Woman who has fronted NELC regeneration projects leaves for new career challenge in Bradford

Ms Borgstrom grew up in Sweden where she went to university 

THE executive director who has been  spearheading regeneration projects in North East Lincolnshire for the past eight years has left the council.

Carolina Borgstrom has taken up a  top-level position as strategic director of environment at Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

This means she will not be here to see to fruition of various Levelling-up schemes such as, in Grimsby,  the Freshney Place revamp and, in Cleethorpes, the makeover of Pier Gardens and the construction of an amenity building on Sea Road.

In a social media post, she writes: "Wow, what a journey the last eight years has been!

" North East Lincolnshire, little but mighty. This place has a way of drawing you in, and while I might be moving somewhere else professionally, I know I’ll always feel part of this place and its journey. 

"There are still more things to do and to finish off - there always are -  but I’m really proud of how far we’ve come. 

"Proud of the part I’ve played, but even more proud of what the wider team and our partners have achieved together. It’s not just about buildings, investment or town centres. It’s about people.

"On my last day, the town and resort looked sparkling as they always do - not because we’re a council flushed with resources, far from it, but because we have an amazing workforce who turn up every day and give it their best. People who genuinely care about this place and want it to be a great place to live, work and visit.

"That’s also why I know the journey won’t stop when I leave - it is only just gaining traction. 

"As I take my leave, I genuinely can’t quite believe how far we’ve come in eight years! 

"But now it’s time for a new adventure, and I’m really excited to be heading to Bradford MDC and seeing what the next chapter brings."

There have been many kind words for Ms Borgstrom from colleagues past and present

NELC's chief executive, Sharon Wroot told her: "Carolina, firstly I’m so proud of you! 

"I’ve watched you grow into the absolutely amazing authentic tenacious leader that you are. 

"Secondly, while I am sad to see you go, I know that Bradford will be gaining a hugely talented and passionate public sector professional. 

"Congratulations , wishing you every success and come back and see us soon."

Meanwhile, former council chief executive Rob Walsh, comments: "All the best Carolina. You are a first class officer. Bradford have really got a good'un!"

It is understood an interim regeneration director is now holding the fort at NELC assisted by long-serving assistant director of regeneration, Damien Jaines-White.

The wait goes on for completion of long-delayed fuel station revamp at Tesco superstore in Cleethorpes

 

Uncertainty continues to prevail over the likely re-opening date for the long-delayed fuel station refurbishment scheme at the Tesco Extra supermarket in Cleethorpes. At the time of closure early this year, the projected re-opening date was July 27, but this was put back to to Friday October 9, reportedly  when it was found that one of the storage tanks was the wrong size for the excavation pit that had been dug for it. However,  the weekend has come and gone, and there are no signs that the project is anywhere nearing completion. The word among staff is that re-opening is scheduled - unofficially - to re-open at the end of this month, but some think that this may be put back to November or later. 

                                                                            

Annual short-back-and-sides for grassland on Cleethorpes foreshore nature reserve

The nature reserve grassland off Marine Embankment in Cleethorpes has this week had its annual cut. The mowing has been thorough, but some areas have been left untouched because, at this time of year, they are likely to be home to butterfly eggs - including those of the uncommon Green Hairstreak. Part of the cost of the mowing is likely to defrayed by sale of the grass to be converted to high-silage as fodder to be fed to ruminant cattle and other livestock. 

 

Second chance to bid for 1778 map of Grimsby, Cleethorpes, northern Lincolnshire and the Humber

                                    

AN historic map of  North Lincolnshire and the Humber this week failed to find a buyer at auction.

It is of great interest because it dates back to 1778 and depicts Grimsby,  'Clea' (= Cleethorpes), Immingham and adjacent hamlets before their development.

Inset within the map, which measures 85cm x 67cm, is a street plan of  Grimsby as it was almost 250 years ago (see below).

Louth auction house John Taylors had estimated that the hammer would fall at between £100 and £150, but the map, which is framed, was withdrawn from sale - presumably because bids failed to reach the reserve price.  

However, all is not lost. It has been entered in a new online auction which runs until Monday. 

More details from John Taylors at 01507 603648.

             

 

Bring on the fresh bread and cakes! Planning go-ahead for bakery (and more) at Morrisons

                                           

You can't beat a good sponge cake - especially one made with fresh cream!

THE planning green light has been given by North East Lincolnshire Council for major works tat the Morrisons supermarket and fuel station on the outskirts of Grimsby.

These include construction of a bakery extension to the side of the store which is on Hilmore Road, Laceby.

Also in the pipeline are installation of an outdoor laundrette and parcel lockers.

At the fuel station, the height of the forecourt canopy will be raised and the existing jet wash bays will be replaced by four new ones, all to be screened,  and two valet bays.

The Motor Fuel Group, which operates the filling station, also intends to install EV charging points and to enlarge the kiosk to provide a wider range of goods.

Some landscaping will also be incorporated into the overall project.

There has been no objection from Laceby Parish Council.

Keen competition expected at by-election to fill NELC's Croft Baker ward vacancy

                                           

Tree-lined St Peter's Avenue is in the Croft Baker ward

 

A DATE of Thursday November 12 has been set for the by-election in Cleethorpes’ Croft Baker ward.

The vacancy on North East Lincolnshire Council has been brought about by the resignation through ill health of Labour representative Marian Jervis.

Croft Baker includes St Peter’s Avenue, Pier Gardens and much of the promenade.

The seat - which regularly changes political allegiance - is certain to be contested by the main political parties, and it may be that one or more Independents will also throw their hats into the ring.

For prospective candidates, NELC is holding a briefing session at Grimsby Town Hall at 5.30pm today (Wednesday).

It will cover the following:

* Election timetable

* Qualifications and disqualifications

* Nomination process

* Appointment of election agents

* Voter ID

* Candidates’ expenses.

Says a council spokesperson: "Anyone  thinking of standing as a candidate, particularly if new to the nomination and election process, is strongly urged to attend the briefing session which will last for approximately one hour."

The closing date for nominations to be submitted to the municipal offices in Town Hall Square, Grimsby, is 4pm on Friday October 16.

Croft Baker ward has two other sitting candidates, NELC leader Oliver Freeston (Reform UK) and Malcolm Morland  (Lab) who chairs the authority’s economy, culture and tourism scrutiny panel.

                                        

Modest hammer prices for two historic Grimsby trawler oil paintings at Louth auction sale

 

The relatively subdued market for oil-on-board paintings of historic  Grimsby trawlers was reflected in the hammer prices paid at an auction held today by John Taylors of Louth. Keith Baldock's study (above) of the Lord Beaty fetched £70 while a bid of just £35 was sufficient to secure ASO Moore's depiction of the Prince Philip.