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| Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak flew the flag for the Government's efforts to revive the economy post-lockdown on a visit today to the Grimsby factory of engineering company Blackrow Group. He chatted with some of the 175 staff, three of whom later posed outside the premises with him (centre) and Great Grimsby MP Lia Nici. |
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| Location of the proposed telecommunications mast |
A DECISION is expected this week on a controversial proposal to install a communications mast and cabin at a leafy site on the outskirts of Grimsby.
Hutchison UK Ltd has applied to erect the 15-meter monopole, with 5G antennae and wraparound cabinet, on a highway verge on Great Coates Road adjacent to the John Whitgift Academy playing field
The firm wants to enhance its coverage as part of a roll-out of 5G communication for users of smart cellphones.
But there have been many objections to the application, notably from residents of nearby Mayfair Drive West and Waby Drive.
Says one objector: "It will be much taller than lampposts and would have a dire impact on parkland appearance of the area.
"Cabinets are also intrusive in size and number and would create more clutter - there already too many road and school signs.
"Put it in front of Grimsby Town Hall!"
Concerns have also been expressed about a potential radiation threat to school pupils and a disorientating impact on wildlife - for instance, bees and migrating birds.
However, it is understood any radiation will be within internationally acceptable limits for this sort of electronic equipment.
The nearby school was invited to comment on the application, but has chosen not to so.
According to Hutchison, no mast-sharing positioning on existing buildings is feasible.
This includes the use of St Nicholas' Church or St Michael's Church (both Grade 1 listed) which have been ruled out due to coverage area and architectural significance.
At a meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee tomorrow (Wednesday), Engie case officer Jonathan Cadd will recommend approval.
His report states: "Mobile phone masts are now a more accepted part of modern street furniture and monopole designs generally assist to ensure equipment do not appear out of keeping with an area.
"In this instance, however, the mast would be almost twice the height of the streetlights in the area, 15m to the top of the antennas compared to 10m for the streetlights and somewhat wider at 400mm in diameter compared to 120mm for the street lights.
"These differences would emphasise the presence of the proposed mast within the streetscene making it an obvious addition within Great Coates Road.
"Whilst the mast will be an obvious addition to the streetscene, particularly given its width, it would still be a vertical feature not unlike most of the street lights which are positioned regularly along this stretch and side of the highway.
"If the mast were to be coloured dark green, to match the more modern street lighting columns, it would not significantly detract from the appearance and character of the area particularly when viewed along Great Coates Road from the north or south."
The report concludes: "Despite objectors' concerns the applicant has provide certificate to show radiation emissions would be within accepted levels.
"Despite its scale and height, the mast is not considered to be such an alien feature as to have an unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area nor the visual amenities of residents."
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These three curlews seen this week on Cleethorpes Beach will soon be destined for a long flight to Finland or Sweden. Research has shown that almost all the birds that over-winter along both banks of the Humber and on our seaside beaches breed in Scandinavia. Bon voyage! |
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| Artist's impression of how the hospital might look. (The species of the flying birds is not known.) |
FORMAL planning permission has this week been granted for a major expansion of Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital to incorporate a replacement main entrance lobby, a two-storey extension to the emergency care department and a new parking deck.
Although some fine trees will have to be felled, proposed landscaping should provide some form of compensation.
The application did not go before North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee but was determined under delegated powers by Engie case officer Owen Toop.
Says Mr Toop in his report: "The project will support and enhance existing health infrastructure at the hospital, and this investment and enhancement to health provision for the borough is to be welcomed.
"The development has been considered in light of its potential impacts upon the area, neighbours, drainage, highways and contamination and is deemed to be acceptable."
It was back on July 26, 1983 that Princess Diana famously visited the hospital. Would she have approved the new scheme? One likes to think yes.
Once completed, will one of her sons be invited to cut the ribbon? Only time will tell.
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Sadly the development will lead to the loss of some fine trees This portrait in a hospital corridor is a reminder of the smiling Princess |
CUSTOMERS and staff at the Grimsby branch of the Santander Bank can breathe a sigh of relief.
It was announced this week that, nationwide, 111 branches are to close this summer.
But the Grimsby News has learned that the branch in Top Town is not one of them.
As with other financial institutions, Santander - which closed its Cleethorpes branch some years ago - has been pushing customers to switch to online and mobile banking which now account for two-thirds of transactions.
