GOOD NEWS FOR BOAT ANGLERS AND WATER SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS - SLIPWAYS SET TO REOPEN

Jet-skier off Cleethorpes Beach 

THE slipways providing access for private craft from Cleethorpes beach to the water will re-open this Saturday July 4.

This has been confirmed by North East Lincolnshire Council.

However, there will be a requirement to register with staff Team at the Beach Safety Office for a permit and key for the slipway gates. 

The only individuals permitted  to access the slipways without a permit are Cleethorpes inshore commercial fishermen.

From 9am on Saturday, the office will be open for people to register for a permit.

                                

However, due to Covid guidance, this will need  to be done observing social distancing, so there may be some appropriate changes to procedure at the office.

All applicants will be required to supply a photograph of themselves, the craft, trailer and pulling vehicle along with mobile phone number and email address.

Day launch permits are also available, providing 48hours notice is given.

Comments Cllr Callum Procter, NELC's cabinet member for tourism: “I am delighted we can now  re-open the slipways for people to enjoy the sea, whether for water sports or for fishing. 

"However, people must remember that they need to use the water responsibly.”

For more details search for “slipway” on the council’s website, www.nelincs.gov.uk

RESULT! SAFETY-CONSCIOUS IMMINGHAM RESIDENTS WIN CAMPAIGN FOR CROSSING

Works to install a pedestrian crossing point on Bluestone Lane in Immingham will start on Monday July 6.

This has been confirmed by North East Lincolnshire Council which has responded to a petition by  residents.

The crossing point will be at the junction of  Roval Drive and Stainton Drive in the town.

The aim is to enhance road safety, particularly for children to access the nearby school.

Says a  council spokesman: "The works will take one week to complete.

During this period, localised traffic management (cones and barriers) arrangements will be in place between 7.30am and 6pm.

The works will be carried out by North East Lincolnshire Council’s regeneration partner, Engie.

YOU GO THAT WAY - I'LL GO THIS WAY! CONTAINER SHIP EXITS IMMINGHAM AND HEADS FOR HAMBURG

After just over 17 hours in the port of Immingham, the container ship, Expert, is now in the North Sea en route, at 12.6 knots, for Hamburg which, all being well, should be reached on Thursday afternoon. It has been a busy month for Expert which is nine years old and sails under the flag of Madeira. Previous trips were to the Polish ports of Gdynia and Szczecin. (Also expert was the paddleboarder, but she is not thought to have been travelling beyond the waters of Cleethorpes.)

  

HAS INFLUX OF SEASIDE TRIPPERS BROUGHT MORE CORONAVIRUS INTO CLEETHORPES?

                                        

The holiday mood returns - but so do the risks

CAUTIOUS optimism that coronavirus remains under control locally was sounded at this week's meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council.

However, NELC leader Cllr Philip Jackson insisted: "Covid-19 is out there, so we cannot afford to be complacent."

Portfolio holder for health Cllr Margaret Cracknell and the area's director of public health, Stephen Pintus, provided updates on the council's strategy for responding to the ever-changing situation.

Mr Pintus was particularly mindful of the borough's significance to the UK, describing it as a "centre  of excellence for food processing".

Cllr Stan Shreeve complimented the initiatives and hard work of all those involved with safeguarding public health and was relieved to be assured that "bureaucracy" was not being allowed  to hinder progress.

                                             

Mr Pintus - infection rates 'low'

Mr Pintus said all four directors of public health in the Humber region were working together closely to mutual advantage.

In response to a query from Cllr Stewart Swinburn about the mobile testing unit that has been operating intermittently from the Duchess Street car park in Grimsby, he said levels of infection had been found to be "very low".  

The crunch question of the meeting, which was held late yesterday afternoon, came from Cllr Callum Procter who wanted to know what impact the recent influx of visitors had had on coronavirus within the borough.

"Have infection rates increased since visitors started returning to Cleethorpes? he asked.

"It's too early to say," replied Mr Pintus. "It takes between two and four weeks to establish whether there has been any impact.

"Only then will we see if there has been any blip in numbers."

Asked by the leader  what powers the council would have to impose a local lockdown if infection numbers resumed an upwards trend, Mr Pintus said this would be "an-end-of-the-road" measure. 

