Sarah-May Buccieri

Residents in Louth and surrounding parts of Lincolnshire say they are following Anglian Water’s hosepipe ban but are generally reluctant to report neighbours, except in serious or repeated cases. Anglian Water says demand has fallen since the restrictions began on 11 July, while warning that deliberate breaches can lead to fines of up to £1,000. A YouGov poll found that one in 10 households would disregard the ban and the same proportion would report a neighbour. Lincolnshire Police urged people to check for exemptions or the use of collected rainwater before making a report. Residents also questioned the effectiveness of some restrictions and called on water companies to address leaks.

Humber Street Sesh, Hull’s largest one-day festival, brought more than 100 acts to 10 stages at Hull Marina. Director Mark Page said the event supports emerging grassroots musicians, strengthens community ties and creates confidence and wellbeing in the city, particularly after venue closures made conditions difficult for artists. The festival narrowly avoided closure because of financial pressures and now operates as a Community Interest Company, reinvesting funding, donations and sponsorship in the local community and grassroots music. Attendees praised its atmosphere, diversity and support for local performers, while the event also paid tribute to Paul Jackson of The New Adelphi Club.

A Lincoln woman discovered her kitten had been shot in the face with an air rifle pellet, prompting a police investigation that has yet to identify a suspect. The injured cat required X‑rays to locate the pellet lodged in its jaw, and the owner plans to pay for surgery. The RSPCA noted frequent reports of air gun attacks on pets and wildlife and reiterated calls for stricter regulations. Police said no similar incidents had been reported recently.

Lincolnshire County Council rejected a proposal to introduce a 20mph speed limit at a hazardous bend on the A16 in East Keal, despite repeated crashes and local residents’ concerns. The Lincolnshire Roads Safety Partnership had supported the change, citing multiple incidents since 2019 involving overturned lorries and tractors. Supporters, including resident Graham Pearson and councillor Philip Roberts, argued that a lower speed limit could prevent serious accidents. Opponents on the planning committee said existing warnings were adequate and that further restrictions would inconvenience most drivers. The safety partnership will review signage and barriers, while Pearson plans to appeal the decision.

A 77-year-old woman in Skellingthorpe was injured after being struck by a fast-moving e-bike whose rider fled while swearing at her. She required hospital treatment, including a brain scan and arm operation. Lincolnshire Police are investigating, releasing an image of a rider they wish to identify and highlighting wider issues involving illegal or antisocial e-bike use. The couple involved expressed concern about the dangers posed by e-bikes.