SUMPTUOUSLY-ILLUSTRATED BOOK SHINES BEAM ON BRITAIN'S MUCH-CHERISHED LIGHTHOUSES

JUST  4.25 miles on the other side of the estuary, stands Spurn lighthouse - a sight more familiar to folk in Cleethorpes and Grimsby than it is to those in Yorkshire.

Although decommissioned in 1985, it has retained an impressive and reassuring presence  - not just to mariners but to anyone taking a stroll along local beaches.

It has been standing since 1895.

One of those to whom it had a special significance was a Grimsby farmer and ornithologist John Cordeaux - a Victorian-era pioneer in the study of bird migration.

He realised that lighthouse keepers, including those, at Spurn, had unrivalled insights into the coastal movement of migrating birds such as skylarks, goldcrests, redwings and woodcocks.

Cordeaux became secretary of a committee that persuaded keepers at lighthouses throughout Britain to keep records of  those birds they were able to see and identify.

One of the most astonishing discoveries was that, especially on foggy or drizzly nights,  literally  hundreds of thousands of  birds were fatally attracted by the beams of lights and crashed into the lanterns, usually with fatal consequences.                                 

Spurn - favourite destination for  Grimsby ornithologist John Cordeaux

In the case of bulkier  birds, such as geese or eagles, they could cause immense  structural damage by shattering the glass of the lanterns. 

All this information is recounted in absorbing detail in a superb  book -  A Natural History of Lighthouses (Whittles Publishing).

Its author, John A. Love,  is both an expert ornithologist (eagles are his speciality) and an authority on lighthouses.

He does not specifically refer to the one at Spurn, but much of what he writes is highly relevant.

It should also be said that he  has a most entertaining and lively writing style. 

Through exhaustive research of old newspapers and other sources, he has tracked down many extraordinary contemporary eye-witness accounts - not just about birds, butterflies and other creatures that evidently arrive  even at the remotest rock lighthouses, but also about the strange and often dangerous lives of their human occupants.

What is more, the book contains more than 200 stunning colour photographs and other illustrations.

To his great credit, the author also quotes the powerful lines of Jean Ingelow, a  now almost forgotten Lincolnshire poet of the Victorian era, who described thus the destruction of Cornwall's Eddystone lighthouse:

       The great mad waves were rolling graves,

       And each flung up its dead:

       And when the dawn, the dull grey dawn

       Broke on the trembling town

       And men looked south to the harbour mouth

       The lighthouse tower was down

The cover price of A Natural History of Lighthouses is £30, and the book can be ordered from booksellers or online outlets.

However,  for those who order via the publishers' website - https://bit.ly/3q5higm -  there is a 20 per cent discount by inserting the promotional code WPLINCS20

This offer will run until February 12, 2021.

EMPTY CLEETHORPES SHOP COULD BE CONVERTED TO A HOT-FOOD TAKEAWAY BUSINESS

Empty now but soon to be a takeaway?

ANOTHER empty Cleethorpes shop could  be converted to a hot-food takeaway premises,

At a planning meeting on Wednesday, councillors will be recommended to grant consent for change of use of 15 High Street - a flat-roofed building on the corner with Osborne Street.

Approval would breach North East Lincolnshire Council's policy of protecting "the vitality and viability of town centres and, in particular, primary shopping areas".

What is more, the takeaway would most likely be closed for most of the day presenting a 'dead' frontage to High Street.

But a report from case officer Jonathan Cadd states: "High street retailing is in a very uncertain period, not just with impacts of the pandemic but also the wider impacts. 

"The site is currently vacant and has been since before the pandemic and already presents a dead frontage.

"It is considered, therefore, that the proposal to bring this property back into use would, on balance be positive and  support the late night economy of Cleethorpes." 

The applicant is Mr R. Celik.

CELEBRATING THE GREAT OUTDOORS - COUNCIL SIGNS UP TO SIX-WEEK WOLDS SUMMER FESTIVAL

                                                       

The Lincolnshire Wolds - this is Withcall near Louth.

NORTH  East Lincolnshire Council has joined as a partner to the new Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival taking place from 1 May to 6 June, 2021.

The event - which succeeds the Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival which ran for a number of years - aims to showcase the Wolds as a place to explore and enjoy the wide range of outdoor activities it has to offer. 

The festival hopes to feature a wide range of outdoor pursuits including walking, cycling, birding, fishing, horse riding, archery, swimming, paddle boarding, golf, pilates, yoga and more.

The council joins colleagues across the Lincolnshire Wolds including East Lindsey District Council, West Lindsey District Council, Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service, British Mountaineering Council, Heritage Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire County Council and the Ramblers, who are collaboratively developing the festival.

Local businesses, groups and activity providers in North East Lincolnshire who would like to host an activity during the festival period should contact Deborah Cooper in the tourism team on info@discovernel.co.uk.

