DID COUNTRY PARK SWAN TRY TO GIVE CLEETHORPES ANGLER A GUILTY CONSCIENCE?

There was a surprise on the lakeside at Cleethorpes Country Park for this fellow who was angling when he probably didn't ought to  have been (because of lockdown). 

As if to give him a guilty conscience, a mute swan flew in close by, forcing him hastily to reel in his line. 

The swan landed but didn't tarry. 

It swam off allowing our fisherman to resume his afternoon's sport in the sunshine.

CLEETHORPES PUB SET TO BE FLATTENED AS PART OF SEAFRONT MAKEOVER SCHEME

The 'blocky' Waves building has long been a blot on the seafront streetscape

SAY farewell to the former Waves pub in Cleethorpes!

The long-empty property is due to be demolished during the course of the next couple of months as part of a scheme to redevelop this part of the resort.

Contractors from  GBM Demolition will move on to site on Monday.

Also due to come down is North East Lincolnshire Council's  Beach Safety team's boat house

Hoardings will be erected around the site to safeguard passers-by.

Demolition will take approximately two months and had initially been planned to start in March. 

Due to the coronavirus crisis, the project was postponed to allow for the appropriate Government guidance to be considered and plans put into place to ensure it was followed.

An impression of the proposed new multi-purpose building for the site

                                         

BENCHES TO BE REMOVED FROM BUS STANDS TO COMBAT 'INTIMIDATION' BY STREET-DRINKERS

PASSENGER benches are to be removed from areas of Grimsby town centre where they have become a gathering-point for troublemakers.

With work due to start on Monday, the first to go will be those at bus stands C, D, E and F at the Riverhead Exchange.

It is a controversial initiative which may dismay the elderly or infirm and those not steady on their feet.

But North East Lincolnshire Council says it has been prompted by residents and bus passengers who have complained of  dunken and other  anti-social behaviour.

Humberside police are understood to be extremely supportive of the project.

The works  are expected to take two weeks during which time the bus stops will remain operational. 

Says NELC's  portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, Cllr Ron Shepherd: “The bus shelter benches in the Riverhead Exchange have proved difficult to maintain and have become a safety hazard.

“The area has been subject to anti-social behaviour which has included groups of street drinkers gathering and causing intimidation towards members of the public waiting for a bus, glass getting stuck in the wooden bench slats and rubbish accumulating at the back of the benches.

“Council workers have continued to engage with groups that congregate, clean the benches and remove any potential hazards, but it has become a recurring issue which is deemed unreasonable for the public.

“We have decided to remove some of the benches, with the public’s safety and comfort being of paramount importance.”

NELC's regeneration partner, Engie, will be managing and overseeing the works with local contractor, Southam Services, completing the works.

It is not known what will happen to the benches.

ARE THESE THE MOST HATED BIRDS IN BRITAIN?

Juvenile herring gulls on the whale's tail rock groyne in Cleethorpes

ALMOST 1,000 applications have been lodged with Natural England by individuals and organisations seeking licences to cull two species familiar in Grimsby and Cleethorpes - herring gull and lesser black-backed gull.

Although nationally in decline, both species are common in some cities and towns, especially those on the coast, where their aggressive behaviour and food-stealing antics can cause distress. 

Unlike their counterparts in, say, Scarborough or  Bridlington, the local birds are mostly relatively docile.

The identities of  those seeking culling licences have not been revealed but the list could include some seaside councils.

Natural England says that such has been the increase in workload to process the applications that extra staff have had to be deployed temporarily to the licensing team.

During the course of the next fortnight, applicants will know they have been awarded licences.

Natural England's director of wildlife licensing, Dave Slater, has issued this statement.

"Since opening the  process, we have received very high numbers of applications for control of the two gull species and for control of wild birds on protected sites. 

"The scale of lethal control of these gulls that has been applied for is considerably greater than the levels of lethal control which Natural England have concluded are ecologically acceptable for these species.

"We understand that some applicants will be disappointed if they do not receive licences. 

"However, NE must ensure that the licences it issues will not be detrimental for the conservation status of protected species. 

