THRILLER-WRITER NICK LOUTH ALL SET FOR BOOK-SIGNING SESSION IN CLEETHORPES

Nick Louth - financial journalist turned novelist

THRILLER-writer Nick Louth is the latest author coming to town.

He will be in Cleethorpes tomorrow (Saturday)  to sign copies of his books including his latest, The Body in The Snow.

A graduate of the London School of Economics, Nick used to be a foreign correspondent for the news agency, Reuters.

Subsequently, he became  an award-winning freelance journalist, contributing to such titles as the Financial Times, Investors Chronicle and Money Observer.

However, now his focus is on penning crime fiction.

His debut thriller Bite, originally self-published in 2007, was the best selling book in the UK during July 2014 and remained in the top 100 for more than 100 days. 

The book has now sold more than a third of a million copies and has been translated into six languages.

His second thriller, Heartbreaker, was published in summer 2014 and a third, Mirror Mirror in 2016.

The Body in the Marsh, published in 2017, was the first to introduce the character of Det Ch Insp Craig Gillard.

Since then, the detective has reappeared in  several of Nick's subsequent novels - The Body on The Shore, The Body in The Mist and now The Body in The Snow.

Nick does not have far to come - funnily enough, he lives in Louth.

He will be signing copies of his books at Boyes in Cleethorpes between 11am and 1pm.

THE HORRORS OF FLOODING - NOVELIST MARGARET DICKINSON'S GRIM MEMORY OF 1953

Margaret  at Boyes of Cleethorpes with store manager Sam(right) and staff colleague Helen

NOVELIST Margaret Dickinson well understands the anguish and heartbreak currently being experienced  by those whose homes have been flooded in Herefordshire, Shropshire, East Yorkshire and elsewhere.

As a schoolgirl growing up in an East Lincolnshire village - Chapel St Leonards - the family home was engulfed by the North Sea surge of January 31, 1953.

Margaret, who earlier today was in Cleethorpes and Grimsby to promote her latest book, said of the floods: “It was a terrible experience.

“We has 12 inches’ water inside the house.

“Our situation wasn’t as bad as what's been happening recently because it was a one-off. 

"Coastal flood defences were rebuilt more sturdily, so it didn’t happen again unlike what has been happening in some communities this month.

“But seawater causes damage that is long-lasting - you never get the salt out of the walls.”

Margaret has been touring selected towns and cities to meet readers and sign copies of her excellent new book, The Spitfire Sisters (panmacmillan £7.99).

Another delighted reader - the novelist signs for customer Margaret Pearson 

Like her previous novels, now numbering almost 30, it is a tale of romance and tension set in a time gone by - in this case Lincolnshire in the run-up to the 1939-45 war and beyond.

It is an excellent read, the fictional personal frictions mirroring gritty and worrying real-life events as Mussolini and Hitler embarked on their militaristic campaigns to conquer neighbouring nations and gain territory.

As the title indicates, the activities of Air Transport Auxiliary and the RAF provide much of the backdrop.

Margaret’s great strength as a novelist is her knack for realistic dialogue. 

The skill with which this is deployed reveals moods and feelings and keeps the action bubbling along at a lively pace.

Yesterday's  signings were firstly at Waterstone’s in Freshney Place, then Boyes in Cleethorpes.

Further signings are lined up at shops elsewhere in Lincolnshire, plus one at Meadowhall in Sheffield, then one at Loughborough near where she lives, having moved from Skegness.

She writes one novel a year and is currently well advanced with her next which will also feature strong females in a World War Two context.

“As long as nothing prevents me, I hope to carry on writing for a few years yet,” she says cheerfully.

