Wednesday, 30 September 2026

The day a Grimsby trawler caught fire - as depicted by artist G.E. Sapcote of Harrington Street, Cleethorpes

                                        

Online bids are now being accepted up until October 6 for this framed oil-on-canvas depicting the scene as an ablaze trawler, Gy Longson, is towed into dock by the Brenda Fisher tugboat. Measuring 46cm x 65.5cm, the painting is the 1966 work of G.E. Sapcote, of Harrington Street, Cleethorpes.  More details from John Taylors auctioneers of Louth (01507 603648).  


Proposal for nine-bungalow development on field on edge of Waltham has been withdrawn

                                                             

The proposed layout of the scheme before the application was withdrawn

AN application by developer Peter Strawson of Idyllic Estates to build nine bungalows in Waltham has been withdrawn.

Until the change of heart, the plot earmarked had been a field off Woodland Way, which is off Grimsby Road, on the outskirts of the village.

The was an objection from the parish council and four residents, but it has not been revealed why the application was withdrawn.                                           

Indication of how the bungalows might have looked

Images: Ross Davy Associates


Tuesday, 29 September 2026

On the market at £110,000 - cosy cottage with unobstructed views across estuary to Cleethorpes

                                           


UNOBSTRUCTED views  across the Humber Estuary to Cleethorpes have been identified as a feature of  a small  bungalow that has come on the market at Spurn.

The property - Clee View- is on the books of Withernsea-based Goodwin Fox at £110,000.

Says the brochure: "A unique opportunity to purchase a one- bedroom bungalow set on the banks of the Humber at Kilnsea on the outskirts of Spurn Point. 

"Famous for its wildlife and striking coastal surroundings, Spurn Point attracts thousands of birdwatchers and others. 

"With only a small number of properties in the area, homes here rarely come to the market."

It continues: "Positioned with open land to both the front and rear, the property enjoys far-reaching views across the Humber Estuary, with views towards Cleethorpes visible on a clear night - providing the inspiration for the name of this home. 

"The bungalow offers well-arranged accommodation including a double bedroom, lounge, open plan kitchen and dining area, bathroom and rear entrance porch.

"The mature gardens are a particular highlight, with established planting areas for growing your own produce, a greenhouse, potting shed, summerhouse and a mixture of paved, gravelled and artificial lawn areas. 

"An adjoining side garage provides useful storage, while the gravelled driveway offers off street parking.

"Gated access leads into the mature front garden which is bursting with established planting and colour. 

"The gravelled driveway provides off-street parking while side access leads to the adjoining garage, offering useful storage space.

"A front entrance porch opens into the lounge where French doors provide plenty of natural light and views towards the Humber Estuary. 

"A central solid fuel stove provides heating during the colder months.

"The kitchen is positioned towards the rear of the property and looks out over the garden. 

"It is a good size and open plan to a sitting/dining area, which also benefits from a solid fuel stove and a further window overlooking the garden.

"A built-in airing cupboard houses the immersion tank and provides additional storage."

The description concludes: "This rare property presents an appealing opportunity for anyone seeking a peaceful rural retreat in an exceptionally distinctive coastal setting."

However, there is a note of caution  that the property is of "non-standard construction" which may set a few alarm bells with prospective purchasers, especially when it comes to arranging a mortgage or flood insurance.

More details from Goodwin Fox at: 01964 775822.   

* Pictures: Rightmove


                                               

                                                                            

                                           








Monday, 28 September 2026

By-election looms in Cleethorpes' Croft Baker ward as serving Labour member decides to step down

                                           

It's good wishes to Marian Jervis who has decided to leave the council to concentrate on restoring her health 

VOTERS in Cleethorpes' Croft Baker will soon be going to the polls to elect a new councillor for their ward.

This follows the resignation of Labour representative Cllr Marian Jervis who has decided to step down as she continues her battle against recurring ill health.

Cllr Jervis is a friend of Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn who has expressed her sadness thus: "I have known and worked alongside Marian for a long time.

"Throughout her time as a councillor, she has been a tireless champion for our community.

"Since she was was elected, we have worked together to:

* Secure investment in Cleethorpes resort

* Campaign for the reopening of the public WCs,

* Obtain funding to modernise a local GP surgery

* Introduce a free breakfast club at one of the primary schools in the ward

* Push for new powers that will give local people a greater say over the future of St. Peter's Avenue.

