EMERGENCY SERVICES RUSH TO CLEETHORPES WHALE'S TAIL IN LATEST MUD INCIDENT

One of the teams that attended the mud drama

A METAL detectorist from South Yorkshire had to be rescued on Saturday afternoon after becoming stuck in mud off North Promenade,  Cleethorpes.

Emergency and rescue services were called to the whale's tail rock armour groyne following an emergency call from the middle-aged man.

He had become trapped in the quagmire on the north side of the whale's tail rock groyne.

There are clear notices urging beach-users to stay off both the mud - which is glutinously treacherous - and the rocks, but the advice is routinely disregarded.

The man, understood to be from the Rotherham area, did not require treatment.

Mud-stained detectorist reflects on what happened

                                    

It is believed the orange 'stretcher-sledge' was used in the rescue operation

Clearing up after the call-out

Another life saved - the rescue team prepares to leave the scene

A BIRTHDAY FORMER GRIMSBY MP MELANIE ONN WAS NEVER LIKELY TO FORGET

                            

Melanie Onn - canine companion

IT'S been a special day for a creature close to the heart of former Great Grimsby MP Melanie Onn - her pet dog.

Ms Onn has taken to Twitter to announce that today is the first birthday of her beloved retriever pup which she calls 'Misty'.

The ex-MP, now deputy chief executive of green energy body Renewables UK, tweets: "She's had a doggy cake and has a birthday glow which she is pretty pleased with."

Away from the canine world, Ms Onn, who has a teenage son, is still attuned to the political scene.

However, come the next General Election, it is not sure if she would welcome re-adoption as a Labour candidate either for Grimsby or any other constituency.                                             

Happy Birthday, dear Misty!

IT'S ALL GETTING A BIT SALTY OUT THERE!

The stuff you put on the road - not on your fish and chips

NORTH East Lincolnshire is soon set to get its first mountain . . . one made of salt!

In the coming months, some 2,000 tonnes will be delivered to the borough.

Over winter, the salt will be spread on roads to reduce the risk of motorists skidding on icy roads.

Already 600 tonnes  have been supplied in readiness for winter- gritting by the council and its regeneration partner Engie.

Says Cllr Stewart Swinburn, NELC's portfolio holder for transport and the environment: “We must remember we are now entering the colder, darker months where we may experience extreme weather conditions and need to keep ourselves safe on the roads.

“Only use your car if absolutely necessary and try to stick to main roads. 

"While our gritting service covers many of North East Lincolnshire’s roads, they cannot cover all, especially smaller residential streets, where access is limited."

For more information about local gritting routes and winter weather advice, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/winter.

Ready for action - the salting team  on standby for colder days ahead

STAY STRONG URGES LEADER AS DREADED DEVIL DISEASE CATAPULTS US INTO TIER 2

RESTRICTIONS on household mixing in North East Lincolnshire will change after midnight on Friday.

The news that the borough will move into Tier 2 was announced this afternoon. 

It follows mounting concerns over the which coronavirus is spreading.

From  00:01 on Saturday morning, local people in across North East Lincolnshire will no longer be allowed  to mix in any indoor setting with those they don’t live with - unless in a pre-existing 'support bubble'.

Up to £1-million will be allocated by Whitehall to North East Lincolnshire Council to help with any new costs incurred.

NELC's leader Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council said: ““This is a challenging situation, and will understandably cause concern.

"However, I would urge everyone in the borough to stay strong and keep going during the difficult weeks and months ahead."

Neighbouring authorities North Lincolnshire, East Riding and Hull are also going into Tier 2.

Further clarification about the restrictions has been issued by NELC's communications department as follows:

"You must not meet up with family or friends in any indoor setting (including homes, venues, pubs and restaurants) unless you’ve formed a support bubble with them

"You cannot stay overnight in another person’s home unless you’ve formed a bubble with them

"Outdoors - for example, in a private garden, parks and open spaces - you can meet up to six friends and family whom you don’t live with so long as keep 2m apart. 

"You can continue to travel for work purposes and to venues, but you should reduce the number of journeys where possible.

"You should work from home if this is possible.

"Up to 15 guests are allowed at weddings and up to 30 guests at funerals.

"Education settings, shopping, retail, leisure and gyms remain open.

