SUNNY DAYS ARE HERE BUT A LINGERING SADNESS FLOATS ON THE SEA BREEZES

Best foot forward for a day in the Cleethorpes sunshine

                                                

CLEETHORPES today did what it does best - being a seaside  resort for one and all.

In fact, it was humming all weekend as residents and visitors made the most of the smiling sunshine, the sands and the lapping waves of the sea.

Just one thing was missing - the spirit of happy-go-lucky.

It was hard not to be aware at the dark cloud of disruption, sadness and, in some cases, tragedy that have resulted from coronavirus and the ensuing lockdown.

People were enjoying, but they weren't revelling.

Not surprising considering that many favourite pubs, bars, restaurants and other attractions remain closed.

But at least there is light at end of the tunnel. The dreaded devil disease seems to on the wane. One step at a time, normality may be returning.

Pictured above and below are  some of today's mid-afternoon scenes on the seafront.

                                                                                                   

                        

WAS NEST OF YOUNG STARLINGS TO BLAME FOR INTERRUPTION OF ON-LINE CABINET MEETING?

                                                                             

What's that squeaking? Cllr Jackson looks non-plussed by the strange sounds

MYSTERY surrounds the interruption of Friday's meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council's cabinet.

The authority has been unable to provide an explanation for why proceedings had to be halted by the chairnan, council leader Cllr Philip Jackson, for several minutes.

Both before and after the break, a series of persistent and amplified squeaking, clicking and trilling  sounds could be heard across the airwaves.

This prompted speculation that noisy mice might have been interfering with the communications technology, perhaps nibbling at wires. Or a nest of young starlings?

At the end of the meeting, the chairman apologised both for the interruption and for the indifferent sound quality.

If the glitch remains unresolved, a cat may be brought along to the  next meeting.

                                                 

Starling - declining species in many parts of the UK but a common nester in North East Lincolnshire

COUNCIL LEADER CALLS FOR BRITISH STEEL TO BE USED IN £5-MILLION REPAIRS TO GRIMSBY'S LANDMARK CORPORATION BRIDGE

Corporation Bridge - as a lad NELC's deputy leader, John Fenty, used to jump off it into the icy waters below

                                                           

A CALL has come for British-manufactured steel to be used in the forthcoming repair programme for Grimsby's Grade II Corporation Bridge. 

It was sounded by North East Lincolnshire Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson, chairing  a cabinet meeting to approve the works.

The cost will be almost £5-million - with the authority chipping in with £1.83-million to supplement a grant of £2.97-million from the Department of Transport.

Cllr Stewart Swinburn, who will be overseeing the project, responded that which ever firm wins the contract will need to guarantee "sustainability" and "quality".

He was optimistic Britain would be the source of the steel. 

However, rules on procurement, fair competition and value for money are likely to come into the equation before any decision is made on the contract award.

Unfortunately, the bridge will almost certainly  have to close for a period of time, causing disruption and negative reaction from some members of the public. 

Alternative routes will be set up using the same procedure as if the bridge is being lifted for its annual check.

The discussions prompted a series of light-hearted observations from other cabinet members about their relationship with the grand old swing bridge which was built in 1925. 

"As a boy, I used to jump off it into Alexandra Dock," recalled NELC's deputy leader, Cllr John Fenty. "I also fished from it."

Stan Shreeve revealed that, in childhood, he used to have nightmares about being stranded in the middle of the bride at a time when it was being raised.

He denied a jibe from Cllr Swinburn that he had been  alive at the time  when the bride was built.

Further debate was cut short by the chairman. "This isn't a competition,"he reminded colleagues.

Note: As deputy chief executive Joanne Hewson pointed out, models of both the corporation bridge and the dock tower are featured at Legoland in Windsor.

* Photo: David Wright via Wikimedia Commons

SUNSHINE, SEA AND SAND - BUSY WEEKEND AHEAD FOR CLEETHORPES

                                                                                 

These were the among  busy scenes on Cleethorpes seafront early afternoon on Friday. With fine weather in prospect, they are certain to be repeated over the rest of the  weekend.