The latest from Margaret -  as ever, vibrant and engaging

THAT CAGED-IN FEELING - CLEETHORPES LIBRARY FENCED OFF TO EXCLUDE ROUGH-SLEEPERS

JUST days after planning permission was granted, industrial-type security fence has been installed along  parts of the perimeter of  Cleethorpes Library. Even though it has  harmed the setting  both of the library and the wider conservation area, North East Lincolnshire Council believe this is a price worth paying to exclude rough-sleepers. Last night, temperatures dropped below freezing. They will do so again tonight. Any homeless woman or man who sought to find shelter for the night under the canopy of the library roof will now have to look elsewhere - possibly the beach. How could a council be so callous?

NEWS FROM BLUNDELL PARK: JOHN FENTY TO HAND OVER THE REINS AT GRIMSBY TOWN FC

Blundell Park - home of The Mariners (photo: Grimsby town FC)

GRIMSBY Town FC's chief shareholder, John Fenty, has done a "Prince Harry".  He has decided to "step back"  - in his case from day-to-day involvement with The Mariners in favour of other interests. notably his role as deputy chief executive of North East Lincolnshire Council. He broke the news this week in the following statement on the club's website.


After careful consideration and consultation with my family, fellow Board members and colleagues at North East Lincolnshire Council, I have made a conscious decision to step back from the day-to-day operational involvement at the Football Club.

Going forward Philip Day will be chairing meetings and will also become the nominated spokesperson for the Club, with a special remit to lead on discussions of relocation for the Mariners to a new home and Community Stadium at Freeman Street.

The rest of our hard-working Board of Directors have unanimously supported this approach, and together with the able support of the Chief Executive Ian Fleming, they will continue to ensure that the Club is always at the heart of the community, a lasting legacy with ambitions to play at the highest level possible. 

Ian Holloway (Ollie) with his vast experience intends to drive the Club forward both on and off the field, having special responsibilities as the Director responsible for all football operations. 

He will have more freedom and autonomy to shape on-the-field matters than any other manager within the English Football League (one foot on the training ground and one in the boardroom). 

The Board has signed off on our largest playing budget for next season at this level, although it’s fair to say there will be several bigger spenders in the division.

Together with Ollie’s special qualities and your fantastic support, we have never been so optimistic for the Club's future. 

League Two action from Blundell Park - Town v Carlisle

In the meantime, I will continue to support the Football Club financially from afar, continuing to underpin forecasted shortfalls, in ensuring a competitive playing budget. 

This philosophy has stood the Club in sound stead financially for a good number of years. However, I will still attend the occasional Board meeting as majority shareholder. 

Becoming the Deputy Leader for North East Lincolnshire Council has added complications and time constraints. This much-reduced involvement at the Club will enable me to focus especially on a very important role with the Council.

I first joined the Board of Directors in early 1999 and then only 10 months later in a clean a sweep, a new Board took over promising premiership football. 

Subsequently, I returned to the Board in the middle of 2001, only to inherit the most financially challenging circumstances. 

The Club had racked up large debts, an overdraft at its limit, significant HMRC debts and substantial past director loans. All of these have been completely paid off.

We have always wished for much more on the field but sadly football fortune hasn’t been kind. Had we not been second so often in the numerous visits to Wembley and at the Millennium Stadium during the last 14 years, the record would look very different.

John Fenty - "incredibly proud"

Nevertheless, I am extremely proud that the Club has never entered the uncertainty of administration, with no certain outcome, an achievement for which we should all hold our heads high. 

This could not have been possible without fantastic sponsors and fans sticking with the Club through thick and thin. 

Supporting GTFC is not always easy and each and every one of you has my sincere respect and heartfelt appreciation for being there when most needed.

During all of that time, it was not about ownership or control, but being the best custodian I could be. 

Priding myself on being accessible, open and honest has been important to me, notwithstanding that from time to time it has landed me in hot water, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

As a strong supporter of the Mariners Trust from inception and recognising the importance of the fans to have a voice and pivotal role in the running of the Club, I would like to thank its members and especially Dave Roberts who has been a large part of the glue that has made the organisation such a great success.