IS THIS A UK FIRST? GRIMSBY TO HOST FESTIVAL OF ROBINS IN TOWN CENTRE SHOP WINDOWS

                                                                      

A Grimsby robin reflects on the meaning of Christmas 

WATCH out for robins hiding in Grimsby town centre shop windows over the festive period!

A Rocking Robin Festive Trail has been introduced to create extra sparkle - and ornithological interest - for 2020. 

This  will be free for families to enjoy, and they can then enter a prize draw to win a £100 voucher to spend in a Grimsby town centre business.

Meanwhile, as in previous years, there will be a best dressed Christmas shop window competition and, brand new, a festive trail featuring over 20 shops. 

For all the latest information on Christmas in North East Lincolnshire, visit www.discovernel.co.uk/Christmas

A SORT OF A FESTIVE CELEBRATION - BUT NOT QUITE WHAT WE WOULD HAVE PREFERRED

                                                                       

A TRADITIONAL highlight of Grimsby's festive calendar will be going ahead - but not as we know it.

Because of the pandemic restrictions, this year's Christmas lights switch-on event will be going virtual.

Says a North East Lincolnshire Council spokesperson: "Although the switch-on will not be the event expected, people will  be able to watch from the comfort of their own home.

"They will be  switched on ‘virtually’ with a video being aired on DiscoverNEL’s Facebook page at 7pm on Tuesday 1 December."

She continues: "The video will highlight some of those who have supported our community since the first lockdown began in March."

Cllr Callum Procter, portfolio holder for tourism, heritage and culture, chips in: “It is with sadness that the traditional Grimsby Christmas lights switch-on had to be cancelled this year, but the good news is that people can still enjoy the turning on of the lights with our virtual switch-on.

“From December, Grimsby town centre will shine bright as the festivities officially begin." 

MINISTER OFFERS ASSURANCE THAT PLIGHT OF ZOOS HAS NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN

                                                                           

Jungle Zoo - home to a range of mammals, birds, amphibian, reptiles and insects

THE PLIGHT of Britain's zoos has not been forgotten during lockdown and  tier system restrictions

Jungle Zoo in Cleethorpes, currently closed until next year, is one of scores nationwide that have faced a financial squeeze because of ongoing feed, heating and other costs coupled with an absence of income.

When the fate of zoos was raised in the Commons this week by Conservative MPs Mark Jenkinson (Workington) and Sir David Amess (Southend West), DEFRA minister  Victoria Prentis replied: "We listened to concerns following the roll-out of an  initial support scheme and we have made changes to reflect that. 

"The zoos animal fund, which is simpler to apply for, is now open to zoos that have up to 12 weeks of reserves left.

"It can be applied for in advance of that and can include applications for essential planned maintenance."

Earlier in the debate, Sir David had complained that zoos "seemed to have to be on the verge of closure before they could get any money". 

SPECTACULAR OWL ADMIRES THE VIEW FROM GRIMSBY'S CORPORATION BRIDGE

SUPER-alert Grimsby man Marco Lawless spotted this magnificent  owl on Corporation Bridge shortly before 9 o'clock  yesterday evening.

At first, he thought it was a cat - until it flew off!

Since then he has posted the shot on Twitter, prompting great interest and plenty of speculation among his followers.

What species is it?

It is difficult to be sure because Marco was not close enough to detect any distinguishing features such as ear-tufts.

It is also difficult to judge its size - but it looks a pretty hefty bird.

Various suggestions have been submitted from  tawny owl to eagle owl (perhaps an escapee from a private collection).

Another tweet has suggested it is a snowy owl, but this is definitely incorrect. As its name suggests, a snowy is white.

 

 

HOLLIE'S BRUSH WITH SHOWBIZ STARDOM OVER AS VIEWERS VOTE HER OFF TV CELEBRITY SHOW

                                          

Putting on a brave face - Hollie reflects on her departure from the show

IT'S farewell to Holton-le-Clay's Hollie Arnold MBE following her two weeks of stardom on prime-time TV.

The 26-year-old gold medal winning athlete was first of the contestants to be shown the exit on ITV's I'm A Celebrity - Get Me Out of Here.

With her modest and unassuming personality, Hollie was a thoroughly engaging member of the line-up, with none of the look-at-me, chip-on-the-shoulder  attitude sometimes seen in others who are in the public eye.

She was also extremely popular with her fellow-contestants.

But her girl-next-door appeal did not cut through with the show's viewers who voted her off the show.

Interviewed afterwards, Hollie was slightly tearful but full of kind words for the other contestants whom, she reckons, will remain her friends for ever.

"I wouldn't have missed the experience for the world," she says.

 

VILLAGERS DISMAYED AS WILDLIFE-RICH MEADOW IS EARMARKED FOR DEVELOPMENT

A longstanding hedgerow and mature trees are features of the site boundary

ANOTHER green and leafy corner of Humberston could soon make way for bricks and mortar.