"Hospitality services remain open, with the 10pm closing time and table service only.

"Residential care homes are closed to external visitors other than in exceptional circumstances.

"Organised sport is allowed in outdoor settings. Indoor sport must follow social contact rules.

"Places of worship remain open.

Registered and 'wraparound' childcare, including supervised activities in private homes and children’s groups, are permitted."

Says Stephen Pintus, director of public health for North East Lincolnshire:: “The fewer people you meet, the less likely you are to catch Covid-19.

"The basic Government guidance of washing your hands, or sanitising regularly, covering your face when appropriate, unless you are exempt, and keeping a social distance when you are near other people is key. 

He adds: “By doing the basics right, we can help slow the spread of the virus and protect our loved ones.”

NEW TRADE-BOOSTING RESPONSIBILITY FOR CLEETHORPES MP MARTIN VICKERS

                                                             

Martin Vickers - Balkans mission

CLEETHORPES MP Martin Vickers has been appointed Prime Minister's trade envoy to countries in the Western Balkans.

As such, his brief is to build commercial links between the UK and the following countries as they rebuild their economies following years of internal conflict.

* Albania

* Bosnia & Herzegovina

* Kosovo

* Montenegro

* North Macedonia

* Serbia

Post-Brexit, the UK urgently needs to establish profitable trade links with as many countries as possible.

Says Mr Vickers: "I am delighted to have been appointed and look forward to contributing in any way I can."

TOTAL OF 38 PATIENTS NOW BEING TREATED FOR COVID-19 IN GRIMSBY HOSPITAL

Princess of Wales Hospital - sharp rise in admissions

A TOTAL of 38 patients are being treated for Covid-19 in Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital.

This was the figure on Monday of this week and may even have increased since then.

The figure is the highest at any point during the pandemic and is said to represent a "substantial increase" since the beginning of the month.

A total of 1,553 residents of North East Lincolnshire have now had a confirmed diagnosis of  the disease.

This is an increase of 516 cases over the last week (the biggest week on week increase in confirmed cases that has been reported).  

The  rate of new cases now stands at 306 per 100,000 which represents a doubling in new cases every seven days on average during the last four weeks.  

Within North East Lincolnshire, analysis of cases confirmed since  October 1 suggests an even spread across the working age population, with a steadily increasing number of cases now occurring in the young adult population.  

Since the beginning of the month, there has also been a rapidly increasing number of cases in older people which is a worrying trend. 

Geographically cases are occurring in all parts of the borough.

However, most occurring in central Grimsby areas such as the Park, Heneage, Yarborough and Freshney wards.  

For the first time, a significant numbers of cases is emerging in  the most deprived parts of the borough.

The number of cases in  care homes has grown significantly in the last week with nine care homes currently treating a total of 19 residents.

This is the highest number of cases within  care homes since the spring.  

However, there have not  been any deaths associated with Covid in care homes during the last three months.

The latest update (published today) states: "We are now experiencing regular, small outbreaks in a range of settings including social clubs, spas and gyms.  

"However the largest number of outbreaks are occurring in workplaces and schools."

There have been eight deaths associated with Covid-19 in North East Lincolnshire since the end of May, the six most recent occurred in October.  

A total of 52 deaths have now been registered in North East Lincolnshire with Covid identified as a cause of death, with 39 being North East Lincolnshire residents and 13 being residents of other local authorities.  

It is believed that a further three deaths of North East Lincolnshire residents have been registered elsewhere.

In North East Lincolnshire there have been no deaths registered in children. 

Five deaths were of people aged under 60 years, and 60 per cent of deaths occurred in people aged over 80 years.

PANDEMIC PUTS SQUEEZE ON WORKFORCE AT THREE POPULAR CLEETHORPES PUBS

Trawlerman - popular with residents and holidaymakers

AN uncertain future beckons for staff at three Cleethorpes hostelries within the portfolio of brewery and pub chain Marstons.

Nationwide, it has announced plans to cut 2,150 jobs - its total workforce is about 13,500 - in the wake of the pandemic.

Along with all pubs and hospitality, trade has been hit by the 10pm curfew, not to mention additional restrictions - not least, lockdown - in some parts of the UK, including Scotland.