"Our research indicates that the breeding population of herring gull, a red listed species, has fallen by 60 per cent since the 1980s, with amber listed lesser black-backed gulls declining by an estimated 48 per cent."

"NE must also ensure that the licences it issues do not adversely affect the conservation objectives of statutory protected sites. 

"These are legal requirements with which Natural England must comply."

Mr Slater continues: "Many applicants will want to  act upon their licences urgently, especially now that the bird breeding season is upon us, and I want to thank them for their patience. 

"This work has taken longer than we originally anticipated, for the reasons explained below.

"We have to date received almost 1000 applications, around three quarters of which arrived with us in March, many of these after the gull application deadline of 15 March. 

"A significant number of these applications did not include all the required information and have taken additional time to go back to applicants to ask for this necessary information. 

"We have brought more people into the licensing team to increase our capacity to address this unexpected additional workload. 

"We have also been working with stakeholder groups to test that the conditions in the licences will be clear and workable for users.

"For the named gull species in particular, we need to ensure there is adequate information on large numbers of applications, and then assess them together. 

"This is because we must undertake an assessment of cumulative impacts on conservation status before we issue these licences. 

"In addition, where any applications are on protected sites, such as Special Protection Areas (SPAs), we need to ensure that we have the information we need in order to be certain there will be no adverse effects on those sites."

Mr Slater concludes: "We expect to able to start notifying applicants very soon as to whether or not their application has been successful. 

"I recognise it will be challenging for those who do not receive the licence for lethal controls, but this will be due to the conservation constraints required by law. "

Checking out the view from aloft a  street lamp - lesser black-backed gull

* More about the licences at: 
https://bit.ly/2SeqhN7

* See also parlamentary debate on herring gulls at: 
https://bit.ly/2Y7RBAb


* Further reading:

https://amzn.to/3aGXAyH

POPULAR HUMBERSTON HOLIDAY PARK WILL REMAIN CLOSED THROUGHOUT MAY

Thorpe Park - coronavirus shutdown continues

SHUTDOWN at the popular Thorpe Park holiday site in Humberston will continue at least until the end of next month.

This was confirmed in a statement issued today by its operator, Haven Holidays.

The statement  reads as follows:

"At Haven we pride ourselves on providing millions of families with holidays on the Great British coast each year. 

"Sadly, this year we have only been able to welcome a fraction of these to our parks due to the serious Coronavirus situation.

"The Coronavirus continues to affect the lives of each and every one of us – from our guests to our owners to our teams. 

"As we continue to follow the direction provided by the Government it is now clear we will be unable to offer the usual Haven experience for a longer period of time, and so we have taken the decision to temporarily extend the closure of all our parks. 

"Our parks will remain closed until Sunday May 31, 2020.

"This, we are sure you understand, is totally beyond our control. and we are really sorry for the disappointment caused to anyone who was looking forward to their coastal break." 

The only birdies on the golf course will be ones like this wheatear

The statement continues: "If you have an affected break, we will be in contact with you directly via email and will offer you the following options: 

* Change your date to another break in 2020 or 2021 and receive a £50 Food and Beverage voucher to spend on park. Not sure when you'd like to go - that's fine. We'll transfer your funds into a holding account for you to use when you're ready, PLUS you'll still receive the £50 Food and Beverage voucher to spend on Park.

* A full refund: We will be working through all affected breaks in arrival date order. We would like to thank everyone for their patience whilst we work through this as quickly as we can.

"We are contacting all guests with affected breaks, offering a number of options as we need to change their booking. We have been in contact with all guests who have affected breaks up until 14 May 2020. 

"We are now contacting everyone who has a break booked between 15 May – 31 May 2020.

"We trust you appreciate that we are all working in extreme and unprecedented times and because of this the Haven team is working remotely. 

"We are receiving high levels of inbound calls and emails as well as social media messages and we are doing our very best to respond as quickly as we can. 

"This decision has been made with the safety and security of our guests, owners and teams as our number one priority.

"We will be back up and running as soon as we are able and look forward to welcoming everyone back to enjoy a Haven holiday."