A meadow off South View, which is off  North Sea Lane, has been earmarked for a development consisting of 14 homes - a mixture of houses and bungalows.

The project is likely to get the go-ahead because it is a joint venture between North East Lincolnshire Council and Engie - the same two organisations which make the decisions on planning proposals. 

The application describes the site thus: "It is located on  the south side of South View and is currently vacant grassland with two public footpaths running through the site. 

"The northern boundary of the site directly borders South View, currently a residential cul-de-sac, which will become the vehicular point of entry for the new development. 

"The eastern boundary is formed by the rear garden to a residential property and further privately owned land which is currently overgrown. 

"The western boundary faces onto Clarendon Hall Retirement Home gardens and the south of the site is bounded by a residential garden."

The proposal has dismayed many residents - partly because development will chip further away at Humberston's fast-eroding rural heritage and partly because it will lead to the loss of butterflies, songbirds and other wildlife.

There are also serious concerns about the narrowness of the proposed access route and the adequacy of the local drains.

On the plus side, the plans indicate that many of the trees, if not the hedgerows, will be retained.

What is the view of the parish council?

It is stated thus by its clerk, Kathy Peers: "If the local authority, which the parish council understands is the owner of the land, wishes to dispose of this parcel of land, perhaps it would consider donating it to the people of Humberston who could then use it as a public space/wildlife area for local people to enjoy. 

"The parish council is aware that NELC has met its housing target provision and, bearing in mind the number of new homes coming on stream in Humberston over the next five to ten years, it feels that any more housing allowed in the village would result in a dramatic change to the overall character of Humberston village.

"The application should, therefore, be refused." 

It is not yet known if the application will be determined under delegated powers by experienced Engie case officer, Lauren Birkwood, or if it will go before North East Lincolnshire councillors at a planning committee meeting in the New Year.    

Layout of the proposed development

                           

SALVATION ARMY EAGER TO RELAUNCH GRIMSBY PREMISES AS CAFE AND COMMUNITY HUB

                                             

Refurbishment in prospect for the citadel

THE  Salvation Army is set to relaunch a cafe and 'community hub' at its citadel on Duncombe Street, Grimsby.

North East Lincolnshire Council has this week granted planning consent for the proposal which will include the installation of new windows and revised access arrangements.

A report on the project states: "The existing building comprises of a main hall with upper auditorium and balcony which is annexed to a subservient side-building, set back which features open multi use areas, toilets and kitchen facilities.

"The building is in fair condition but has suffered from lead theft which has allowed water ingress and subsequent damp and decay to various areas.

"The basic structural form of the main hall comprises of load bearing masonry walls which are restrained by external piers at regular intervals. 

"The walls support a pitched roof covered with concrete tiles which replaced what was most likely a slate roof covering.

"The front of the building fronts Duncombe Street overlooking a public car park but the site features its own car park for around eight vehicles although this is not marked out.

"The building has previously been used as a traditional worship hall with a part-time café that has not been used since 2016."

The report continues: "The proposed works will bring the building back into use as a community hub.

"The current stepped approach at the front of the building is not fully inclusive and the proposal includes removing the steps and the floor inside the door and lowering to the same level as the rest of the building. 

"This will improve access and inclusivity for less able persons. 

"This will consequently require a new set of doors which are proposed to match the style of the existing windows, albeit in the more desirable and robust power coated aluminium.

"The design also includes provision for a platform lift to access services on the first floor of the secondary side hall.

"The side hall is to be divided up to include a training room and office and in order to bring natural light and provide a natural environment new windows are proposed. 

"These windows are purposely set at a higher level in order to obtain best natural light but maintain privacy on both sides of the boundary. 

"The glazing will also be opaque for maximum privacy and security purposes.

"All the above works are in keeping with the existing style of the building."

It is not yet known when work will start on the project, nor when it is likely to relaunch.

The Grimsby News says: This is terrific news. The Salvation Army is a much-cherished part of the fabric of Britain. It  brings people together and it radiates cheerfulness and hope. In its own way, it is as precious as the Royal Family. And isn't 'citadel' just the most wonderful word in the dictionary? Next time you see a Sally collector on a shopping street, remember to drop an extra coin or two into the tin - or, better still,  a note if you can afford it. 

COUNCIL LEADER: THERE IS NO OTHER WAY - WE'VE JUST GOT TO TOUGH IT OUT!

                     

Cllr Jackson - everyone needs to play their part

STAY strong!

That's today's message from the leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip  Jackson, as the area prepares to move to Covid Tier 3 (Very High Alert) when national lockdown ends next Thursday.

Says he: “We know that this is a difficult time, especially for the most vulnerable.

“This is a challenging situation, and will understandably cause concern, but I would urge everyone in the borough to stay strong and keep going during the difficult weeks ahead. 

