SNUB IN PROSPECT FOR REVISED PLAN TO CONVERT GRIMSBY CLUB TO CONVENIENCE STORE

  Planners fear the conversion project could create highways hazards

                                                          

A DECISION is due to be made this Wednesday  (March 3) on a new application to convert the former Conservative Club on Bargate to a Co-op store.

This is a revised application from the one refused last year on highway safety grounds.

But North East Lincolnshire Council planning case officer Jonathan Cadd has not been reassured by the new scheme's tweaks, fearing there will still be significant hazards for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists around Bargate, Wellowgate, Augusta Street, Abbey Road and Brighowgate.

Accidents could take the form, the authority believes, of  nose-to-tail shunts, head-on collisions or side swipes. 

Many residents have objected to the store scheme, noting that traffic complications could bring increased risk to pedestrians on their way to and from  St James School to the north and Grimsby Institute to the south.

Equally, substantial residential areas surround the site, leading to further pedestrian movements to the town centre for jobs, recreation and shopping. This factor adds to the concerns.

However, on the other side of the coin, a shop would bring an empty property back into use, and it would doubtless be well-supported, particularly for top-up shopping or by those seeking to pop in for a pinta, a paper or a packet of toffees.

In a report recommending planning committee members to refuse the latest proposal, Mr Cadd states: "The proposed development would result in a severe adverse impact on highway safety, road and pedestrian safety by reason of conflicting traffic movements in an already complex network of junctions and limited road widths."

FRENETIC CLEETHORPES PROPERTY MARKET IS MAKING ESTATE AGENTS A VERY HAPPY BREED

                   

THE pictures tell the story - Cleethorpes property sales are booming.

As at  other seaside towns, people are appreciating an area where there is plenty of outdoor space - especially during a pandemic.

As it says on the sufers' tee-shirt: "Life is a Beach!"

Whether the frenzy will continue remains to be seen.

Estate agents are cautiously optimistic, but there is plenty of uncertainty down the road.

How long will lockdown last? Will the economy bounce back or will it stumble?

Only time will tell.

                                                         

BOOM IN 'STAYCATION' HOLIDAYS COULD HAVE SERIOUS DOWNSIDE FOR COAST AND COUNTRY

This drone at the Humberston Fitties pools frightened off redshank and godwits

                                                                    

FEARS have been sounded that a likely surge in 'staycations' during 2021 could have an impact on birds and other wildlife in many parts of Britain including the Humber Estuary.

Says Jackson Sage of the Humber Nature Partnership: "We are likely to see a huge increase in recreational disturbance during the course of this year."

Disturbance can be categorised  activities that cause:

* Change in behaviour of wildlife (e.g. taking flight, alarm calls, cessation of feeding, leaving nest)

* Damage to habitat (e.g. trampling of saltmarsh/sand dunes/seagrass, flytipping)

* Physical harm or death of wildlife

Jackson Sage- plea for respect

Mr Sage continues: "June 2020 saw the end of the first national Covid lockdown, and with this came a huge influx of both tourists and residents to areas located on or near the Humber Estuary. 

"Although the vast majority enjoyed their visit with no noticeable impact on the protected species and habitats, the Humber Management Scheme received over 40 reports of recreational disturbance between June and December last year."

These included:

* Illegal use of motorbikes and quadbikes through nature reserves and on floodbanks

* Jet skis riding at speed through rafts of wildfowl

* Drones flying low and fast over protected sites where rare species make their home

* Very low paramotor flights over wildfowl hotspots

* Dogs off lead causing shorebirds to take flight and leave the area

* Illegal poaching

* Numerous fly-tipping events

* Walkers disturbing seals that have hauled themselves on to the beach to rest.

According to Mr Sage, particular concerns include the use of disposable barbecue in areas of  dry grass or even in wood-constructed bird hides.

Due to the sheer scale of the Humber Estuary European Marine Site, the Humber Nature Partnership relies both on members of the public and on its partners, including the police, to make it aware of these issues. 

On the plus side, there have been positive talks with paramotor groups, while the installation of signage at East Halton Skitter, near Immingham, has reduced off-road biking incidents from  being daily to just one- or twice-monthly.

