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.
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.
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| 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.
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| 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?
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| 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.
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| The absorbent boom which is containing the oil slick |
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| 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.
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| One of the contaminated birds - photo Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue |
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| A Mute Swan with her brood on the country park's lake in a previous year |
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| 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.
