Lincolnshire
Main towns: Lincolnshire refers to the area administered by Lincolnshire County Council. North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire are governed by unitary authorities. The seven districts of Lincolnshire are Lincoln, North Kesteven, South Kesteven, South Holland, Boston, East Lindsey and West Lindsey.
Demographics: Lincolnshire has an aging population. Since 1991 there has been a steady and significant increase in the number of people aged 40 to 59 and the number ofpeople aged 75 or over. At the same time there has been a noticeable fall in the proportion of people aged 5 to 39. 21% of the population is of pensionable age, which is above the national average of 18%.
It is thought that the number of residents aged 65 and over will rise to 25% of the population by the year 2020.
Although the population has been increasing steadily for several years, deaths in the county outweigh births. The population growth is largely attributable to inward migration, particularly by retired people.
The county has a black and minority ethnic population of 3%, which is significantly below the national average. Of this 3%, 1.6% consider themselves to be white but non-British. In recent years, the county has seen growing numbers of Eastern European migrant workers settling in its towns. In 2006 it was thought that approximately 8,000 Eastern Europeans were currently residing in the county.
Average wages in Lincolnshire are below the national average. The primary industries in the county are agriculture, engineering and manufacturing. Unemployment is largely below the national average but so is the county’s economic growth. This is partly because the county has a high proportion of pensionable residents and a significant number of retired working age residents.
On a list of the 149 most deprived areas in England, Lincolnshire ranked at number 89. A total of 15 areas in the county rank amongst the top 10% most deprived areas in the country. Five of these are within Lincoln City and six are in East Lindsey.
Although crime rates in Lincolnshire are falling, in 2006/7 violent crime in the county was above the national average. Sexual offence figures are amongst the highest in the country.
Population: Lincolnshire has an estimated population of just over 1million. The population density is low because the county is so big. The density stands at 112 persons per square kilometre, compared to the regional average of 272 and the national average of 246.
Places of Interest: Although it is a predominantly rural county, Lincolnshire also meets the north coast around Grimsby and Scunthorpe. The Lincolnshire Wolds are considered to be the best coastal area in the county, with lots of popular caravan parks and amusements.
Lincolnshire is popular with those who enjoy outdoor pursuits. Vast countryside and farmland allow for rambling, hiking and shooting, whilst the coastline makes it an ideal location for those who enjoy an afternoon’s fishing.
The city of Lincoln offers respite to those who prefer the metropolitan lifestyle and also hosts historical landmarks such as Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Cathedral.
House/Flat Prices: The average price of a property in Lincolnshire today, including houses and flats, is £190,000. The average price five years ago, in February 2004, was £140,000.
Planning issues: Lincoln City Council is currently planning major redevelopments as part of its ‘Our City, Our Future’ scheme. The scheme has been in operation since 2004 and aims to target areas of high deprivation, regenerating them and creating new dwellings. According to council documents, ‘priority areas’ are Moorland, Glebe, Birchwood, Abbey, Castle, Minster and Park.