Requirements for full table service and for face masks to be worn by staff and customers has also increased price pressures.

It is not yet known where the axe will fall, so it is a question of wait-and-see for  employees at the three popular and well-managed Marstons drinkeries in Cleethorpes:

* The Pear Tree

* Trawlerman

*  Smugglers 

They want to know whether they are at risk either of redundancy or significantly fewer hours.

A consultation with affected staff is understood to be underway, although there's no timescale on when this will be concluded.

The Pear Tree - attractive building within a tree-bordered setting

Smugglers - located on the seafront 

Hoping for a busy run-up to Christmas at The Trawlerman

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY - TASTE OF BANGKOK COULD BE COMING TO FORMER BEAUTY SALON

A TASTE of the oriental could be coming to a premises on Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes.

The site of Gelly's hair and beauty salon at number 251 has been earmarked  for conversion to a Thai takeaway with Retail food shop and tasting area.

The project is the brainchild of Chris Taylor, of Holton-le-Clay, who is now awaiting a decision on his change-of-use application from  North East Lincolnshire Council's planning department.

COUNCIL AGREES TO DISH OUT £10 MEAL VOUCHERS IN BID TO PREVENT CHILD HUNGER

                                                               

Cllr Jackson - keen to support struggling families

NORTH East Lincolnshire Council has this morning confirmed that it will offer October half-term support to children who are entitled to free school meals.

The offer is of  a £10 contribution to food for each child entitled to free school meals.

The number of children set to benefit is put at at about 5,700.

Says NELC leader Cllr Philip Jackson: “Over the weekend, I stated that we were exploring options on how we could support struggling families over the school break.

“I am now pleased to confirm that emergency funds will be made available and we will be offering families a one-off payment to ensure that no child in our area should go hungry this half term.

“We are now working up plans to ensure families can access this support as soon as possible, and will be publishing more details in the coming days."

He continues: “I should like to take this opportunity to thank those businesses and community groups that have come forward since the vote in Parliament last week to offer support for families in our area.

“These are unprecedented times, and so many families have been impacted by COVID-19.

“If you are struggling, I would urge people to get in touch with the Council to find out about the additional support available, including Council tax relief and £500 COVID-19 support payments.”

The payments are extra to other increases in national benefits for low income families.

FREE MEALS CONTROVERSY: FORMER GRIMSBY MP MELANIE ONN IN PLEA TO COUNCIL

                                                                    

Melanie Onn - backing football star's campaign

GRIMSBY'S former Labour MP has appealed to Conservative North East Lincolnshire Council to offer free lunches for needy children during half-term.

She has sent NELC a message urging them to match what is being done by Labour-controlled councils such as those in Doncaster and Sheffield in response to a high-profile campaign launched by England and Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford.

To date, NELC has received more than £11-million in grants from Whitehall, but it is not known how much has been channelled specifically into staving off the hunger pangs of children from impoverished children.

The authority has so far not made any comment on the free meals controversy.

AMERICAN SWOOP FOR RETIREMENT HOMES COMPLEX NEAR CLEETHORPES SEAFRONT

Marine Court is at the corner of Taylors Avenue and Hardys Road 

NEW  American management is in prospect for Marine Court - the retirement apartments complex in Cleethorpes.

Private equity firm Lone Star has made a bid for McCarthy & Stone which redeveloped the Marine Court site after demolishing the Huntleigh Lodge care home.

Based in Bournemouth, McCarthy and Stone has built up a portfolio of similar developments in the UK. Most residents are in their 70s or older.

Here come the Americans!

Lone Star, which made an unsuccessful approach to buy the Asda supermarket chain in summer,  is thought to be one of a clutch of US corporations scanning the UK with a view to acquiring assets at discounted prices.

McCarthy is attractive because of its strong position in a country with an increasing population of older people with an undersupply of suitable housing.

Its directors are recommending that the bid is accepted subject to safeguards for the rights of existing leaseholders.

The apartments are well screened at the rear and have attractive gardens

THINGS GOT A BIT HOT AT MEXICAN-STYLE RESTAURANT - IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE!