COME ON LADS, STAY ALERT! HAVEN'T YOU HEARD OF SOCIAL DISTANCING?

                                                                             

Hats off to this bobby spotted providing advice on social distancing to teenagers in Cleethorpes’ Haverstoe Park at 3pm today. No sooner had she spoken than they clicked to! That response says  a huge amount for her firm but polite demeanour and also for her social skills. With so many mixed - and sometimes contradictory - messages circulating about what is permissible, upholding the regulations is not always easy for police. But obviously this excellent Humberside constable has the knack.

COUNCIL CHIEF: COST 'BURDENS AND PRESSURES' ARE WEIGHING HEAVILY ON OUR FINANCES

THE impact of the panademic could hit North East Lincolnshire Council's coffers to the tune of almost £16-million in the current year.

The authority is braced for a huge shortfall in  income from unpaid council tax bills, depleted business rate revenue and lost income from other sources such as car parks.

In a report to be considered by councillors at a scrutiny panel meeting next week, chief executive Rob Walsh states: "In total we currently estimate our loss of income to be circa £15.7-million, presenting a significant risk to our business plan and financial resilience."

He continues: "Alongside this loss of income, there are the additional financial burdens and pressures created by the response to the emergency, across all areas including social care.

"These are estimated to be £16.7m and range from responding to pressure created by additional hospital discharge, provider sustainability, increasing costs associated with children at risk or looked after, to pressures created by delays to implementing or delivering savings programmes." 

Along with all other councils, NELC has received substantial grants from Whitehall to tide it over the short-term, but the future financial situation is still of grave concern.

What of recovery?

Pending how lockdown unwinds, the NELC supremo has concluded his statement with a holding comment.

Says he: "We will need to revisit our current business plan, its priorities and programmes to determine the full and detailed extent of the impact of the COVID19 emergency response."

Further updates will be released in due course.

GREEN LIGHT FOR FORMER CLEETHORPES FASHION SHOP TO BECOME A CAFE

                                                                   

You can already smell the coffee! New lease of life beckons for former boutique

HUMBERSTON entrepreneur Joanne Cowan has been given the go-ahead to convert the former Lily Rose fashion boutique to a cafe.

It will breathe new light into the premises at the junction of Sea View Street and Cambridge Road.

Technically, the project did not need determination by North East Lincolnshire Council's planning department, but, as a matter of courtesy, Mrs Cowan advised the authority in advance of her proposal .

In her appraisal, NELC case officer Lauren Birkwood states: "The proposal is for the change of use of the existing ground floor with no external works.

"Opening hours of the cafe would be reasonable and similar to those in the shopping area.

"These opening hours are considered acceptable for a use of this nature and compatible within an area such as this.

"The noise and odour nuisance arising from this proposal would be negligible, particularly as no extraction will be needed and waste would be collected daily. 

"No representations from neighbours have been received and the proposal is not expected to be harmful. 

"The council's environmental health team have not raised any objections to the proposal in relation to amenity issues."

On highways matters, Ms Birkwood states: "There is on street parking provided in front of the unit and public car parks close by. 

"It is considered that the change of use will not materially nor significantly alter traffic flows to and from the site to the detriment of highway safety. 

"The council's highways officer has been consulted and has raised no objections in terms of highway safety, access, and impact on the wider transport network."

The officer concludes: "The proposal comprises of only minimal internal alterations. 

"As such, the proposal would not have an adverse impact on the character or appearance of the street scene or building.

"There are no objections from the council's heritage officer."

It not known if the applicant has set a target date for the cafe to open or what it might be called.

COUNCIL POISED TO END 20P CHARGE FOR PUBLIC WCs IN CLEETHORPES - BUT GRANT STREET PREMISES WILL CLOSE

CHARGES at public WCs in Cleethorpes are set to be scrapped.

Money raised from the 20p charge has helped to pay for the upkeep of the facilities along with meeting repair costs from any incidents of vandalism.

To fund the move, North East Lincolnshire Council has announced the closure of  the public loos on Grant Street in Cleethorpes.

It says it will also "look at options" with businesses for "opportunities" with the North Promenade and  Boating Lake  premises.