He said any premises affected would most likely be keen to adopt voluntarily temporary restrictions on their activities.

This had already been seen at a couple of schools within the borough.

The leader concluded by emphasising the need for more publicity 

to be given to testing arrangements.

Agreed Mr Pintus: "You can never have enough publicity."

AMBITIOUS PLAN TO INTRODUCE ALL-ELECTRIC BUSES ACROSS WHOLE OF BOROUGH

                                        

Cllr Swinburn - reducing pollution

A SHAKE-up of public transport could lead to electricity-fuelled buses being introduced across the whole of North East Lincolnshire.

The council is in the process of  submitting a bid to Whitehall to  become one of the first all-electric bus areas in the UK.

If successful, the funding would enable the replacement of the core diesel-powered bus network currently operated by Stagecoach East Midlands.

Says a spokesman for NELC: "We are striving to create a greener, cleaner borough - hence the bid."

The words are echoed by the cabinet's holder for environment and transport, Cllr Stewart Swinburn, who says: "Our ambition is to become carbon neutral by 2050.

"Road traffic is the main source of air pollution in North East Lincolnshire.

"Moving to an electric bus fleet will address this and substantially reduce the amount of air pollution created on our roads."

“Our expression of interest for funding demonstrates our commitment and ambition to becoming a cleaner and greener area.”

No comment has yet been made by Stagecoach, but, according to NELC, the initiative is supported by the bus company."

IN NO PARTICULAR HURRY TO GET FROM A TO B - OIL TANKER TARRIED AWHILE IN HUMBER ESTUARY

                                                                     

Pictured above  is the crude oil tanker, Alfa Italia, which spent the weekend at anchor in the mouth of the Humber Estuary off Tetney Lock. Today the 18-year-old vessel, which flies under the Bahamas flag, was reported en route - at a speed of 0.1 knots- for Flamborough where she is due to take another breather, allowing the crew to admire the gannets (below) and other seabirds that, in summer, inhabit this cliffy part of the Yorkshire Coast.

STARBUCKS MEMO TO COUNCIL PLANNERS: GET CRACKING - GRANT US CONSENT 'WITHOUT DELAY'

                                               

Plenty of 'warming' timber - how the Starbucks might look

SEATTLE-based coffee giant Starbucks has called on North East Lincolnshire Council to approve its proposed new drive-thru in Grimsby without delay.

A section of the former Ramsdens supermarket site off  Cleethorpe Road has been earmarked for the project which it is hoped will encouragement investment by retailers and other businesses.

Says  a letter to council planners from Starbucks' agents: "The scheme seeks to kickstart development at the Cleethorpe Road Local Centre, thereby regenerating, revitalising and transforming the area.

"The proposals are entirely acceptable in planning policy terms, and planning permission for this application, therefore, should be granted without delay."

Planners are unlikely to warm to the bossy tone of the note, but it is likely they will approve the application which represents a vote of confidence in this part of Grimsby,

Happily, some landscaping ideas have been incorporated into the scheme to "soften the appearance of the vehicle and parking areas".

These will include shrubs and a 'living fence' - in other words, a hedge to provide a 'green screen' 0.75m (2.5ft) high to minimise the view of vehicles using the drive-thru.

Semi-mature trees will be planted in key areas - principally along Park Street around the new pedestrian link.

These will frame the approach into the site and improve the visual aspect across the drive-thru lane.

According to a report, "high quality" materials are proposed for the property.

The main facade cladding will be dark grey flat metal, while timber and accoya will be  used in feature areas of the building and the soffits to "add warmth". 

It is understood a Grimsby firm, George Street Builders is in pole position to secure the construction contract if the application is approved.

                                                

A section of the plan as submitted to the council

The Grimsby News says: This is a welcome project though planners could it enhance if they stipulate that the  'living fence' is of a native species such as copper beech or hornbeam and  least double the  height proposed. Even a small car like a Toyota Yaris is almost 1.8m from ground to ceiling so the Starbucks proposal (0.75m) would be as ineffective as a 'screen' as it is at other drive-thru premises in the borough. A higher hedge would be visually much more  pleasing and, importantly, contribute to the  biodiversity of the site.

