RARE BIRD FINDS SANCTUARY (AND FOOD) AMONG SEALS BREEDING ON THE LINCOLNSHIRE COAST

Plenty of food available for this pomarine skua

THE famous  breeding grey seal colony has not been this month's only wildlife attraction at Donna Nook down the Lincolnshire coast from Cleethorpes.

Also present for much of this month  has been a rare bird - a pomarine skua.

Normally this is a species only seen out to sea on its migration

between the Arctic tundra , where it breeds, and on the coasts of West Africa where it spends winter.

For some reason,  this bird has wandered off course and chosen to linger amid the seals whose afterbirth has been providing it with a ready source of food.

That's quite a change from its usual diet of lemmings in the Arctic or  fish which it obtains by piratical flight attacks on seabirds smaller than itself - typically gulls and terns - which are panicked into regurgitating their last meal.

The pommie has an injured left, which dangles when it is in flight, but otherwise it seems to be in good health.

* The site is managed by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust which today appealed to would-be visitors to stay away until further notice because the main car park has been transformed into a quagmire by heavy rainfall earlier in the week.

Because of injury the bird is unable to retract its left leg

  

It is thought the number of pups could reach as many as 2,000 by the end of the week

Resting up - one of the mums

What could be more cute and cuddly!

Its orange coloration makes this specimen the colony's standout pup

A DAY OF NON-STOP RAIN FLOODS PART OF CLEETHORPES CEMETERY

The soggy scenes in the lower-lying part of Cleethorpes Cemetery this afternoon following further continuous rainfall. 

RESORT'S REDUNDANT STABLES BLOCK SET TO MAKE WAY FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Free of bats - the former stables off Sea View Street, Cleethorpes

WORK could start soon on proposed redevelopment of a  former stables block in Cleethorpes.

Michael Wade Construction has earmarked the site at the rear of 71-73 Sea View Street for seven two-storey houses, plus an access road, parking and a storage area for bins.

The project had been held up partly pending clarification on drainage arrangements and partly to establish whether the redundant stables might be home to bats or nesting birds, such as swallows, swifts or house sparrows.

However, there were no hitches, so the scheme has been formally granted planning consent.

The ecological survey was conducted by a Hull-based firm, Crow Consulting, whose team inspected  the buildings and monitored the site both by day and at dusk.

Although flypasts of both bats and birds were detected in the vicinity, the consultancy reported no sign of breeding nor roosting.

QUEST UNDERWAY TO DISCOVER - AND UNCOVER - SECRETS FROM GRIMSBY'S FASCINATING PAST

Who knows what lurks below?  The focus of a forthcoming  exploration

SECRETS OF Grimsby's past could be uncovered in the run-up to Christmas.

A team of archaeologists is this week due to start  exploratory work on land that may contain historic artefacts dating back to Anglo-Saxon times.

Their investigations will mark the prelude to the area around the River Freshney basin being  transformed as part of a scheme to revitalise the Haven area.

The director of Lincoln-based PCAS Archaeology Ltd, Will Munford, has already visited the site, and his firm has experience in Grimsby, having worked at Cartergate and Victoria Street.

With work expected to take up to a month,  the team will dig in several areas, without disturbing the footbridge. Passers-by will be able to view what is going on.

Says Will: “We know from direct experience of our work that the archaeology in Grimsby can be significant and close to the surface. 

"The Garth Lane site has the potential to reveal evidence of medieval activity ranging from occupation, industry and all sorts of activity that people undertook.” 

“Of particular interest is the potential for evidence of the use of the wharfs and the history of the fishing fleet. 

"We are interested in how the current land use developed by finding out what predated the existing river frontages and if there is evidence of earlier medieval wharfs. 

"We can already see some preserved timbers on the frontage, and we hope to be able to link these to secure archaeological layers so that we can understand their significance.”

As an inward point of the river, this area was known to be occupied by some of Grimsby’s earliest settlers, and since then it has been pivotal in the town’s progression – it was where Collinson’s boatyard operated and where The Esther was constructed.

Legend also says it is the site where Grim, the founder of Grimsby,  landed after having saved the infant, Prince Havelock of Denmark, from the sea.

The transformation of the area is part of the Great Grimsby Town Deal, funded through the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership  and The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

BT HANGING UP ON PUBLIC PAYPHONES FOLLOWING HUGE DIP IN CALLS ACTIVITY

The kiosk on North Sea Lane, Cleethorpes

UP to 13 public telephone kiosks are set to disappear from the streets of North  East Lincolnshire in the coming weeks.

