an anti-racism march planned in Grantham next week.

The EDL have targeted the Lincolnshire town of Grantham to demonstrate against the building of a prayer hall but locals have come together to set up a peaceful counter-demo against the EDL march.

Nick Parker has been a thorn in the side of the EDL and has brilliantly organised counter racism demos across the Lincolnshire area.

He said “We welcome plans by a group of local people in Grantham to oppose the racist activity of the English Defence League in their town.  We fully support them organising a counter-demo and we agree with them that ordinary people should come out on to the streets in opposition when the far-right try to spread their racist lies.”

The counter demo in Grantham will commence on February 22 at 11 am on St Peters Hills.

Written by Andy Phillips