"We will be working with other local authorities to do what we can to reduce the restrictions quickly, but everyone needs to play their part.”

Under the new restrictions, people across North East Lincolnshire must not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble.

This restriction includes in any private garden or at most outdoor venues. 

Overnight stays with anyone outside your support bubble should be avoided.

Additionally, you must not socialise in a group of more than six in some other outdoor public spaces, including parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, a public garden, grounds of a heritage site or castle or a sports facility.

Where Covid-secure arrangements, such as substantial screens or visiting pods, are available at residential care, visits can go ahead. 

Visits can also go ahead at windows and outside, but check with your residential care provider for any specific restrictions.

Additionally, other restrictions within Tier 3 are:

* You should work from home if this is possible.

* You should avoid travelling outside your area, other than for work or education. 

*You should reduce the number of journeys you make where possible, and you should avoid car sharing with others outside your household or support bubble.

* Hospitality services are closed, with the exception of sales by takeaway, drive-through or delivery.

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

* Personal care (barbers, hairdressers etc) providers are open.

* Accommodation providers are closed.

* Weddings and Funerals: up to 15 guests are allowed at weddings, up to 30 guests for funerals. Wedding receptions are not permitted.

* Places of worship are open, but you should not interact with others outside your household or support bubble.

* Indoor entertainment venues must close.

*Exercise classes and organised sport can take place outdoors. Group exercise should not take place indoors (unless with your household or support bubble). 

*Organised activities for elite athletes, under 18s and disabled people can continue.

Stephen Pintus, Director of Public Health for Northern Lincolnshire comments: “Our new Tier 3 classification is a reflection of the change in infection rate across the Humber. 

"It has been a challenging few weeks, and we are seeing the numbers start to slow down in North East Lincolnshire, but we need to keep going. 

"There’s lots you can do to help continue to reduce the spread and keep loved ones safe."

Dr Peter Melton, Clinical Chief Officer for NHS North East Lincolnshire CCG, adds: “While the news last week about the vaccines are promising and show that there might be an end in sight, we still have a long way to go. 

"Remember the basics: Hands, Face, Space. But also, open your windows to get fresh air circulating in your house where you can. 

"Remain vigilant, and we will, together, help beat this virus.”

The Tier 3 restriction will be reviewed on December 16.

LOCAL MPs SIGNAL THEIR WILLINGNESS TO FORFEIT PROPOSED HIKE IN SALARY

                                                                              

 The letter and its signatories

                                        

LIA Nici (Great Grimsby) and Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) have signed a Conservative colleague's letter calling for a freeze on MPs' pay.

A pay rise of £3,360 has been recommended by the  Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, but Bishop Auckland MP Dehenna Davison, says a hike would be inappropriate in these  Covid-distressed times.

Says she: “When so many of our constituents are facing uncertainty, it is only right that we help shoulder the burden.”

In a tweet, Ms Nici says she supports a freeze for "this year".

The basic annual salary of an MP is £81,932 as of April this year.

In addition, MPs are able to claim allowances to cover the costs both of running an office and employing staff and of maintaining a constituency residence or a residence in London. 

Additional salary is paid for appointments or additional duties, such as ministerial appointments, being a whip, chairing a select committee or chairing a Public Bill committee.

Many MPs also enjoy income from other sources.

Since her election, the Grimsby MP has also remained a North East Lincolnshire councillor but, tweaked by her conscience, she ceased taking remuneration from the civic coffers in summer.

Although he has not signed the letter, the Prime Minister has stated his support for Ms Davison's initiative.                            

Dehenna Davison - MPs should share the financial burden

DOUBLE YELLOW LINES BECKON FOR HEALING IN WAKE OF ONGOING PUPIL SAFETY CONCERNS

                                               

Cllr Swinburn - road safety is paramount

ROAD safety concerns have prompted a new double yellow lines scheme for Healing.

North East Lincolnshire Council and its regeneration partner, Engie, confirmed today that they were to be introduced on sections of Low Road in the village.

Says an official: "The No-Waiting-at-Any-Time proposal follows near-miss incidents caused by parking issues around Healing Academy during drop-off and pick-up times.

"Double yellow lines will be installed on Low Road between the junction with the B1210 to just past the junction with The Avenue. 

"A second set will also be installed on Low Road on the approach to the mini roundabout."

Backing the initiative, NELC's portfolio holder for environment and transport, Cllr Stewart Swinburn, comments: “Local residents, the parish council and ward councillors have all expressed their road safety concerns about this issue and we have worked closely with them.

“Longer term, we continue to discuss potential improvements and how to address the issue. 

"Once a scheme is agreed by all parties, we will be engaging with residents prior to signing off any proposed scheme. 

"We remain committed to working with the school, police and local councillors to address these significant issues for the village.”