Those earmarked for removal are the ones at:

Cleethorpes
North Sea Lane
Sandringham Road
Middlethorpe Road

Grimsby
Winchester Ave
Edge Ave
Second Ave
Bethlehem Street
Cromwell Road
Yarborough Road
Louth Road

Healing
Station Road

Laceby
Grimsby Road

New Waltham
Station Road

The proliferation of  mobile cellphones, now owned by most people, has resulted in the kiosks becoming all but redundant.

According to BT, usage has declined by 90 per cent over the past 10 years.

The company says it has consulted with the public and sought appropriate authority for its proposed action from council planners.

FORMER CLEETHORPES COUNCILLOR CALLS FOR GRIMSBY TOWN FC TO APPOINT THE MEN'S GAME'S FIRST WOMAN MANAGER

Emma Hayes - the right woman for Blundell Park?

 Photo: Lee Fraser via Wikimedia Commons

SHOULD  Grimsby Town FC appoint a female manager - the first in the history of the Football League?

Up until a few years ago, such a gambit would have been met with derision. But not now.

For several years, there have been women in charge in  some clubs' boardrooms, and the profile and popularity of the female game has never been higher.

Now, in the wake of this week's departure of Michael Jolley as Mariners boss, one fan has suggested that a woman - specifically Emma Hayes, currently in charge of Chelsea Women FC - should be approached.

Writing in today's edition of the Grimsby Telegraph,  former Cleethorpes councillor Matthew Jason Brown suggests the 43-year-old has the skill, determination  and temperament to fill the vacancy at Blundell Park.

In a well-argued letter, Mr Brown, who was also a Labour parliamentary candidate for Louth & Horncastle in the 2015 General Election, writes: "Her talent could easily be transferred into the men's game.

"Such an appointment might be seen as a gamble or publicity stunt - or being politically correct - but those who have seen her ability knows she has what it takes to have a big impact at a club like Grimsby."

There is no doubt the arrival of a female would generate colossal local, national and international publicity. But the scrutiny - and sense of responsibility - would be intense.  

Would a woman have the motivational skills to inspire winning performances from her team? Everything hinges on results. 

As with anything, you don't know until you try.

In principle at least, the club's shareholder-in-chief, John Fenty, is probably not adverse to the idea of making a female appointment.

He likes radical, refreshing thinkers. Part of the reason for Jolley's appointment was that he was outside the mould. He had worked overseas, in Sweden, and he had professional experience outside football - as a city trader in London.

In the coming days, Mr Fenty will be sifting through  applications. It remains to be seen if Ms Hayes - or any woman - pitches for the job.

* Meanwhile, among men thought (by bookies) to be in the frame are: 

Kevin Nolan
Anthony Limbrick
Danny Butterfield
Robbie Stockdale
Paul Wilkinson

Russ Wilcox

Paul Groves
Craig Disley
Paul Tisdale

Russell Slade
Neil Warnock

Robbie Fowler
Ian Holloway

Pete Wild

Paul Heckingbottom
Nigel Adkins

WORRYING RISE IN NUMBER OF CHILDREN BEING LOOKED AFTER OUTSIDE THEIR HOMES

DISTURBING figures reveal that a total of almost 500 young people in the Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Immingham are now classified as CLAs - children being looked after.


According to a report, the number of looked after children is continuing to increase.


Within North East Lincolnshire, the rate stands at 145 per 10,000 children - higher than the all-England average.


NEL is 14th out of 15 in Yorkshire and Humber region.


Of particular concern is that, locally, the number has increased by 41 per cent since April last year and by 12 per cent in the financial year to date. 


The report further states that the gender-balance is 53 per cent male, 43 per cent female.


Meanwhile another disappointing statistic is that complaints to NELC’s children’s social care department saw a 13 per cent increase in 2018-19 compared with 2017-18.


A total of 59 complaints have been received this financial year of which 36 complaints (74 per cent) were partially upheld or upheld.
  

Of the 36, 17 relate to lack of social worker contact/availability and nine relate to staff behaviour and concerns about quality of service.


The situation is this evening due to be discussed  by a council scrutiny panel under the chairmanship, appropriately enough,  of Cllr Oliver Freeston - the authority's youngest member who is not yet a decade out of childhood himself.

BATS AND BIRDS NOT FORGOTTEN IN PROPOSED NEW LOOK FOR GRIMSBY'S ST JAMES SQUARE

A PROPOSED facelift for Grimsby’ St James Square has today been given the planning thumbs-up.



The revamp will include:



* Landscaping of the Grimsby Minster churchyard

* The installation of new paths across the churchyard grounds

* Provision of new seating areas and benches



All being well, the revamp should enhance  the quality of this historically-important open space and throw greater  focus on to the Grade I listed minster.



