Who will be NELC's next chief executive? Interviews to be held tomorrow at Fishing Heritage Centre

Interviews will be held here tomorrow

IT'S crunch time tomorrow for candidates seeking to become next (and possibly) last chief executive of North East Lincolnshire Council.

The future of the authority is uncertain pending a proposed reorganisation of local government in Lincolnshire and other parts of the country.

The top post at NELC has been  vacant since Rob Walsh left in May last year after 11 years in the hot seat.

Since then, Sharon Wroot has won quiet acclaim for the competence with which she has held the reins on an interim basis.

It is not known either if Ms Wroot has applied to take over on a permanent basis or  how many other candidates - whether internal or external - have thrown their hat into the ring.

The advantage of appointing an internal candidate is that it would most likely encourage continuity at a time when NELC has many capital projects at various states of progress, some of them not very fast.

Appointment of an outside candidate - assuming the post has been advertised externally - would be riskier, but might bring fresh thinking and imagination, plus much-needed dynamism in "getting things done".

The interviews are being held between 10am and 3pm in the Fishing Heritage Centre in Grimsby.

Firing the questions will be members of NELC's appointments committee which comprises chairman Philip Jackson (Con), deputy chairman Stan Shreeve (Con), Margaret Cracknell (Con), Emma Clough (Lab), Karl Wilson (Lab), Steve Beasant (Lib-Dem) and  Steve Holland (Ind).

Concern that family of Barn Owls could be displaced by plan for nine new homes near Waltham golf course

The field earmarked for new houses (Image: Google Earth)

NINE new homes  are in prospect for land off Cheapside in Waltham.

Utterby-based C J Wilkinson & Sons have earmarked a 6.7-hectare field almost opposite the village golf course's club house.

Their agents say the site can accommodate the proposed properties "without appearing or feeling cramped and, importantly, respecting the neighbours' residential amenities".

There are a number of trees to the site’s boundaries, all of which will  survive, say the applicants, if they are deemed "worthy of retention".

However, securing planning permission from North East Lincolnshire Council may be a challenge given that  the field is not identified as a development site in the Local Plan.

There is also concern for the welfare of a family of Barn Owls, a highly protected species, which forage for small rodents in the long grass and which are thought to nest in the vicinity.

                                                                

Barn Owl on the prowl

Don't worry be happy! House that resembles Mississippi paddle boat has come on market

                                    

HAPPINESS is a way of life!

That's the cheerful message inside a Mississippi-style Cleethorpes property that has just come on to the books of Croft estate agents with an asking price of £449,000.

"This is a landmark property in the heart of Cleethorpes yet hidden away on a privately-owned, gated avenue."say Crofts.

"It is a three storey, semi-detached town house with wraparound balconies on two of the floors offering stunning sea views. 

"This wonderful three-floor property was built in 1911 to resemble an Indian Tea Plantation house although got its current name because of its likeness to a Mississippi paddle boat. 

"The ground floor comprises entrance hall, kitchen leading into the dining room, downstairs sitting room/study, pantry and ground floor cloakroom with WC. 

"The first floor has a spacious sitting room stretching the length of the property, a snug/bedroom and bathroom. On the second floor, there are three bedrooms, a shower room and a laundry room. 

"The property has an easy to maintain front garden with parking for three cars and a large detached brick garage. 

"At the rear of the property, there is a south west facing private courtyard ideal for alfresco dining and entertaining."

Photos: Crofts estate agents                                      

 

Council poised to install advertisement banners and signage outside Meridian Showground

Above and below are examples of two of no fewer than 11 advertisement banners and structures that North East Lincolnshire Council is proposing to install on or near the railings outside the Meridian Centre in Cleethorpes. The hope is that this proliferation of signage will not make this part of the resort look cluttered or tacky.

Boost for Grimsby's Freshney Place shopping centre as two retailers renew their leases

                                                            

Trespass - outdoor wear specialist

TWO national retailers have renewed their leases at Freshney Place, signalling their ongoing commitment to Grimsby and local customers.

Trespass and The Perfume Shop have both secured their future position at the shopping centre as it undergoes a £50-million redevelopment scheme.

Says Freshney Place centre manager Elliot Andrews: "We are delighted that Trespass and The Perfume Shop have renewed their leases - as popular, national brands they add significant value to the centre."

Ahead of completion of the regeneration project, which is due next year, shop occupancy sats at 95 per cent.                                              

Firm trading has encouraged The Perfume Shop to renew its lease

Main contractor in appeal to local tradesmen to pitch for work on grand Pier Gardens revamp project

 

One of three new artists' impressions images released ahead of a Meet the Buyer day on March 23 

CONTRACTORS interested in pitching for work on the revamp of Pier Gardens  are being invited to attend a  Meet the Buyer event in Cleethorpes Town Hall between 11am and 3pm on March 23.

According to North East Lincolnshire Council, the event will give businesses and inviduals "a clear understanding of the work packages, materials, services and skills required for the project over the next 15 months"

Attendees will have the chance to meet the project team, discuss likely procurement needs and explore partnership opportunities.

The session will open with a short introduction from the Maylim team before attendees are invited to visit four themed stalls:

* Stall 1: About Maylim: An overview of the company, its experience delivering public realm projects, and the vision for Pier Gardens.

* Stall 2: Procurement (Local Suppliers): A breakdown of materials and service categories Maylim will be sourcing locally where possible, including general building products, aggregates, concrete, office supplies, plant, site equipment and maintenance, workwear and PPE, tools, printing, transport, accommodation and IT.

* Stall 3: Subcontractors: Information on upcoming subcontracting opportunities including bricklaying, soft maintenance, rendering, carpentry, electrical work, groundworks and paving.

* Stall 4: Work placements & careers: Guidance on skills, training routes and future opportunities across engineering, electrical work and soft landscaping.

Says a  spokesperson for the project:: "We are committed to supporting local businesses and ensuring the community benefits from this major investment in Cleethorpes. 

"This event is a chance for suppliers and trades to understand what’s coming up, ask questions directly and explore how we can work together as the project progresses."                                                         

Fun for the kiddies - artist's impression of the proposed play structures

                                                               

How the proposed water feature might look

NELC plans to increase capacity of Meridian Showground from 5,000 to 15,000

                                                                

Completed in 2009, the Meridian Showground has not yet quite fulfilled its potential

THE maximum capacity of the Meridian Showground in Cleethorpes could be increased from the present figure of 5,000 to almost 15,000.

North East Lincolnshire Council leisure chiefs think this is essential to "cater to the demands of larger-scale events and unlock its true potential".

A report states: "The site is already a key venue within our resort, playing a vital role in hosting a diverse range of events, from cultural festivals to sports event. 

"However, 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.

It has not yet been stated how any increased attendances would be accommodated, and some nearby residents might be fearful of increased traffic and parking congestion, though the authors of the report do not expect this to be an issue.

More details of the proposal are expected in the coming weeks.                                 

Kestrel's eye view of the site which is at the southern end of Cleethorpes