The Humberston holiday park is also something of a nature reserve

GRIMSBY MP LIA NICI PRAISED FOR 'POWERFUL' MAIDEN SPEECH IN 'COMMONS

Lia Nici - I will work tirelessly for change

A PAT on the back for Grimsby MP Lia Nici has come from an unexpected source - a Labour backbencher.

Following Ms Nici's maiden speech  in the Commons - on March 16 - she was commended by Dan Jarvis, Labour member for Barnsley Central, who said: "She has made a powerful maiden speech.

"She conveyed her passion and commitment to her constituents and her constituency."

Earlier, Ms Nici had also handed out a few plaudits of her own - specifically to her Labour predecessor, Melanie Onn, to  another former Grimsby MP, Austin Mitchell, and to Martin Vickers. Conservative MP for Cleethorpes.

This is the full text of the Grimsby MP's speech.

"It is with great pride that I stand in this place and speak about the town of my birth and now the town of my constituency, Great Grimsby. 

"I am equally proud that I am the first woman from my party to represent the seat. Indeed, I am the first Conservative MP to serve the constituency since Sir Walter Womersley in 1945.

"I would like to acknowledge the work of my immediate predecessor, Melanie Onn. 

"Melanie served as MP for four years. Even in that short time, she progressed to shadow Front-Bench positions, first as shadow Deputy Leader of the House and then as shadow Housing Minister. 
Melanie was hard working and diligent in her service of Great Grimsby.

"I must also mention the Labour politician who served Grimsby for longer than anybody else: Austin Mitchell. 

"Austin was a Member of Parliament for 38 years and is a politician whom I admire greatly. 

Fishermen

"He once said that if you pinned a red rosette on a donkey, the people of Great Grimsby would vote for it. 

"Well, I did not wear a red rosette and nor am I a donkey, which proves that Austin Mitchell was not always right. 

"Austin was a constant campaigner against the common fisheries policy and the damage it inflicted on the fishermen of Grimsby. 

"It is that part of his work that I will be particularly proud to continue now that we have left the EU.

I would also like to say a sincere thank you to my hon. Friend Martin Vickers, who encouraged me to stand as a councillor and then as parliamentary candidate. 

"He continues to be a valued adviser and a huge support.

"Great Grimsby has a long and proud trading history. The town was well known as a trading port in the 800s and was particularly renowned even then for the quality of its fish and its fishing fleet. 

"By the 1100s, the town had become one of the richest trading ports in the country. 

King John

"In 1201, the burgesses of the town bought it from King John, and it gained its first town charter in the same year. I am very proud to say that Great Grimsby was able to send two of its burgesses to start up the model Parliament in 1295. 

"In recognition of that, our coat of arms and the name Great Grimsby are part of one of the stained glass windows in St Stephen’s Hall.

"The enrolled freemen of Grimsby, who were created at the signing of the first town charter, ran the town until 1831 and are still an important part of its functions today. 

"They are the beating heart of Freeman Street and continue to work with the council and MPs to ensure the town’s positive future. 

"It is important to recall how the freemen encouraged economic success in the 1300s. 

"They reduced or abolished taxes for local businesses. 

"There was, for example: “No Keyage on loading or unloading ship,” “No Stallage on erecting a stall in the market,” and “No Anchorage on dropping anchor”. 

Free port

"I encourage the Chancellor to emulate our forebears and bring a free port to Grimsby.

"For centuries, trawlermen from our town set off into the North Sea to catch the fish to feed the nation, including through two world wars.
"Those trawlermen then had to suffer the cod wars with Iceland, together with crippling oil price rises in the 1970s. 

"As a nation we joined the Common Market and then the EU, which gave rise to the common fisheries policy. 

"EU trawlers had access to our waters, and our own fishermen became subject to smaller and smaller quotas. 

"All of that resulted in the decimation of the fishing industry in towns such as Grimsby. 

"But now we have left the EU. 

"My constituents will be watching the Government, and me, very closely over the coming year to make sure we negotiate a deal that means we are able to build a UK fishing industry fit for the 21st century.

"Great Grimsby is not merely a town that looks back to its history. 

Seafood processing

"Our key Lincolnshire location on the bank of the Humber estuary and facing the North Sea means we are home to the largest centre for seafood processing and cold storage, and we have become the UK’s largest centre for the maintenance and operations of our new offshore windfarms. 