There was drama at the  Taco Bell restaurant on Kings Road, Cleethorpes, today when part of the kitchen was engulfed in flames and smoke. Humberside Fire and Rescue attended soon after 9am. The blaze is understood to have started in a chip fryer which staff had isolated prior to the arrival of the emergency services. Two appliances from Peaks Lane attended, and dry powder extinguishers were used on the cooking oil which was ablaze. There have been no reports of any injuries. 

SUNDAY MORNING FOOTBALL SO MUCH MORE ENTERTAINING THAN THE STUFF ON THE SCREEN

      

WHO needs to watch football on a screen when you can watch the action full-size in the sunshine?  These fans had the right idea this morning at the playing fields off Taylor's Avenue in Cleethorpes. They were watching a lively encounter between Sands Utd FC (orange shirts) and  Waltham Tea Gardens FC in Division Five of the Grimsby & District Sunday League. Pictured above and below are  scenes from the touchline.

CLEETHORPES REPAIRS GARAGE COULD MAKE WAY FOR UP TO FOUR NEW HOMES

                                                                         

Mews-style homes planned for garage site 

A LONG-established commercial garage in Cleethorpes could be demolished to make way for new homes.

A plan has been submitted for redevelopment of the site at 39 William Street Motors  with up to four mews-style dwellings with associated car parking.

Back in the 1930s, it is understood the site housed a bus depot.

The application, which has been submitted by Chris Diplock, is currently under consideration by North East Lincolnshire Council's planning department.

FORMER CLEETHORPES CARE HOME COULD BE CONVERTED TO NINE APARTMENTS

                                                                 

College House - refurbishment in prospect

A NEW use beckons for a former care home in Cleethorpes.

Doncaster-based firm DBG Contractors has applied to convert College House, at 87 College Street, to nine self-contained apartments.

The two-storey premises, which used to accommodate up to 19 residents, was formerly owned and managed by Mrs Maria Gatt.

The change-of-use application is currently under consideration by North East Lincolnshire Council's planning department.

ANGER OVER GRIMSBY MP'S RETICENCE ON FREE SCHOOL MEALS CONTROVERSY

                

Lia during an earlier Commons debate - but she was absent for this week's free school meals debate

GRIMSBY'S  MP Lia Nici has defended her decision not to vote in last night's  Commons debate on whether free school meals for needy children should be extended to all school breaks up until spring next year.

In a message on Twitter, she says: "The reason I haven’t voted in Parliament  is that I’ve been working in Grimsby. I have been paired with an Opposition colleague which prevents me from voting."

In another Tweet, she wrote: "Although the free school meals vote was lost, I will continue to lobby to get as much support as possible for  children and young people in Grimsby."

However, her statements sparked an angry response from other Twitter users who have deduced that she would have followed the Government line and voted against the school meals initiative which has been inspired by England footballer Marcus Rashford.

North East Lincolnshire councillor Debbie Rodwell replied:"You made a commitment in full council to support this issue. 

"You should have been there and supported it. 

I hope Grimsby remembers." 

And Carla Linford tweeted: "Even without voting, you could be far more vocal about such issues.

"You represent one of the poorest towns in the country. People need help now.

"You are supposed to be representing your constituents - the poor ones, too." 

There have also been calls from other sources for the MP to come clean on how she would have voted had she been in Westminster, but Ms Nici, who was brought up in a one-parent family, is staying tight-lipped.

Only five Conservatives rebelled against the Government to vote for feeding more than 1.4 million children during school breaks until Easter next year.

The bid, tabled by Labour to give each disadvantaged child a £15 a week food voucher, was defeated by 322 votes to 261.

See also: https://bit.ly/2ThAmJ5

RECYCLING RATES IMPROVE - BUT THEY'RE STILL NOTHING TO SHOUT ABOUT

                                                      

Delivery time for the new recycling bins

A WELCOME increase in recycling rates has today been announced by North East Lincolnshire Council.

Bin crews collected 811 tonnes more recyclable waste  between 1 March and 30 September this year than for the same period last year. 

Garden waste is up by 275 tonnes for the same period.

Some 60,000 households in the borough are using the new recycling bins which have six times the capacity of the old recycling boxes. 

Says Cllr Stewart Swinburn, NELC's portfolio holder for the environment: “More and more people are recycling thanks to our introduction of the new wheelie bins.

“I’m grateful to everyone who is making the effort to recycle - their your efforts are making a big difference.