Civil enforcement officers will ensure compliance with these restrictions and will issue penalty charge notices to vehicles found to be waiting on the double yellow lines.

RUMPUS OVER 'COCKROACH THREAT' IN TV SHOW FEATURING HOLTON-LE-CLAY'S HOLLIE ARNOLD

                   

Avalanche of bugs (photo: ITV) 

AN insect row has erupted over the popular ITV show featuring Holton-le-Clay's gold medal winning athlete Hollie Arnold MBE.

Thousands of  non-native cockroaches have been sprinkled over some contestants during  sequences in I'm A Celebrity - Get Me Out of Here which is being screened from North Wales.

Now broadcaster-naturalist Iolo Williams, a co-presenter with Chris Packham of AutumnWatch on BBC-TV, has warned that some of the critturs will most likely escape  and may quickly become established in countryside and towns where they could damage fragile eco-systems by spreading disease.

He has also protested about the morality of exploiting wildlife for cheap entertainment.

It is not known if Hollie (26) was one of those who underwent the cockroach test.

But the show's producers know she has a phobia of spiders, so it is not difficult to predict what might lie in store in future episodes.    

According to the ITV, the cockroaches were provided by a firm which normally breeds them as live food for exotic zoo creatures.

Although Mr Williams has warned that some could escape via nooks and crannies, or even on clothing, the company says the area where the action involving the insects has been filmed is contained.

In the latest development, it is understood that police rural crime officers are investigating whether any offences have been committed under the Wildlife and Countryside Act

ANYONE FOR HADDOCK AND CHIPS? GRIMSBY MP TALKS FISHING, FISHERIES AND FISH & CHIPS

 

A productive natter - Lia Nici (right) and the ministers. What was discussed? Could there be a clue in the document front right?  

Before being obliged to self-isolate, Grimsby MP Lia Nici (right) managed to squeeze in talks about the post-Brexit prospects for fishing and fisheries with the ministers responsible -  George Eustace and Victoria Prentis. 

Ms Nici has not revealed what was said but she describes the meeting as having been "excellent". 

Will the UK's  new status as an "independent coastal state" result in firms investing in trawlers to fish out of Grimsby? 

Or is offshore wind now the only game in town? 

Only time will tell.

MARINERS’ SUPERB WIN IN SUSSEX EASES THE PRESSURE ON TOWN BOSS IAN HOLLOWAY

               Crawley Town 1     Grimsby Town 2

A BATTLING performance by The Mariners last night earned all three points at Crawley Town.

It was a long journey to Sussex for Town, especially after their previous match, on Saturday, had been at Tranmere where they were on the wrong end of a 5-0 drubbing.

It looked like more gloom beckoned when Matt Waters, for the home side, scored in the fifth minute with a spectacular strike.

But Grimsby came more into the match and were on level terms on 36 minutes when Matt Green slotted home after a Danny Rose free-kick had been headed on by the impressive Luke Waterfall.

The Mariners winner came on 53 minutes when the lively Max Wright fired home a pinpoint cross from Owura Edwards.

It was a great result for Grimsby and eased the pressure on manager Ian Holloway who has felt the heat after a recent sequence of poor results.

Sussex is something of a happy hunting ground for Ollie.

It was at nearby Brighton that, thanks to a brace of goals by Wilf Zaha, he secured a famous 2-0 semi-final play-off win for Crystal Palace who went on to be promoted to the Premier League after defeating Watford in the final.

That was in 2013. Town did not have Zaha playing for them last night, but, in its own way, this match was almost as important for the boss.

GRANTS COULD PROVIDE 'LIFELINE' FOR SMALL BUSINESSES HIT BY PANDEMIC LOCKDOWN

                                             

Cllr Jackson: 'Let's pull together!'

A DEADLINE of December 2 looms for eligible North East Lincolnshire businesses to apply for grant funding if they’ve been forced to close during the second national lockdown.

So far, some 900 businesses have already applied for funding via the Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) and Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) schemes.

These monies are aimed at alleviating the financial pressure on businesses who have been unable to trade normally. 

Ratepaying business in the retail, hospitality and indoor leisure sectors who have been forced to close due to these restrictions will be eligible to claim grants of up to £3,000 for the 28-day period to 2 December. 

In addition, the Council is making available discretionary grants of up to £2,100 for businesses in this sector who are not in the rating system, or are supply chain businesses who have been severely affected due to their business customers being closed.

Businesses need to complete an application form to claim for each eligible business premises. 

To find out more about the grant funding and to complete an application form, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Says Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council: “This pandemic has affected all businesses and sectors in some way, and it is important that support is made available to help our business community bounce back when restrictions are lifted.

“The grant funding provides a lifeline to many businesses in our patch that are struggling because of COVID-19 and have been forced to close.

“We are also offering businesses a suite of support so that those that are able to remain open can operate safely and can adapt to sell their products online or through click-and-collect. 

