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 Meridien 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

Work resumes on Cleethorpes seafront 'amenity' building but is council struggling to find tenants?

                                         

Above and below: artist's impressions of how the site might look once construction is completed 

 

AN assurance has been given that work is set to resume  in earnest on Cleethorpes' start-stop project to build a new amenity building on Sea Road opposite the pier. 

The work was halted last year after the previous contractor, JemBuild, had to pull out as a result of sad and unforeseen circumstances.

It was hoped that another local construction firm would take up the reins but instead the prestigious  contract has gone to the Lincoln-based Lindum Group.  

A new three-storey art deco-style building will be constructed on the brownfield site that was formerly occupied by a a pub.

It will accommodate WCs and changing facilities, but what else?

No one seems to know, not even the project's sponsors, North East Lincolnshire, which will  only say: "It will comprise retail or hospitality space."

This seems to suggest that it might be struggling to find a tenant. 

Access will be by both the first and ground floors.

Over the past couple of weeks, work has been ongoing  to complete some of the internal detailed designs and to remove spoil from the site.

Lindum Group co-chairman Freddie Chambers comments: "Lindum is a Lincolnshire-based company with strong links to this part of the county, and we are committed to supporting the local economy through the use of local subcontractors and suppliers wherever possible. 

"We look forward to engaging with local groups and stakeholders throughout the project, including opportunities for site visits where appropriate.

"We are pleased to be working with North East Lincolnshire Council once again -  previous projects together have included works to the Grade II listed Victoria Mill building and upgrades at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre."

The Grimsby News says: So far down the track  it seems surprising that NELC does not appear to know whether the anchor tenant will be a retailer or a hospitality-provider such as a restaurant or a pub. The internal requirements would be quite different, so what specifications will Lindum follow when it fits out the interior? While uncertainty prevails, the concern is that no anchor tenant will come forward in which case the new building might end up as no more than an empty shell - in effect a white elephant. NELC needs to provide some clarity.                                               

MP Melanie Onn calls for greater haste from council in tackling backlog of pothole repairs

                                                              

Melanie Onn: 'Proliferation of potholes is a big problem' (photo: Facebook)

GRIMSBY and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn has called on North East Lincolnshire Council to step up the pace of pothole repairs  in the constituency.

In her monthly half-hour surgery on social media, she declared: "Potholes are popping up all over the place because cold and weather has undermined the quality of asphalt on road surfaces.

"As a result, damage is being caused to vehicles and danger is being created for pedestrians, cyclists and those using mobility scooters.

"It's a big problem."

The MP acknowledged that NELC had a repairs schedule but maintained that the authority could act with greater haste given that it had recently received £1.1-million in funding from Whitehall.

"The schedule is not keeping up with the proliferation of potholes," she added. "Much more needs to be done - and can be done."

                                         

This Cleethorpes road junction pothole is particularly treacherous for cyclists

Planning green light for former cycle shop in Cleethorpes to become hot food takeaway business

                                            

This former cycle shop at 107 Grimsby Road in Cleethorpes is set to become a hot food takeaway premises. There have been no objections from neighbours, and the application has been approved by North East Lincolnshire Council planners. The proposal includes the installation of a 5.1-metre high extraction flue to the rear.

Property up for auction as bookmaking firm William Hill pulls out of Cleethorpes

The former betting shop and flat on Grimsby Road

BOOKMAKERS William Hill have vacated their only remaining shop in Cleethorpes.

The branch in Market Place closed several years ago, and now the long-establised firm has bid farewell to its premises at 249 Grimsby Road.

More and more betting shops are closing as punters switch to online betting.

The property, which includes a two-bedroom flat above, is due to go under the hammer at an online-only auction to be held on March 31-April 1.

Say the Auction Agent website: "This is a superb opportunity to purchase a vacant mixed-use premises. 

"The property occupies a prominent main road position in Cleethorpes and benefits from good transport links as well as convenient access to a wide range of local amenities with  Grimsby Town Football Club, Cleethorpes Beach and St Hugh’s Hospital all within walking distance. 

"A good selection of shops, pubs, restaurants and schools are all nearby, further enhancing the appeal of this mixed-use investment opportunity."