“By recycling more we can help conserve natural resources, save energy and protect the environment."

However, the recycling rates is 37 per cent - much lower, woefully so, than in many other parts of the country. 

In the East Riding of Yorkshire, for instance, it is more than 65 per cent.

Over the same period, it is understood more than 60 per cent - almost 24,000 tonnes - of residual household waste was dispatched to ether landfill or incineration.

Meanwhile,  the new recycling bins are this week being delivered to households in parts of Humberston, Ashby cum Fenby, Barnoldby le Beck, Waltham, Brigsley, New Waltham, Cleethorpes, Heneage, Little Coates, Nunsthorpe, and The Willows.

From next Monday. bins will be delivered in parts of Laceby, Bradley, Aylesby, Cleethorpes, East Marsh, West Marsh, Healing, Immingham, Habrough, and Stallingborough.

What has  happened to the old recycling boxes?

The council is working with Stallingborough-based recycling company Grimsby Granulation Ltd to collect and recycle them.

The boxes are ground into pellets ready to be used to make new products. 

So far the firm has recycled 57 tonnes of unwanted recycling boxes.

FIFTH ANNIVERSARY FOR WINDFARM CLEARLY VISIBLE FROM CLEETHORPES PROMENADE

Belated birthday greetings to the  Humber Gateway Windfarm which became operational in autumn 2015 - it was officially opened by energy minister Andrea Leadsom MP in September of that year. The 73 turbines are said to  provide enough electricity for around 170,000 homes. Its control room - officially opened by former local government minister Eric Pickles - is in Grimsby where there is also a pontoon which provides a berth for three service vessels. The windfarm is located 8km off the Yorkshire  coast but is clearly visible on most days from Cleethorpes.

 

NEW USE WELCOMED FOR FORMER POLICE STATION IN IMMINGHAM

THE former police station in Immingham has been converted to offices and a contractors' storage yard.

The pleasing  red brick two-storey building has sash windows and a hipped roof. 

Projecting brick quoins and chimneys form a key part of the character of this locally-listed building.

To the western side, the building has a single storey wing with attractive brick bay.

An attached single storey brick wing also exists to the south east of the main building, constructed in the same brick but with simpler pitched roof. 

A large car park and access exists to the west of the building includes a range of six prefabricated concrete garages.

The yard and station is surrounded to the front by attractive brick walls and railings.

The site is now home to ProGen Services Ltd which  specialise as industrial-scale mechanical and electrical work.

However, it is understood there is no on-site fabrication or assembly of parts.

Externally, the property has not changed and, internally, only a small number of walls have been remove to create larger meeting spaces.

The refurbishments were carried out without the benefit of planning consent, but a retrospective application has this week been approved by North East Lincolnshire Council.

Says senior planning case officer Jonathan Cadd: "This use has brought a locally-listed building back into operation on a site where it is expected to support Immingham without harm to the residential amenities of occupiers of adjoining houses."

COUNCIL HEALTH CHIEF: YOUNG PEOPLE ARE 'INADVERTENTLY' SPREADING VIRUS

                                                                    

Stephen Pintus - young are social animals

NORTH East Lincolnshire Council’s director of public health, Stephen Pintus, has made an impassioned plea to parents in the area ahead of the October half term.

In an interview about the Government’s new alert levels, Mr Pintus, who manages the area’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, called on parents to be responsible during the break from schools.

Mr Pintus said: “We’ve got half term coming up. People might be going away, and they might be mixing with people from other areas.

“The vigilance applies just as much in half term as it does when children are in school.

“Please help us to keep Coviod out of North East Lincolnshire, and don’t bring it back if you are going away!”

Thousands of children will be breaking up for half term next week, and health chiefs have raised concerns about families holidaying close to higher-tier areas.

According to Mr Pintus, young people are inadvertently spreading the virus.

He said: "The increase in cases is largely driven by the younger population.

“They are naturally social animals, out and about and mixing, and that results in a greater potential for transmission. 

“It is important that people follow the rules, social distance, keeping good hygiene and wearing a face mask in crowded public spaces. 

"If everyone keeps doing their bit and following the guidance then we will be able to keep the rates low.”