"I would urge businesses to take up these offers of support and pull together so we can get through these difficult times.”

REAPING THE WILD WIND - OFFSHORE ENERGY GIANT SETS ITS SIGHTS ON SOUTH KOREA

One of Ørsted's UK windfarms - this one off the Cumbrian coast

ONE of the Grimsby area's largest employers, Ørsted, is now also casting its eyes on the Far East.

The offshore wind energy company today announced its intention to develop projects off Incheon City in South Korea.

It says this could provide clean energy for up to 1.4 million households and reduce carbon emissions by almost 4 million metric tons per year, thus making significant contributions to President Moon's recently announced target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. 

In addition, these South Korean flagship projects would bring multi-trillion won of investment, generate economic activity and create high-quality jobs.

Ørsted, which is based in Denmark, says it has started engagement with local communities and the fishing industry to ensure their voices are being heard and their inputs are incorporated throughout the project development.

COUNCIL CRACKDOWN ON 'NUISANCE' CYCLISTS SHOULD MAKE LIFE SAFER FOR SHOPPERS

A CRACKDOWN continues on  on cyclists who fail to dismount in Grimsby town centre's Victoria Street pedestrianised area.

North East Lincolnshire Council has today revealed successful prosecutions again seven individuals who failed to pay the £100  fixed penalty fines.

Cases against three defendants were proved in their absence. Two were fined £293 and the third was fined £250.

All three were additionally each ordered to pay £226 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

Two defendants pleaded guilty by post. 

One was fined £120 and the other £166. One was ordered to pay £80 towards costs and the other £226 costs. Both were ordered to pay a £32 victim surcharge.

Two attended and pleaded guilty in court. Both were fined £120. 

They were ordered to pay a contribution towards costs of £80 and £100 respectively and a victim surcharge of £34 and £32.

All seven cases were heard at Grimsby Magistrates’ Court last Friday.

Earlier this month, 17 other individuals were successfully prosecuted for cycling in a prohibited cycling zone in breach of a Public Space Protection Order.

The prosecutions were initiated because the rogue cyclists failed to pay the fixed penalty notice which is an alternative to prosecution.

Says Cllr Ron Shepherd, NELC's cabinet member for Safer and Stronger Communities: “There is absolutely no need to cycle in the pedestrian area - Bethlehem Street and Osborne Street are literally a few metres away and run parallel to it.

“If you put others at risk by cycling in Grimsby’s pedestrian zone, we will fine you. 

"If you don’t pay the £100 fixed penalty notice, you will end up in court facing a much larger bill. 

"I’m grateful to the courts for supporting our stance.

“Nuisance cycling is a problem that shoppers, people working in the town centre and the business community raise with me on many occasions.

“These latest court results will act as a deterrent and help keep the town centre a safe and welcoming place.”

BY MUTUAL CONSENT? IS MARINERS MANAGER INVITING TOWN BOARD TO SHOW HIM THE DOOR?

HAS Grimsby Town manager Ian Holloway fallen out of love with his players, the fans and the area?

This question is bound to have been sparked by his latest comments as reported in today's Grimsby Telegraph.

Holloway is quoted as saying he is eager to rebuild the team - but only if the supporters want him to stay. 

Inevitably the Blundell Park faithful are disillusioned with this season's results, but should the manager's commitment hinge on the notorious fickleness of the folk in the stands? 

At one time or another, every football manager takes flak from the fans - it goes with the territory. 

For most, it is water off a duck's back. For the best, it makes them more determined to turn round the ship.

But the Blundell Park boss seems to be displaying a disturbingly brittle side which will not have gone unnoticed in the boardroom.

What are chairman Philip Day, chief shareholder John Fenty and board colleagues expected to make of it all?

It is unlikely that the manager's after-match comments will have inspired the hugest amount of confidence. 

It is almost as if the manager might be intimating: I've done my best, it hasn't worked out - just pay me off, and we'll part company with no ill-feeling. 

Let's hope such a suspicion is too cynical by half.

The proof will come in the pudding - a win tomorrow night, followed by another on the next outing, and the sun will be shining once more.

And we'll all fall back in love with Ollie!

COUNCIL DETERMINED TO SHUT OUT 'PANDEMIC PIRATES' TARGETING COVID CASH HAND-OUTS

A PLEDGE to crack down on fraud and corruption has been sounded by North East Lincolnshire Council which insists  it will "follow up allegations brought to its attention".

A document seen by the Grimsby News states: "The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly increased the risk of fraud to individuals, businesses and both central and local government. 

"Fraudsters have targeted the public, praying on their anxieties and concerns by offering  goods such as fake masks, hand sanitisers and  test kits. 

"Some have offered fake income tax or council tax refunds and other bogus incentives. 

"These frauds commonly use phishing e-mails or texts (mishing) to lead individuals to a fake website where they steal personal information."