"Many of my constituents work at the Port of Immingham and Grimsby, the UK’s largest port by tonnage. 

"We hope to be at the forefront of the new emerging technology in carbon capture and storage. 

"I was particularly delighted to hear the Chancellor’s announcement of a £800 million infrastructure fund for carbon capture and storage clusters. 

"Where better to place a cluster that will capture and store 16 million tonnes of carbon dioxide than off the coast of Grimsby?

"As my hon. Friends on the Conservative Benches know, small businesses are central to the life of our towns and our country. 

"If we are to encourage the regeneration of our town centres, our local businesses are key. 

"I therefore welcome the announcement to help small businesses cope with the potential extra costs of coronavirus by refunding statutory sick pay. 

"The retail, leisure and hospitality businesses in my constituency will also welcome the extension of the 100 per cent business rate relief in 2020-21. 

"I am particularly pleased that the Chancellor has decided to freeze fuel duty for another year. 

"My constituents, especially those who run logistics companies, will greatly appreciate that step.

"To be elected to represent my home town is the greatest honour of my professional life. 

"It is an honour that has come to me because of how the people felt treated by politicians in the past. 

"We know that they have lent us their vote and I am well aware that they voted for change. 

"I will work tirelessly to see that that change happens."

IT'S SAFE! COUNCIL ASSURANCE ON STRUCTURAL STABILITY OF GRIMSBY TOWN CENTRE CAR PARK

A SAFETY assurance has been given on the structural integrity of Grimsby's  Abbey Walk Car Park.

North East Lincolnshire Council today issued a statement insisting that the car park has been "deemed safe by engineers".

However, to be on the safe side, inspection work on the concrete beams is due to be carried out tomorrow.

It is thought they may need strengthening in which case there will have to be improvement works which will prove costly to the council's coffers.

Says NELC's portfolio holder for environment and transport, Cllr Stewart Swinburn: “Abbey Walk Car Park is an aging structure and it is vital that, following the recent discovery of defects, we look at all the potential repairs needed and the associated costs.

“These survey works will provide the data needed to allow engineers to review the options and develop a potential repair strategy.”

The car park will remain open while the survey works are carried out, using localised traffic management cones and barriers.

NELC's regeneration partner, Engie, will manage and oversee the works with Leeds-based structural specialists, Mason Clark Associates, also likely to be involved.

VILLAGE TREES SAVED FROM THE CHOP - DESPITE 'THREAT' TO SWIMMING POOL AND GLASSHOUSE

FIVE mature pine trees in a Grimsby-area village have been spared the chop.

The trees are located in the back garden at Treyarnon Lodge off Nicholson Road in Healing.

The householders sought consent to fell on the grounds that the trees have been damaged by winter storms and any falling branches would imperil a swimming pool and glasshouse.

In addition,  they dislike shadow being cast over the property at a certain time of day.

The application to fell replicates one made 11 years ago when it was refused by North East Lincolnshire Council, though the trees officer at the time indicated that trimming the branches to reduce canopy spread would be acceptable.

However, the current trees officer, Paul Chaplin, shares the view of his predecessor that the trees are important to the amenity of the street scene.

In refusing to grant consent, NELC has made this comment: "The trees officer does not support the implied claim that the storm damage makes the trees intrinsically dangerous to the extent that they should be removed.

"He says the canopies of the pine trees acted as they should in cushioning and dissipating the wind forces on the individual tree structures and the group as a whole.

"No evidence has been presented to suggest the trees are now unstable."

It concludes: "The trees officer  does not consider that the applicant has presented sufficient justification for the pine trees to be felled and considers the trees can be reasonably and adequately managed to maintain the trees in situ."

DID CLEETHORPES DONKEY EAT TOO MUCH?

This sign has appeared on the fence of the donkey and horse paddock adjacent to the former Pleasure Island theme park in Cleethorpes.  Either one of the donkeys ate too much or it munched into something that didn't agree with. Here's hoping people heed the advice and that the poorly creature is now on the way to a speedy recovery.