It would be remiss if I didn’t give a special thank you to Graham Rodger for his fine leadership of the Grimsby Town Sports and Education Trust, in delivering many thousands of hours in the community each year. 

Importantly this work is helping to transform young people’s lives with positive engagement. 

The professional game has an opportunity to enthuse those that otherwise would not engage.

I have lost count of how many times mums and dads have written/told me how their children have been positively influenced by the many programs that the Club operates! 

Making that kind of difference has always cheered me up no end.

I’m incredibly proud to have been able to represent our historic Football Club in this way. 

It has been an honour and privilege to be at the helm of the Club throughout this period. 

Whilst I am not vanishing into thin air and will still attend games, I think the Club is in a great place where I can, therefore, step back and leave the day-to-day running in the capable hands of Philip, Ollie, Ian and the remaining board members.

Finally Up the Mighty Mariners !

John Fenty

The Grimsby News says: Mariners fans owe a huge debt to John Fenty. Had it not been for his input - both financial and administrative - the club could have folded.  Since taking the reins at Blundell Park, he has had moments to savour, and he has also been the brunt of much flak - probably all of it undeserved. It is good that he has only  "stepped back" - not "stepped down" - for he still has much to contribute. 

CLEETHORPES AS SEEN FROM THE SALTMARSH

Above and below - how Cleethorpes looks from the saltmarsh

YACHT CLUB HOPEFUL THAT ITS REFURBISHMENT PROJECT WILL 'SAIL' WITH PLANNERS

A MAKEOVER is on the cards for the home of Grimsby & Cleethorpes Yacht Club, off Lock Hill, Grimsby.

The club is seeking planning permission to erect an extension to the side elevation to provide a training room and additional function room at first floor. 

The work involves removing the first-floor conservatory and bringing back into use the former balcony. 

The property was built around 1986 and is situated near Grade II Listed Buildings at Grimsby Haven Lock, Dock Wall and 26 Flour Square.

A decision on whether the proposal should be approved is expected from North East Lincolnshire Council later this spring.

GRIMSBY AND CLEETHORPES DATES BECKON FOR TOP-SELLING NOVELIST MARGARET DICKINSON

Margaret Dickinson - strong female characters

"THANK you Grimsby!"

Back in 2015, that was the message from novelist Margaret Dickinson after revealing that, of her 20 or so  titles in print, the locally-based Welcome Home - about the wartime joys and sorrows shared by  two  fishermen's wives  - had so far been her most commercially successful.

"Its sales are  just ahead of The Clippie Girls which is set in Sheffield," she told a meeting of Grimsby, Cleethorpes & District  Civic Society.

Welcome Home - set in Grimsby

"A lot of credit is due to people in Grimsby, not just those who have bought a copy but also to the many people who helped me with my research - they couldn't have been more friendly and helpful."

The novelist signing copies of her books at a Grimsby Town Hall event in 2015

This week, the novelist is back in the Grimsby area to publicise her latest novel - The Spitfire Sisters.

On Thursday, she will be signing copies first at Waterstones in Freshney Place, Grimsby, between 10.30am and noon, then at Boyes in Cleethorpes between 2pm and 3pm.

Originally from Gainsborough, Margaret has long lived in Skegness, having moved there when she was seven. 

Aged 10, she was living at Chapel  St Leonards during the devastating North Sea floods of 1953. "I'm still waiting for the therapy,"she quips.

Her  first novel was published in hardback when she was 25, but then writing had to take a back seat for seven years because of family commitments, not least bringing up two daughters and  helping her husband Dennis to establish a successful furniture retail business.

However, it was always certain that she would return to writing after she went out one day to buy a washing machine and came back with . . . a typewriter!

Asked which was the favourite of her titles, she replies: "It's always the one I am working on at the moment."

However, Plough the Furrow - published in 1994 - was, in a way, the most satisfying because, by  being accepted and published by Panmacmillan, it  fulfilled her ambition to become a paperback novelist with a presence in High Street stores.

