LICENCE FEE HIKES IN PROPECT FOR COMMERCIAL OPERATORS OF BOARDING KENNELS, PUPPY FARMS, CATTERIES AND RIDING STABLES

A CASH jolt is looming for owners of  kennels, catteries and other pet-holding premises in the Grimsby area.

North East Lincolnshire Council is poised to bump up licence fees for commercial operators - and, in some cases, to introduce them where they did not previously exist.

The proposed new price structure is as follows:

* Home boarding of dogs £374 (previously £100)
* Day care of dogs £356 (previously non-applicable)
* Animal boarding £400 (previously £120)
* Dog breeding £488 (previously £140)
* Hiring out horses £488 (previously £140)
* Sales of animals £391 (previously £120)
* Exhibiting or performing animals £374 (previously non-applicable)
* Application to review Star Rating £114 (previously non-applicable)
* Application to vary licence £123 (previously non-applicable)  

The authority says the increases are necessary because of revisions to the 2006 Animal Welfare Act.

The risk is that some operators may choose not to register - a course of action that could lead to enforcement action and possibly an appearance in court. 

On the plus side, the new licences, though more expensive, will, in most cases, cover three years rather than just one as at present.

Says NELC: "Income generated from the fees will be approximately £30,000, though the majority of this will cover a three-year year licensing period."

It has not stated whether the new regime will also apply to pigeon-fanciers or breeders of other birds, such as budgerigars or canaries, who exhibit their prize specimens at shows.

PURRING ALONG NICELY - IT'S TOP MARKS FOR MOST OF THE GRIMSBY- AREA'S COMMERCIAL KENNELS, CATTERIES AND STABLES

Miaow! Five stars for the area's  local catteries

HOW highly do the Grimsby area's commercial kennels, catteries, stables rate? Almost all of them have achieved five-star status according to the latest inspection update supplied  by North East Lincolnshire Council. The full list is published below.

In the Playhouse: Mrs T Molson, Day Care for Dogs 5

Doggi Deli: Mr S Seddon, Day Care for Dogs 3

Dogs @ Home: J E Craigie, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Mrs Rachel Hemsley, Dog Breeding 5

Mrs Elizabeth Forster, Home Boarding for Dogs 2

Nunny Farm: Neil Campbell, Exhibition of Animals (No rating required)

Happy Puppy: Wendy Baron, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Home from Home at Fay's: Fay Porrill, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Chestnut Garden Cattery: Mrs Elaine Oxborrow ,Cat Boarding 5

Cheep Tweets Cage & Aviary Birds: John/Steve Atmore, Selling Animals as Pets 5

Bespoke Pet Services: Mrs Helen Turrell, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Purrfect Retreat Cattery: Mr Colin McCayne, Cat Boarding 5

Pets Time: Karen Valentine, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Kim's Canines: Kim Roberts, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Wet Noses and Waggy Tails: Mrs Sue Smith, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

CatNaps Cattery: Mr I Cartwright, Cat Boarding 5

Pets at Home Store Manager, Selling Animals as Pets 5

Maidenhead Aquatics @ Grimsby: Lee Couling, Selling Animals as Pets 5

Off the Leash: Aimee Kersey, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Cuddles Cattery: Julie Burrell, Cat Boarding  5

Victor Aquatics: Mrs Laura Hambling, Selling Animals as Pets 5

Wags: Donna Bond, Home Boarding for Dogs  5

Paw Perfect: Sally Davies, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Pasture Pet & Pond: Mr Mark Gordon, Selling Animals as Pets 5

Sanscoe Boarding Kennels: Mr Stephen Swaby-Pritchard, Dog /Cat Boarding  5

Troggs Dog Walkers: Julie Johnson, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Ocean's Bay Aquatics: Mr Gavin Clarke, Selling Animals as Pets 5

Elite Koi: Mr Christopher Jubb, Selling Animals as Pets 5

Waltham Rambles: Lynn Hatfield, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Harrisons Pet Shop: Martin Harrison, Selling Animals as Pets 5

Perfect Paws Dog Breeders: Mr Gianni Ardito, Dog Breeding 5

Pet Stay, Waltham: Carla Parkinson, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Exotics of the World: Ashley Norman, Selling Animals as Pets 5

Millview Cattery: Roseann Clayton, Cat Boarding 5

Poochabout: Kerry Beilby, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Grassmere Cattery: Lisa Thompson, Cat Boarding 5

The Dogfather: Kevin Baskcom, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Dogs Just Wanna Have Fun: Debbie Appleyard, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Paws n Beaks Pet Services: Lisa Sinden, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Tracy's Groom & Board: Tracy Warren, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Mrs Rance - Dog Breeder: Mrs Lesley Rance, Dog Breeding 5

Pups, Purr & Fur: Rebecca Burn, Cat Boarding/Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Lincolnshire Wolds Pet Care: Michaela Collins, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Pet Stay: Maureen Silcox, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