Says NELC's deputy leader, Cllr John Fenty: “As a seaside resort, we’re keen to do all we can to attract more people to our area and make it an even better place to visit.

“I’m pleased to be able to announce that the toilets across the resort will soon be free to use for members of the public.

“We are looking forward to the current pandemic ending so we can get outside, enjoy the sunshine and welcome visitors to our resort.”

The authority has not specified a date for the ending of the charge.

The majority of these toilets will still be managed by the council's private sector partner, Danfo.

COUNCIL'S ALERT TO EVENT ORGANISERS: WE MAY HIT YOU IN THE POCKET

                                                             

Is the annual Santa Run  at Cleethorpes Boating Lake a commercial event or a community event?

ORGANISATIONS and individuals seeking to stage events on North East Lincolnshire Council land may be required to pay hire charges as from as soon as next Monday June 1.

According to the authority, the the following will apply:

* Commercial events – fee payable, depending on audience capacity

* Community and civic events – no charge

A deposit scheme has been introduced for event organisers. 

This is for events that may result in additional costs to the council in terms of reinstating the land or venue that the event took place in or the removal of litter and posters.

Says NELC's portfolio holder for tourism, Cllr Callum Procter: “As a council, we do recognise the value and importance of events.

"We will continue to work with event organisers so that we can attract safe, successful events in to the borough, events that our community and businesses can benefit from.

“The development of an events programme is a vital element of our recently agreed culture framework.

"It will help the borough to promote the best locations and activities, showcasing local talent, tapping into artistic and sporting excellence whilst celebrating cultural heritage and diversity. 

"But in supporting these events, we need to make sure that we balance competing demands for physical resources."

The  portfolio holder added: “We hope that, as part of the recovery from the current pandemic, events will be seen as part of the return to normal as soon as it is safe to hold them and of course in line with government guidance.”

The new policy, which will be reviewed annually, is available to view at: https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/licensing/organising-an-event

The Grimsby News says: With its  finances certain to be depleted by its commendable (but expensive) response to lockdown, NELC needs to find new ways to generate income if it is to balance the books. But with this particular gambit, it needs to tread warily. What if a drama group is deterred from staging an open-air production of Twelfth Night in People's Park because of a prohibitive fee? Or, for the same reason, if a Tai Chi class is no longer able to hold weekly sessions in Haverstoe Park? What is the definition of a "community" event. Would a Gay Pride march fall into that category - or an Armed Forces weekend? Or a 10k run through the streets of the borough? What is the precise schedule of fees payable? NELC needs both  to provide clarity on its proposals and to pledge fairness in how they are applied.

GRIMSBY-AREA DRINKING WATER UNDER THREAT FROM FARM CHEMICALS SEEPING INTO AQUIFERS

                                                                    

Visual of the proposed nitrate-treatment building off Chelmsford Avenue, Grimsby

SO concerned is Anglian Water  about potential future contamination of its drinking water by farmland chemicals seeping into underground aquifers that it has decided to spend big on remedial action.

The Peterborough-based company has revealed plans to install a new nitrate treatment building and two tanks at its Littlecoates water treatment works off Chelmsford Avenue, Grimsby.

The investment will enable it remove any nitrates or other harmful chemicals - from farmland, industry and local authorities - before they makes its water too risky to drink.

Says a report seen by the Grimsby News: "One of Anglian Water’s key priorities is to increase the resilience and reliability of its drinking water supply.

"Our borehole sources are experiencing a general trend of rising nitrate levels, largely because of farming practices. 

"Chemicals used in fertilisers seep into underground aquifers or rivers from where water is then extracted."

"Unless there is intervention, nitrate levels are predicated to continue rising over the next four to five years, and ultimately allowable nitrate levels risk being breached.

                                          

Sprayed with what? Menacing sign on a local farm field 

"Construction of a new nitrate treatment plant will ensure that water can continue to be abstracted from Littlecoates in the future - otherwise, in due course, it will have to cease."

The situation has been heeded by NELC which has this week granted consent for the works to go ahead.

The cost of the vital anti-pollution work is not yet known, but it will be met not by the farming community but, through their water rates, by Anglian Water’s customers.

