Trading Standards officers in surprise swoop on 25 jewellery premises in Grimsby and Cleethorpes

                                   

ONLY eight out of 25 jewellery shops in Grimsby and Clethorpes were found to be fully compliant with legislation when checks were carried out by North East Lincolnshire Council trading standards team.

During the operation, the local officers were joined by representatives of the Assay Office organisation which tests precious metals to ensure the hallmarks they carry are authentic.

During two days of inspections, they examined numerous items including gold chains, bracelets and  rings at 14 businesses in Grimsby and 11 in Cleethorpes. 

The aim of the project  was to determine how many jewellers in the area were following the correct laws and giving the customer a genuine piece of jewellery.

Their findings were as follows:

* 8 businesses not displaying dealer's notice - an official sign that is legally required  to give notice to customers about precious metals including its purity and the hallmarks

* 3 businesses displaying out-of-date dealer notices

*10 businesses displaying non-hallmarked items

* 2 businesses using scales not stamped for business use

Says NELC: "Only eight of the businesses were fully compliant, and a total of nine premises will be re-visited to ensure compliance with the Hallmarking Act 1973. 

"Information on these failures will be shared nationally to assist in building the intelligence picture – known as Operation Tudor Rose."

Graham Mogg, of Sheffield Assay Office, said: "Hallmarking of precious metals is the oldest form of consumer protection and it is vital that businesses selling gold, silver, platinum and palladium jewellery meet their legal obligations. 

"The hallmarking process provides independent verification of the purity, authenticity, and quality of precious metal items and it protects buyers from fraud." 

The council has not named the premises it visited, nor those where "issues" were detected.

It is not thought that any prosecutions will ensue.  

'Preventative' works now underway at Grimsby Central Library aimed at halting further rain damage

                                                                     

Works to repair roof now underway

WELL over a year after it was closed following a leak, works today started with the aim of stopping further rain ingress at Grimsby Central Library.

The contract for "initial preventative works" has been awarded to ABM Roofing.

The following statement has been issued by North East Lincolnshire Council: "Scaffolding is being put up on the pavement next to the rear loading doors of the building to allow the contractors to access the roof areas. 

"This will be protected by hoarding. There will be pavement diversions, but road closures are not anticipated at this time.

"The works will take approximately six weeks, with work happening on week days between approximately 8am to 4pm. 

"There should not be any significant noise."

The library closed in March last year over particular concerns that rain may have disturbed asbestos.

Most of the books  are currently in storage, though some are in the pop-up library in nearby Freshney Place.

Almost 600 toys confiscated from 'numerous' trading premises in Cleethorpes during council swoop

                                                    

Some of the items seized 

ALMOST 600 toys have been removed from "numerous" trading premises in Cleethorpes.

The confiscations came following a two-day swoop by North East Lincolnshire Council's trading standards team who said they were "unsafe and illegal.

In a statement, NELC says: "From potential choking hazards to a lack of trademarks, there were multiple reasons the near 600 toys were removed."

One item was a fake Labubu containing a  pack which secured batteries using gaffer tape.

The council has not identified the premises nor said if any prosecutions will ensue.

All the way from Africa - North East Lincolnshire gardens see population explosion of Painted Ladies

                                                                        

Unprecedented numbers of fast-flying Painted Lady butterflies are being seen in North East Lincolnshire gardens. The pale-coloured insects reach Britain after breeding in North Africa and the Mediterranean. According to the organisation, Butterfly Conservation, numbers this year - particularly along the East Coast - are the highest for 17 years.                                                            

Hearty pat on back for Cleethorpes restaurant that has long been a favourite with residents and visitors

              

It's good to see plaudits for a Cleethorpes fish restaurant in the national press. This enthusiastic write-up featured in the survey of the country's top fish and chips shops that appeared in a recent edition of The Daily Telegraph newspaper.    

                                 

                                                        

Independent inspector backs NELC's decision to refuse consent for 120 new homes in New Waltham

The paddock that had been earmarked for up to 120 homes 

A CONTROVERSIAL proposal for up to 120 homes to be built in New Waltham has been knocked on the head.

When North East Lincolnshire Council planners refused consent for the development off  Station Road, Snape Properties Ltd and Lydia Tyler appealed to the Planning Inspectorate for the decision to be overturned.

But after a hearing, the appeal inspector upheld NELC's decision and dismissed the appeal.

The site is a paddock on New Waltham's boundary with Waltham opposite Newgrove House care home.

In his report on the matter, the appeal inspector, Mr R. Sabu says: "The proposal would include a significant amount of  built development along with  domestic paraphernalia and hard landscaping."

                                        

How the development might have looked had it been granted planning consent

Eyeball to eyeball! Liam's stunning photograph of handsome Oystercatcher unveiled by NELC

 

                              

A STUNNING close-up photograph of an Oystercatcher on Cleethorpes beach is being used by North East Lincolnshire Council to publicise World Environment Day 2026 which is this Friday June 5.

The shot was captured by frontline birder-photographer Liam Smith as he lay on the sand  just inches from the bird.

This borough does not boast any RSPB or Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust reserves but it is home to a range of protected habitats, most notably the south bank of the Humber.

Cleethorpes has its own official coastal ranger, Josh Forrester, who organises regular nature walks.

Says he: "North East Lincolnshire is incredibly fortunate to have such a rich and diverse natural environment."                                        

                      

Cleethorpes saltmarsh is home to many specialist plants and birds