WORK UNDERWAY ON MAJOR REVAMP OF FORMER TERTIA TRUST HOLIDAY CENTRE IN HUMBERSTON

 

Levelled in readiness for installation of some 50 caravans - the former Tertia Trust site in Humberston

WORK is well underway on redevelopment of the former Tertia Trust site off South Sea Lane in Humberston.

As part of longstanding expansion plans, Thorpe Park holiday centre  intends to install up to 51 caravans.

Before its controversial demise, Tertia used to provide holidays on the site for disadvantaged children.

But in a suprise swoop in March 2014, the Tertia trustees were replaced  by three senior North East Lincolnshire councillors - leader Chris Shaw, deputy leader Mick Burnett (now deceased) and mayor Alex Baxter - whose stated ambition was to repurpose the site as a 'respite village' for wounded ex-servicemen.

The trio secured a £65,000 start-up grant from NELC but the project never got off the ground. 

The site fell into rack and ruin, prompting the land's alarmed owners, Bourne Leisure to take back the lease.

That was midway through 2015 since when the old buildings - including a wartime radar station - have been demolished and the vacant site had become an 'unofficial' nature reserve, rich in unusual wildflowers and songbirds.

It is not known if there is a target for completion of the revamp or when the site will open to guests and visitors.

Mr Shaw and Mr Baxter both stepped down as Tertia directors on July 1, 2015, little more than a year after having taken charge. 

Tertia Trust was fomally dissolved on May 24, 2016, but some details about its 32-year history can be found on the Companies House website. 

Although no longer members of NELC, the two surviving ex-councillors now channel their support for the armed forces into the community interest company, AFMET, based at the Knoll in Cleethorpes, where they are both directors. 

                                                            

A new access road is being built to link the former Tertia Trust site with the rest of Thorpe Park

COST-SAVING SOLAR ENERGY PLAN UNVEILED BY LEADING GRIMSBY-AREA SUPERMARKET

                                                                               

ONE of the area's largest supermarkets could soon be powered by solar energy.

Morrisons is keen to install panels on all flat rooves at its premises off Hilmore Road in Laceby.

Supermarkets are huge energy-guzzlers, and free electricity generated on its own site would bring down its bills dramatically.

The company's planning application is currently under consideration by North East Lincolnshire Council with a decision expected in spring.

BARRIERS TO BE INSTALLED AT TOLLBAR ACADEMY IN BID TO CURB CONGESTION HASSLE

                                                    

Tollbar Academy where thoughtless parents create accident hazard 

BARRIERS are to be installed at vehicle entrance sites at Tollbar Academy in response to inconsiderate parking by some pupils' parents.

At arrival and pick-up times, there  has been a long-running problem with waiting cars obstructing access by school bus transport.

This results in  traffic snarl-ups not just at the school sites but also on Station Road.

“When cars pull in to wait within these areas, it is the equivalent of parking in the mouth of a junction,” says traffic expert Debbie Swatman who is leading the barriers-installation  initiative for Equans (formerly Engie), North East Lincolnshire Council’s regeneration partner.

"This creates risk of an accident as drivers and pupils leaving the school are within the same limited space.  

"We have been made aware of the safety issues around these accesses and have worked closely with the academy to to sort something out."

The cost of the work is not known but the barriers will need to be managed by academy staff.

SIGN DEPICTING THE BIRDS OF CLEETHORPES FORESHORE RUINED BY PAINTSPRAY ATTACK

                                                                           

Is installing pictorial signage on Cleethorpes seafront a waste of time and money? North East Lincolnshire Council must feel that way after this episode of defacement on the walk between the leisure centre and the paddling pool.

GO TO THE HEAD OF THE CLASS! HERITAGE CENTRE STAFF EARN TOP MARKS FROM ASSESSOR

 

Going the extra mile - the heritage centre 'family'

CONGRATULATIONS to staff at Grimsby's Fishing Heritage Centre for their latest commendation. 

Inspectors from VisitEngland were so impressed with their knowledge and friendliness that they awarded a score of 100 per cent and nominated the fishing heritage team centre team for a Welcome award.  

