Food processing giant promises 1,400 operational jobs if it gets the go-ahead for Grimsby venture

                                           

One for  the birds! Europarc could host giant poultry processing 'factory'

A MAJOR food company says it will create more than 2,000 jobs in Grimsby if it gets the green light to build a chicken processing plant on the outskirts of Grimsby.

Cranswick plc has earmarked land at Europarc for what it promises would be a "state-of-the-art, purpose-built poultry processing facility".

It says its £200-million venture would bring:

* 800 construction jobs supported during the two-year build phase, generating substantial local supply chain expenditure 

* 1,400 permanent operational jobs created across diverse skill levels, directly supporting North East Lincolnshire Council's employment target of 8,800 jobs. 

* Targeted local recruitment strategy backed by robust apprenticeship, graduate trainee and youth development programs to address regional skills gaps. 

The project would involve both day and night working, involving the processing of  up to approximately 1.75 million birds per week.

Says the company: "The operational activities of the poultry processing facility would comprise:

* The receipt of live poultry

* Stunning and processing

* Chilling, packing and dispatch of poultry products

* Associated ancillary activities including refrigeration, waste handling, effluent storage, staff facilities, servicing, and vehicle movements. 

All activities would be undertaken in an enclosed space away from public view.

Prior to being slaughtered, how well will the birds be looked after?

A company spokesperson  insists: "Cranswick is committed to maintaining high animal welfare standards throughout all  operations and  supply chains.  

"As well as their own Animal Welfare Policies, Cranswick and supplying farms and processing sites operate in accordance with UK animal welfare legislation and industry best practice. 

"This includes recognised welfare schemes such as RSPCA Assured, Red Tractor or equivalent as a minimum."

Also a major player  in pig product processing, Cranswick has, over the last 50 years, grown to become one of the biggest food producers in the UK. 

The business has a turnover of £3-billion and directly employs over 16,500 people while supporting a further 49,900 jobs across the UK.  

Originating in East Yorkshire, Cranswick has seven food manufacturing sites in Hull and a further 14  sites across England, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as a substantial farming business. 

The nearest equivalent to its proposed Europarc scheme is its 2019-constructed processing facility at Eye in Norfolk.

The company has submitted a planning application to North East Lincolnshire Council.

                                       

The cover of the company's most recent annual report

                                   

                                            

Anyone for sausage rolls and jam doughnuts? Fuel station site could host new Grimsby branch of Greggs

                                                            

A NEW Greggs bakery is in prospect for Grimsby.

The fast-expanding  Newcastle-based company has earmarked the St Martin's garage on Scartho Road for its next venture.

The Jet fuel sales will  continue but the existing carwash would be demolished in favour of constructing a single-storey extension to the existing Londis store.

However, an exiting  jet-wash would be retained and enhanced.

Agents for the scheme say 10 jobs would be created in the bakery.

There have been strong objections from nearby residents over the prospect of increased noise and traffic with additional worries about the prospect of litter and antisocial behaviour.

However, the project is due to be recommended for approval at a planning meeting on Wednesday of next week, September 2.

Barclays Bank to relocate soon from Grimsby Town Hall to unit in Freshney Place shopping centre

                                               

Soon to welcome a Barclays Bank branch - Freshney Place

THERE has today been a boost for Freshney Place in Grimsby's Top Town with the announcement that Barclays Bank will open a mini-branch there  this autumn.

It has decided to relocate from Grimsby Town Hall.

Says a bank spokesperson: "This move will ensure we can remain part of the local community, providing convenient face-to-face banking support  where people live, work and shop. 

"We look forward to opening our doors this autumn and welcoming both existing and new customers."

Equally upbeat is Freshney Place manager Elliott Andrews. "We are  delighted,"he enthuses.

"Access to everyday services remains an important part of any thriving town centre, and having Barclays Local based here further strengthens our offer for visitors and the local community." 

Meanwhile NELC comments: "This represents another important step in the centre’s continued evolution. 

"Offering a blend of retail, cafes, health services and soon leisure and entertainment - when the new extension opens - the shift reflects the changing way people use town centres." 

The precise date of the relocation and the hours of opening are  yet to be confirmed.

Decision day looms on proposal to introduce charges at popular seafront car park in Humberston

                           

The current signage at the seaside car park

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to introduce charging at a popular seafront car park is being backed by North East Lincolnshire Council's planning department.

There was fury when it emerged in May that holiday company Haven Leisure was intent on installing two pay machines, six bollards, a 2.1-metre height restriction barrier, a camera and associated signage at the site to the north of Anthony's Bank in Humberston.