PANDEMIC HAS CAST A DARK SHADOW OVER NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE'S LIBRARIES

                                                

Sue Wells - 'strange environment' 

THE pandemic has created "whole new ball game" at libraries in North East Lincolnshire.

That is the assessment of Sue Wells, chief executive of Lincs Inspire which now operates the libraries and other services.

For many weeks during spring and summers, the doors were closed, much to the dismay of many for whom browsing or borrowing books - or using the computers - was part of everyday life.

At a tourism panel meeting, Ms Wells said it was "lovely" when the libraries re-opened after lockdown, but she acknowledged that it was now "a strange environment".

She said: "We always used to be eager to generate more use of our libraries, but now we can no longer encourage people to linger."

Ms Wells noted that returned books now had to be quarantined for 72 hours.

Another sadness is that no activities - such as story times and craft sessions -  are now being held within libraries.

Only one person at a time is allowed in the search room in Grimsby's archives section.

The electoral roll at Cleethorpes Library is no longer available - it has been transferred to Grimsby Central and can only be inspected by prior appointment.  

On the plus side, Ms Wells said online services were "going down a storm". 

She explained: "People have loved access to e-newspapers, e-magazines and audio books."

"We are keen to progress our library service," she said. "Libraries have a powerful role to play in supporting health and wellbeing."

Cllr Bill Parkinson queried whether there was a long-term future for books in libraries.

He commented: "Although I prefer reading books to reading on screen, most younger people seem to prefer smartphones - they've gone almost totally digital."

MANY EVENTS CANCELLED BUT AUGUST FUNFAIR SAVED THE DAY FOR MERIDIAN SHOWGROUND

IF it had not been for the August funfair,  the programme of events at the Meridian Showground in Cleethorpes would have been a total wipeout.

This emerged at a meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council's tourism panel.

According to Lincs Inspire - the organisation charged with staging events at the showground - a full programme  of events had been lined up until covid struck.

The only reason that the funfair was able to proceed is that, in August, the disease seemed to be on the wane and organisers were able to implement strict social distancing and hygiene measures.

Undeterred, Lincs Inspire's chief executive, Sue Wells, and her team  are looking ahead to next spring summer and autumn by when it is hoped the virus will have either been eradicated or at least wrestled to the floor.

"We have a full schedule for next years," she told councillors.

* Pictured below: Scenes from the 2020 funfair.      

                                               

                                                                           

MADE GREAT IN GRIMSBY! OFFICER UPBEAT ON REVITALISING TOWN'S ARTS AND CULTURE SCENE

                                                                         

James Trowsdale - vibrancy is the aim

'CRACKING progress' is being made on the project to revamp St James Square in Grimsby.

That was the encouraging update on the works from North East Lincolnshire Council's new arts and culture supremo, James Trowsdale, at a meeting of the tourism panel.

Most residents have only been able to peer through cracks in various screens, hoardings and barriers to glimpse what has been going on since earlier in the year.

But Mr Trowsdale - whose post with the authority is jointly funded by Arts Council and National Lottery monies - has been behind the scenes and spoken with contractors.

"Things are moving along very nicely," he enthused.

In further news, the officer said a borough-wide Festival of the Seas - postponed from this summer - was now planned for next year.

He was also looking forward to sculpture-style artwork being mounted on the wall of the Wilko store in Top Town.

Mr Trowsdale, who took up his post in January, is aiming to bring together everyone involved with arts and culture - under the brand, Made Great in Grimsby - to generate new vibrancy.

* Pictured below - the ongoing works at St James Square

                                        

PUBLIC HEALTH CHIEF'S PLEA TO COLLEGE STUDENTS RETURNING HOME FOR HALF-TERM

                                                   

Diane Halton - appeal for vigilance

A PUBLIC health chief at North East Lincolnshire Council is warning university students to take appropriate precautions before venturing home from university later this month. 

Hundreds of students are expected to return from all parts of the UK for the October break.

Says Diane Halton, NELC's associate director for public health:  “For many, this will be the first time students have been home since going to university in September.

“We are asking students to  be vigilant and take the proper precautions.

"If you’re feeling unwell and show Covid symptoms, stay where you are, self-isolate and arrange to get a test.

“If you are not showing any symptoms and have not been in contact with anyone who has had a positive test, please continue to follow the guidance.