                        

                                    

It'S TRUE - THERE'S NO JOB A WOMAN CAN'T DO! NOT EVEN CARTING THE BOROUGH'S BROWN BINS

                                                                                 

Anyone who has pulled, pushed or lifted a brown bin laden with grass mowings knows how surprisingly heavy it can be, especially if the clippings are wet. Definitely no task for a woman (as they used to say in the olden days). But look! On the right! There is a woman. She works for North East Lincolnshire Council and cheerfully lugs hundreds of brown bins a week for her livelihood. And without batting eyelid, not even on sweltering hot days. Huge respect! What a great ambassador for the council and an even greater role model for girls.

CUTEST ATTRACTION IN TOWN: CLEETHORPES BOATING LAKE'S BARNACLE GEESE GOSLINGS

                                                

Happy to be hatched in Cleethorpes - two of the goslings

THERE have been plenty of admirers for Cleethorpes' newest tourist attraction - the 17 barnacle geese goslings at the town's boating lake.

Over the weekend, dozens of fans have been watching and photographing the delightful fluff grenades as they nibble the grass or try out their swimming skills.

The colony of 100 or so semi-wild barnacle geese is thought to be the largest in Eastern England - possibly in  the whole of the UK.

Truly wild birds breed on steep-sided slopes on Arctic coasts and islands, flying to Scotland in winter.

It is not known when captive birds were first introduced to Cleethorpes, but they have achieved a stable population of about 100 adults, most of which are non-breeders.

Over successive generations, the migratory instinct has been bred out of the colony.

Though their wings are unclipped and they are able to fly freely, they seldom venture more than a mile or two, with Cleethorpes Golf Course providing a particularly favoured alternative habitat. 

They are plucky birds - able to hold their own against the larger and more plentiful  grey lag geese with which they share the boating lake. 

                           

                                                      

                                                                             

                            

The Grimsby News says: It is good to see both the goslings and so many people of all ages admiring them. In their own way, the fluffy little birds are as enchanting as the much-publicised autumn seal pups at Donna Nook. This colony of barnacle geese is almost certainly unique in its size. Perhaps North East Lincolnshire Council misses a trick in not promoting the all-year attraction of the borough's  rich and varied birdlife. It is not as up to speed as other local authorities. As has been suggested before,  perhaps it could start by renaming this venue Cleethorpes Boating Lake and Ornamental Waterfowl Gardens.

                                             

LET THE SUN SHINE IN! PLAN REVEALED FOR SOLAR PARK IN VILLAGE NEAR GRIMSBY

                                                                        

How the array of panels might look - photo from Aura Power website

WINDPOWER is the only game in town - or is it?

Over the past decade, most of the headlines have been captured by companies using Grimsby as a base for their North Sea windfarm operations.

But now there is a newcomer on the block - one whose focus is not on wind energy but on solar.

Bristol-based Aura Power has earmarked a field at Aylesby for its proposed Grimsby Solar Park covering up to 120 acres.

Since it was set up in 2013, the company has garnered plenty  of experience - not just in the UK (where it has a huge development at Carlam Hill on the outskirts of Hull) but also in Canada, Italy, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland and Spain.

It says: "Large scale solar is one of the most cost-effective forms of renewable energy and an increasingly important part of the world’s energy mix. 

"In many countries it is competitive with fossil fuels, even without assistance from subsidies." 

Aura's agents for the Aylesby project are the Suffolk-based consultants, Engena Ltd, who say  the proposed array of ground-mounted solar photovoltaic panels will occupy a maximum area of 120 acres (50 ha).

 It is proposed that the rows of solar panels will run in a north/south orientation in order for the panels to tilt and track the sun as it moves from east to west each day.

Space between frames is provided for maintenance access and to avoid shading from neighbouring panels.

If approved, the entrance for Pyewipe Farm off Aylesby Road will be used for access.

Existing farm tracks and field entrances will be utilised and upgraded where necessary to allow access to individual segments of the solar array.

Where sections of new, upgraded or widened access track are required, this will have the appearance of typical vernacular farm tracks with a crushed stone running surface, grassed over in time.

