It's destination Immingham for shrubs uprooted from Pier Gardens to make way for timber play structures

Say farewell to the lavender - this is just one of the shrubby plants that is being transferred from Cleethorpes to Grimsby 

PIER Gardens in Cleethorpe is losing many ofits  shrubs so that they can bring beauty to the centre of Immingham instead.

Many of the plants are no longer wanted at the Pier Gardens ahead of transformation next year which will see much of the site become a plaza and play parks.

The 'robbing-Peter-to pay-Paul' plants initiative will dismay some traditionalists who would prefer Cleethorpes to remain as a green and leafy place of tranquillity.

Only last year, there was outrage when a bird-rich hedge maze was removed without any public consultation. 

But North East Lincolnshire Council insists that the new-look Pier Gardens will "benefit residents and visitors alike".

In a statement, it says: "Within the project, more plants and trees will be added to the various sections of the regenerated Pier Gardens and the biodiversity improved with existing trees.

"The council is fortunate to have large, healthy mature specimens to incorporate within this design to offer scale, setting and excitement to larger proposed elements such as the play structures."

Previously, NELC pledged not to remove any trees, but it now says that some will be "removed in key areas to, facilitate elements of the design".

The authority says replacement planting will include  "hardy grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs that support numerous bird species and insects and  provide a playful, dynamic that moves and changes with the seasons".

The statement continues: "Habitats for local wildlife such as insect hotels and bird nest boxes will be nestled within the proposed planting schemes.

"Visitors will be given the chance to further explore the enriched biodiversity and species of plants and trees on offer."

NELC leader Cllr Philip Jackson is upbeat about the £5-million Pier Gardens revamp.

"This is a great opportunity and the council is thrilled," he enthuses. "This regeneration scheme marks huge positive change for Cleethorpes." 

Former specialist baby care nurse and mother-of-three set to become new Bishop of Grimsby

                                                       

Heading for Grimsby - the Venerable Jean Burgess  

A FORMER nurse is to become the next Bishop of Grimsby.

Before her ordination, the Venerable Jean Burgess spent more than 20 years in district, practice and special care baby nursing.

Currently Archdeacon of Bournemouth, she will succeed the Rt Revd Dr David Court following his retirement.

Previously she served at churches in Derby and Salford.

Jean, who will be moving to Grimsby with her husband, Graham, says she is looking forward "with excitement"  to the challenges ahead.

Away from her pastoral work, she loves walking, painting, travel and time in the company of family and friends.

Her nomination as next Bishop of Grimsby has been approved by the King in his capacity as Head of the Church of England.

Grimsby crematorium's pre-Christmas cash boost for Macmillan Cancer Support and Alzheimer's Society

Anne and Sheila of Macmillan Cancer Support with Lisa Logan and Cllr Henry Hudson of NELC, plus Creamtorium Technician Damo Feasby

THE Grimsby branches of two charities have each received £5,000 thanks to a metal recycling scheme run by the town's crematorium.

The beneficiaries are MacMillan Cancer Support and the Alzheimer’s Society.

The money was raised through the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management  Metals Recycling Scheme which has been in operation since 2014.

This works through the collecting of recyclable metals such as replacement implants or joints that can be salvaged following a cremation. 

Proceeds from the sale of the metal go into a charity fund which makes donations twice a year. 

Locally, Bereavement Services at North East Lincolnshire Council have donated more than £150,000 to local charities.

All of this is only possible thanks to the families of loved ones.

While the crematorium facilitate the scheme, it is the bereaved who give permission for the metal to be collected and donated.

* To volunteer with MacMillan, visit https://www.macmillan.org.uk/volunteering

** To volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Society, visit https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering

 Kerry and Kelly from the Alzheimer’s Society with Lisa Logan and Cllr Henry Hudson (second and third from left) of NELC plus Crematorium Technician Damo Feasby

                                          

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Woman held on suspicion of attempted murder after incident involving vehicle on Cleethorpes street

                                                                              

St Peter's Avenue - scene of the incident

POLICE  are appealing for witnesses and video footage following a road traffic collision on St Peters Avenue in Cleethorpes yesterday evening (Tuesday, 9 December).

At around 7.05pm, information was received that a white Jeep swerved on to the pavement before colliding with pedestrians, then with a woman on a mobility scooter.