The assessor' report states: "Customer care is about taking things further, spending time with visitors, going the extra mile and making visitors feel welcome and special. 

"This was certainly demonstrated by each staff member observed across the centre."

 

Responds David Ornsby, the centre's operations manager: "To receive feedback like this gives all of us a much-needed boost. 

"Our front of house team is very committed, and we are so fortunate to have the excellent guides that share their passion and knowledge with visitors, plus  their own experiences of life at sea. 

"We regard the team here as a little family and it is wonderful to have that reassurance and formal recognition of their efforts by an organisation such as VisitEngland."

COUNCIL LEADER: WE'RE KEEN TO SUPPORT PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATION STREET PARTIES

 

THE countdown has begun to Platinum Jubilee celebrations to mark Her Majesty's 70 years on the throne.

Although events and initiatives will take place throughout the year, the Big Weekend  - a four-day UK Bank Holiday - will be from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June. 

It is not yet known how North East Lincolnshire will be banging the drum, but it has made an early pledge to support, where possible, community events such as street parties.

Says its leader, Cllr Philip Jackson: "As a council, we are committed to trying to help communities celebrate in the best and safest way possible.

"We know that this will be a special year for many people. 

"Whether it’s having a party to celebrate The Queen’s magnificent achievement or getting the community together to enjoy time out, we are keen to help."

He continues: "If you’re thinking about having an event or a street party, please get in contact with the council through our website to let us know. 

"This isn’t about us trying to manage your events - it's about making sure our services to all our communities, like bin rounds, are thought about in the planning."

More than £22 million of National Lottery funding is being made available to help communities across the country come together to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. 

More information on the different funds available can be found here: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/news/press-releases/2021-11-17/over-22million-the-queens-platinum-jubilee

Anyone interested in holding a street party and needing a road closure, should get in touch with NELC as soon as possible. 

Deadline for applications is Friday 15 April to allow the auithority  time to process the legal road closure orders. Road closure requests will be processed  free of charge for this special occasion.

For more information, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk and search for Jubilee.

CONCERN GROWS FOR BIRDS - BOTH WILD AND DOMESTICATED - AS AVIAN FLU REACHES LACEBY

Shorebirds, such as these in flight over Cleethorpes Beach, are vulnerable

A CASE of avian influenza (bird flu) has been confirmed in North East Lincolnshire, prompting an alert to owners of all birds - from  poultry farmers to canary fanciers.

The case was at an unnamed farm in Laceby.

After taking sounding from the Animal and Plant Health Agency, North East Lincolnshire Council today put out this statement: "Anyone that keeps poultry or captive birds (such as budgies and/or  parrots  needs to take additional precautions to keep them safe.

"This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment, clothing and vehicles when entering or exiting sites and limiting access to non-essential workers or visitors. 

"All birds must be kept indoors and they cannot be moved while the restrictions are in place. 

"Road signs will be put in place to let people know that they are entering the animal disease zone and there is a map to check at www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu

"If you find any dead or sick birds, do not touch them. 

"If you find dead swans, geese or ducks or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the DEFRA helpline on 03459 33 55 77."

There is a risk that, if it spreads beyond Laceby, the semi-domesticated waterfowl on Cleethorpes Boating Lake could be vulnerable.

Likewise wild birds including garden birds and the shorebirds that populate the Humber Estuary in winter.

More information can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu 

                                                            

How Cleethorpes Boating Lake would look if its resident swans, geese and ducks perished

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL FOLLOWING RESCUE OF 'DISTRESSED' GRIMSBY TAWNY OWL

                                                    

All set for release - the fit-again  tawny owl was returned to the wild 

A TAWNY owl rescue was all part of a ‘round-the-clock job’ for North East Lincolnshire Council’s Environmental Services team, as the Storm Eunice clean-up operation was in full swing.

With wind speeds of up to 80mph battering our area during Friday and into the night, the workers were called to almost 20 incidents of fallen trees and large branches blocking roads and strewn across parkland and green spaces.