Its application was  submitted by Lichfields - the same agents that Lidl are using to progress their proposal to redevelop the former Pleasure Island theme park.

Said Naomi Parker of Lichfields: "The scheme has been proposed in response to ongoing issues associated with anti-social behaviour, unauthorised overnight parking, long term parking and the use of the area by camper vans for informal encampment."

But the proposal did  not go down well with residents and visitors who have long been used to parking free - up to 63 cars at a time - on the 0.68-hectare tree-bordered site.

The council has received scores of objections - some from holiday visitors from South Yorkshire and beyond, plus one from Humberston Village Council.

The pay-to-park project is due to be determined next Wednesday morning September 2 at a meeting in Grimsby Town Hall.

Recommending  approval, the planning case officer, Mark Danforth,  says: "This application is not for the change the use of the overall site or to remove the car park, and it would remain readily available for general public car parking though at a cost. 

"This is far from unusual, and it is not considered that there are land use planning objections to the principle of charging. 

"It is also worth noting that the council's estates officer has confirmed that the charging does not conflict with the lease of the land with the council. 

"This proposal is for the installation of the car parking management system, and it is solely these structures which are to be determined in this case. 

"The large number of objections against the imposition of a payment system for the car parking are fully acknowledged and are understandable given the fact that it has for many years been a free car park.

"However, these concerns do not represent justifiable planning grounds for an objection."

It is understood that no trees will need to be removed.

It has not yet been revealed what  scale of parking charges Haven Leisure might be prepared to introduce.

                                 

Entrance to the car park where charges are being sought

Handy for access to the beach - location of the car park

Freshney Place dig reveals intriguing artefacts that throw light on Grimsby during reign of King John

A lead stamp with an inscribed tree has been discovered by archaeologists excavating Grimsby's Freshney Place development site. Possibly dating back as far as the early 13th Century when King John granted the town a charter, it would have been used to  stamp impressions into hot wax to authenticate documents. These functioned like a modern signature, allowing both those who could read and write and illiterate individuals across all social classes, from merchants to clergy and farmers, to legalise everything from letters to legal transactions. Other finds have included numerous remnants of leather, suggesting that  there might once have been a shoe-making factory on the site. Enthuses North East Lincolnshire Council's cabinet member for heritage, Cllr Tanya Brasted:"These are exciting finds for our town centre, and, in time, I hope they can be put on display for everyone to see."

Indian restaurant's upbeat message to customers: 'We are still open, still cooking and still serving you"

                                     

IT is business as usual at a popular Indian restaurant and takeaway.

The Spice of Life, on Wellowgate in Grimsby,   had its licence revoked at a North East Lincolnshire Council committee meeting last week following allegations that it had been engaging staff members who were not legally entitled to be working in this country.

But the restaurant's management has since appealed.

It is understood that the  matter is now set to be determined by Grimsby magistrates at a date to be fixed.

In the meantime,  a well-received social media statement, issued earlier this week, reads as follows: 

"Spice of Life is OPEN as usual.  

"You may have seen some stories about us in the media. 

"We are here to let you know that we are still here, still cooking and still serving you.  

"Nothing has changed at Spice of Life. Come in and enjoy your favourites with us.  

"Thank you to everyone who has checked in and supported us - it means a lot.  

"With love,  

"The Spice of Life family"

                                         

Proposal for Grimsby's former Customs House to be converted to flats gets planning green light

                                           

Grand old building that has served many purposes in its 151-year lifetime

 

A NEW chapter could soon open for the Customs House, a Grade II Listed building off Cleethorpe Road in Grimsby.

Opened in December 1875 to help in the oversight and supervision of maritime trade, it has had different uses in more recent times.

It has variously been offices, a bar, a discotheque and even, briefly, a massage parlour.

In late 2023, consent was given for it to become a funeral directors' premises but it is uncertain whether it was ever used as such.

In the latest move, the planning go-ahead was this week given for the currently empty property and adjacent building to be converted to  a shop and seven apartments.  

However, conversion may take some while because of the dilapidated state of the interior.

According to an architectural report, "the current condition  has been adversely affected through vandalism following a break-in in last year. 

"Damage was caused to windows and internal surfaces following the stripping-out of copper wiring and with subsequent water damage."

It is understood the shop will be a conveniences store.

The successful applicant is Mr Mohammad Ashraf of  Leicester-based ASR Property Trading Ltd.