Says Engena: "To inform a future planning application, it is proposed that detailed reports on environmental and technical impacts (including landscape, heritage, hydrology and ecology) will accompany the planning application.

"These assessments follow nationally accepted and tested guidelines and ensure that a thorough, robust planning application is presented to North East Lincolnshire Council."

The Grimsby News says: Solar parks don't look too pretty but they can be attractively screened with native trees and shrubs to the benefit both of their surroundings and of wildlife. What is more, they don't pose the collision menace  to migrating birds of wind turbines. And what was it that Sir David Attenborough said back in 2015? "If we could harness one 5,000th part of the energy that the sun sprays on the earth every 24 hours, we could provide all the energy requirements of the entire human race." With an endorsement like that, what's not to like about the Aylesby proposal?

OUR GREAT FISHING HERITAGE REVIVED - TWO FEARLESS SEA ANGLERS IN THEIR CANOES

                                                                    

The Prime Minister's recent call for the nation to "recapture its spectacular marine wealth" seems to have  been heeded by these two intrepid canoeists spotted a long way out off Cleethorpes Beach. They dropped anchor, cast rod and line, then set about reeling in anything prepared to take the bait, whether dab or shark. Would safety-mindful coastguards  recommend ocean-angling from such lightweight (i.e flimsy) vessels? That is open to doubt. But, as Boris would doubtless say, becoming, once more, an "independent coastal state" requires independence of spirit.

                              

                                              

                    

                                                                      

                                                                          

AMBITIOUS DREAM FOR GRIMSBY TOWN CENTRE - THIS TIME, CAN IT REALLY COME TRUE?

Preliminary impression of how the redeveloped town centre might look if bid is successful 

            

UNVEILED: A visionary plan that aims to put the "heart and soul" back into Grimsby Town Centre.

If it goes ahead, it could lead  to a new cinema, restaurants, bars and shops - plus a redeveloped market hall and even a public square.

This is a partnership between North East Lincolnshire and the owners of Freshney Place shopping centre who, between them, will next month submit a formal bid for £25-million to Whitehall.

Says a council statement: "We are determined to  transform Grimsby for the better.

"It needs to adapt to changing visitor needs and preferences.

"We want it to be a town where everyone can come together and enjoy what it has to offer."

The bid has a great chance of success - not least because the Government will be keen to look favourably on a town which, against all odds, now has both a Conservative-controlled council and a Conservative MP.

If successful, the partners have pledged to "engage with  market traders, retailers and business premises’ owners, together with the wider community so that everyone can participate in reshaping the town centre."

The location proposed comprises the western side of Victoria Street, incorporating the former BHS building, Flottergate Mall, Grimsby Top Town Market and Old Market Square. 

Says NELC leader, Cllr Philip Jackson: “This is an opportunity that we just have to seize.

"If our centre is to be rejuvenated, change is not just desirable, it is vital."

Agrees his deputy, Cllr John Fenty, who is cabinet member for regeneration: "Our vision is to breathe vibrant new life into the heart of Grimsby." 

Equally upbeat is the director of Freshney Place, Amanda Austin, who insists: "This is a huge opportunity to reshape, revive and harmonise the centre of Grimsby for the benefit all the residents of Grimsby and the surrounding area.”

                                       

Vibrant - the partnership's vision for a 'recreated' town centre   

DOZENS OF POT PLANTS HAVE PERISHED AT POPULAR HUMBERSTON HOLIDAY PARK

                                                                   

Beautifully mown grass, but the shrubs have been forsaken

"WE  can't  wait to welcome guests and start the summer!"

That's the understandably exultant message from Thorpe Park holiday park in Humberston as it prepares to reopen on Monday July 6.

A statement from its owners, Haven Holidays, reads thus: "We have been busy over the last few months, making sure our parks are safe and secure for everyone when we open. 

"Our Clean and Safe Charter has been designed both to ensure we are protecting our guests and to give reassurance that all public areas and private caravans will be scrupulously clean.

"Social distancing guidelines will be adopted in all public areas."

However, when they return to Thorpe Park, the delight for some caravan owners will be tinged.