In St James Square, Grimsby,  they worked into the night clearing debris.

Then they returned to the Duke of York Gardens early on Saturday to assess the situation with a large section of willow tree that had been felled.

After making it safe the night before, the area around it was taped off to be cleared completely on Monday morning. 

Residents are asked to ensure they avoid that immediate area.

With winds likely to remain strong, people are also asked to avoid parks if possible and to beware of loose debris and branches that may still be flying around. 

They are also reminded to keep their garden furniture stored, tie down trampolines and children’s outdoor toys. 

Businesses are advised to take A-boards and stand-alone signage inside. Everyone is asked to pick up their bins and put rubbish back it it has been blown out.

Fortunately, there have been no reports of any injury to people locally. 

However, one tawny owl had a close call when it was discovered in a huge fallen conifer tree just as workers  using chainsaws.were about to clear it from Abbey Road.

Lead arborist Phil Smith explained how the sheltering owl, was spotted just in time by the team whose members downed tools to help the bird.

"It  looked pretty distressed,"said Phil. "We took it out and wrapped it in a towel when we noticed it appeared to have an injured wing."

After having placed the stricken owl, Phil took it home, fearing the worst because its eyes were shut, it was breathing very deeply and lying still.

Taking advice from Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue, Phil left the bird in the care of his wife as he went back to work. 

He returned later to find it had recovered and was flying around the family living room!

"I was so pleased to see it, and to be honest was almost in tears - it seemed perfectly fine," 

After a health check with Wildlife Rescue  for a health check the owl was taken back to the Abbey Road area and released.

Useful contacts:

Power: Got a power cut? Report it and track it: www.northernpowergrid.com/power-cuts

Trees and branches: Fallen tree, dangerous tree, large branches fallen or hanging branches - if it’s on public land, report it at 01472 313131.

Dangerous buildings: if you spot something dangerous on a building, contact Building Control 01472 326289, option 2, or 01472 313131.

Driving in high wind:  www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/winter-driving/safe-driving-in-windy-weather

 https://www.humberbridge.co.uk

WHO CAN REMEMBER GRIMSBY'S 'FIGHTING FISHERMAN' - ACE BOXER JERRY THOMPSON?

 

The vintage poster is expected to fetch between £100-150 

AN historic poster of a boxing tournament staged at Grimsby Town's Blundell Park ground goes under the hammer early next month. 

The rare piece of ehphemera dates back to July 22, 1905, and is expected to fetch between £100 and £150.

Two Grimsby boxers featured in separate bouts - first Bill Hoad, then Jerry Thompson whose contest v Londoner Joe Goodwin topped the bill. 

The outcome is not known but Thompson, known as "the fighting fisherman" was starting out on a career which made him a dangerous opponent.

According a newspaper report of 16 years later,  he was "essentially a fighter". 

The report continued: "His long career has been crowded with knock-outs. 

"One of his earlier victims was the Dixie Kid in one round, his latest, Ike Bond in two rounds. 

"Thompson relies on a whirlwind burst of aggression, with a terrific right swing as the climax. 

"A number of times he has been beaten points, but in the majority of cases, his contests have been brief. 

"He has great defence, believes in fierce aggression, and is at his best in a toe-to-toe rally. "

More details about the auction and the poster, which is Lot 306, at:

Contact - Graham Budd Auctions | Sports Memorabilia

BIG CLEAR-UP UNDER WAY AFTER NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE HIT BY STORM EUNICE

Above and below: The  scene early at midday at Rowston Street in Cleethorpes at the rear of the Toast cafe.

IT is proving to be a busy weekend for Humberside Fire and Rescue teams in the wake of Storm Eunice.

Although North East Lincolnshire got off relatively lightly compared with some parts of the UK, there was extensive damage, with trees toppled, fences blown down and roof tiles and slates dislodged.

A section of Rowston Street, off Cleethorpes seafront, was closed for a while today because of loosened tiles which would have threatened the safety of any passers-by.

Although the wind has dropped, the weather is expected to stay unsettled for the rest of the weekend and at least the early part of next week.