Ends Mr Sage: "We want people to enjoy coast and countryside but we appeal for them to do so respectfully and responsibly."

* A recreational disturbance form can be accessed via http://www.humbernature.co.uk/contact/observation            

                                                               

Like a giant raptor - a hanglider circles over RSPB Tetney Marshes, frightening scarce birds

                                                           

Waders and gulls are fearful of roosting on this rock groyne in Cleethorpes because the drone is perceived as a predator

Habitat has been degraded at East Halton Skitter by off-road biking - and the noise is an additional deterrent to birdlife

Dog chasing birds that had been feeding on Cleethorpes 

BEREAVED FAMILIES SOON TO FACE INCREASED CHARGES AT GRIMSBY CREMATORIUM

The setting of Grimsby Crematorium

THE cost of dying is set to increase in North East Lincolnshire.

The  fee for a typical 40-minute funeral and cremation at Grimsby Crematorium is currently  £705.

But NELC plans to increase this to £757 from April.

Two years ago, controversy erupted when it emerged that  an additional £200 fee was being imposed on grieving families if funerals overran the 40-minute allocation - even by a few seconds.

Former council leader Cllr Keith Brookes took up cudgels on behalf of complainants, maintaining that it showed lack of compassion to hit bereaved families in the pocket at a time when they were particularly vulnerable.

But this fee - effectively a fine - will rise to £215 unless Cllr Brookes' Conservative, colleague, Cllr Stewart Swinburne, who will make the decision, decides otherwise at a meeting next month.

INDEPENDENT INSPECTOR DISMISSES APPEAL FOR NEW CLEETHORPES CONVENIENCE STORE

What future now for site of former garage?

 

AN appeal for a convenience store and one other shop to be built on the site of a former  garage in Cleethorpes has been dismissed.

The Co-op had earmarked the land at 223 - 225 Humberston Road as ideal for a new store.

Although North East Lincolnshire Council planners refused the application, the store's agent, Mark Warrior, of Warrior Developments Ltd, was sufficiently confident of the decision being overturned that he lodged an appeal with the independent Planning Directorate.

But the inspector, Mr S. Dean, has backed NELC's decision and dismissed the appeal.

The decision will delight mighty Tesco who objected to the proposal on the grounds that the top-up shopping project store would suck trade from their nearby superstore.

But, ironically, Mr Dean based his decision not on Tesco's protests, but on the potential impact on another convenience store, McColls, which did not even trouble to lodge an objection.

In his decision statement, the inspector said: "I consider that the proposal would be likely to have an unacceptable effect on the vitality and viability of this store  through the diversion of trade."

The proposal had generated intense controversy - both for and against the proposal - among those living in the vicinity.

It is anyone's guess how - if at all - the site might now be redeveloped.

COUNCIL EAGER TO PRESS AHEAD WITH MONEY-MAKING CLEETHORPES PARKING SCHEME

                                                      

Sherburn Street - earmarked for residents-only parking scheme. But why the need?

IT looks like North East Lincolnshire Council and their private sector partners, Engie, are set to press ahead with their money-making scheme to introduce a widespread permit parking scheme covering many, if not all, Cleethorpes streets.

Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson has stated a commitment to making NELC more "commercial" in its approach, and such an initiative would generate thousands of pounds for the authority's coffers.

Today, NELC issued a statement which reads: "Following initial engagement with Cleethorpes residents, businesses and ward councillors  on a possible permit parking scheme, highways officials are continuing to look at options based on the feedback received.

"Residents have made  requests for the introduction of standalone resident parking schemes in response to concerns of increasing parking pressures from local shoppers, tourists and commuters using residential roads for long periods of time. 

"This has prompted highway officials to look at the feasibility of a wider parking scheme covering multiple streets.

"The traffic regulation process does take time and is a very engagement-based and intensive process. 

"Following a survey last year, officials are continuing to review the feedback with ward councillors. 

"In the coming months, we will move to the next stage of the process and be engaging on possible parking measures in the resort.

"This is a legal and lengthy process.

"At this time, no firm decision has been made but we will continue to keep those affected updated as the scheme develops."