Branches set for the axe by the end of summer are understood to be those in:
Arnold
Ashby-de-la-Zouch
Ashford Church Road
Balham High Road
Banstead High Street
Barking
Beckenham
Bethnal Green
Bingley Main Street
Birmingham Erdington
Bishopsgate
Blaby
Bletchley
Bramhall
Brighouse
Brighton
Bristol
Camberwell
Castleford
Catford
Cheadle
Chelsea Kings Road
Chester-Le-Street
Chingford
Chiswick
Chorlton-cum-Hardy
Clifton
Cobham
Cosham
Coulsdon
Dagenham
Dalkeith
Dalston
Darwen
Dewsbury
Dudley Merryhill
Edingburgh Morningside Road
Enfield Hertford Road
Finchley High Road
Fulham
Glasgow Kilmarnock Road
Glasgow Sauchiehall St
Gosforth
Grays
Halesowen
Hanover Square
Harborne High St
Harold Hill
Harpenden
Hatfield
Hayes Station Rd
Haywards Heath
Hempstead Valley
High Holborn
Hinckley
Horsforth
Hounslow Bath Road
Huyton
Hyde Market Place
Leatherhead
Leeds Crossgates
Leicester Horsefair Street
Leicester Narborough Road
Leigh-on-Sea
Letchworth
Leytonstone
London Bridge
Long Eaton
Lytham Clifton St
Margate
Marlow
Mill Hill
Moorgate
Morecambe
Nelson
New Malden
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Norbury
Oadby
Oxford Headington
Petts Wood
Pinner
Plymstock
Poulton-le-Fylde
Putney
Ricksmansworth
Runcorn
Sale
Shepherd Bush
South Harrow
Southampton Bitterne Road
Southhampton Shirley
Southgate
Strand
Surbiton
Swinton
Syston
Twickenham
Upper Edmonton
Walkden
Wallasey
Welling
Wembley
West Wickham
West Worthing
Weybridge
Wibsey
Wickford
Windsor
Winton
Wokingham
Following the closures - which will take place between June and August - there will be a network of 452 banks remaining.
Santander has a Spanish parent company, but trades as an independent UK entity.
It also acquired the customers of the Alliance and Leicester when that bank has laid low by the financial crisis of a few years back.
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Grimsby's 520-pupil Welholme Academy is the latest school in North East Lincolnshire soon to have its own multi-use games area. Part of the existing school field is uneven because it was built on top of an old quarry site so this MUGA will provide a beneficial additional amenity. Consent for the development was granted earlier this week by the local planning authority. |
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| Cleethorpes seafront - busy times are beckoning in run-up to Easter and beyond |
WITH lockdown restrictions set to ease, plans are being put in place to ensure Cleethorpes seafront remains as safe possible when visitor-numbers start to increase.
North East Lincolnshire Council says it will introduce the following anti-Covid measures as from next Monday, March 29.
* The daily closure of the Central Promenade, 7am to 7pm, to vehicles, except for business and emergency access.
* The first section of parking bays on the North Promenade will be fully closed with concrete barriers in place.
* Public WCs will be open but with additional measures in place to ensure safe queue management and additional cleaning.
* Provision of outside hand sanitising facilities.
* Additional cleaning of high exposure surfaces such as litter bins.
* Continued support and advice to local businesses, with enforcement still to be used as the last option.
* Digital signage at Hewitt’s Circus, Lockhill roundabout and Meridian Showground, promoting key safety messages, encouraging people to adhere to the rules and advising on car park capacity.
NELC says the closure of the Central Promenade to vehicle traffic and a section of bays on the North Promenade is essential due to the high levels of pedestrian footfall in these areas at busy times.
The closures will provide the space needed for pedestrians to circulate and social-distance in a safe manner.
No Special measures are currently being proposed for Sea View Street, St Peter’s Avenue, both Cleethorpes, for Market Place, Grimsby, or for Immingham Town Centre, but these and other areas will be kept under review.
From Monday, people will be able to meet outdoors in groups of up to six people, or two households.
However, indoor mixing outside household or support bubbles is still not allowed.
The pictures tell the story - try crossing Cleethorpes saltmarsh and you risk getting stuck in the mud. These boots had to be abandoned after their owners became immobilised by the sticky stuff. The saltmarsh is never 100 per cent safe - not even on a sunny afternoon in late-March.
Although not classified as a rarity, the pintail is a long-necked species of duck seldom seen in North East Lincolnshire. This attractive drake was attracting plenty of admirers when it spent this afternoon on the water at the Humberston Fitties pools.