Two of the donkeys - passers-by should refrain from feeding them

FIRST CUCKOOS DUE IN CLEETHORPES VERY SOON

Cuckoo seen last spring on sea buckthorn - a widespread plant on the foreshore coastal nature reserve in Cleethorpes 

LISTEN out for North East Lincolnshire's first cuckoos of summer 2020.

For most of winter, they are in the Congo and other parts of tropical Africa where they share forest habitat with gorillas and other exotic creatures.

But they migrate to the UK in spring, and the first arrivals have already been  reported in southern England.

In  Cleethorpes and on other parts of  the Lincolnshire Coast, they like to sate their hunger on the caterpillars of brown-tail moths which are now starting to emerge from the unsightly cocoons they make on sea buckthorn.

Incidentally, give these  caterpillars a wide berth - they can create a nasty allergic reaction for those with a sensitive skin.

The unmistakable  cocoons  of brown-tail moths

DON'T BE HORRIBLE TO BLACK ANTS - THEY'RE A GARDEN FRIEND, NOT A FOE!

THE recent run of dry, bright weather has sparked a population explosion of black garden ants.

Households all over North East Lincolnshire are reporting plentiful numbers of the creatures, scurrying about as they make themselves busy, stimulated  by what they love best - bright sunshine.

The trouble for the ants is that they tend not to be much liked by humans.

Local shops have been unable to keep up with the booming demand for ant-killer powder.

However, being anti-ant is probably a mistake. The variety seen in our gardens and backyards seldom bite and they don't carry viruses (least of all covid-19).

On the contrary, they do good work, killing the harmful larvae of  houseflies, bluebottles, mites, sawflies, aphids and other pest species.

They also help to pollinate flowers, while  their tunnelling activities help to break down dry and compacted soil

They also perform a valuable function by feeding on organic litter in the street.

They tend to nest near the foundations of houses and bungalows, and it can be a bit unnerving when they venture inside the home - especially if they are seen  scampering  on or around cake and other sweet food.

The solution is to clear away crumbs and to make sure that foods are securely packaged.

One other tip. They are very partial to syrup, so apparently they can be tempted away from the house by a strategically-located tin of the sweet stuff. 

GOING TRANSPARENT: COUNCIL WILL ALLOW THE PUBLIC TO WATCH MEETINGS ONLINE

COUNCIL meeting are set to resume next week - and members of the public will be able to watch the debates online.

Since coronavirus lockdown, NELC's  scrutiny panel and committee meetings have been either postponed or cancelled.

But the authority has now fixed things so that  - just like with the House of Commons - councillors will be able to contribute to discussions from the comfort of their own homes.

Today, the authority put out this statement: "New arrangements have been developed for formal  meetings to re-start.

"Secure IT solutions have been put in place to allow for virtual public meetings to go ahead in several key areas so that the business of the council can continue. 

"Initially, virtual meetings will be held for Cabinet,  planning and licensing."

In a joint statement, the political group leaders Philip Jackson (Conservative, Leader of the Council), Matthew Patrick (Labour) and Ian Barfield (Liberal Democrat) say: "We have all had to learn how to work in new ways. 

"As we start the road to recovery, it is important that we conduct the business of the council to make sure that key decisions are made openly and transparently.

“By holding these meetings virtually, it means that we, as elected members, will still be able to honour our duty to speak on behalf of our constituents.

Their statement continues: “It is also important, as with normal meetings, that the public can see the business being transacted, hence an  arrangements to broadcast the meetings virtually."

The first meeting held this way will be a meeting of the council’s cabinet on Friday 1 May at 2.30pm when the chief executive is due to provide an update on the authority's response to the Covid-19 situation.

For press and public, a link to the meeting will be published with the agenda papers on the council’s website.  

Guidance will be provided in due course via this link: https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/meetings/cabinet-virtual-meeting/

In other developments, following the cancellation of this year’s local elections and by agreement of the leaders of the political groups, all appointments to committee positions and outside bodies made at last year’s council AGM will be held over to May 2021, including the position of mayor and deputy mayor. 

It has been agreed in principle by the political group leaders that Cllr David Hasthorpe (Con) will succeed to the mayoralty in May next year.