  

COMFORTABLE WIN FOR CONSERVATIVES IN GRIMSBY'S PARK WARD BY-ELECTION

People's Park in Grimsby - area residents returned the Conservative candidate

THE Conservatives easily held on to the Park ward on North East Lincolnshire Council in yesterday's by-election.

Any fears that their vote might collapse in the wake of the partygate scandal were dispelled as Marian Boyd topped the poll on the same day that  Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited the town.

It was a disappointing outcome for both Labour and the Liberal Democrats who felt they had a great chance of wresting the seat that fell vacant in the wake of the sad death of Debbie Woodward.

In alphabetical order, the votes were  as follows:

Aisthorpe, Ryan Ashley: Liberal Democrat:  478

Boyd, Marian: Conservative:  715

Mitchell, Dave: Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition: 70

Shutt, Kevin Gregory: Labour: 578

This week, another vacancy arose on the council with the resignation, for family reasons, of Cllr Kay Rudd, a Liberal Democrat member representing East Marsh ward.

It is now known if this will prompt another by-election or if the seat will remain vacant until the fuller round of elections in May.

Following the latest developments, the current political composition of the council is as follows:

Conservative – 32

Labour – 7

Liberal Democrat – 2

Vacant Seat – 1

PRIME MINISTER IN GRIMSBY TO BOOST TORY CAMPAIGN TO RETAIN SEAT IN COUNCIL POLL

                                               

The PM - happy to be in Grimsby

PRIME Minister Boris Johnson was in Grimsby this afternoon, hoping his visit might boost Conservative chances of retaining the seat for Park ward in  today's North East Lincolnshire Council by-election.

As well as chatting to townsfolk, he also took the opportunity to visit businesses such as Hilton Seafoods where he helped staff to pack products before dubbing the premises a 'fishcake El Dorado'.

It is not known if he took any fishcakes back to 10 Downing Street for his wife, Carrie, to cook for his tea.

At his side for much of his to visit was Great Grimsby MP Lia Nici whom he promoted to parliamentary private secretary earlier this month as a reward for her loyalty when some colleagues were calling for him to step down in the wake of 'partygate'.

During the morning, the PM visited RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, where he met airmen and reiterated his concerns over the situation on the Ukrainian border where Russian troops are ominously massed.

PLANNING GREEN LIGHT FOR JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB'S TAYLORS AVENUE SIGNS

                                     

The signs at the entrance to the field on Taylors Avenue 

RETROSPECTIVE planning permission has been granted for the signs which have  been installed at an access to the playing fields off Taylors Avenue in Cleethorpes. 

This part of the site is leased by the Tollbar Academy group of schools to Catenaccio Junior Football Club. 

In his report approving the application, planning case officer Jonathan Cadd states: "Individually and cumulatively, the signs do not appear out of keeping with the area. 

"As they are non-illuminated they do not stand out after dark in a way that might distract motorists.

"Nor do they detract from the pleasant open character of Taylors Avenue."

HEDGING TO BE REPLACED WITH TREES AS PART OF TOLL BAR LANDSCAPING PROJECT

                                              

The roundabout - landscaping will be on adjacent footpaths

LANDSCAPING is to take place next week at the Waltham Toll Bar roundabout.

According to North East Lincolnshire Council,  hedgerows will be replaced with trees in between which wildflower seeds will be sown. 

All the work will be off the carriageway, so there should be no impact on traffic in the area.

Later in spring, a new anti-skid surface will be carried out on the carriageway.

Once the surfacing works at Toll Bar have been completed, the team will move on to the A18  to complete similar works. 

Says NELC cabinet member for transport and the environment Cllr Stewart Swinburn: "It will be good to get the works at Toll Bar completed. 

"It has been a major project for the borough, and I should  like to thank everyone for their patience during the extensive and protracted works."

RIVER FRESHNEY CLEAN-UP HAS ENCOURAGED GRIMSBY RETURN OF FAMILY OF OTTERS

 

Dredging of the Freshney is providing boost for wildlife

WORK has now finished on an important project to improve the water quality of the River Freshney in the centre of Grimsby.

