Gone to pot! Councillors ponder the woeful state of many of North East Lincolnshire's roads

                                                          

Cllr Steve Beasant: cyclists in peril

AN alert has been sounded on the risk posed to cyclists by the many potholes that exist on North East Lincolnshire's roads.

At a full meeting of the council, former mayor Cllr Steve Beasant (Lib-Dem, East Marsh) claimed that potholes close to road edges tended to be of lower repair priority than those nearer the centre.

Pinpointing one such hole on Durban Road, Grimsby, he said that  cyclists were likely to be  unaware of its existence when it filled with rain.

"We could have a death on our hands," he warned.

During the debate, Cllr Karl Wilson (Lab, West Marsh) revealed that he had faced a £100 repair bill to a car wheel following an unhappy encounter with a pothole while driving in the Park ward.

Cllr Malcolm Morland (Lab, Croft Baker) called for more flexibility in the authority's repairs schedule so that these could be carried out on an area or ward basis rather than a pothole-by-pothole basis.

Portfolio holder for transport Cllr Stewart Swinburn (Con, Immingham) agreed that it was "ridiculous" for teams to carry out three repairs on one side of a road, only to disregard two on the other side.

Revealing tensions with senior highways officers, he told the meeting: "I challenge them on a daily basis - and they know it." 

Earlier, the portfolio holder presented a report in which he said many of the potholes had occurred during the cold snap in early January when road surfaces had frozen, then thawed, in quick time, following which there had also been frequent rainfall.

This observation did not greatly impress Cllr  Kathryn Wheatley (Lab, West Marsh)  who said: "I don't think residents need a report telling them what the weather was like in winter - they live here."

During the debate, there was criticism of   the quality of some of the repairs and calls for an action plan outlining how NELC was spending the £3-million it had recently been funded by Whitehall for pothole repairs and resurfacing.

Cllr Swinburn said he intended for his officers to compile  a weekly update on repairs - both completed and proposed - for publication on the council's website. 

Former day nursery in Grimsby's Rutland Street could become a hot food takeaway

A FORMER day nursery in Grimsby could be converted to a hot food takeaway premises.

An application has been submitted for change of use of the property once occupied by the Leap Ahead pre-school organisation  at 226 Rutland Street.

If North East Lincolnshire Council planners give the green light, a flue would be installed to divert food smells from nearby homes.

Pending a decision, Anglian Water have called for information about proposed drainage arrangements.

Bring on the big acts! Green light for expansion of Meridian Showground's audience capacity

                                                      

CONFIRMATION has come that the maximum capacity of the Meridian Showground in Cleethorpes is likely to be increased from the present figure of 5,000 to almost 15,000.

North East Lincolnshire Council's portfolio for leisure, Cllr Hayden Dawkins, made the announcement at last night's full meeting of the authority.

The proposal has hinged on a  plan to manage traffic and parking arrangements in the case of huge crowds descending on Cleethorpes

to see big acts.

And, earlier this week, a Traffic Management Plan was formally rubber-stamped. 

NELC's leisure supremo Helen Thompson and colleagues believe larger capacity is essential to "cater to the demands of larger-scale events and unlock its true potential".

A report states: "Many event organisers are seeking venues capable of accommodating larger audiences, and increasing capacity would give the potential to attract and host these events successfully. 

"A larger capacity at the Meridian Showground could position the area as a premier destination capable of hosting major gatherings and concerts, thereby attracting more visitors and driving economic growth. 

"Major events often require venues with substantial capacity to accommodate attendees, participants, and vendors. 

"Expanding the maximum capacity to 15,000 would position the area to attract high-profile events that could significantly boost our resort’s visibility and reputation regionally and even nationally. 

"This could increase the revenue potential from hire bookings, concessions, and sponsorships. 

"Larger attendances translate to increased spending on accommodation, dining and local attractions, benefiting not only the resort but also the surrounding businesses and community." 