In advance of today’s decision, there were in-depth discussions involving North East Lincolnshire/engie planners, the council's conservation officer and trees officer and a representative of  Historic England.



A condition of the forthcoming works is that new trees shall be planted within 12 months of the commencement of the development.

Any that die or are removed during the first five years of planting shall be replaced in the next available planting season with the same type and standard as originally planted.



In order to enhance wildlife and provide biodiversity gain, bat boxes will be installed in line with the recommendation of a specialist consultant. 



Consideration will also be given to the installation of bird  nestboxes on those trees to be retained.



During groundwork’s, archaeologists will be on hand to collect and assess any historic finds that might be unearthed.

VIEWS SOUGHT ON PROPOSED FACELIFT FOR IMPORTANT PART OF HISTORIC GRIMSBY

Major spruce-up proposed for historic part of Grimsby

HOW best can new life be breathed into one  of Grimsby’s most important historical areas?

Residents are being asked to contribute ideas for a proposed revamp of the land off Garth Lane.

The project is being overseen by North East Lincolnshire Council which today launched a consultation exercise.

Initial ideas include:

* Improvements to the water quality

* Protection and encouragement of birds, fish and other wildlife

* A wider footbridge 

* Art installations

* Enhanced landscaping from the bridge to the waterfront

* Introduction of lighting and seating 

Says a NELC spokesperson: “As a main link between the town centre and the waterfront area, the importance of improving access for pedestrians is a priority.

"The work planned will make sure this is the case, and we look forward to seeing something very special created here.”

If you would like to contribute suggestions, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/have-your-say

In prospect: a  wider bridge and protection of wildlife 

BRACING THE COLD TO WARBLE A MERRY TUNE

Can spring be far away? Our ever-alert twitcher-correspondent caught up with this mistle thrush tuning up on top of one of the street lamps at the bottom of North Sea Lane, Cleethorpes, at  noon today. 

GENERAL ELECTION 2019: TOTAL OF TEN POLL CANDIDATES NAMED FOR CLEETHORPES AND GREAT GRIMSBY CONSTITUENCIES

The 2019 General Election candidates have today been named for North East Lincolnshire's two constituencies - Cleethorpes and Great Grimsby. In alphabetical  order, they are as follows:. 

Cleethorpes

Horobin, Roy
39 Bradford Avenue, Cleethorpes
Liberal Democrat 
 

James, Ros 

East Mount, Barton Street, Laceby

Labour 

Shanahan, Jodi Christina
28 Westfield Rd, Barton
Green 

Vickers, Martin John 
Address in Great Grimsby
Conservative 

*** 

 Great Grimsby
  
Barfield, Ian Philip 
5 Reporto Avenue, Grimsby
Liberal Democrat 

Barker, Christopher Paul Howard
Address in SW Surrey
Brexit 

Emmerson, Loyd Layton
Address in Great Grimsby
Green
 
Nici, Lia
Address in Cleethorpes
Conservative Party

Onn, Melanie
Address in Great Grimsby
Labour 

Winn, Nigel James
Address in Cleethorpes 

Independent 
                                                             ***

CLEETHORPES REMEMBERS: MONDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2019

Solemn scenes in Cleethorpes today as those who laid down their lives for their country were remembered by young and old alike.
  

POLICE ALERT ON FAKE PALM TREE: IT COULD BECOME TARGET FOR ' FOOLISH ATTEMPTS' TO SNATCH SELFIES

A NOTE of caution has been sounded by Humberston police over the proposed artificial palm tree that NELC aims to install on North Promenade in Cleethorpes.

Says the force's planning expert, Marc Dias: "The proposed palm is white and therefore could suffer some attempts at graffiti and possibly the odd foolish attempts to climb the trunk for that all- important selfie.
 

"Ideally the surfaces should be easy to clean in the event of graffiti, and the trunk should ideally avoid the easy foot/handholds that would facilitate attempts at climbing."

Mr Dias further notes that no information has been forthcoming on the sturdiness of the pam, nor on the weight-bearing capacity of the trunk and leaves.

Before granting itself planning consent for the 22-metre illuminated 'tree', NELC has also been urged by Natural England  to supply data on any potential impact on waders and other birdlife that feed on the nearby beach.

REMEMBRANCE DAY: SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2019

SILENT tribute was today paid by communities in North East Lincolnshire  to those brave men who have fallen in battle in the service of their country. Pictured are some of the solemn scenes this morning at services in Humberston, New Waltham and Waltham.