The Grimsby News says: This situation is unsatisfactory. Anglian Water is obviously right to make the investment, but why should its customers - you and me - have to foot the bill? What happened to the principle of 'the polluter pays'? But perhaps we should not be too hard on farmers. They operate in a competitive world and need (so they would say) to apply ever-larger chemical drenchings to their increasingly exhausted soil in order to keep up crop yields. In the short term, perhaps there should be a levy on the companies that manufacture the chemicals, then export it (doubtless much from overseas) to North East Lincolnshire. But in the medium term, or preferably sooner, we need to come up with  methods of farming less likely to threaten not just our water but also the birds, bees, butterflies and wildflowers that are also important to the environment. When will our local MPs and councillors speak out?

GRIMSBY MP: TOP BORIS AIDE SHOULD HAVE SAID SORRY FOR BREACH OF LOCKDOWN GUIDELINES

BORIS Johnson's top  aide Dominic Cummings should have apologised for his breach of lockdown regulations according to Grimsby MP Lia Nici.

However, she does not feel his conduct provided grounds for the Prime Minister to sack him.

Ms Nici spelt out her position on the furore in an interview on BBC TV’s Look North evening news programme.

Having watched the advisor's  televised Bank Holiday interview, she felt his actions in driving with his wife and son more than 500 miles to and from his parents' home  were understandable.

Her stance is different from that of her Conservative parliamentary colleague, Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) who believes Mr Cummings’ decision to disregard the regulations that he himself had drawn up warrant his exit from 10 Downing Street.

Asked if she thought she was out of touch with her constituents, Ms Nici said not all of them favoured Mr Cummings removal - voluntary or otherwise - from the corridors of power.

CALLING ALL CYCLISTS! DATES ANNOUNCED FOR FREE SERVICE/ MINOR REPAIR WORKSHOPS

DATES have been announced for forthcoming cycle service workshops in North East Lincolnshire.

The "Dr Bike" sessions will offer cyclists a free service and minor repairs including punctures and brake adjustments.

The events are organised by the Cycle Hub team in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council and Engie.

Sessions are at the following dates and times:

Centre 4, Grimsby

Wednesday 27 May

Wednesday 24 June

Bert Boyden Centre, Immingham

Thursday 28 May

Thursday  25 June  

Grant Thorold Park, Grimsby

Tuesday 26 May

Tuesday 30 June

Cleethorpes Leisure Centre

Wednesday 3 June

Wednesday 1 July

Park off Louth Road (Behind The Rose and Crown Pub), Scartho

Thursday 4 June

Thursday 2 July

Roval Park, Immingham

Tuesday 2 June

Tuesday 7 July

All events will take place between 3pm and 5:30pm, but may be subject to change.

Cyclists will need to book a 30-minute slot online. 

Visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/north-east-lincolnshire-council-engie-and-cycle-hub-lincs-30320115450 to book your place and claim a ticket.

Booking is essential and you will need to bring your ticket with you.

Please note due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a number of social distancing and cleaning measures are in place to allow the events to go ahead safely. 

Bikes will be sanitised before being returned to their owners.

Each slot is limited to one person and one bike for adults to support social distancing measures. 

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Please make sure you attend at your appointed time.

Keep up to date with the latest news on the "Dr Bike" events at https://www.cyclehublincs.org.uk/events.

LATEST FIVE-STAR HYGIENE AWARDS UNVEILED

                                                           

St Martin's Prep School in Grimsby

Congratulations to the following North East Lincolnshire  premises which have all received five-star hygiene ratings in the last round of inspections carried out by council environmental health officers  before lockdown.