COUNCIL'S PLEA TO THE PUBLIC OVER HUGE INCREASE IN HOUSEHOLD RUBBISH

                                               

In this together - the sides of refuse trucks have been adorned with rainbow paintings

                     

A SURGE in household rubbish has been reported by North East Lincolnshire Council

Bin crews in are said to be collecting between 20 and 50 per cent more household waste and recycling than they usually do at this time of year.

More people are at home because of coronavirus lockdown and that means a lot more rubbish and recycling to pick up.

Crews are collecting a lot more glass jars and bottles than they usually do.

Says a council spokesman: "People are probably drinking a lot more coffee and tea while they are working at home.

"With pubs and bars closed, they are also drinking more alcohol, so there has been a surge in empty  beer and wine bottles.

"Crews have also seen a big increase in cardboard packaging as more people shop online."

Bin crews are taking the extra workload in good spirit, largely because they have been overwhelmed by the support from the support from the public.

Waste and street cleansing vehicles have been decorated with children’s rainbow drawings.

NELC urges households to play their part by breaking down cardboard to fit it into the blue box and flattening  plastic  tins bottles and tins for the orange box.

 Cllr Stewart Swinburn, NELC's portfolio holder for environment and transport comments: "Our lorries are filling up up much quicker and have to make more trips to the depot to unload."

The council has issued  tips on how householders can play their part:

1 Check www.nelincs.gov.uk/coronavirus regularly for updates on any changes to waste and recycling collections. Sign up to have updates sent directly at www.nelincs.gov.uk/COVID-19-notifications

2 Please make sure that all domestic waste is put in sealed bags first and that your green bin lid is firmly closed. Don’t leave extra bags of rubbish with your bin

3 We will collect up to five recycling boxes as long as they are presented correctly. Please don’t leave large cardboard boxes or other items that don’t fit inside the recycling boxes. Squash plastic bottles and tins to fit more in your orange box. Break down cardboard to fit in your blue box.

4 Minimise the amount of rubbish, recycling and food waste you produce. Every bit we can reduce will make a real difference to maintaining a good collection service for everyone. Find tips for reducing food waste at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com. Visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/recycling to find out what you can and can’t recycle.

5 Avoid having a big ‘clear-out’ while at home as this will only create more rubbish and recycling for our workers to collect. Bulky waste collections start again on 4 May for items such as furniture, white goods and mattresses. Book online at www.nelincs.gov.uk/BulkyWaste.

6 Check restrictions at the Community Recycling Centres before making an unnecessary journey. Only visit if it is absolutely necessary - store your waste and recycling at home if you can do it safely.

7 Park sensibly so our bin wagons can drive into your street. Many more people are at home, and parked cars may restrict access to bins for our collection crews, making their job more difficult and increasing the likelihood that bins cannot be emptied.

8 Don’t stop recycling. With the global economy disrupted, it’s more important than ever to recycle your paper, card, plastic, cans and glass to ensure that valuable resources are recycled and made into new products for people to buy.

9 All charity shops are now closed so please do not leave donations on their doorsteps. But remember charity shops will be very grateful for donations once the crisis is over.

10 Do not burn your waste at home. This creates air pollution that could harm people nearby who may already have breathing difficulties. There is also the danger that fires could get out of control. Fire services around the country are reporting an increase in callouts due to garden fires.

11 When putting out your waste and recycling containers, there are a few things you can do to ensure you’re doing this as safely as possible:

12 Keep your distance when our workers are collecting your waste and recycling.

13 Disinfect your bag, bin, box and caddy handles again, before and after collection.

14  Wash your hands thoroughly after handling and disinfecting your bags, bins, boxes and caddies.

15 Put wipes, cloths, gloves, etc. used for cleaning your bags, bins, boxes and caddies into your non-recyclable waste bin or bag, as these can’t be recycled.

16 If you’re self-isolating and feeling unwell, double-bag your personal waste (such as tissues) and put aside for at least 72 hours (3 days) before putting them out for collection.

17 Do not put tissues into your recycling as they cannot be recycled.

18 Disinfect your bag, bin, box and caddy handles before and after you touch them.

NEW COFFEE SHOP FOR CLEETHORPES?