                                       

Parker Street - car-owning residents set to be hit in the pocket

The Grimsby News says: One or two residents may have requested street-specific parking schemes, but neither NELC nor Engie have produced a scrap of evidence of any significant demand for "a wider parking scheme covering multiple streets". The two organisations should come clean and admit that this initiative is no more than a ruse to squeeze income from as many car-owning Cleethorpes residents as possible.

'MOST UNUSUAL' SHOP ON CLEETHORPES SEAFRONT COULD BECOME TAKEAWAY BAR

Coming soon - sandwiches, cones, Coke and coffee?

 

The 'most unusual shop' in Cleethorpes could soon be converted to a sandwich bar.

The uniqueness of Cleethorpes Collectables, on Alexandra Road, is that it rented out cabinets for individuals to sell goods - typically antiques or collectable items.

One of those who had a cabinet was former North East Lincolnshire mayor Melanie Dickerson whose home-made  teddy bears sold well.

However, lockdown and the onset of online retailing has reduced the attractiveness - and profitability - of the shop.

The council's planning department is considering an application by John Rowbotham to change the use of the shop to a fast-food outlet selling the likes of sandwiches, burgers ice creams and both hot and cold drinks.

A decision on the proposal is likely to be made before Easter.

PROMPT ACTION BY COUNCIL RESTORES VITAL LAKE LIFEBUOY TO RIGHTFUL PLACE

Stranded - the misplaced lifebuoy on the boating lake ice

WELL done to North East Lincolnshire Council for its prompt action in restoring a misplaced lifebuoy at Cleethorpes Boating Lake to its rightful place!

During the cold snap earlier this month, miscreants are thought to have snatched the lifebuoy and thrown it out on to the icy water.

But as soon as this was reported in the Grimsby News, the council snapped to.

The lifebuoy is now back in its rightful place and definitely only to be used in emergency - not for idle recreation.

Back where it ought to be

DID HE JUMP OR WAS HE PUSHED? MYSTERY OVER ABRUPT DEPARTURE OF POPULAR MAYOR

                                         

Why no official tributes to Mr Walker, a popular Mayor?

MYSTERY surrounds the departure from the council of the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Terry Walker.

In an official announcement, the council today declared a vacancy for the seat in Grimsby's East Marsh ward hitherto held by Mr Walker.

A statement read: "Mr Terry Walker ceased to be a member of North East Lincolnshire Council by reason of failure to attend meetings of the authority."

Mr Walker has not been in the best of health. As well as missing meetings, including those held virtually via the internet, he has not been fulfilling the civic responsibilities demanded by the mayoral office.

As a result, the Deputy Mayor, Cllr David Hasthorpe has been deputising.

The coldness of the council statement is stark. There has been no explanation for Mr Walker's departure, let alone a tribute.

It had been his second spell as First Citizen and had been extended by a year after Covid disrupted the civic calendar.

At the time of his election, on May 16, 2019, he expressed his determination to support as many local good causes as possible, with a special focus on young people.

The council says there will be no by-election to fill the East Marsh seat, which Mr Walker held for the Liberal-Democrats.

The vacancy will therefore be held open until the  main elections on May 6 this year.

The Grimsby News says: This is unsatisfactory. As well as announcing the vacancy for the East Marsh ward, NELC should have provided an insight into why Mr Walker, a popular mayor,  had ceased attending meetings. Was his state of health the main consideration or were there other factors? The community has a right to know. At the very least, someone at the authority should have thanked Mr Walker for his contributions and wished him well for the future.

CHAINSAW THREAT LOOMS FOR HUMBERSTON'S EXTREMELY RARE BLACK POPLAR TREES

The trees - and Abey's - in all their summer glory

BRANCHES on 15 rare black poplar trees may be lopped following claims their branch canopy is encroaching over the showroom roof of the Abey Furnishing Company on Humberston's Wilton Road trading estate. 

The black poplar, which favours boggy conditions, near ditches, is Britain's scarcest timber species and now lost to most counties.

The ones in Humberston are even more magnificent than those depicted in John Constable's famous Suffolk-located painting, The Haywain.

According to legend, the trees' red male catkins are Devil's fingers and bring bad luck if picked up after they have fallen.

Time was when its wood, which is springy and resistant to shock, was used in the manufacture of  cartwheels - probably those on the haywain itself.  