Put simply, her formula is to build her stories around  a strong female central character who lives in a specific town or city during the war or some other period of yesteryear.

The action may be triggered by an incident which she had heard or read about - and this prompts what Margaret described as the "what if . .  .?" process.

She said the narrative needed to  be propelled by a sense of conflict, both internal and external, to keep the reader turning the pages.

She aims to write 2,000 words a day and is slightly miffed with herself if she has not completed 10,000 between Monday and Friday because it means she has to work over the weekend to catch up.

Is there any input from her husband who is now retired? "No, the last thing I would want is for him to be peering over my shoulder, telling me what  or what  not to put!.

"In fact, he doesn't  read the books, but he couldn't be more supportive, especially when I'm on promotional tours."

At her regular signing sessions, there are often amusing moments.

"Once a lovely gentleman gave me a bunch of yellow roses,"she recalled. "He told me it was in gratitude because the only time he was left in  peace and quiet by  his wife was when she was reading one of my books!"

On another occasion, a woman asked Margaret to sign a book with the words,  "To Bernard", her husband,  because he "loves to hear you singing".

It transpired later that the customer had absent-mindedly confused her with the  Louth-based singer, Barbara Dickson!

The author revealed that she is perfectly happy with the onset of e-publishing such as Kindle "You can't be a dinosaur,"she says. "You have to keep up with changing trends or you risk being left behind."

Nor is she, in any way,  "precious" about her writing. If her editor at Panmacmillan detects imperfections, she doesn't quibble about  corrections or amendments being made to the manuscript. "It's important to be as professional as possible,"she insists.

The author makes a point of not reading  sagas by other novelists for fear of absorbing influences which might affect her own creativity. When not researching, she likes to read crime fiction by the likes of P.D James and Ian Rankin.

Over the past three decades, Margaret could scarcely have been more successful, but it has  not all been plain sailing - there have also been setbacks.

She says that, in her loft, there are  seven manuscripts, all rejected by publishers and unlikely to see the light of day. 

"When you think that each one took a year to write, that's quite a lot of unproductive  effort," she ends.

The Spitfire Sisters

                                               

The latest novel from Margaret

It is the 1930s and the Maitland family have spent the years following the Great War struggling to come to terms with its catastrophic aftermath, and their hopes now lie with the next generation. 

Their Lincolnshire village of Doddington suffered terrible loss and it has taken great courage for the bereaved families to rebuild their lives without their loved ones.

When war is declared again, it is Daisy Maitland and her peers who must now take up the fight for freedom. 

Feisty and a daredevil like her beloved Aunt Pips, who spent World War One on the front line serving with a flying ambulance corps, Daisy had persuaded a family friend to teach her to fly as a young woman. 

Now her country is at war, she is determined to put her skills to good use, enlisting in the Air Transport Auxiliary. 

There she forges new friendships - but she never forgets her childhood friend and cousin, Luke, who has joined the RAF as a fighter pilot.

As war rages in the skies and on the ground, Daisy, her friends and her family - at home and across the Channel - will find their bravery and strength tested to the very limits in their determination to save their country. 

And they have learned one of the most valuable lessons of all: true love will find a way.

PLANNING GREEN LIGHT FOR FORMER GRIMSBY VICARAGE TO BE CONVERTED TO APARTMENTS

Eleanor House - its most recent use was as a residential care home

HODSON Architects of Cleethorpes have come up with an impressive scheme to  convert an attractive but long-empty Grimsby villa to apartments.

Eleanor House -19 Eleanor Street - was originally built in the early 20th century as a vicarage to St Andrew’s Church. 

It was later extended and used as a residential care home until recent years. 

Locally listed since 2009 and located within the Holme Hill conservation area, it is relatively well preserved and constructed of  high-quality red brick and slate. 

Prominent architectural features include brick detailing, ornate chimney stacks, Dutch gables, plus stone window sills and door heads and decorative string courses. 