Doesn't it look grand? Proud officers of North East Lincolnshire’s RAFA branch pose outside the repainted front of their premises on Cleethorpes seafront. Constructed circa 1885, the building has received its new look thanks to a grant award from the Townscape Heritage Project. Says delighted vice-chairman Graham Malster a Cleethorpes resident for more than 50 years: "I grew up in Cleethorpes before spending 25 years in the RAF. I love the town and its people, and I take huge pride in what we are doing here, something that is part of the community. This is a key milestone in bringing the whole building back to life.”
A SPRUCE-UP has begun this week on cycle racks in North East Lincolnshire public spaces
Works started today on an eight-week rolling programme of repainting, repairs and maintenance.
Says the council: "Should a bike be locked to the rack on the day the contractors attend, they will return at a later date.
"The cycle racks will be unavailable for use on the day the works take place."
NELC’s regeneration partner, Engie, is managing the project, with local contractors Lockit Safe and Portlock Painter Ltd carrying out the works.
The improvements are funded through a Department for Transport’s fund which supports sustainable transport across the borough.
Works are taking place at the following locations:
Cleethorpes
Aspen Court
Beechwood Avenue
Boating Lake and Waterfowl Garadens
Brighowgate
Cleethorpes Library
Hainton Avenue
Kings Parade
Sidney Park
St Peters Avenue
Sussex Recreational Ground
Grimsby
2nd Avenue, Nunsthorpe
Corporation Road
Cromwell Road
Edge Avenue
King George Stadium
Sutcliffe Avenue, Nunsthorpe
Weelsby Woods
Wingate Road
New Waltham
Station Road
AN uncertain future awaits for the Grimsby Telegraph offices located near the Fishing Heritage centre.
Its parent-company, Reach - which has more than 100 daily and weekly titles - is to retain only its 15 largest 'hub' offices which will be upgraded.
These are at: Belfast, Bristol, Birmingham, Dublin, Cardiff, Glasgow, Newcastle, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, London (Canary Wharf HQ), Oldham, Nottingham, Plymouth and an office in the South-east.
Reach says: "With the vast majority of staff working from home for over a year, the company has decided to make it a permanent feature for many.
"We carried out a survey that showed a majority found home working suited their needs.
"We are pleased to be investing in all our hubs to provide more modern, flexible working environments.
"This solution provides increased flexibility with the ability to have access to meeting space to recapture face-to-face collaboration and a social element - when lockdown rules allow."
The statement concludes: "We will be investing more in our strategy and in our journalism and less in buildings.”
The Telegraph was based for many years at the huge building at 80 Cleethorpe Road, near the flyover, but has downsized in recent years.
It shares the building opposite Alexandra Dock with firms such as recruitment agency Staffline, owner of People Plus.
Besides the Grimsby Telegraph, other titles that will lose out on having an office on their patch include the following: Cambridge News, Derby Telegraph, Huddersfield Daily Examiner, Leicester Mercury, North Wales Daily Post and Stoke Sentinel.
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| Cllr Cracknell - "very difficult for families" |
A TOTAL of 80 deaths within care homes in North East Lincolnshire during 2020 are thought to have been Covid-related.
This was the number of "excess" deaths compared with the average for 2015-19.
Revealing the figure at last night's full council meeting, adult care portfolio holder Cllr Margaret Cracknell expressed sadness at the toll taken by the disease.
"It has been very difficult for families,"she said. "It has been a dreadful situation."
Of the current year's stubbornly high rates of new infections across the borough, she attributed this to outbreaks among staff working at certain food factories, supermarkets and schools.
However, the said latest indications were that rates would fall as the year progresses.
THE leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, survived a No Confidence vote at last night's full meeting of the authority.
During an untidy debate, Labour leader Cllr Matthew Patrick accused the Conservative controlling group of "a culture of gagging opposition members".
However, his move to have Cllr Jackson ousted from office - for reasons that were not entirely clear - was defeated by 22 votes to 16, with two abstentions.
Later in the meeting's proceedings, the Labour leader claimed there was a £5-million "black hole" in NELC's finances and accused portfolio holder for finance, Cllr Stan Shreeve, of "having lost control".
However, this was rejected by the portfolio holder who insisted: "The council is solvent and won't run out of money.
"Our cashflow is sufficient to maintain services."
HUGE plaudits to the four ornithologists who have compiled an authoritative new book, Birds of Lincolnshire.
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| Packed with history and memories - the Immingham bungalow |
PLANNING consent has been granted for an historic residential property in Immingham to be converted to a heritage centre.