It was also often used for floorboards, especially in the days of paraffin lamps because of its natural fire resistance

According to the Woodland Trust,  hybrid black poplar timber is still used to make artificial limbs, wine cases, pallets, shelving, bowls and toys.

It is a  food plant for the caterpillars of many moths, including the hornet, wood leopard, poplar hawk and figure of eight. The catkins provide an early source of pollen and nectar for bees and other insects, and the seeds are eaten by birds.

The lopping proposal by  David Carroll  of Abey is currently under consideration by North East Lincolnshire Council planners.

They are currently awaiting the comments of  council trees officer Paul Chaplin who, it is understood, has inspected the trees, which are covered by a preservation order.

If his application granted, who better than the head of a furniture company to make use of the timber?  

Even in winter, the trees are endowed with majesty and mystery

One of the most famous paintings in Britain - The Haywain by John Constable

The Grimsby News says: Does this work really need to be done? As of now, any 'canopy encroachment' seems to be so miniscule as to be non-existent. The trees make a magnificent boundary to the trading estate and a handsome backdrop to the furniture showroom. Given that black poplars are vanishingly scarce trees, utmost sensitivity is required.

ALL SET TO GO UNDER THE HAMMER: TREADMILLS, ROWING MACHINES, FITNESS CYCLES AND MORE

Some of the Spartana  equipment that will be up for grabs

EQUIPMENT from the former Spartana Health Club is set to go under the hammer later this week.

Fitness enthusiasts will have fond memories of The Spartana,which was launched  in 1986 by former Parachute Regiment physical training instructor John Farnham.

Thousands of women and men will have built their muscles - and trimmed down their waists - at the Cleethorpe Road gym.

Many will have been  young people getting themselves into top shape ahead of applications to join the armed forces.

The decision to close the business has been taken following Mr. Farnham’s death in November. 

North Lincolnshire-based auctioneers Eddisons CJM have been brought in to handle the disposal of the entire contents which are  is going under the hammer in an on-line auction that will  end on Thursday February 25

Says auctioneer Paul Cooper said: “Spartana was an impressively kitted out fitness centre. 

"John was constantly on the lookout for new or improved machines and equipment, importing a number of specialist pieces that had not been available in this country from the United States.

"He even had some equipment made to his own speciications." 

The sale features almost  100  pieces of kit including treadmills, fitness cycles, cross trainers, climbing trainers, rowing machines, exercise machines, many by top0name manufacturers such as Concept, VersaClimber, Life Fitness, Precore and Paramount.

In addition, there is an extensive range of weight training equipment plus a range of office equipment and even a tanning booth.

The full auction catalogue is available at www.eddisonscjm.com. 

Subject to adherence to Covid restrictions, a viewing session is scheduled for held on Wednesday 24 February (10am-4.00pm) at the Spartana Health Club premises at 375 Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby. 

The online auction will end at 1pm the following day.

Adam Marion, of the auction team, gets into trim on one of the machines

YOU CAN LOOK BUT YOU CAN'T TOUCH (YET) - THE NEW FURNITURE ON CLEETHORPES' NORTH PROM

                                                                       

Come and enjoy the sea view - one of the new street benches 

 STREET furniture designed to rest, chat or exercise on has been installed along Cleethorpes’ North Prom - but it comes with a reminder for people to comply with lockdown and resist the temptation to use or view it straightaway.

The 21 bespoke pieces have been put into place in two areas along the prom for use once present Covid restrictions have been lifted.

Says a North East Lincolnshire Council spokesperson: "Until such time however, people must adhere to all the social distancing and health and safety guidelines regarding touching surfaces and using equipment to exercise. 

"Once restrictions are eased, hand sanitiser stations will be installed near the furniture for added hygiene.

“For now, we ask people to admire this new furniture but only as part of their daily exercise if the North Prom is within their locality. 

Created by the firm, Freshwest, the 21 individual wooden pieces, include tall wooden chairs that overlook the sea, press-up benches and exercise ‘loungers’. 

The timber and stainless-steel construction is durable with the high-quality finish taking account of the seafront setting.

Simon Macro, Freshwest co-founder, explained how his visits to the resort and chats with various people there had coloured the work that had been done.

Said he: "We were challenged to create something robust that was unusual and engaging. 

