Anyone for after-hours tennis? Council offers assurance to neighbours on floodlighting proposal

 
                                                        

The recreation ground where NELC is keen to extend tennis-playing hours

AN assurance has been given that efforts will be made to "minimise light spill and glare on to surrounding properties" as part of a floodlighting scheme for Barretts Recreation Ground, off Park Avenue in Grimsby.

North East Lincolnshire Council is keen to extend playing hours on the courts  after   daylight has ended.

Its proposal is to erect five  8-metre high columns with floodlights, with the addition of floodlights to an  existing 8-metre high CCTV column.

In total, there will be 12 floodlit luminaries if the project goes ahead.

The authority says potential artificial light nuisance to neighbours  will be achieved through the "careful positioning of the lights".

If need be, it says directional shields will be installed to protect the amenity of neighbouring residences.

NELC adds that "the lighting will be restricted by a timer system to mitigate the impact of the intensified use".

The proposal is currently under consideration by planners.

The Grimsby News says: Nearby residents may have reservations about this scheme. They would be more reassured if the application sought not just to "minimise" glare but to eliminate it altogether. There is also the question of noise. Neighbours, especially those with young children, may not welcome the sound of tennis action until late in the evening.  

12-week demolition job on Grimsby's Abbey Walk car park due to start early in New Year

                                              

The doomed car park - although of historical interest, it is not a thing of beauty

IT will soon be farewell to Grimsby's  Abbey Walk car park.

The car park has been closed since May last year  following the discovery of  defects caused by water ingress into key structural supports.

In its place, there will be a ground-level car park, though further levels may be added in future years if there is demand.

Contractor GBM UK, has been appointed to undertake the demolition works which are expected to start on January 5 and last for 12 weeks.

The car park is believed to have been built in 1969.

Rare shorebird visitor to North Promenade groyne put in peril by carelessly-discarded fishing line

It is well-camouflaged but the tiny sandpiper (about the size of a starling) - and the fishing line - can clearly be seen

A STRETCH of fishing line thoughtlessly discarded by an angler put a rare shorebird at risk off the North Promenade in Cleethorpes this week.

Purple sandpipers breed in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions in summer, but they migrate south in winter.

In most years in Cleethorpes, one or two (or occasionally three) can sometimes be seen, when the tide is high,  pecking for insect prey on the wooden groynes, especially those north of the pier.

The well-camouflaged bird pictured above was hopping about, perilously close to fishing line. One hop in the wrong direction could have seen one or both legs being snagged - with unhappy consequences.

But the sandpiper avoided mishap and later flew to another groyne  to continue its quest for food

The fishing line has since been removed and disposed of in a safe place.

                              

The fishing line has now been removed and safely disposed of 

Former Grimsby Town manager leaves new job abruptly in wake of 2009 court conviction backlash

 

Ex-Mariner Michael Jolley - conviction has come back to haunt him

FORMER Grimsby Town manager Michael Jolley (48) has stepped down - after just two days - from his similar role at non-league Bury FC.

The parting of the ways comes by mutual consent after some fans, plus others connected with the club, objected to the appointment because Jolley has a 2009 conviction for having sex with a 15-year-old girl.

His defence was that he thought the girl was 19, but this was not  sufficient to save him from the conviction - nor, 16 years later, from the backlash in Bury.

In a statement on social media earlier this week, he said: "After a period of reflection over the weekend, it has become apparent that my appointment at Bury FC has become a distraction for the club and so I have decided to relinquish the opportunity to become first team manager.

"In summary, I do not wish my presence to deter the board from its mission of returning the club to its rightful place in the English Football League, and, on this basis I will stand aside to allow the club to move forward with all stakeholders aligned behind the club's board."

"I would like to wish the board, the players and the supporters, the very best for the future, and hope the club can continue its journey back to where it belongs."  

In its statement, Bury FC said: "The club can confirm that Michael Jolley has today been relieved of his duties as first-team manager by mutual consent.

"The board recognises the strength of feeling expressed in recent days by supporters, staff, partners and players,plus  the very real impact the board’s decision to appoint Michael has had on individuals connected to the club.

"We believe this step is necessary to help restore confidence, create space for reflection and allow Bury FC to move forward in a way that reflects our values and responsibilities."

The conviction did not cast any shadow over Jolley while he was in charge, between March 2018 and November 2019, at Blundell Park, nor during his subsequent spell at Barrow AFC. 

But times were different then. Rightly or wrongly, today's society is less forgiving of past transgressions.

A Cambridge University graduate with a degree in Economics, Jolley once worked as a City trader on the global money markets.

Before coming to Grimsby, his football experience extended to having worked at  the academies at Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest before taking a coaching role at Falkirk.

Subsequently he had coaching roles at Lincoln City, Crewe Alexandra, Burnley and Swedish club AFC Eskilstuna. 

Pedestrianisation project for Cleethorpes Market Place due to be rubber-stamped later this week

                                                         

Parking will no longer be permitted in Cleethorpes Market Place

THE last hurdle in the proposed revamp of Cleethorpes Market Place is expected to be cleared this week.

At a meeting on Thursday, North East Lincolnshire Council's portfolio holder for transport, Cllr Stewart Swinburn will rubber-stamp traffic restrictions that will lead to pedestrianisation of the Market Place.

However, at least for the time being, these orders will no longer include Osborne Street which is subject to a continuing traffic assessment.

A report states: "The introduction of appropriate on-street restrictions are proposed to support the regeneration and pedestrianisation of the area.

"The initiative forms part of the broader Cleethorpes Masterplan and aims to deliver a high-quality pedestrianised public square. 

"A key objective of the project is to enhance connectivity between the town centre and the seafront, creating a more cohesive and accessible urban environment that supports both community use and economic activity.

"Better connectivity encourages footfall and strengthens the high street’s role as a community hub." 

The authority says its vision is for  "a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment that doubles as a flexible event space". 

The report continues: "This transformation will enhance the town’s appeal, attract visitors, and support local businesses. 

"The scheme provides scope for landscaping, seating, and cultural features, making the area a destination for leisure and events, not just a thoroughfare." 

It adds: "Lower traffic volumes and improved walking and cycling infrastructure will contribute to reduced emissions and better air quality, supporting sustainability goals."

                                            

Osborne Street - subject to ongoing traffic assessment 

Who fly-tipped wooden chairs and ride-on toy car outside Grimsby's community recycling centre?

                                                           

NORTH East Lincolnshire Council is calling for the public’s help in identifying two individuals filmed on CCTV in the process of fly-tipping.

The incident, on Gilbey Road, Grimsby, outside the Community Recycling Centre, shows two individuals dumping a variety of items, such as a child’s car seat, a ride-on toy car and wooden chairs, from what is thought to be a Mercedes Vito van.

Having taken place on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, at 8:08pm, the council is now asking the public to help identify the individuals and vehicle concerned.

NELC contact details are 01472 326299 (Option 1) or email communityprotection@nelincs.gov.uk and quote PR202512-42164.

The Grimsby News says: Fly-tipping is highly antisocial, but this is far from being the worst example. The cuprits would probably like to have taken the items into the recycling centre but were frustrated to find that it was closed. It is curious that NELC has seen fit to launch an appeal for information. Although it has been blurred in the press release, the registration number on the vehicle is available to its officers. Would it not be simpler for the council to contact the licensing authority?

                                                                           

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."