                                                           

Coffee and light refreshments plan for former fashion boutique

                                                       
A NEW coffee shops is on the cards for Cleethorpes

Entrepreneur Joanne Lisa Cowan is hoping to change the use of the ground floor premises at the corner of Sea View Street and Cambridge Street.

This used to be home to the Lily Rose fashion boutique which is understood to have closed early last year.

Jo, of Tetney Road, Humberston, believes her venture will prove popular both with residents and visitors. 

She knows the area well and is unlikely to be short of customers.

She used to the proprietor of Barnets, the neighbouring barber's shop, and still works there.

It is understood that the property's landlord, Mark Barford, welcomes the proposal.

Proposed hours of opening would be from 8am or 9am to 4pm.

The application is currently under  consideration by North East Lincolnshire Council planners.

Proposed hours of opening would be 8am or 9am to 4pm daily.

NORMAL OPENING HOURS RESUME AT CEMETERIES BUT 'FAMILY ONLY' RESTRICTIONS STILL APPLY AT GRIMSBY FUNERALS

NORMAL opening hours have resumed at North East Lincolnshire's cemeteries and crematorium grounds.

Opening times at the council cemeteries on Scartho Road and off Trinity Road, Cleethorpes, had been reduced due to the coronavirus outbreak.

This was to allow staff to carry out essential duties and keep to social distancing rules.

However, it's now back to normal.

In Grimsby, the crematorium grounds are also now open as usual but the crematorium building still remains closed to the public except for those attending a funeral.

Funerals are continuing to operate as normal, but only immediate family are allowed to attend.

Says NELC: "All visitors attending a funeral must abide by social distancing rules at all times to reduce the risk of spreading the virus."

The crematorium offices are closed to the public.

For further information,  email bereavementservices@nelincs.gov.uk or telephone 01472 324869.

GRIMSBY'S TOP TOWN MARKET REMAINS OPEN FOR 'ESSENTIAL' ITEMS

A REMINDER has been sounded that Grimsby’s Top Town Market remains open during the coronavirus lockdown.

This to allow those stalls which sell 'essential items' to carry on serving customers.

Today North East Lincolnshire Council put out this statement: "A number of traders selling essential items such as meat, vegetables and fruit are remaining open so long as they comply with  Government guidelines on social distancing.

"The market hall management has restricted access into some areas of the market hall, introduced floor markers to ensure shoppers remain two metres apart and introduced queuing arrangements with each trader. 

"Additional cleaning procedures have also been put in place."

Says Cllr John Fenty, NELC's portfolio holder for regeneration and skills:: “I should  like to thank the market shoppers for adhering to the social distancing measures in place, thereby allowing trading to continue."

Those who cannot get to the market are able to order over the phone directly with some traders:

* Fruit and vegetables from Huston Bros: 07749 396 537
* Fruit and vegetables from Turner Brothers Ltd: 07712 322 637
* Meat from The Meat Master: 07907 582 136

Adds Cllr Fenty “Shopping local and supporting our local businesses through this crisis is essential."

POLICE IN NEW APPEAL FOR INFO ON CLEETHORPES ARSON INCIDENTS

The front door of a property in Sherburn Street was badly scorched when flames spread from  an adjacent car that had been set alight

POLICE have stepped up their appeal for information on a series of arson incidents that have created fear in a quiet part of Cleethorpes.

This week, they have been leafleting households in the Croft Baker ward - around Trinity Road, Highgate, Sherburn Street and Thrunscoe Road -   in the hope that someone might have CCTV footage or cellphone images that could provide vital clues.

They also seek information - as "a matter of urgency" - from anyone who has seen one or more individuals loitering or behaving suspiciously in the vicinity of these locations.

Since the beginning of March, the empty Thrunscoe adult education centre and several cars have been torched under cover of darkness in the small hours.

In several cases, flames have spread to adjacent properties putting life in mortal danger.

Says Det-Insp Kerry Bull: "I know this recent spate of fires  in Cleethorpes has been a cause of concern to our local community."

Over Easter, a man in his 20s was arrested, and it is understood he remains in police custody. 