The Long & Short of It: Tonja Yates, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Wags & Walks: Mrs Dawn Baker, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Pets Stay: Karen Simpson, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Lowenlove Chihuahuas: Lillian Owen, Dog Breeding 5

Fur & Feathers: Ashley McMenemy, Selling Animals as Pets 5

Belles Buddies: Rebecca Wood, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Georgina Hall, Dog breeding 4

Pet Stay: Carol Young, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Money Savers Pet Centre: Tracey Wetten, Selling Animals as Pets 5

Field Cottage Rachel Gale, Cat Boarding 5

Grimsby Institute Nunsthorpe Campus: Mandy King, Dog Boarding 3

Sixhills Aquatics: Mr Robert Lubberson, Selling Animals as Pets  2

Jellydogz: Rebecca Barley, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Home from Home Holidays for Dogs: Lynn McKay, Home Boarding for Dogs  5

Lydia Smith Dog Training Services: Lydia Smith, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Woofinit: Diane Southcoa,t Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Sue Sibbick, Dog Breeding 3

Boardabear: Kirsty Mitchell, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Buddy's House: Susan Mercer, Home Boarding for Dogs  5

A Walk Along The Boulevard: Shelby Stewart, Home Boarding for Dogs 4

Kelsey's K9 Care: Emma Gill, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Barking Mad: Claire Dutton, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Zulusky Spanish Water Dogs: Rita/Mark Abbott, Dog Breeding 3

Grimsby Institute Nunsthorpe Campus: Mandy King, Exhibition of Animals (No rating required)

  

Seaview Equestrian Centre Ltd: Mike Wade, Riding Establishment 5

The Stables: John Nuttall, Riding Establishment 5

Happy Paws: Rachel Ware, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Bobby & Florence’s Dog House: Jackie Thom, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

Lilliput Miniature Ponies: Michelle Dawson, Riding Establishment 5

Pets Stay: Louise Horobin, Home Boarding for Dogs 5

FUNERALS FOR BELOVED PETS COULD SOON BE COMING TO GRIMSBY CREMATORIUM

A NEW chapel could soon be built at Grimsby Crematorium - for funerals of pet animals.

The idea is to allow an opportunity to those mourning a beloved dog, cat - or guinea pig - to give it a similar farewell to that afforded human loved ones.

The proposed new chapel will also be used “to accommodate small family groups for a more intimate farewell to human loved ones".

If a plan submitted to North East Lincolnshire Council goes ahead, a ‘pet-cremator unit’ will also be built,  its designated location being the current staff car park.

The planning application has been submitted by North East Lincolnshire Council’s partners, engie.

It says: “The  proposed chapel  and pet cremation unit have been designed in such a way as to complement and enhance the existing building construction through the use of sympathetic design principles and appropriate materials.

“Oak timber panelled doors will be used which will match the existing external entrance doors, and the existing steel windows and associated cast stone window surrounds will be refurbished and re-used in the new extension with contemporary stained glass incorporated within the window units.

“A cast stone door surround will be installed around the proposed chapel doors with the height increased to match the existing chapel.

“This will allow pall bearers to carry coffins through the doorway without any complications.”

Of the pet-cremator unit, the report says: “It  is to be housed in a steel container that is to be clad with timber which will complement the existing timber which is used on the cloisters walkway within the existing memorial garden at the rear of the main chapel.

“ The impact of the proposal will not have any negative effect on any of the listed assets within the cemetery due to the isolated location.

"The proposals will seek to complement the existing design and proportions of the existing crematorium building."

No details have yet been supplied on the proposed price structure for  pet funerals, but the authority believes the venture will provide a useful new revenue stream.

The report claims  the project will provide "a valuable service to the local community. “

NEW CHILDREN'S HOME WILL "HELP TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY"

 A HOUSE in New Waltham is set to be converted to  a children's home.

North East Lincolnshire Council is seeking planning consent for change of use of 35 Peaks Avenue in the village.

It states: "The proposed usage would see up to four children living in this home as their permanent home.

" They will be between the ages of 5-18 years, and cared for by a minimum of two staff 24 hours a day.

"The home will be permanently staffed unless, like other families, the household are all away on their holidays. Like all children sometimes our young people have sleep-overs at their friend’s houses, or vice-versa.

"Currently North East Lincolnshire has eight children’s homes that blend anonymously into their community - no signage or details distinguishes these as anything other than ordinary family houses, which is what they are. 

"Ofsted inspects these homes and North East Lincolnshire’s are ordinarily rated 'good' or 'outstanding'."

The statement continues: "The children cannot live at home because of family issues and therefore has the council as legal 'parent'. 

"The children attend local schools, sports clubs, youth clubs, army cadets, leisure centres and so on.

"Some of our local NELC foster-homes in nearby streets have as many children living in them, as this home proposes to have. 

"Our children and staff shop locally and thereby  help to support and sustain the local retail community. This would create new local job roles for the community."

It adds: "The children who would be living in the home have lived together in their current home for over 18 months. 

"The intention for this building would be to maintain these stable placements and support these children through into independent living when reaching adulthood at age 18."