Along with other authorities, NELC has been  particularly vulnerable to unscrupulous applications for grants via the Government's Small Business Support Grant Scheme.

Here, the authority says it has developed a process to enable payments to be made quickly whilst protecting against fraud. 

Businesses have been required to provide evidence to support their applications and checks were made against the business rates data held. and anomalies were identified. 

The council is confident that, locally, the scheme has not been defrauded by any of the  scams that have been prevalent.

Below is a breakdown both of payments made and of those rejected - for instance, if the businesses were non-existent or if more than one application was made by the same business.

* Total applications for business support grants: 3,174

* Number of individual businesses supported: 2,701

* Total paid out to local businesses: £31.37-million

* Applications rejected: 473

In one case, NELC  ordered the return of a £10,000 grant when foul play was detected after the monies had been awarded.

So far so good, but, on the downside, the  pandemic has limited the authority's capacity to conduct day-to-day investigations. 

Since March, its officers have been unable to conduct face-to-face interviews either formally or informally or to visit people’s homes or other premises.

NELC has therefore developed a method of 'informal' telephone interviewing, enabling investigations to be conducted in a safe manner until such time that interviews under caution can be carried out in an office.

It is understood the council is currently also casting an eagle-eye on potential abuses in adult social care payments and other areas such as "agency workers, credit card transactions and income management processes". grant monies

However, the authority acknowledges that its systems are not foolproof.

The report concludes: "There is an underlying risk that some instances of potential fraud, corruption and misconduct may not have been identified."

The Grimsby News says: It is shameful that some individuals are willing to exploit the pandemic - and the public purse - for their own personal profit. It is, therefore, commendable that NELC seems to have adopted a policy of rigorous scrutiny before awarding grants. Even so, the authority  is aware that not all unscrupulous claims will necessarily have been detected. What it should now do, in the interests of transparency, is to publish the full register of both those  businesses whose applications have been successful and those which have not. What is more, where it believes that have been cases of fraud or attempted fraud, it should either prosecute through the courts or, at the very least, it should name and shame. 

SPOTLIGHT SET TO FALL ON MENTAL HEALTH OF NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE'S YOUNG PEOPLE

                                            

Cllr Lindley - he has a healthcare background

HOW well are North East Lincolnshire's  children coping in these troubled times?

The council's portfolio for young people, Cllr Ian Lindley, is due to give an update to fellow-councillors and officers at a meeting on Thursday.

According to Public Health England, there are an estimated 3,000 children and young people in North East Lincolnshire aged 5-17 with mental health "conditions".

This underlines the need both  to build resilience and to promote prevention and early help across the borough.

The rate of child inpatient admissions for mental health conditions within the borough is  understood to be in line with the national average -72.5 per 100,000.

Likewise, the rate of self-harm at 426 per 100,000 individuals.

A pre-meeting document seen by the Grimsby News states: "North East Lincolnshire’s vision for a future service is to provide a mental health and emotional wellbeing service which supports children and young people to have access to timely, integrated, responsive, safe, high quality and multi-disciplinary services."

* Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to reveal additional financial support for mental health services on Wednesday when he presents the Government's spending plans.

DID MANAGER IAN HOLLOWAY'S 'CULL' PLEDGE SPARK TODAY'S 5-0 MARINERS HAMMERING?

                                                             

 AS they headed for Merseyside for today's Division Two match, Grimsby Town players may well have been uncomfortably aware of their manager's comments as reported in today's Grimsby Telegraph.

He is quoted as saying: "I don't need as huge a squad as I've got, so I'll have to cull that coming up to January." 

"Anybody I don't like, I haven't used or haven't done as well as I want, I can move them on, and that's what's going to be happening over the next couple of weeks."

Did Ian Holloway make this stark utterance in order to spark a positive response?

If so, it backfired spectacularly - the Mariners were on the wrong end of a 5-0 drubbing from Tranmere Rovers, a team whose previous results this season have not been much better than their own.

Sad to say, the optimism that greeted Ollie's arrival seems now to have all but evaporated.

During his short time here, he has spoken many kind words about the area and the traditions of the club, but all to little avail when on-field results are so poor.

A malaise seems to have settled over Blundell Park. 

With huge experience of management at all levels, Ollie knows tactics inside out and is a shrewd judge of players.

But motivation does not seem to be his strongest card - at least on recent showings.

Earlier in the month, there was unfortunate publicity following a spat with Sean Scannell, one of his star close-season signings.

Are there other troubles in the camp?

Here's hoping not. 

Town and Ollie urgently need a couple of wins  to halt the downward spiral.

The Mariners'  next match - away to Crawley Town at 7pm on Tuesday - is surely the most important of the season so far.

IS THIS THE LAST AUTUMN FOR TREES AND SHRUBS AT ABANDONED THEME PARK?

Green and leafy - but for how much longer?