"In other words, wash your hands regularly, social distance from those outside  your family bubble and wear a mask when going out to any busy public space.

“If you are at university in an area that is in a ‘high’ or ‘very high’ tier, please read the rules for your area and check that you are able to safely travel out of the area."

Continues Ms Halton: "We have all done well to keep case numbers down and reduce the spread of the virus. 

"The last thing anyone wants is for that rate to push us into the next tier."

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW - THATCHED HOUSE EARMARKED FOR DEMOLITION

                                                              

Quaint - but the thatch has seen better days

IT looks like the end of the line for one of the last remaining thatched houses in North East Lincolnshire.

The property on Humberston Avenue, Humberston, is a much-admired 'feature property' in the borough, but the thatch and other parts of the fabric are in need of so much renovation that it has been deemed more cost-effective to knock down and rebuild something new.

Happily, the proposed replacement development looks very attractive based on the submission from Grimsby-based ID Architecture, acting on behalf of local businessman Tom Ellis.

It consists of  four new homes within a setting where ecological considerations are to the fore.

For instance, bird boxes are to be installed, and any new fencing will incorporate raised lower edges - approximately by 100mm - to allow amphibians and hedgehogs unobstructed movement.

Mature hedgerows to the south and east will be retained, with a proposed new hedge to be planted along the western boundary to provide screening.

The existing site contains a number of old fruit trees which will probably have to be removed.

However, these  are to be grafted from and incorporated within the ornamental planting planned for both the individual plots and within a planted verge.

The scheme will not go before next month's meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee because it was approved on Tuesday by an Engie case officer under delegated powers.  

What's not to like about this impressive design by ID Architecture?

NEW RESORT MANAGER KEEN TO GENERATE 'IDEAS, ENERGY AND PASSION'

Scott Snowden - dream job

CLEETHORPES' new resort manager says he regards it as "a privilege" to have been appointed to the position.

A local man and former police inspector, Scott Snowden has only been in post for the past seven months.

In that time, he says he has enjoyed getting up to speed with  business owners as well as consulting with watersports enthusiasts, visitors and residents about what makes Cleethorpes tick.

 "I have a passion for Cleethorpes," he says. "I have lots of ideas and energy."

One of his first priorities has been to update slipway management which he felt had become "outdated" and subject to abuses.

To this end, he has been consulting with other seaside resort in his quest to establish what works best.

One concern has been the thoughtless behaviour of some jetskiers who have reportedly been "causing danger" to bathers, paddleboarders and other watersports enthusiasts.

They can also cause panic to feeding or roosting shorebirds.

In a well-received presentation to this week's meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council's tourism scrutiny panel, Mr Snowden noted that the resort's Beach Safety page on Facebook had been updated.

Because of its popularity with younger people, he was keen to make greater use of social media.

He emphasised that he was keen to promote Cleethorpes as a top-class outdoor destination.

                                            

PLANS AFOOT TO REFRESH, REPLACE OR REMOVE TIRED-LOOKING FORESHORE DISPLAY PANELS

                                                 

This sign is in reasonable nick but others are in a dire state

TIRED and outdated interpretive signs along Cleethorpes seafront are to be refreshed or replaced in time for the 2021 season.

At a scrutiny panel meeting today, resort manager Scott Snowden revealed that this a priority item on his agenda.

"Some of the signage is old and disjointed," he declared. "There is no identity, nor uniformity.

"I am currently consulting widely with a view to creating a consistent corporate thread."                         

Mr Snowden noted that consultees included the Environment Agency, the Harbourmaster and Natural England - especially where there were statutory legal requirements.

He said he was also talking to the RSPB which is keen that the importance of Cleethorpes as a stop-off point for migrating and over-wintering shorebirds, such as knot and sanderling, is both well understood and imaginatively publicised.

The initiative was welcomed by panel members including Cllr Gaynor Rogers (Lab) and Cllr Bill Parkinson (Con), with the latter claiming that poorly maintained public signage risked "embarrassing" the authority.

"If it's not in good condition, it is better removed," he maintained.

Cllr Tim Mickleburgh volunteered to write an account, if required, about the history of the pier. 

                                      

Little more than "a collage of stains" - the sign adjacent to the Brewstop cafe