Once extensive renovation is complete, it will consist of 13 residential flats which are likely to be in demand because of proximity to Grimsby tow centre.

The application did not go before the planning committee but was determined under delegated powers by senior North East Lincolnshire Council case officer Lauren Birkwood.

In her approval decision, she states: "The proposal will result in the restoration and regeneration of a historic building in a conservation area. 

"The proposals are of a scale and character that will improve the area and existing buildings and will result in a positive impact on Grimsby's  historic environment."

No objections were lodged but the council's trees officer, Paul Chaplin, but he has called for the applicant to "provide far greater clarity in regards to the proposed trees works".

Ms Birkwood has therefore insisted that, before any external works begin, a detailed scheme for the protection of trees/hedges to be retained as part of the landscape scheme must be submitted to and approved in writing by the planning department.

For some reason, there seems to have been no checks on whether the roof space accommodates any bat colonies.

Because they are legally protected, special care will be required to ensure that any discovered are not displaced or disturbed.

Nothing is known about the applicant except that he is a "Mr Randall of Sunrise House".

CONTROVERSIAL COUNCIL DECISION TO 'CAGE' PERIMETER OF CLEETHORPES LIBRARY WILL DEPRIVE HOMELESS OF A PLACE TO SLEEP

Cleethorpes Library - the perimeter will be 'caged  in' so as to exclude homeless individuals from sleeping under the canopy

SECURITY fencing is to be installed around  the perimeter of one of the most attractive buildings on Cleethorpes seafront - the town’s library on Alexandra Road.

The controversial initiative is aimed at excluding homeless people who sometimes bed down, either at the front or side of the building, because they have nowhere else to sleep.

It follows representations from female library staff on behalf of themselves and library users.

They say they feel "vulnerable" - particularly when arriving for work or leaving.

The application by North East Lincolnshire Council/Engie did not go before the planning committee but was determined under delegated powers by senior case office Lauren Birkwood, herself an employee of NELC/Engie.

However, her council colleague, Louise Jennings, the authority’s heritage officer, has been dismayed by the decision.

Her particular objection is that the 2.4-metre high barrier-fencing, with access gates,  will ‘industrialise’ the library and adversely impact the pleasing nature of this part of the conservation area.

Says Ms Jennings: "Especially with all the improvements that are being made in Cleethorpes, to erect something that looks like a security barrier will be a mistake and will harm the conservation area. 

"It needs to be appropriate to the surroundings, not just utilitarian."

In her decision statement, announced earlier today, Ms Birkwood says: "It has been demonstrated that Cleethorpes Library has suffered from 'sleepers' congregating under the existing canopy which in turn has left visitors and members of staff feeling significantly vulnerable when leaving and entering the premises.

"Evidence has been provided, including a report from Humberside Police, stating the need  to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. 

"Thus, the benefits of the application are clear and justified.

 "The proposal has not been put forward lightly but due to the pressing need to address security issues at the site which have been well evidenced.

"Whilst there will be a visual impact to the conservation area, it is considered to be justified and minimal in this instance and the overall character will be retained. 

"The proposal seeks to address crime and disorder issues to support the important community use of the building as a library which in itself is important to the conservation area."

The type of security fencing to be installed - it is described by the council's own heritage officer as 'utilitarian'

The Grimsby News comments: This is a shameful, heartless decision that reflects extremely badly on NELC/Engie. How fortunate that neither organisation was  in charge of that stable in Bethlehem. 

No one wants to sleep on a cold, hard pavement outside a public building on a freezing January night, but some desperate individuals, perhaps experiencing mental as well as financial issues, feel they have no choice. 

Why do they have no choice? Because NELC has failed to tackle the problems faced by rough sleepers. 

No one should feel 'significantly vulnerable' or in fear of their safety when they arrive for work. If this is the case, the premises should be opened and closed by a security officer.

But let's be honest - no one is more vulnerable than a person who has to sleep out in the cold.