Over a four-week period, more than 2,230 tonnes of silt and sediment - 122 lorry loads -  have been removed from the riverbed.

Specialist contractors Ebsford Environmental were appointed to undertake dredging of the river between West Haven Maltings opposite Frederick Ward Way and the ABP pumping station.

Additionally, 1.5 tonnes of scrap metal - including bikes, shopping trollies and scaffold pipes - was taken from the riverbed and recycled at Immingham.

Dredging this section of the riverbed has allowed the water to flow much more freely in the town centre section of the river, with the channel depth now around 1.8m. 

Established vegetation has been maintained for the benefit of wildlife in the area.

Says Cllr Stewart Swinburn, North east Lincolnshire Council's portfolio holder for the environment:

"This work has greatly improved water quality and flow. 

"We have also seen a family of otters around in the last few days which is encouraging - the dredging will boost biodiversity."

The depth of the river will be reviewed in 12 months’ time to see how quickly the silt is building back up and to help form a future management and maintenance plan.

HOW DID BUSINESS LEADERS LET PROSPECT OF 750 JOBS SLIP THROUGH THEIR FINGERS?

                                           

Wind turbine monopiles similar to these are set to be manufactured on Teeside, not Humberside

HOPES that 750 jobs could be created near Grimsby have today unexpectedly been dashed.

It was throught that the steel monopiles - bottom sections - of  hundreds of offshore wind turbines would be built at the Able Marine Park at North Killinghome.

But it emerged today that, starting in July, South Korea's SeAH Wind will instead manufacture the foundations at a 90-acre site on Teesside.

Reasons for the change of location have not been divulged, but is understood that Tesside can offer a favourable financial package, including business rates relief, because it has enjoyed freeport status since the end of last year.

In addition, the new state-owned UK Infrastructure Bank is investing £107-million to help create a new quay next to the factory.

This will faciliate the transfer of the monpiles to the Hornsea 3 windfarm where Ørsted will be the customer.

As well as 750 direct jobs, there will be 1,500 others in the supply chain. The Teesside economy will enjoy an unprecedented boost for many years to come. 

The decision is a real feather in the cap for Redcar and Cleveland Council and Teesside MPs who seem to have snatched the prize from under the noses of North Lincolnshire Council, North East Lincolnshire Council and MPs Martin Vickers and Lia Nici.  

The Conservative mayor of Tees Valley, Ben Houchen, described the decision as "a real coup", adding that his area could now be considered the UK focus of  renewable energy.

There is  a worry that, for reasons of logistics, Orsted might now consider re-locating from Grimsby to Teesside.

The Grimsby News says: This is a serious setback to regeneration hopes for the South Bank. Why has it happened? On the face of it, it looks as if  our local authorities, MPs and business leaders have been complacent and completely forgotten that we live in a highly competitive world. Did they not see the threat coming over the horizon? While they were asleep at the wheel, those canny Teessiders have crept up on the blindside and snatched the spoils.  

TOUCH WOOD, CLEETHORPES LAKE'S BARNACLE GEESE SEEM TO HAVE ESCAPED AVIAN FLU

Take us to the water - barnacle geese at the boating lake last week

THERE is good news to report on Cleethorpes' unusual flock of non-migratory barnacle geese.

Elsewhere in the UK,  the species has been decimated by avian flu, but - fingers crossed - the local population seems to have remained healthy.

Although they have not been much in evidence of the boating lake, this is because they are frightened of the larger Canada geese which tend to bully them.

Instead, they have mostly been on the showground and the adjacent car parks, with occasional sorties on to Cleethorpes golf course.

In most parts of Britain, barnacle geese are winter visitors which return to Norway and other nordic climes when spring arrives.

But the instinct to migrate seems to have been bred out of the Cleethorpes birds - numbering about 100 - which are resident throughout the year.

 

TREASURES OF YESTERYEAR COULD LIE BURIED UNDER SITE EARMARKED FOR NEW HOMES

The proposed layout of the development which threatens to change the rural character of this part of Humberston

                                                                        

ROMAN and prehistoric artefacts could be buried on a Humberston field controversially earmarked for a housing development.

