Harry Parkhill

Ellis Mill, an 18th-Century Grade I listed windmill in Lincoln, is being added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register because of damp, damaged brickwork, failing paint and deterioration to its cap, fantail and sails. The mill, owned by Lincolnshire County Council, has not operated fully since 2020. The Ellis Mill Rescue Group has proposed taking over its operation and maintenance, but wants the council to fund an estimated £500,000 in repairs, arguing that historical commitments create a legal obligation to do so. The council is considering options for its four windmills and plans to consult on a broader windmill strategy.

A Grantham woman lost £20,000 after a scammer posing as a fraud advisor used her card details and transaction history to gain her trust before pressuring her into transferring her savings. The stolen funds were moved into an account controlled by the fraudster, leaving her unable to pay household bills. Lincolnshire Police said such crimes were increasingly common and highlighted ongoing stigma that discourages victims from speaking out. National data showed nearly £4bn stolen from hundreds of thousands of UK victims over the past year, prompting calls for greater awareness and adherence to government fraud-prevention guidance.

The University of Lincoln is using crime scenes inspired by film and TV to attract Gen Z students to its forensic science programme, drawing on pop‑culture references to create an immersive open‑day experience. Faculty members say the approach aims to spark curiosity amid national concerns about the state of the forensics industry raised by a House of Lords report. The course is highly ranked, and the university says most graduates work in the field. A film critic is collaborating with the university to host a forensic-themed game for prospective students, while the Home Office highlights the sector’s importance in delivering justice.