Alexandra News, 59 Alexandra Road, Grimsby

Ashlea Court Residential  Care Home, Church Lane, Waltham

Aspens Services Ltd at Cleethorpes Academy, Grainsby Avenue, Cleethorpes

Bannatyne Health Club Humberston, Humberston Avenue, Humberston

Baps and Buns, Kings Road, Immingham

Beijing House, 172 Lord Street, Grimsby

Birkett & Son Ltd, 259 Heneage Road, Grimsby

Bradley House Care Home, Bradley Road, Bradley

Brenda's Chippie, 131 Central Promenade, Cleethorpes

Burger King, Lower Spring Street, Grimsby

Buzz Café, Unit 25 E Factor, Prince Albert Gardens, Grimsby

Cafe in the Park, Park Drive, Grimsby

Candiland, 189 North Promenade, Cleethorpes

Carl's Meats, Stall E11 Friargate, Freshney Place Shopping Centre

Chartwells at East Ravendale C of E Primary Academy, School Lane, East Ravendale

Chartwells at Healing Science Academy, Low Road, Healing

Chartwells at New Waltham Academy, Peaks Lane, New Waltham

Chartwells at Old Clee Primary Academy, Colin Avenue, Grimsby

Chartwells at Queen Mary Avenue Infant & Junior School, Queen Mary Avenue, Cleethorpes

Chartwells at St Peters C of E Primary School, Cambridge Street, Cleethorpes

Chartwells at Yarborough Academy, Yarrow Road, Grimsby

Church Farm Guest House, Immingham Road, Habrough

Church View Care Home, 46 Aylesby Road, Great Coates

Cleethorpes Cricket Club, Chichester Road, Cleethorpes

Cleethorpes Working Mens Club, 26a St Peters Avenue, Cleethorpes

Costa Coffee, 46 St Peters Avenue, Cleethorpes

Darracotte's, North Promenade, Cleethorpes

Deedee's Family Café, 399-415 Victoria Street, Grimsby

Domino's Pizza, 51 St Peters Avenue, Cleethorpes

Double M Event Catering Ltd, Imperial Avenue, Cleethorpes

Dovedale Hotel and Restaurant, 12-18 Albert Road, Cleethorpes

Eastern Delights, 43 Market Street, Cleethorpes

Equalgrade Ltd T/A The Children's House, 123 Station Road, Stallingborough

Fairfield Fish Bar Ltd, 13 Coniston Avenue, Grimsby

Farmfoods Freezer Centres, Garibaldi Street, Grimsby

For Under Fives Ltd, Scartho Road, Grimsby

For Under Fives Ltd, Edward Street, Grimsby

Glyn Thomas House, 350 Pelham Road, Immingham

Golden City, 44 Nicholson Street, Cleethorpes

Gradebrook West Services, A180 Habrough, North East Lincolnshire

Great Coates Nursery School, Station Road, Great Coates

Greggs, 41 St Peters Avenue, Cleethorpes

Greggs, Gilbey Road The Drawing Court, Grimsby

Hardy's Den Out of School Club, Hardys Road, Cleethorpes

Haven Methodist Luncheon Club, Lord Street, Grimsby

Humber St Bun Shop, 2 Humber Street, Grimsby

Hy's Palace Chinese Takeaway, 59 Fieldhouse Road, Humberston

Iceland, 104-110 Freeman Street, Grimsby

Italian Express, 99 Ladysmith Road, Grimsby

Jade Garden Chinese Take Away, 46 Second Avenue, Grimsby

Jade's Ice Cream Parlour, 97 Central Promenade, Cleethorpes

James Taylor Fish Sales, Prince Albert Gardens, Grimsby

Jason Motors (Grimsby) Ltd, 397 Victoria Street, Grimsby

Jo's Kitchen, Kiln Lane, Stallingborough

Julie's Ice Cream Parlour, 39 Central Promenade, Cleethorpes

KFC, Birchin Way, Grimsby

Kingsway Hotel (Cleethorpes) Ltd, Kingsway, Cleethorpes

Lids, 36 Louth Road, Scartho, Grimsby

Linkage College - Weelsby Campus, Weelsby Road, Grimsby

Little Panda Takeaway, 2 Lynton Parade, Grimsby

Little Stars Day Nursery, Laceby Road, Grimsby

Lucky Rainbow, 286 Wellington Street, Grimsby

Mallow View Hotel, 9-11 Albert Road, Cleethorpes

Mellors Catering Services, Highthorpe Crescent, Cleethorpes

Mellors Catering Services at Eastfield Primary Academy, Margaret Street, Immingham

Mellors Catering Services at Elliston Primary Academy, Elliston Street, Cleethorpes 