The proposal site is the small single-storey building at 357 Pelham Road in the town.
Grade II Listed, the property is known as The Iron Bungalow.
The successful change-of-use planning application to North East Lincolnshire Council, has been lodged by owner Malcolm Cullum who bought the property in 1975 and lives next door, with his brother on the other side.
The bungalow was previously let to tenants but needs works to bring the fabric up to modern accommodation standards.
Says Mr Cullum, who is chairman of trustees at Immingham Museum: "I believe history should be accessible to everyone, and, by opening 359 and telling the story, I could do just that.
"At least one of these bungalows has been in our family for 91 years, and I lived in one for 42 years.
"My interest in Immingham history extends to having published two books on the town's buildings and street scenes - these have been very well received and sent all over the world .
"I think it is important to document history for the future - the story of Tin Town between 1906 and 1940 and how and why it was built as well as the massive task of constructing Immingham Dock.
"I am experienced in renovating properties as well as building new ones and have a good team of tradesmen and workmen on hand."
Continues Mr Cullum: "I do not think this project will make a profit, but I am doing it because it is the right thing to do.
"I do not want to charge for entry but would ask for donations.
"Conducted tours may be offered in conjunction with the Mayflower walks run by the museum.
"Immingham is not a tourist area so would struggle to attract casual visitors, but there is a lot of interest as we are part of the Mayflower story."
Mr Cullum's application was approved by senior Engie case officer Lauren Birkwood under delegated powers without the need for consideration by North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee.
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| Preliminary sketch of the proposed globe with bird adornments |
A STAINLESS steel sculpture of a globe is to be installed on Cleethorpes seafront.
Standing two metres tall, its aim will be to highlight both the global migration of shorebirds and the importance of our beaches as feeding and roosting areas when they pause during their travels.
Alongside the globe, there will be an interpretive panel with information about individual shorebird species, such as curlew, sanderling and knot, and the journeys they make to reach the UK and beyond from their breeding grounds in the Arctic.
The sculpture, to be located on North Promenade, is a follow-up initiative by North East Lincolnshire Council and Blackrow Engineering to the steel haddock installed last year.
Individuals and organisations can find out how to sponsor the bird globe by contacting Ange Webster at angela.webster@nelincs.gov.uk
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This curlew, seen near Cleethorpes Leisure Centre , had probably flown here from Sweden or Finland |
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| Migrant shorebirds: ringed plover (back) and sanderling on Cleethorpes Beach |
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| Coming to a park near you - one of the solar-powered bins |
NORTH East Lincolnshire Council is to install nine new solar-powered litter bins in parks and other popular destinations across the borough.
Solar bins are designed to compress rubbish so they do not need to be emptied as often as standard bins. They can hold up to ten times more rubbish than a normal, non-compacting bin.
New solar bins will arrive at the following locations within the next few weeks:
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| Cllr Jackson - Labour wants him axed |
A CONTROVERSIAL call for the Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council to be sacked will be made later this week.
Cllr Philip Jackson faces a No Confidence vote at Thursday's full meeting of the authority.
The following Notice of Motion will be proposed by NELC's Labour Group Leader Cllr Matthew Patrick and seconded by party colleague Cllr Wilson:
"Council will note that in December last year, a news story broke that shook the reputation of the administration of North East Lincolnshire Council to the core.
"A local newspaper, the Grimsby Telegraph, highlighted a business relationship between a convicted fraudster and Cllr John Fenty whilst the latter was the portfolio holder for regeneration on North East Lincolnshire Council.
"Despite public speculation that this issue could have developed into a potential conflict of interest, Cllr Fenty retained his portfolio duties at that time, and he did not disclose these facts.
"Further to this, Alex May had, with others, had direct access to council officials, and it is unclear as to if there was a relationship disclosed between Cllr Fenty and Mr May at this time that might have made this inappropriate in the eyes of the public.
"These events could risk our council being brought into disrepute, with speculation running rife amongst the general public about what this has revealed about the culture within the current council cabinet.
"Despite the welcome and much needed resignation of Cllr Fenty from his cabinet position, the Leader of the council, Councillor Jackson, who appointed Councillor Fenty, despite protests from opposition members, has failed to act decisively in the public interest over events.
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| Cllr Patrick - controversial call |
"Cllr Jackson has thus failed in his duty to uphold the integrity of his office, failed to meet the standard of conduct expected by residents, and moreover, has allowed his Cabinet to risk being seen to breach principles of good governance.