A Leeds-based company, NYC Estates Ltd, is seeking to build 93 homes on the site off Church Lane, near the parish church.

But NELC's heritage officer, Louise Jennings, has issued a reminder of the potential archaeological sensitivity of the land.

In a report, she states: "This site is close to Humberston Abbey which is protected as a scheduled monument as well as numerous other designated assets. 

"Archaeologically, the proposed site is known to have formed part of the wider medieval settlement, having been recorded as containing part of an extensive field system. 

"Additionally, there are some findspots from the prehistoric and Roman periods, and these could indicate buried remains predating the medieval settlement of Humberston."

Before planners determine the planning application, Miss Jennings is calling for "at the minimum" a geophysical survey.

She continues: "Further information is required from the applicant in the form of an archaeological evaluation to be considered alongside the application. 

"This evaluation should provide the local planning authority with sufficient information to enable it to make a reasoned decision on this planning application."

The proposal has sparked numerous objections from nearby residents fearful of pressures on infrastructure and potential traffic congestion.

 But the applicant's agents, Johnson Mowat, also Leeds based, insist the project has many economic, social and environmental benefits including:

* Significant investment to the area in terms of construction value and associated spend during the construction period

* Direct and indirect job creation (57 direct full-time equivalent construction jobs and 77 indirect jobs

* Council tax revenue per annum (circa. £130,000 per annum in council tax receipts to NELC 

* New homes bonus payments to NELC

* Indirect spin- off jobs in services and other business from wage spending of construction workers and supplier sourcing and additional resident expenditure as a result of new homes in the town

* Creation of a new vibrant and visually attractive neighbourhood in a sustainable location

* Delivery of 20 per cent on-site affordable housing

* Provision of onsite green infrastructure to provide an attractive environment for footpath and cycle provision through the application site

* Hedge/ tree planting to break up hard lines of the buildings and to provide habitat creation - the  tree species being selected to maximise food and nectar sources for birds and invertebrates. 

The scheme also involves creation of a community car park which the consultants say will provide a  benefit, both to local residents and the Humberston CoE Primary School both by alleviating traffic congestion during the school drop-off and pick up and by providing a secure place for teachers and school staff to park their vehicles.

The consultants are insisting that the planning application "should be approved without delay".

    

Residents of Richardson Close fear the development could suburbanise the outlook from their homes

 

CLEETHORPES BEACH PRANG MYSTERY: WHY DID 'COPTER'S ROTOR BLADES STRIKE TAIL BOOM?

The stricken helicopter awaits recovery

IT is still unclear why a private helicopter, with three men on board, emergency-landed on Cleethorpes outer beach last autumn.

The accident occurred at about 1.30pm on October 15.

The copter's warning light illuminated when the 56-year-old pilot "pulled on the collective lever at a height of approximately 800 ft".

The machine "immediately entered autorotation leading to a run-on landing at approximately 15 knots".

A report on the incident is contained in the latest  Air Accident Investigation Bulletin, published earlier this week.

It states: "The helicopter came to rest upright on its skids, but the main rotor blades were found to have struck the tail boom causing substantial damage."

Although the three occupants had their bones jarred by the abruptness of the landing, there were no injuries.

The report offers no clue why the rotor blades might have struck the tail boom, causing damage to both.

The site is an important feeding and roosting habitat for wading birds, notably oystercatchers, and there was an initial  theory that a bird strike might have been a contributory fact, but there is no evidence - such as bird corpses - to support this.

The already damaged tail boom is thought to have snapped on the aircraft's sudden impact with the beach 

                                      

A Humber Coastgurd team was quickly in attendance

Shorebirds such as these oystercatchers have not been implicated in the incident 

The investigation bulletin

IT'S GOOD TO TALK - COUNCIL CABINET BIGWIGS ALL SET FOR CHINWAGGING WITH RESIDENTS

                                               

Cllr Jackson - keen for face-to-face contact with residents 

OPPORTUNITY beckons for North East Lincolnshire residents who fancy a one-to-one chat with a member of the council's cabinet.