Miller & Carter, Weelsby Road, Grimsby

Novartis, Moody Lane, Grimsby

Old Clee Club, Clee Crescent, Grimsby

One Stop Food Shop, Energy Park Way, Grimsby

Pizza Roma, 76b Middlethorpe Road, Cleethorpes

Prime Life Ltd, 3 Welholme Road, Grimsby

R P Wardle Butchers, 84 North Sea Lane, Humberston

Rivelin Residential Care Home, 15-21 Albert Road, Cleethorpes

Riverhead Coffee, 110 Victoria Street, Grimsby

Riverhead Coffee, 19 St Peters Avenue, Cleethorpes

Rock Foundation, 39-41 Heneage Road, Grimsby

Royal Court Care Home, 20 Princes Road, Cleethorpes

Shanghai Express, 5-7 Cross Street, Cleethorpes

Springfield Lodge Day Nursery, Springfield Road, Grimsby

St Andrew's Hospice, Peaks Lane, Grimsby

St Martin's Preparatory School, 63 Bargate, Grimsby

Stallingborough Village Store, 4 Station Road, Stallingborough

Suzie's Cup of Joy, 42-43 Alexandra Road Cleethorpes

Tesco Family Dining Ltd, Market Street, Grimsby

The Bobbin, 12 High Street, Cleethorpes

The Lakeside Ice Cream Parlour, Kings Road, Cleethorpes

The Studio, 25-29 Market Street, Cleethorpes

W M Morrison PLC - Staff Canteen, Pegasus Way, Healing

Waltham Windmill Golf Club, Cheapside, Waltham

Waugh Petroleum Ltd ( T/A Shell UK Oil), 180a Moody Lane, Grimsby

Western Primary School, Broadway, Grimsby

Wilkinsons, 6 Bull Ring Lane, Grimsby,

Wold Newton Village Hall, Main Road, Wold Newton

Wollaston Road Stores, 21 Wollaston Road, Cleethorpes

SPARE A THOUGHT FOR BLACKBIRDS AS THEY STRUGGLE TO FIND WORMS DURING DRY SPELL

                                                                               

This garden blackbird  could murder an earthworm - if only there were one to be found

IT is  not just farmers and gardeners who are praying for rain.

North East Lincolnshire's blackbirds  are having an increasingly hard (literally) time of it during the  dry spell.

Their favourite food - especially at a time when they are feeding hungry nestlings - is earthworms.

But garden lawns and other foraging habitats are currently so rock-solid that blackies are unable to peck through the surface. 

Even if their bills could break through, worms themselves are retreating deeper into the ground where conditions are sufficiently moist  to allow them to make their tunnels.

The message is clear. If you have any mealworms or meat-based scraps, don't hesitate to sprinkle them on the grass for the blackbirds.

                                                         

Singing for his supper? No, actually he's proclaiming his territory, but his normally loud song reduces to a low-key warble when his energy is depleted by hunger

* Available now (£1.99):

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CLEETHORPES MP BELIEVES GOVERNMENT AIDE SHOULD HAVE QUIT OVER LOCKDOWN BREACH

CREDIT to Cleethorpes MP  Martin Vickers who has now made his position clear on the controversy involving  the Prime Minister's top aide.

He believes Dominic Cummings should have stepped down from the Government.

He is one of 17 Tory MPs who believe  Mr Cummings' failure to abide by lockdown guidelines should have cost him his position.

In an email response to a constituent, he wrote: “While it is possible to interpret the guidance to allow what he did as acceptable, the reality is that, in politics, it is perception that will usually matter more.

"In political terms, he was foolish and should not have acted as he did

"I have made my views clear to the Chief Whip.

"I certainly would not have behaved as he has done, and I will be surprised if he survives."

Meanwhile, in an interview with Sky TV, the Cleethorpes MP said Mr Cummings had, by his actions, undermined the Government message on lockdown.

He added: "He should have done the decent thing and stepped down."

The views of Grimsby MP Lia Nici are not yet known.