With this proposal, NELC/Engie are using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

Furthermore, the heritage officer is quite right - the proposed  fencing will look grotesque and will dismay most residents. 

The decision should be called in forthwith either by the ward councillors for this part of Cleethorpes or by the opposition group. 

Churches should also speak out on such an insensitive and unchristian proposal. 

DECISION IMMINENT ON CONTROVERSIAL CLEETHORPES 'PALM TREE'

Proposal is for the palm tree-shaped sculpture to be illuminated after dark

PLANS for a synthetic  palm tree to be installed on Cleethorpes North Promenade are set to be determined next week.

A decision on  the controversial artwork - 22 metres tall - is due to  be made by North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee on the morning of Wednesday March 4.

The original location was adjacent to the whale's tail rock armour groyne.

However, Natural England objected because this is an important feeding and roosting habitat for declining wading birds and gulls.

During this winter, the groyne  has also provided a habitat for a rare purple sandpiper - the only recorded 2020 sighting in Lincolnshire.

The proposed new location is a short distance further south opposite the building known as Wonderland.

It is understand that environmental objections have now lessoned though there are still some misgivings about collision from migrating birds which are often attracted to artificial light at night.

There are also understood to be many objections on aesthetic grounds.

The council's interim director of economy and growth, Clive Tritton, has stated his support for the proposal.

In a letter to his planning department colleagues, he says of the artwork: "It is unlikely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as its nature, size or location."

Earlier this month, a Wigan-based firm, Hart & Sons, was on site after being commissioned to carry out preliminary drilling exploration.

The council hopes that the Las Vegas-type novelty of the sculpture - to be constructed largely from plastics and other materials gathered from the beach - will draw visitors to a neglected part of the resort and generate business.

However, opponents warn that the 'tree' will encourage anti-social behaviour - sometimes dangerous if thrill-seekers attempt to climb it.

There are also some who believe  a real tree would be more greatly cherished by residents and visitors than a fake.

Other palms already flourish elsewhere  on Cleethorpes front as do many native tree species - such as those in the gardens opposite the pier and around the boating lake.

How Hodson Architects of Cleethorpes envisage the project

Proposed location is on the other side of the road from Wonderland

Preliminary on-site drilling works have already begun

Rare bird - this purple sandpiper has made the whale's tail groyne its home for winter

NEW WETLAND BIRD SITE NEAR GRIMSBY SHORTLISTED FOR PLANNING AWARD

Cress Marsh - created to provide habitat for waders and wildfowl

A PROJECT aimed at enabling wildlife and industry to flourish  side-by-side  has been shortlisted for a national planning award.

The South Humber Gateway Mitigation Strategy has made the final six in the  natural environment category of awards for planning excellence. 

With an aim of encouraging overwintering wading birds and wildfowl displaced by industrial development, North East Lincolnshire Council planners and ecologists worked with Natural England, the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, the RSPB and others to create Cress Marsh - an area of wet and grass land along the South Humber Bank, near Stallingborough.

The site is being monitored by members of Lincolnshire Bird Club who have been recording the species for the council which manages the site.

Cress Marsh consists of a large central lagoon, which feeds seven more water-filled ‘cells’ via pipework infrastructure. overlooking the lagoon is a bird hide.

Star species over the 12 months have included little ringed plover, green sandpiper and spoonbill, but so far it has not proved as effective as hoped in attracting large numbers of curlews, redshank, snipe, golden plover wigeon and teal.                                

Redshank - as yet, far from plentiful

However, it is still early doors, and there are hopes that numbers will pick up by the end of the year. 

In his entry submission to the planning competition, senior North East Lincolnshire Council planner Ian King describes the  project as a "shining example of what can be achieved when a true balance of economic social and environmental objectives is pursued".

Council regeneration head Cllr John Fenty says of Cress Marsh’s awards shortlisting: “This is proof indeed of the innovative approach our teams are taking to support businesses to either develop or expand here.