"The furniture is designed as a family of objects, each with their own character and personality. 

"We also set about designing the pieces with exercise in mind. That was part of the brief and we really wanted to embrace it."

He added: "When we visited Cleethorpes, we noticed how people were using the promenade to exercise, but what also struck us was the beautiful vista and we wanted to make the most of that view."  

The Grimsby News says: It was a tad optimistic for NELC to expect people to abide by their no-touch instruction. Adults and children alike have been clambering over the furniture all day. But, on the plus side, that proves how popular the initiative has been. Well done to the council, Freshwest and all involved for perking up this part of the seafront with such imaginative installations.                              

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A gallery of images of the new exercise furniture

FORMER FASHION MODEL WILL HELP SPEARHEAD BID TO REVAMP FORMER CLEETHORPES FUN PARK

Enjoying a day at the races - Kristine Cudova

A FORMER fashion model has joined the push to see redevelopment of the former Pleasure Island theme park in Cleethorpes.

Kristine Cudova  used to grace the catwalk at fashion shows in her native Latvia.

But now based in upmarket Formby, near Liverpool, she is a highly successful businesswoman.

The Grimsby News has learned that she has joined the board of YPG FAB2 Ltd - one of the companies in the consortium behind the £57-million project to build a hotel, holiday lodges, a supermarket and leisure facilities, including a casino, on the derelict Kings Road site.

How come her awareness of the ambitious Cleethorpes project?

Her fiancé is entrepreneurial former Grimsby schoolboy Ming Yeung, now a successful property developer, who is one of those at the forefront  of the bold Pleasure Island venture.

Ms Cudova (37) is an expert horticulturalist - her favourite TV show is the BBC's Gardeners' World -  who is likely to have an influence on landscaping the site, assuming planning consent is granted.

She is also likely to have a significant input on the interior design of the hotel and luxury lodges.

The lady from Latvia is also a sports fan who follows Liverpool, some of whose stars she knows, and Widnes ice hockey club.

She is also a dog enthusiast though this is unlikely to  be of any help to her at a revamped Pleasure Island.

To save disturbance to the songbirds, badgers and other wildlife that have made their home there, her consortium colleagues have pledged that , when it opens, the revamped leisure site will operate a no-dogs policy.

The new director is a  keen gardener and sports fan

Kristine & Co at an event on Merseyside - spot the Liverpool stars!

The Grimsby News says:  What's not to like about this! Any involvement by a former model is certain to add sparkle to the ambitious Pleasure Island project. Good luck to Miss Cudova, and let's hope we see more of her in Cleethorpes.                                

HOUSES SHOULD SOON BE SPRINGING UP ON FORMER ADULT EDUCATION CENTRE SITE

Not a second to be lost - the new estate begins to take shape

IT'S full steam ahead on the proposed new housing development off Highgate in Cleethorpes.

Until demolition contractors moved in last summer, this was the site of the former Thrunscoe adult education centre and, before that, a school.

Recent heavy rain has not made life easy for those laying the footings, but time lost earlier this month is quickly being made up - sometimes with after-dark working.

Once completed, the estate will consist of 42 semi-detached houses and four garages, with additional arrangements for parking and landscaping.

The first of the footings were laid earlier this week

Demolished last summer - the former adult education centre 

COUNCIL TAX LEADER WARNS : WHITEHALL FUNDING IS 'NOT A NEVER-ENDING MONEY-TREE'

 

Council set to rise for North East Lincolnshire residents

PLANS to help businesses, improve the environment, crack down on anti-social behaviour and continue to support local communities were approved by councillors in North East Lincolnshire last night. 

Announced at a virtual meeting of the full council were proposals to:

*Invest in the 53 play parks across the borough

* Increase direct funding on the green agenda

* Increase ward funding to allow extra support for local communities

* Increase the Council Tax hardship fund to provide additional support for households in  'vulnerable' parts of the area.

Council Leader Philip Jackson said the budget proposals would protect core services at a time of significant uncertainty due to Covid, but also set out how the council is investing for the future.

"The pandemic has had an enormous impact on the area," he declared.

"It is true that we have had an extensive and welcome range of one-off financial support measures from central Government, which has significantly assisted in managing the pandemic at local level.