"I know many residents will join me in thanking Marian for her dedication and service to Croft Baker, and in wishing her all the very best at a difficult time."

It is thought that the by-election, at a date to be announced, will be keenly contested because Croft Baker is a "swing" ward variously represented by Conservative, Labour, Lib-Dem and/or Reform UK candidates.

Croft Baker's other two serving councillors are NELC leader Oliver Freeston (Reform UK) and  Malcolm Morland (Lab).

Friday, 25 September 2026

Planning inspector overturns council decision and gives go-ahead for Grimsby houses development

                                                         

The site, not far from John Whitgift Academy, which has been earmarked for the development

AN independent planning inspector has overturned a North East Lincolnshire Council planning decision and given the green light for two pairs of semi-detached houses to be built on land off 9 Ashby Road in Grimsby.

Following objections to the project from nearby residents, planners ruled that development would "result in the loss of an area of land used as public open space by the local community". 

But the inspector was unimpressed by this argument, noting that there are plenty of other open spaces in the vicinity.

The successful appellant is Grimsby-based Ramella Rameco Ltd.

                                         

Artist's impression of the proposed design of the new houses 

Council snub for petition that seeks halt to contentious Pier Gardens transformation scheme

                                                          

Controversy continues to simmer over the Pier Gardens revamp project 

THERE was short shrift for a petition calling for a halt to the controversial revamp of Pier Gardens during last night's meeting of the full North East Lincolnshire Council.

Most of the trees, shrubs and lawns have already been felled, and the robins and blackbirds have long flown.

So where would be the merit in halting the project, paying off contractors Maylim and effectively leaving a building site?

There was no debate on the petition  after a brief statement from council leader Oliver Freeston (Reform UK) whose Croft Baker ward accommodates the gardens.

He acknowledged the dismay of many at the loss of green space but ruled out a pause at this stage of the project.

"It's too late in the day,"he declared.

Despite the disappointment of many residents and visitors at the destruction of the garden in their present form, there are probably just as many - if not more - who look forward to the transformation into what effectively will be a plaza with recreation facilities and  an adjacent skatepark.

The petitioner was not present at the meeting, held in Grimsby Town Hall, so her document was read by the mayor, Cllr Marian Boyd (Con, Park), below.                                          

Only time will tell whether the scheme, which is funded by Levelling-up monies from Whitehall, enhances the resort or diminishes it.                                                 

More like a concourse than a garden? The consultant's vision for Pier Gardens

Thursday, 24 September 2026

What are they doing to Cleethorpes Country Park? Fears for wildlife as reedbeds are decimated

Where have all the reeds gone? Clearance underway this week

 

THERE is disquiet this week  over clearance of extensive areas of reedbed, willow trees and scrub in  Cleethorpes Country Park.

North East Lincolnshire Council has been opening up and deepening the channels as apparent scenic and other 'enhancement' of the site.

But in doing so, it has eradicated precious nesting and over-wintering habitat for Water Rails, Cetti's Warblers, Sedge Warblers Great Crested Grebes, Mute Swans  and other birds.

The reedbeds occasionally attracted brief visits from Bearded Reedlings, Bitterns, Snipe and, this summer, a rare Purple Heron, and these are now likely to become more seldom.

There will also have been an adverse impact on the  pupae of certain butterfly, dragonfly and other species for which reeds provide a food plant.

The works have  prompted dismay among some regular park-users with one taking to social media to claim he had been brought "almost to  tears" at his outrage at what has been happening.  

On the plus side, clearance of the water-growing vegetation may have made the lakeside more amenable to fish and  to some birds  such as Kingfishers and possibly certain scarce small wading birds.

Oh dear, not a bird in sight

                                                   
Where once were shrubs and reeds, there is now a muddy morass

The Grimsby News says: The extent of works is disquieting, and there is no doubt that, at least in the short term, some wildlife will have been lost. But reedbeds quickly re-establish themselves, and maybe some of the departees will see fit to return in time for next spring's breeding season. In the meantime, NELC should waste no time in issuing a statement explaining why the works are being carried out and for what purpose. It would also be interesting to know the cost of the project.