Emergency services attended, and those involved in the collision were assessed at the scene for what are described as "minor injuries".

Says Det InspTom Kelly: "I understand an incident of this nature will cause concern amongst the local community.

"While we are in the early stages of our investigation, at this time we do believe some of the people involved in the collision are known to each other."

He added: "A 26-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder - she remains in custody while inquiries continue."

Anyone who witnessed the collision and perhaps has a photograph, video or dashcam footage is urged to contact the police, quoting crime reference 25*170891.

Work resumes - at last - on Sea Road site of Cleethorpes' proposed new amenity building

All systems go - the development site opposite the pier

FRESH from completing work on the extension to Grimsby's Franklin College, the Lincoln-based Lindum Group has now turned its attention to Cleethorpes.

This week, it has a team on the site of the proposed amenity building off Sea Road and almost opposite the pier.

The project stalled after the previous contractor, Jem Build, hit turbulence and had to withdraw.

Also present on site is another Lincoln company, Evolve Geo-Environmental, which is understood to be carrying out tests on the stability and integrity of the land where the building is due to be constructed.

It is not known when the new building - which is expected to consist of food and drink outlets, plus WCs - is scheduled for completion.

Meanwhile, at the adjacent Pier Gardens, there is no sign of work having started yet on the proposed refurbishment scheme.

North East Lincolnshire Council has not named the firm to which it has awarded the revamp contract, but the authority had hoped works would start last month.     

It is not known when the proposed building will open - nor who its occupants might be
                                    

How the building might look after dark

 

   

 

Danish wind energy giant Ørsted proud to be employing almost 700 staff in Grimsby area

   

A windfarm support ships sails past Cleethorpes 

As the UK marks 25 years of electricity generated by offshore wind, the Danish energy giant, Ørsted,  has chosen to shine a  spotlight on Grimsby which it describes as "one of the most important offshore wind hubs in the world".

It has this week put out a statement which reads:

"Last year, offshore wind generated a record 17 per cent of the UK’s electricity.

"A significant amount of that power came - and continues to come -  from wind farms operated from Ørsted’s East Coast Hub at Grimsby’s Royal Dock.

"Today, almost 700 people work across Ørsted’s East Coast operations and Humberside Airport - from turbine technicians and marine specialists to data analysts and apprentices. 

"Ørsted’s workforce in the Humber spans 148 different job roles, with almost 50per cent  working as wind turbine technicians carrying out world-class offshore operations and maintenance. 

"Three-quarters of Ørsted’s East Coast team live within an hour of the town, showing just how deeply the industry is rooted in this area."

The statement continues: "Alongside clean energy, jobs and skills, Ørsted continues to invest heavily in local communities. 

"Since 2016, the East Coast Community Fund has awarded more than £4-million to nearly 300 projects across coastal Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

"Each year, up to £75,000 is dedicated to the Skills Fund, helping people gain qualifications and access new careers. More than £600,000 has supported 33 skills and training projects so far.

"Ørsted has also donated £1-million towards the Horizon Youth Zone, due to open in 2026, and has supported the Ørsted Great Grimsby 10k run for a decade."The company is proud that  Hornsea 2 is recognised as the world’s largest offshore windfarm with its 165 turbines capable of producing enough low-cost, renewable electricity to power more than 1.4 million homes in Britain.                        

Exploring the visitors' centre at the East Coast Hub

One of the turbines in the North Sea

Vacant land off Grimsby's Freeman Street earmarked for 150-place school for children with special needs

                                          

The site earmarked for school for children with special educational needs

A NEW 150-place school for children with special needs could be built in Grimsby.

The Department of Education and North East Lincolnshire Council have earmarked scrubland off Freeman Street where residential tower blocks once stood.

The DoE is spearheading the initiative but NELC, which is prepared to make a financial contribution, is backing the  project.

Says portfolio holder for education Cllr Mrs Margaret Cracknell: "This is something that is desperately needed - wer're doing all we can."

The scheme is still at an early stage, and there is a need to check that the land has not been contaminated by anything noxious.

However, there are hopes that a formal planning application might be submitted - and approved - next year. 

"It would help to generate this part of Grimsby,"comments NELC leader Cllr Philip Jackson. 

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formerly Sgtreet