Dozens of their cherished pot shrubs and other plants have withered and died through lack of watering.

Although the grounds have been maintained to excellent standards by the Thorpe  Park ground staff, the privately-owned plants have been neglected.

                                          

All they needed was a drop of water

The Grimsby News says: Great news that Thorpe Park is set to re-open, but disappointing that so many privately-owned plants  have perished. Couldn't a couple of staff - or even volunteers - have gone round with a watering can once a week? Good businesses in the hospitality sector take pride and satisfaction in doing that little bit extra for their customers. On this occasion, Haven Holidays has failed to live up to its customary high standards.

WHEN WILL NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE'S LIBRARIES RE-OPEN? THE WAIT CONTINUES

                                            

Grimsby's Central Library - phased re-opening

IT is still unclear when North East Lincolnshire's public libraries will re-open.

With the easing of lockdown restrictions, this should be possible on Monday July 6.

But Lincs Inspire is not being rushed. 

There is a lot to be considered - not just the handling of books, for example, but also social distancing at the computer desks.

These issues are being worked out with staff, some of whom have understandable misgivings.

A statement issued by Lincs Inspire says: "We have been working hard to prepare our libraries for a phased re-opening.

"Government has confirmed that we will be able to re-open in early July.

"Please keep an eye our our page or social media for news about our re-opening plans.

"These will initially involve a drop-off and collection service. 

"We are looking forward to welcoming you back very soon."

More information at:  https://www.lincsinspire.com/enterprise/News_Coron

Cleethorpes Library - drop-off and collection

                                             

WHERE IS THE VISION? FORMER NEWSPAPER EDITOR CALLS FOR MARINERS BOARD SHAKE-UP

                                           

Action at Blundell Park - cloud of uncertainty hovers over the club

CONTROVERSY has erupted anew over the future control of Grimsby Town FC.

For almost two years, there have been on-off negotiations between various board members, notably chief shareholder John Fenty, and a consortium led by entrepreneur Tom Shutes.

But these broke down in spring, resulting in the following statement being issued, on behalf of the board, by club chairman Philip Day: "What we are not prepared to do is deal with discussions via the media.

"We are disappointed that, not for the first time, Mr Shutes has chosen to use the media to put pressure on the board. For that reason, we will not be making any further public statement. 

"Mr Shutes knows what the board wants. If he comes up with that, we will give it proper consideration. Not to do so would be a dereliction of our duty."

But today long-term Mariners' pundit and PR consultant Nigel Lowther has upset the applecart.

A long-term advocate for a new community stadium to be built on the vacant land off Freeman Street in Grimsby's East Marsh, he says: "Too much time has been wasted in turning this dream into a reality."

But, on top of that snipe, it is his further comments in an article in today's Grimsby Telegraph that are likely to irritate - if not anger - the club's board.

Mr Lowther continues: "Now more than ever we need individuals to step up an invest in our club.

"We need individuals with  a commitment to working with manager Ian Holloway and building a squad capable of competing at the top."

He goes on to identify the trio whom he thinks most capable of fulfilling tis vision - Tom Shutes and two of his consortium, "Grimsby-born genuine fans Jason Stockwood and Andrew Pettit".

Mr Lowther, former co-publisher and editor of the much-missed Cleethorpes Chronicle newspaper, continues: "These are the kind of  people that supporters (and the board) have been crying out to invest in the club for years.

"Where these successful individuals would lead, other would follow.

"Given the right leadership, the club can play a significant part in Great Grimsby's renaissance."

He concludes: "A different type of teamwork will guarantee a bright future."

It is not clear if Mr Lowther is writing as a lobbyist on behalf of the Shutes consortium or as a Mariners fan - or both - but his comments will give a fresh stir to the cauldron.

Whether the board will respond through the club's website remains to be seen.

                                       

Fans at Blundell Park - no action on the pitch but plenty behind the scenes

                                

The Grimsby News says: At such a fragile time in Grimsby Town FC's history, the timing of this  article is not helpful. In these coronavirus-stricken times, the board has done well to keep a steady hand on the tiller. The last thing it needs is for waters to be made choppier by what looks like gratuitous mischief-making. If the consortium has a viable long-term plan for the club, why not spell it out in detail? What fans and club staff want is transparency and forthrightness, not tittle-tattling around the margins.