"In turn, we are recognising the need to  protect the natural environment."

GRIMSBY DOCTOR GIVEN GREEN LIGHT TO FELL GARDEN TREE DAMAGED BY STORM CIARA

IF at first you don't succeed, try, try again. . . 

Having failed in an earlier application to have a mature  tree in his Grimsby garden felled, surgeon Sri Varah has now been given the go-ahead.

Because of damage by Storm Ciara, the tree - a cedar - at 25a Augusta Street has been deemed dangerous following an inspection by North East Lincolnshire Council's trees and woodlands officer, Paul Chaplin.

It is understood the storm caused a large part of the tree  to snap and fall to the ground at around 11am on  February 9.

This damaged the fence at the rear side of the property and narrowly missed a pedestrian.  

The felling of the cedar will be a loss to the street scene, but the council is recommending that it should be replaced - preferably by a Scots pine, thought to be a more wind-resistant species.

See also: https://bit.ly/2uV5BRM

THUMBS-UP FOR NEW SUPERMARKET NEAR DIANA, PRINCESS OF WALES HOSPITAL - BUT WILL IT LEAD TO WAR OF THE STORES?

How Hodson Architects envisage the store might look

A NEW convenience store is on the cards for Scartho.

North East Lincolnshire Council planners have given the green light for it - and three other commercial units - to be built on land off Forsythia Drive, south of Diana, Princess of Hospital.

Customers of the store are likely to include staff at the hospital, its visitors and nearby residents.

It should also benefit from further housing that has been earmarked for adjacent land.

Architects for the project are Hodson, of Yarra Road, Cleethorpes.

Says the firm: "The site can be appropriately developed to respect and be influenced by the character of Scartho. 

"The proposal is designed to be part of the same ‘family’ of buildings as already approved residential applications, particularly given the materials chosen. 

"It is hoped that the retail development will contribute to the success of quality, contemporary housing built on the sites nearby."

The application was unsuccessfully opposed by a nearby landowner, the Brocklesby Estate, which is building a new residential village on Matthew Telford Way at nearby Scartho Top.

This will also accommodate a convenience store, and Brocklesby fear that there will be insufficient trade to support both.

It is concerned that retailers who have expressed interest to coming to Scartho Top might now pull out, jeopardising its proposed village.

EXPENSES-PAID VISITS TO ROME, FLORENCE AND JERSEY - THE PERKS OF BEING AN MP

                                   

High-speed train or gravy train? Railway enthusiast Martin Vickers

ONE of the highlights of last summer for Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers was a three-day trip to Rome and Florence.

As chairman of the All-Party Rail Group, he went on a fact-finding visit to a Hitachi factory in Italy to view construction of their high-speed trains and to sample  a journey on the country's high-speed network.

The trip between June-15 is recorded inn the latest  Register of  Members' Interests which notes that he was reimbursed by Hitachi for his travel and subsistence to the tune of  £998.

With his expert knowledge of railways, the MP is  able to  speak authoritatively in the Commons.

At Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, he welcomed the Government's decision to press ahead with the controversial HS2 rail project while lamenting that, once completed, it is unlikely to bring any benefits to his constituency.

He also took the opportunity to remind the Prime Minister of his pre-Election pledge to ensure the re-opening of the pedestrian rail crossing at Suggitts Lane, just outside Cleethorpes Station.

MP is backing campaign for crossing to be reopened

Also entered by the MP in the Register is his visit to Jersey between May 9-12 last year.

His flights, accommodation, subsistence and travel costs of approximately £1,015.25 were paid for by the Government of Jersey.

The purpose of the visit was to attend events commemorating Liberation Day which is held annually to mark liberation from occupation of the Channel Islands by the Nazis during the 1939-45 war.

LIZ PARRY SET TO LAUNCH NEW RESTAURANT IN GRIMSBY - BUT WHAT WILL SHE CALL IT?