Anyone with information should contact the 101 number, quoting the reference number: 16/41028/20.
                                        

The leaflet appealing for information from residents

Netting is here providing a temporary garden barrier after flames spread from an ablaze car to a fence, totally destroying several panels 

GERMANY ENERGY COMPANY PONDERS SALE OF 73-TURBINE HUMBER GATEWAY WINDFARM

A view of the windfarm - and Spurn lighthouse - from  Cleethorpes Prom

THE Humber Gateway windfarm - which is clearly visible from Cleethorpes promenade - could fetch offers in the region of £1-billion if, as reported, it is auctioned  off by German energy company RWE.

According to a report in today's edition of The Daily Telegraph, RWE has hired merchant bank Morgan Stanley to invite bids.

If so, this would spark strong interest from infrastructure funds, pension groups and sovereign wealth funds because windfarms generate a reliable and consistent source of cashflow.

The  windfarm was officially  opened in  September, 2015, by  Andrea Leadsom MP, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change.

The previous month its operations and maintenance base in Grimsby was opened by Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles MP. 

A pontoon provides a berth  for three  service vessels.

The windfarm's  73 turbines are located in water depth of around 15 metres eight  kilometres east of Spurn Point and  they cover a total area of approximately 25 square kilometres.

It was developed by another German energy company, E.On - at an estimated cost of £700-million - but changed hands as part of an asset swap.

Historically, the project  has supported an apprenticeship project at Grimsby's  CATCH training college.

Profits generated have also funded  grants to some 37 community groups and charities.

It also part-funded the  construction of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's visitor centre at Spurn.

                                                               

View for migrating birds as they approach the Spurn peninsula. They are safe so long as they fly above the 73 turbines, but many hundreds annually possibly come a cropper through collision impact (Photo: RWE website)

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CHRIS HUDSON JUST CAN'T WAIT TO GET BACK TO HIS CLEETHORPES BEACH ALAMO

Lord and master Chris Hudson is always to take visitors on a guided tour of the property - and at no charge!

THE sooner I can get back, the better!

That's the view of Cleethorpes' biggest fan - Chris Hudson.

Chris lives in the Nottingham area and works in Derby for the train-maker, Bombardier.

Yet, whenever he can and whatever the weather, he catches a train to return here for a few days, staying at a guesthouse on Taylor's Avenue.

What is it that brings him here? 

Almost all his time is spent on the outer beach at 'The Alamo' - a structure made of planks, rope and other debris that have been washed up on the tide.

"Don't ask me why I do it," he says. "It's just a labour of love.

"I've returned scores of times over the past few years, and each time I try to find something new  to embellish it - it's a work in progress.

"No one's ever going to call it a stately home, but that's just what it is to me!

"What's more, I meet some lovely people - dogwalkers, birdwatchers and people who just love the sand, the sea, the fresh air  and the sense of space.

"I get to meet people  from all walks of life who are happy to chat about everything under the sun.

"On one occasion, a bird of prey - it might have been a peregrine - flew in from out of nowhere and briefly perched on the ground right next to where I was sitting."

Occasionally, other birds - small migrants such as wheatears or stonechats - also use The Alamo as a perching point.

Chris was not the fellow who established  The Alamo which also goes under the name of 'The Plankcamp' and various others.

But it is he who has taken on the responsibility for maintaining the resort's wackiest attraction.

On at least one occasion, strong winds and high tide have completely destroyed the structure, but that has been no big problem for Chris - he simply reassembles the various components, plus a few more, to wherever most of the pieces have been scattered.

From time to time, passers-by add to the structure, making it a kind of community art project. 

"It's always changing,"continues Chris. "A little bit here, and a little bit there. That's just how it should be, and just how I like it." 

Away from The Alamo, Chris is a keen football fan - and the England side has few more loyal devotees.

But he is also an Aston Villa supporter and has relished their return to the Premier Leage.

Alas, the restrictions on travel have kept Chris away from his favourite place for most of spring.

But one thing's sure - he is counting down the days to when he can get to his own special home, sweet home.

* Below pictures showing The Alamo at various times over the past 18 months.