CORONAVIRUS-STRICKEN CRUISE SHIP FINALLY BACK HOME AT GRIMSBY'S GERMAN TWIN-TOWN

                                        

The Artania - just eight passengers completed the voyage

GRIMSBY'S German twin-town is the final port of call for the last cruise ship in the world still carrying passengers.

Just eight passengers disembarked from the MV Artania when, after a six-month odyssey, it arrived in Bremerhaven earlier this month.

The ship has set sail on an 140-day world cruise from Hamburg on December 21, 2019.

In March, coronavirus caught up with her when 36 passengers tested positive for the virus following a check from Australian health officials when the ship arrived in in Fremantle, Western Australia.

Some passengers remained quarantined on  board while others were flown back to Germany

Three people who were on the ship have since died - two male passengers, one aged 69 and one aged 71, and one 42-year-old male crew member.

But  eight passengers decided to travel back home via ocean.

En route, the Artania made unscheduled stop-offs at bvarious points in South-east Asia in order to repatriate many of its remaining crew members.

Around 75 crew members stayed on board until it reached Bremerhaven.

The Artania was originally  the Royal Princess, christened on 15 November 15, 1984 at a ceremony in Southampton, by Diana, Princess of Wales. 

The event was attended by P&O Princess Group staff, plus dignitaries including the president of Finland and the Bishop of Southampton who performed a blessing prior to the naming.

The ship - all of whose cabins look out on to the sea - was the most expensive passenger ship when built. 

In April, 2005, she was transferred to the P&O fleet and renamed Artemis by actress Prunella Scales. 

In 2010, a British captain, Sarah Breton, took charge of Artemis, becoming only the second female in the world to command a major cruise ship.

In August this year, she is scheduled to leave Bremerhaven for a 23-day trip around the waters of Greenland.

Photo: Pjotr Mahhonin via Wikimedia Commons

NEW CLEETHORPES STREET SIGN WILL BE AN 'IMPROVEMENT' SAY ENGIE

The new  double-sided sign

                                                             

A NEW street sign is to be installed as part of the ongoing revamp of the area at the top of Sea View Street where it meets Alexandra Road.

The previous sign was deemed unfashionable  so, using the word "quarter", it is to be replaced  with something of more American character - and thus trendier.

The proposal submitted by North East Lincolnshire Council and its partner, Engie, did not go before the planning committee for independent review.

It was determined by officers of NELC and Engie themselves under delegated powers.

A report from Engie  states: "When the previous sign was removed as part of new public realm works, it was always the intention to replace it with something more in keeping with the area regeneration and something with a more contemporary feel.

"The Sea View Traders’ Association have been consulted, and they have created the design.

"It is considered that the new sign will have no negative impact on the Conservation Area as

it is an improvement to the one removed last year. 

"It has been sensitively designed to respond to the locality, working with the local traders and it will provide a welcome marker for the uniqueness of the Sea View Quarter."

It adds: "This sign will further enhance the work which has already been completed in Sea View Street." 

It is not not known what has happened to the previous sign.

                                                                 

The earlier sign was removed last year

                                                  

A TOUR OF THE WORLD - LARDER SECRETS OF FORMER CLEETHORPES MP SHONA McISAAC

                                            

Shona McIsaac: Gherkins, ice cream and Irn Bru

The decision by former Grimsby MP Melanie Onn to select a foodie photo for the home page of her Twitter account (https://bit.ly/3fOnxPU) has triggered memories of a 'Commons debate back in November 2001. During a lively discussion about food labelling, this  is what Shona McIsaac had to say (courtesy of Hansard) when she was Labour MP for Cleethorpes.

As the daughter of a chef, the grand-daughter of a cook and somebody who spent many years on magazines such as Woman, Bella and Chat, editing recipes and producing food writing, let me say that food is a passion is mine. 

Whether shopping for it, cooking or eating, it is very much the love of my life. 

When I shop I always look for the best-quality products that I can find. 

The information given to the shopper or consumer is vital, so I was pleased when I learned that the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Eric Pickles) was introducing a Bill on food labelling. 