TWO LOCAL MPs TIGHTLIPPED - SO FAR - ON FATE OF PRIME MINISTER'S TOP AIDE

                                                                    

Lia Nici (50) - MP for Great Grimsby

NORTH East Lincolnshire's two Conservative MPs, Lia Nici (Great Grimsby) and Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes), have so far refrained from making public comment on the fireworks exploding around Dominic Cummings.

Although both are thought to be uneasy about the special advisor's actions, neither wants to heap further discomfort either on the Government or on  the Prime Minister.

Both are Boris fans - not least because he campaigned in North East Lincolnshire during the campaign leading up to last December's General Election.

Like him, both are pro-Brexit, and, who knows, both could be in line for political advancement as long as he remains at Number 10.

In addition, Mr Vickers has not given up hope that the Prime Minister will fulfil his pre-Election pledge to secure the reopening to pedestrians of the rail crossing at Suggitts Lane, Cleethorpes.

Among parliamentary colleagues who have called on Cummings to resign or be sacked, most - if not all - have little chance of being promoted by Johnson, so it would probably be in their career interests for a change of leadership.

The downside for the local duo in remaining tightlipped is that they might disappoint constituents - those of all political persuasions - who most likely will be looking  for a forthright stance  from their two elected representatives in the Commons.

                                                                      

Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers (69)

                                                        

 

PLANNING GREEN LIGHT FOR NEW BEAUTY TREATMENT CABIN IN AN IMMINGHAM GARDEN

                                                                         

Sally Marshall and friend - 'tranquillity and peaceful setting'

GOOD luck to Immingham woman Sally Marshall with her proposed new beauty treatment venture.

Sally has been granted planning permission to have a single-storey  cabin installed in the leafy garden of her home at  'Mandalay' - 2  Green Lane in the town.

Here she will be able to offer clients a range of facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing and tinting.

As she is a skin specialist, facials are likely to  be the main treatment.

Says she: "This requires tranquillity and a peaceful setting with soft background music."

'Mandalay' has a large garden and drive with space for customer parking. though appointments will be made in advance - clients will not be able just to turn up on spec.

There have been no objections from neighbours who have been supportive.

The cabin will be  approximately 6m long and 2.4m wide, timber clad and with a flat roof.

There will be no working on Sundays or bank holidays.

The planning consent is temporary - for 12 months only - to see how the project goes, but Sally will have the opportunity to seek a more permanent permission in May next year.

Sally is already well-known and much-appreciated in the area because she has been working part-time at Orchard Barn, the highly-regarded integrative health  clinic run by Dr Sally Moorcroft and sister Helen Quirke in nearby Stallingborough https://orchardbarn.co.uk

 

IS NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN'S FAMOUS UMBRELLA STILL SOMEWHERE IN GRIMSBY?

                                                         

The PM and the brolly that was auctioned  in Grimsby

PHOTOGRAPHS of former Neville Chamberlain - for instance, of him returning from  Munich talks with Hitler - often show him carrying a rolled-up umbrella.

It became to him an important prop  - a symbol of peace - and inevitably the subject of cartoons and even poems.

Said a contemporary newspaper report: "Millions of people throughout Europe believe that the man who carried  an umbrella at Munich averted war in those tense days of October last."

To Hitler, it was  a ridiculous affectation.

He detested Chamberlain and once confided there was nothing he would like more than to push him down the stairs and jump on his stomach.

The umbrella was also much-mocked in the Munich press.

And to prove that Germans have a sense of humour, following the invasion of France, the Luftwaffe even dropped a brolly over the French lines!

But what happened to Chamberlain's umbrella?

The Grimsby News can reveal that the local Conservative & Unionist Association had the bright idea of persuading Chamberlain to donate it for auction at its  Empire Fair, opened by Miss Rosita Forbes,  at the Gaiety Hall in Grimsby one Thursday in May, 1939.

Said association chairman George Tickler: "I hope all peace-loving citizens who wish to show their appreciation of the service rendered by our great Prime Minister in preventing terrible war will turn up and bid briskly for the umbrella.”

It emerged later that bidding reached £140 before the hammer came down on the brolly (which had been signed by Chamberlain).

But who bought it and where is it now?  

No one seems to know. The trail has gone cold.

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