"This council concludes that Cllr Jackson’s position as council leader is untenable, as not only does the leader and his Cabinet need to be beyond reproach but needs to be seen to be beyond reproach.
"This council no longer has confidence in Cllr Jackson to continue as leader and removes him, with immediate effect from his office, to allow a new leader to be appointed, as per the rules of this council’s constitution."
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| Cllr Wilson - seconder of the Motion |
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| Tree surgery beckons for these grand old black poplars |
A ROW of 15 rare black poplar trees in Humberston are to be lopped following claims from a business owner that branches are overhanging his premises.
North East Lincolnshire is one of the last parts of England where black poplars grow.
The species is the same as those seen in John Constable's famous painting, The Haywain.
The application for branch surgery was submitted by David Carroll who runs Abey's furniture shop behind which the ancient trees grow.
The go-ahead decision was made by North East Lincolnshire Council's trees officer Paul Chaplin whose report states: "The trees in question are a part of a line of mature hybrid black poplar trees that runs along Buck Beck.
"Due to the trees size and location the trees are features in the landscape and can be observed from the wider surrounding area.
"Over the years, several meetings and conversations have been held with the applicant in regards the management of these trees.
"Previous applications have been submitted and permission granted.
"The reason given for the proposed works is concern over branch failure and impact on a commercial building."
Mr Chaplin continues: "Sufficient information has been provided to identify the trees in question, those that run along the length of the building.
"Ideally the applicant would have provided a more detailed work specification.
"However, following a pre-decision site visit, the proposal has been amended.
"It is not unreasonable for the applicant to wish to manage the canopy encroachment over his commercial unit."
It is not proposed to reduce the trees in height or reduce the canopy spread other than the branches encroaching towards the commercial unit.
"Therefore the visual amenity which the tree offers the surrounding area will not be diminished."
It is not known if the trees will be lopped before summer or if the work will be delayed until after the current bird-nesting season.
A NEW campaign has been launched to tackle dog fouling and irresponsible dog ownership.
North East Lincolnshire Council officers are putting up signs in parks and other places to remind dog owners to pick up after their pets.
People are also being encouraged to submit reports about dog fouling problem areas so enforcement officers can target their patrols more effectively.
Locations especially likely to be targeted include:
Officers will be making spot checks to make sure dog-owners have the means to clear up. They can issue a ticket if dog walkers are not prepared.
All officers wear uniform and carry an identification card.
NELC is also reminding dog walkers to keep their pets off the central beach between Cleethorpes Leisure Centre and Wonderland from Good Friday to 30 September.
Dog mess problems can be reported to the council using an online form: www.nelincs.gov.uk/dog-mess.
THE go-ahead has been given for a private garage on a Grimsby residential street to be demolished to make way for a beauty salon.
However, North East Lincolnshire Council has stipulated that the initial consent is for 18 months only to ascertain that the project causes no inconvenience to other residents on Conyers Avenue - the location of the proposed salon.
Assuming everything runs smoothly, beautician Alison Freestone will be able to apply for the consent to be extended.
The property is a semi-detached dwelling positioned centrally along a residential street, and its driveway is sufficient to accommodate at least two cars.
Proposed hours of operation will be 09:00am - 19:00pm, six days a week between Monday and Saturday, but the use will not operate Mondays or Sundays.
There will be only one person working from the salon, and the maximum amount of clients per day is proposed to be six on an appointment-only basis, one client at a time.
The internal layout will include a WC, customer reception area and a treatment room.
There have been no objections from neighbours.
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| Lia Nici - stepping down from the council |
GRIMSBY MP Lia Nici has resigned from her position as a North East Lincolnshire councillor.
Even though she was elected as a Conservative MP in December 2019, Ms Nici continued as a member for Scartho ward.
Eyebrows were raised when, on top of her salary as MP, she continued to claim remuneration from the council - effectively being paid twice of the public purse for doing the same job.
However, with NELC's finances squeezed by the consequences of the pandemic, she decided to stop claiming in July last year.
It is likely that there will be a poll to fill the casual vacancy with voting on May 6.
Blue or green? That is the question for the Enfield Junior and Infants School in New Waltham which is keen to have installed an all-year multi-use games area on a part of the school field currently not used for any playing pitches. Who will make the decision on colour - the governors, the staff or the pupils? Perhaps there will be a referendum. In the meantime, it is planners at North East Lincolnshire Council who will determine whether to grant planning consent.