I decided to do some essential research for the debate, and delved into the nether regions of my larder and freezer to check the food labels. 

I wanted to see the countries of origin of the food in my larder and the type of information that was provided on labels.

I realised that, because of my lifestyle as a MP, there were far too many out-of-date products in my larder. They have now been consigned to the bin. 

The experience was also educational as it was essentially a tour of the world. 

My larder contains Puy lentils, Camargue red rice, borlotti beans and cannellini beans (all of which will soon be out of date as I do not eat many of them), many varieties of pasta, tabbouleh, falafel, couscous and tahina mixes plus jars of cornichons - gherkins to most of us.

The information on the label is vital, regardless of whether it concerns origin or nutritional value. Hon. Members have already mentioned the issue of food allergies, and that information, too, is vital.

Despite the lifestyle that we lead as hon. Members, which seems to necessitate snatching food as we can, there are many very good recipes that we could make using natural ingredients. I could share some of those recipes with hon. Members later. I could put them in the Library.

After I threw out all the food from the back of my larder that I should have thrown out years ago, and because the Bill deals particularly with meat products, I went to my freezer which was slightly more horrific than my larder. 

Many of the meat products that were in my freezer have now also been consigned to the bin. 

All that seems to be left in my freezer now is something called "Phish Food", which, for those who are not in the know, has nothing to do with fish but is a variety of ice cream. 

It is delicious: chocolate, marshmallow, caramel. It is wonderful stuff. 

Food, as I said, is my passion, and I hope that hon. Members will forgive me if occasionally I get a little carried away about it.

"Phish Food" could in no way be described as low fat, but it is delicious and, as I have always said, one should be able to eat whatever one likes.

 The labelling on that ice cream, which was made in the USA, was far more extensive than that which I have seen on products made in the United Kingdom. 

I was gratified to see that amount of detail on nutritional information and welfare standards. 

The particular company is also very keen on obtaining its milk from cows that are raised with very high welfare standards.

I want to see honest and unambiguous labelling, and I have some worries about food labelling. 

Many people are trying to lose weight or diet,  but the nutritional information on labels is absolutely scandalous. 

Because of the way in which the information is calculated, the labelling is completely wrong and totally misleading to consumers.

Products in supermarkets often proclaim that they are "lower fat" or "80 per cent fat free", but water is often included in the calculations. 

Rather than working out the percentage of calories that is derived from fat, percentages are calculated on the basis of gross weight. 

Consequently, manufacturers will say that such products are 80 per cent fat free, whereas in fact, based on dry ingredients alone, products such as "low-fat" mayonnaise are astonishingly high in fat. 

That may explain why  many foods that are labelled as being healthier, good for dieting and lower in fat are far from it. 

Country of origin labels need to be coupled with the promotion of British food, not just to people who live here, but to tourists as well. That would also help farmers. 

A few years ago the Scottish tourist board and other agencies produced an initiative called the taste of Scotland. It used the very best products and ingredients, whether from land or sea. 

It was promoted so that hotels, restaurants and pubs would get a Taste of Scotland award.

It is now a phenomenally successful strategy which I should like to see extended to many other parts of the United Kingdom. 

Ms McIsaac concluded with a comment about the popular Scottish fizzy drink.

All I say about it is that we should drink vast amounts of it. 

I adore it. I am reliably informed that it is one of the best hangover cures. 

Perhaps we should stock a little more of it in the Members' Tea Room, as some Members may benefit from it at breakfast.

RED LIGHTS FLASHING ON COUNCIL'S SHOCK OVERSPEND ON CHILDREN'S SERVICES

                            

Cllr Shreeve: 'Labour to  blame'

     

THE latest update on North East Lincolnshire Council's finances has revealed a shock statistic - a  staggering £6.7-million overspend on providing care and other services for children in difficult circumstances.

In a report, director of finance, Sharon Wroot makes a glum confession: "The 2019/20 financial year has proved to be very challenging from a number of perspectives."

The overspend on budget is particularly serious because, despite the cushion of huge Whitehall support, NELC is being financially squeezed by the pressures brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown.