"However, we must also be aware that that support is not a never-ending money tree.

"As such, we need to do all we can with the resources we have to support the whole area and the sectors which help our local residents"”

Elected members approved the 2021-22 budget, including a 1.98 per cent increase in Council Tax with a further  3 per cent precept for adult social care. 

The increase amounts to £1.52 per week for a Band D property. 

The overall Council Tax bill will also depend on precepts set by the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner.

A report considered by members said increasingly the authority was taking "a more commercial approach", and investments were anticipated to make "a significant contribution to the council’s strategic objective of enabling the growth of a strong and sustainable local economy".

Cllr Jackson said the authority had consulted widely on the draft budget proposals, including public consultation and through the scrutiny process.

ATTRACTIVE NEW GRIMSBY APARTMENT BUILDING JUST RIGHT FOR RESIDENTS WITH CARE NEEDS

After an 18-month construction project, this is the new apartment block in Grimsby that offers independent living for those with some social care needs. Located on the corner of Convamore Road and Eleanor Street it comprises 15 one-bedroom flats. It has been named Cordage View after the former Cordage Mill that was located nearby and where twine and nets were made.  Residents receive support from an organisation known as Living Ambitions. The main contractors for the building, which opened earlier this month, were  J C Pomfret Construction Ltd.

HOPING TO PULL IN THE BIRDS - PLANS UNVEILED FOR NATURE RESERVE ON EDGE OF GRIMSBY

What more welcoming a habitat for wading birds - layout of the proposed reserve

PLANS have this  week been unveiled for the new wetland birds reserve proposed for  land on the outskirts of Grimsby.

The reserve - to be known as Novartis Ings - is off Moody Lane on agricultural fields  totalling 17.1  hectares and adjacent to the Novartis factory.

It is hoped that the site  will provide wading, roosting and possibly breeding habitat for thousands of declining wader bird species such as curlews, godwits, redshank and plovers.                                                  

Curlews like plenty of space

The scheme has been designed by expert Roger Wardle who did likewise for the Cress Marsh reserve near Stallingborough. 

Assuming planning permission is granted, Novartis Ings will be managed by North East Lincolnshire Council.

It is hoped that the proposed installation of CCTV will provide at least a measure of security for the hide from the ever-present threat of vandalism.                                                

The proposed hide from which wildlife enthusiasts will be able to watch the birds

LET'S DO IT! COUNCIL CABINET BACKS REVISED PUSH TO REVAMP GRIMSBY TOWN CENTRE

                                                   

Whatever happens, Devonshire House looks likely to  be spared the wrecking ball

IT'S all-systems-go on the proposed revamp of Grimsby town centre at the west end of Victoria Street.

At this evening's meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council's cabinet, members unanimously voted to proceed with the project.

Because it will attract a Whitehall grant lower than  hoped for  - £17.3-million instead of  £25-million  - the scheme will be less ambitious than the one originally devised.

But it may actually prove to end up being more compact and more attractive.

In his presentation to the meeting, assistant director of regeneration Damien Jaines-White indicated that some properties might  be earmarked for demolition - but not the multi-storey Devonshire House office block.

"We are willing to engage with its owners,"he said.

Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson praised Mr Jaines-White and his team for their "hard work behind the scenes".

He described the project as an "exciting opportunity" - a sentiment shared by colleagues including Cllr Stan Shreeve, Cllr Callum Procter and Cllr Stewart Swinburne.

It is not known if the community will get to see the new scheme, which is still being worked up, prior to its submission to Whitehall by the deadline of February 26.

If it gets the nod from the powers-that-be, the project will still have to go through the customary council  planning process.

CROWDS ENJOY SEA AIR ON CLEETHORPES PROM

                                                       

A combination of mild weather and school half-term holiday has this week brought out the crowds to Cleethorpes Prom. Above and below are the scenes at lunchtime yesterday.

WHAT THEY'RE PLANNING DOWN THE ROAD FROM CLEETHORPES AT SUTTON-ON-SEA

                                       

It always make sense to monitor what is happening in sister seaside resorts to Cleethorpes. Above and below are images of the attractive new colonnade building proposed for the seafront at Sutton-on-Sea. The scheme is currently under consideration in the planning department at East Lindsey District Council.