The report adds: "Larger events bring people together, fostering a sense of community and belonging. 

"Expanding the capacity of the Meridian Showground could  create more opportunities for residents and visitors to come together, celebrate and enjoy shared experiences, strengthening the fabric of our community."

Completed in 2009, the showground occupies four acres of mostly grassland.

No details have yet been published about how the showground will be expanded to accommodate larger gatherings.

Sharon Wroot tonight set to be confirmed as North East Lincolnshire Council's chief executive

                                                     

Sharon Wroot will provide continuity and stability

NORTH East Lincolnshire Council's interim chief executive, Sharon Wroot, will this evening be confirmed in the post on a permanent basis.

A report to tonight's full council meeting states: "Following a national recruitment campaign and robust assessment process, the appointments committee unanimously determined that Sharon Wroot was the strongest candidate following a full  interview-and-assessment process.

The Committee concluded unanimously that she:

* Demonstrated exceptional leadership capability,

* Provided a clear and compelling vision for the organisation,

* Showed strong understanding of the local context and future challenges

*Offered the most robust and credible evidence of readiness to lead the council

It is not known how many other candidates applied for the position, nor how many were invited to attend the final interview which was held recently at Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre.

Cleethorpes' loss is Grimsby's gain - new home in Grimsby for uprooted Pier Gardens tropical trees

                                           

Aaron Goss with some of the soon-to-be-replanted trees

TROPICAL trees uprooted from Pier Gardens have been relocated to Grimsby's People Park.

The  Yucca and Palm trees have been deemed an inconvenience at the Cleethorpes site, much of which is being dug up to make way for a skatepark, climbing structures and other 'fun facilities'.

In People's Park, the trees will be in the care of Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue.

The Grimsby News says: Assuming the trees survive the trauma of their transfer, they will hopefully flourish in their new home. However, it is sad that they have been lost to Cleethorpes. Could not a place have been found for them at some other seafront location - perhaps on a roundabout, a roadside verge or outside Meridian Park?

Hopes rise that Cleethorpes Country Park oil spill might prove less harmful than originally feared

                                                                  

Bearing up but missing its mate - one of the plumage-damaged swans 

THERE are rising hopes today that the  oil spill in Cleethorpes Country Park earlier this week will have less impact than at first feared.

An absorbent boom seems to be preventing the migration of the contaminant from the Buck Beck into the lake.

Tufted Ducks, Coots, Mallards, a Cormorant  and at least one  Great Crested Grebe were among the birds apparently unaffected and feeding normally at mid-morning.

Even one of the plumage-contaminated Mute Swans seemed to be feeding and drinking well  though the fate of its mate, unseen this morning, is unclear.  The hope is that has been taken in for treatment and temporary care by Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue.

It is not known yet what sort of oil entered the water, nor who might have been responsible. 

                                             

The absorbent boom which is containing the oil slick

Threat to Mute Swans and other wildlife after oil spills into Cleethorpes Country Park

Important for wildlife - Cleethorpes Country Park

INQUIRIES are underway after an incident of of oil contamination was this morning reported at Cleethorpes Country Park.

At least two Mute Swan are said to have had their  plumage oiled, and other wildlife, including Great Crested Grebes and fish, are also likely to  have been affected.

It is understood the oil spilled into the Buck Beck but some may also have entered the lake.

To help control any spread, drainage officers  placed absorbent booms in the river to soak up the remaining oil.

A spokesperson for North East Lincolnshire Council  said: "Officers are also working with the Environment Agency to understand how best to remove as much oil as possible."

NELC's portfolio holder for the environment, Cllr Henry Hudson, says: "Not only is what has happened  disrespecting this beautiful open space, but it is also putting the creatures who live there in danger.

"If anyone has any information on this incident we would greatly appreciate their coming forward."

In the meantime, Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue have been seeking to capture the swans  time for the nesting season.

                                 

One of the contaminated birds - photo Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue

A Mute Swan with her brood on the country park's lake in a previous year