Despite the gravity of the near-catastrophic cash crunch on children's services, it was barely discussed at the latest 'virtual'  meeting of the cabinet.

Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson said (without much conviction): "We have an action plan to try to bring the situation back under control."

Meanwhile, portfolio holder for finance and resources, Cllr  Stan Shreeve, pointed the finger of blame at the council's previous Labour administration.

Said he: "I do not wish to politicise the situation, but we inherited a deteriorating position  because of inaction by our predecessors."

Why is providing children's services proving so expensive?

For a start, there are currently no fewer 576 children in "placement" outside their homes.

This has been deemed in their best interests because, for whatever reasons, their parents have been unable - or unwilling -  to cope with the responsibilities.

Some of the placements are  outside North East Lincolnshire, and the costs of transporting the youngsters by taxi have, for many years, been way up in the stratosphere.

Safeguarding legislation also imposes huge financial pressure on local authorities such as NELC.

The list of costs is endless: Foster carer payments, special guardianships, residency orders, agency fostering payments,  children's homes' running costs.

The bills keep rolling in!

Ms Wroot  puts it in a nutshell: "Demand is exceeding resources.

"This is an area of expenditure  very difficult to estimate - this  year is proving to be particularly demanding."

But then comes the depressingly familiar  councilspeak: "Various actions are being taken to bring spend back in line with budget.

"These include a robust and challenging programme of work aimed at responding to the challenges presented by the increased number of referrals into the system.

"This programme is expected to bring costs down over time whilst still ensuring the council is achieving the best outcomes for children."

The Grimsby News says: Running children's services is unbelievably demanding - not just for NELC but for most similar-sized authorities. If anything goes wrong, those responsible invariably get hung out to dry, often with the most savage treatment from the media, both local and national. Within North East Lincolnshire, there are doubtless hundreds of examples of dedication, especially among carers. Even so, on the face of it, NELC's overspend does looks horribly out of control. As a matter of urgency, the authority's administration needs to spell out - in precise detail - how it is meeting and overcoming the challenge of apparent financial drift. This is its responsibility to the council taxpayer.

MORE MUSICAL THAN THE ENIGMA VARIATIONS: RARE WARBLER CONTINUES TO DELIGHT

                                                              

THE vagrant Blyth's reed warbler that arrived at a nature reserve in North Lincolnshire has, over the weekend, been continuing to draw birders and others from far and wide. The fascination of the bird is not in its plumage - greyish-brown - but in its extraordinarily varied song. "Better than Elgar's Enigma Variations," according to one. Report and more pictures from Far Ings nature reserve, near Barton-on-Humber at:

https://bit.ly/2V3eKBJ

                                                              

Time for home - two birders head for home after their enchanting musical experience

HUMBERSTON CHURCH ELDERS MIGHT HAVE TO TACKLE ROGUE ELDER BEFORE IT GETS OLDER!

Scenic summer sight - St Peter's Church in Humberston

LOOK carefully at this photograph of Humberston's fine parish church and what do you see?

High on the tower, sprouting from the masonry is a magnificent elder shrub in bloom.

The roots won't be doing the fabric of St Peter's much good, so what should be done?

Probably best to remove it - ideally cost-free by a churchwarden or member of the congregation, preferably one with a head for heights.

Failing that, a contractor may have to be called in.

That won't come cheap, but here's an idea!

There are sufficient flowers on the shrub to make at least four bottles of elderflower champagne - exclusive holy champagne! 

The task completed, the bottles could be sold by auction or raffle, more than covering the costs of removal. 

Cheers everyone!

Bottles of champagne in the making - the rogue elder in bloom

HOW A SOLITARY WILDFLOWER REMINDS US OF THOSE WHO PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

                                         

STRANGE how a single, lonely wild flower can be such a poignant symbol of dignity. 

So it is with a solitary poppy that has flowered amidst grass along the popular seabank walk out of Humberston.

By a mysterious coincidence, the site where it has chosen to bloom is next to another, altogether bleaker, symbol of conflict - a concrete anti-invasion pillbox. 

It is still many weeks until Remembrance Sunday, but this lonely flower provides a powerful - and beautiful - reminder of those who gave their lives in battle.