The fashion shop earmarked by Liz Parry for her new venture

ENTREPRENEUR Liz Parry has been given the planning green light to open a new cafe-restaurant in Grimsby.

With the Paris ladies' fashion shop in Abbeygate relocating to new premises, she is eager to take on the site.

Her application did not go before North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee but was yesterday approved by senior case officer Lauren Birkwood under delegated powers. 

Originally from the Shetland Isles, Ms Parry knows her way round the food-drinks-and-hospitality scene.

She established Abbys Wine Bar & Bistro and The Curious Cat cocktail bar and kitchen, both in Grimsby, then, with son Lewis, the Tale of Two bar-restaurant in Cleethorpes.

The last of these is now under new ownership.

An ever-enthusiastic community champion, three years ago she became the first female president of the  Rotary Club of Cleethorpes.

Says Ms Parry's planning consultant, Helen Lavric Robinson, of Design Intervention: "My client, who already runs two business premises out of Abbeygate, is now proposing to take over this property and continue an established reputation for relaxed dining with this new venture. 

"There will be no detrimental impact to the local architecture or the town centre because there are  no plans to make any external changes to the frontage.

"The change-of-use refurbishment  will all be internal.

"My client is a trusted and respected tenant and business owner both within the town centre and within regeneration community.

"She wishes to enhance the area with a new vibrant business."

The was just one objection to the application - from another Abbeygate occupant who expressed concerns about the potential for anti-social behaviour, especially after hours.

It is not yet known whether Ms Parry will apply for a licence for her new project - nor (more intriguingly) what it will be named. 

Liz Parry chats with another food entrepreneur, Levi Roots, at an event in Grimsby a few years ago

 

'EXCITING' TIMES AHEAD FOR FORMER GRIMSBY MP MELANIE ONN

From politics to business - Melanie Onn relishing the challenge

MAKING speeches and liaising with the media - these will be high on the list of responsibilities for former Grimsby MP Melanie Onn in her new life as a businesswoman.

Starting on March 9, Ms Onn will become  deputy chief executive of RenewableUK - a consortium of some 400 businesses involved with generating  energy from renewable sources such as wind and solar.

She will be giving presentations to audiences - large and small - of various types.

Another important aspect to her brief is to open up the sector so that more opportunities are created for women.

Ms Onn, who is married with a young son, was elected twice as Labour MP for Great Grimsby, serving from May 2015 to November 2019.

Although mostly confined to the back benches, she had brief spells as Shadow Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government and Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Commons.  

However, she lost her seat to the Conservative candidate, Lia Nici,   at the  General Election of last December.

In her new role it is thought unlikely that  she will retain any involvement in party politics.

This might weaken her position were she to seek to regain her parliamentary seat at the next election five years' hence.

RenewableUK’s chief executive, Hugh McNeal, is very pleased with the appointment.

 “I’m absolutely delighted that a talented and passionate public servant of Melanie’s calibre has chosen this role as her next step after serving as an MP, "he says.

"She has already bee  a powerful advocate for renewable energy and has been instrumental in the transformation of Grimsby, now a global hub for offshore wind."

Meanwhile, Ms Onn could scarcely be more upbeat about the new direction her career has taken and the  challenges ahead.

 “This is an incredibly exciting time to be joining this innovative sector," she enthuses.

"The public is demanding decisive action on climate change.

"What is more, the eyes of the world will be on the UK as we prepare to host the crucial climate change summit  in Glasgow later this year.

"RenewableUK’s members are driving the changes the country  needs if it is  to reach net zero emissions as fast as possible. 

“The transition to a net zero economy is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the UK to create new industries and jobs." 

She continues: "I only need to look at my hometown, Grimsby, where investment in offshore wind is playing a major role in starting to revitalise the local economy.

"In my new role, I am determined to champion the wide range of clean technologies necessary to accelerate the country's successful transition to net zero”. 
 

Details of Ms Onn's salary have not been released, but her initial appointment is on a 12-month contract.