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RED LIGHT FOR HOUSEHOLDER'S APPLICATION TO CHOP DOWN SEVEN CORSICAN PINE TREES

Future remains uncertain for these Corsican pines

SEVEN mature Corsican pine trees in a Grimsby-area village  have been saved from the chop - at least for the time being.

Householder Antony Randell sought permission to remove seven of the trees at 94 Station Road, claiming that cones and bird droppings were raining down on his driveway which was additionally being damaged by root activity.

However, the trees are covered by a preservation order.

North East Lincolnshire Council has refused Mr Randell's application on the basis that insufficient evidence has been produced to provide such a drastic measure.

It believes loss of the trees  would have "a significant adverse impact on the visual amenity" of this location which is within the Great Coates conservation area.

However, this might not be the end of the story because Mr Randell has the right of appeal.

* Ornithological footnote: the he trees are likely  provide habitat for a number of unusual bird species including coal tits, goldcrests and occasional visiting parties of rare crossbills.

FORMER POST OFFICE SET TO BE CONVERTED TO A TATTOO PARLOUR

ANOTHER tattoo parlour is coming to the area.

Planning consent has been granted for change of use of the former post office at 237-239 Victor Street, Grimsby.

The successful applicant is Cleethorpes man Adam Robinson.

  

RARE CHANCE TO VIEW ERNEST WORRALL'S DYNAMIC STUDIES OF WARTIME GRIMSBY

                                                             

On display in Cleethorpes - this and other studies by Ernest Worrall

PAINTINGS  by forgotten  artist Ernest Worrall will be on display in Cleethorpes Town Hall until Friday (September 20).

It is  the first time for 10 years that the public will have had a chance to view them, their last outing having been in an exhibition at Cleethorpes Discovery Centre.

In 1943,  Grimsby Borough Council commissioned Worrall to create a series of watercolour paintings recording the impact of the Second World War on Grimsby. 

As a major port, the docks were being used to convert fishing boats into armed vessels. 

This made the area a key target, and it was bombed heavily throughout the war. 

Worrall captured scenes of bomb damage and wartime activity on the docks, creating beautiful yet heart-breaking scenes of the destruction inflicted on the town.

For instance, there are scenes depicting bomb damage in Dudley Street, Heneage Road, Dudley Street and at two churches - St James and All Saints. 

The paintings are from the collections of North East Lincolnshire Museum Service.

Footnote: Born in London, Worrall was captured by the Germans while serving as a machine gunner in the First World War but managed to escape the following year. In 1932, he moved to Grimsby where he worked as a teacher at Wintringham Grammar School. Following retirement, he moved to Sussex.

END OF AN ERA AS BT PREPARES TO 'HANG UP' ON NINE TELEPHONE KIOSKS

AT least nine telephone kiosks are set to disappear from the streets of the Grimsby area  in the coming weeks.

BT has notified  North East Lincolnshire Council that, subject to no overriding objections,  it intends to remove those at the following locations:

* Bethlehem Street
* Yarborough Road
* Louth Road
* Second Avenue
* Laceby Road
* Cromwell Road

The same fate beckons for the kiosk in Healing plus  those in  Station Road, New Waltham, and Middlethorpe Road, Cleethorpes.

Says a BT spokesman: "Overall use of payphone has declined by  over 90 per cent in the last decade, and the need to provide them for use in emergency situations is diminishing all the time.

"As long as there is network coverage, it is now possible to call emergency services using a mobile provider."

The company says the redundant kiosks  will be made available - for just £1 each -  to community groups "as an asset that local people can enjoy".

HUMBER BRIDGE IS THE "MOST BEAUTIFUL" IN THE WORLD SAYS JEREMY CLARKSON

                                                                         

THE Humber Bridge is "the most beautiful man-made thing of all time - apart from maybe the Riva Aquarama speedboat".

So says Jeremy Clarkson  in his Saturday column in The Sun newspaper.

He writes: "When I stand on the south shore on a misty morning and see the wafer-thin road disappearing off into the sea, it takes my breath away. It really does.

"Britain did not need the Humber Bridge, a multi-billion pound project that would link Barton and Hessle, two villages that no one has ever heard of.

"Today, it's still as unnecessary as it ever was. And it's no longer the longest suspension bridge in the world.

"But it remains, in my opinion, the most beautiful. So I am glad it was built."

* Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons

RUNNERS OUT IN NUMBERS FOR TODAY'S SPECTACULAR ABP COASTAL HALF MARATHON

RUNNERS came from far and wide to take part in the ABP Humber Coastal Half Marathon.

Conditions were almost perfect as some 929 competitors went through their paces on a scenic route which took in Cleethorpes, Humberston and Tetney Lock.

First home was William Strangeway, of Lincoln Wellington Athletic Club, in an impressive 1hr, 10min, 49 sec.

First female was Calli Fackery, of Rotherham Harriers, in 1hr 18min, 08 sec.

The event was expertly organised by Tape2Tape.

Below are shots of the action.