SCORES of trees and shrubs look set for the chop at the former Pleasure Island theme park in Cleethorpes.

The trees  are scheduled to be felled to make way for redevelopment of the site with a petrol station, a supermarket and holiday chalets.

As well as being intrinsically beautiful, the trees are home to nesting birds and roosting bats.

But none of them - individually or collectively - are protected by a Tree Preservation Order.

The extent of the probable loss is likely to become apparent on submission - expected any day soon - of the formal planning application for redevelopment of the site.                                  

Blossoming - but probably for the last time 

Soon to make way for a fuel fill-up station?

The Grimsby News says: Developers and planners often proclaim their commitment to  safeguarding Nature - until it gets in the way. Then the high-minded principle is summarily discarded and the bulldozers  move in. The particular risk at Pleasure Island is that the trees will be felled, then - for financial or other reasons - redevelopment grinds to a halt, leaving a derelict site. That would be a classic lose-lose situation. If the trees and shrubs are to be lost at this particular location, NELC must impose a strict planning condition that, as compensation,  the same number of trees, of similar maturity, are planted elsewhere on the seafront.

  

NELC CABINET MEMBER IN 'SHEPHERD'S PURSE' CARAVAN PLANNING PLEA

The good life - the Shepherd's Purse caravan

SMALLHOLDER and North East Lincolnshire Council cabinet member Ron Shepherd is pleading with  planners to let him keep his on-site static caravan.

Back in 2017, Cllr Ron Shepherd and wife Gill were granted a temporary three-year consent to site the caravan on a plot off Bradley Road, Bradley, where they keep hens, pigs and sheep and grow a range of nutritious vegetables.

Normally, under current planning guidelines, individual  residential caravans are discouraged, but an allowance was made for the couple because of persistent burglaries.

However, that permission expired in April this year.

In a statement supporting renewal of the consent, the Shepherds say of  their business, which is known as The Shepherd's Purse: "It has grown since granting of temporary planning consent. 

"Considerable investment has been undertaken to ensure security of the business, and there has been investment in ew buildings, internal stock fencing and gates, polytunnels and other facilities.

"We are, at this moment closed due to the t Covid pandemic, but we plan to redesign our shop sales area, to  build further outbuildings and to create further planting beds.

"We have had one minor burglary  since residing on site compared with over 13 previously.

"The business is  is on a sound financial base and is capable of supporting our workforce, but we request a further three-year consent to consolidate our position."

The Shepherds' application is currently under consideration by NELC's planning department with a decision not expected before the New Year.

CLEETHORPES ORGANISATION THAT HOSTED PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT IS DISSOLVED

                                                    

 The Knoll - disappointingly there was no poppy display, this year, at the front of the building in the run-up to Remembrance Day

THE curtain has come down on the organisation that, four years ago, ran the phenomenally successful national Armed Forces celebration event in  Cleethorpes

One of the guests on that famous day was the then Prime Minister, David Cameron, shortly before he stepped down from office.

But it has emerged that the Joint Services Major Events Team, North East Lincolnshire, Ltd was formally dissolved - by voluntary strike-off - on September 29 this year.

Over the past three years, its activities - and presumably its funds - have been transferred to  a differently-structured organisation, AFMET North East Lincolnshire.

This is a community interest company, which is carrying on business as usual from the same accommodation - The Knoll on Cleethorpes.

This prestigious seafront property is occupied thanks to advantageous terms from North East Lincolnshire Council from which AFMET also receives an annual grant - this year it was £25,000 - to supplement its income from other sources.

The successor company retains the same captain of the ship - former borough mayor Alex Baxter.

Mr Baxter's fellow-directors include Chris Shaw, a former leader of NELC, though it is understood he no longer lives in the borough.

The Grimsby News says: Sadly, Covid has caused a blip in 2020's programme events, but, over previous years, Mr Baxter and his team have done well in keeping the importance of our Armed Forces in the public eye. However  it is regrettable that they have not so far seen fit to invest in a website to promote the highly praiseworthy activities of AFMET. Such an initiative would doubtless be welcomed not just by servicemen and servicewomen, past and present, but also by the wider populace. What is more a website would provide the opportunity for publication of AFMET's annual accounts. How much funding is received? From what sources? How is the money spent? That sort of stuff. After all, where council taxpayers' funds are is involved, financial transparency is not an option - it is an imperative.

 

WHICH SCHOOL WILL YOUR CHILD ATTEND? COUNCIL PUBLISHES STREET-BY-STREET GUIDE

Middlethorpe Primary - no prizes for modesty

THE street-by-street catchment list for North East Lincolnshire schools and academies has this week been published.

This indicates - by street address - which schools primary and secondary pupils are likely to attend in 2022-23.

It makes for fascinating reading - even if you are not a parent or pupil.

The details for each street are at: https://bit.ly/3nAJaXT

                                                              

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