NELC says a series of ‘listening’ events will be held over the coming weeks.

Its announcement reads: "Members of the public are being invited to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the area at:

*  Cleethorpes Town Hall between 5pm and 7pm on Monday, 21 February

*   Grimsby Town Hall between 5pm and 7pm on Monday, 7 March

*   Immingham Civic Centre between 5.30pm and 7.30pm on Thursday, 10 March

The sessions are being run as drop-in sessions. 

Visitors will be offered time slots on the door on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Masks will be a requirement when moving around.

Council leader Philip Jackson says he and cabinet colleagues are looking forward to hearing more about issues facing communities where they live.

"This was something we pledged to do when we were elected back in 2019. 

"We managed to hold some before Covid called a halt to all face-to-face contact and so we are pleased to be able to bring them back.

"This won’t be any sort of decision-making forum, but we are keen to make sure we are accessible to the public and we hope people will take the opportunity to come and discuss some of the key things either already going on or planned for the area."

Cllr Jackson emphasises the events wil not replace or impact on ward surgeries currently held by councillors from across all the area’s political parties.

"Ward surgeries are very important for allowing residents to talk directly and raise specific issues with their local councillor to take up on their behalf and are a key part of a councillor’s work,’’ he says.

"These forthcoming listening events are more of an opportunity for the public to come and talk to us about borough-wide matters – and also share some of their ideas with us if they want – so we can continue to work with them to realise the ambition and aspirations we all have for North East Lincolnshire."

Cabinet members due to attend are:

Cllr Philip Jackson: Leader with Portfolio responsibilities for the Green Agenda and Skills.

Cllr Stan Shreeve: Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources. Responsibilities: Financial strategy and corporate governance, Revenue budget and capital programme, digital strategy, inclusion and development, Shared services and commercial development, Financial inclusion.

Cllr Ian Lindley: Portfolio Holder for Children, education and young people. Responsibilities: Statutory Lead Member for children’s services, safeguarding of children and young people, Corporate parenting, care leavers and family support, Early help, SEND, School improvement and education (schools, FE and HE). Cllr Lindley will not be able to attend the Grimsby Town Hall session. Cllr Jackson will be representing this Cabinet area on that occasion.

Cllr Stewart Swinburn: Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport. Responsibilities: Planning, development control, highways and transportation, traffic management, parking and regulation, climate change and the green agenda, waste, recycling and environmental management, Neighbourhood services, street scene, parks, open spaces.

Cllr Margaret Cracknell: Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care. Responsibilities: Adult social care, health and adult social care commissioning and provision, Public Health and health inequality, Health and care partnership and integration.

Cllr Callum Procter: Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Housing and Tourism. Responsibilities: Economic strategy, Inward investment and business support, Regeneration, Assets (corporate, commercial, community) and estate management, all aspects of housing, Skills and employability. Tourism and the visitor economy, leisure, sport and recreation, culture, Borough heritage, museums and the arts.

Cllr Ron Shepherd: Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities. Responsibilities: All aspects of local authority enforcement and regulatory services, environmental health, food safety, pollution control, trading standards and licensing, community safety and anti-social behaviour, voluntary and community sector, equalities, diversity and inclusion.

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE CLEETHORPES FOR WINTER-VISITING SNOW BUNTINGS FROM SIBERIA

 

It has been a good year for snow buntings on the outer beach in Cleethorpes. Since October, there have been both single birds and parties of up to 34 feeding on the sand and in the marram grass. The same size as house sparrows, they are well camouflaged and often difficuly to spot. The birds are winter visitors to Cleethorpes and will soon be returning to Siberia where they breed.  

SO LONG, MARIANNE! LPG TANKER EN ROUTE PAST CLEETHORPES FROM IMMINGHAM TO TEESPORT

                                                                         

Here is the LPG tanker, Marianne, on her way past Cleethorpes en route from Immingham to Teesport at a speed of 13.9 knots. She is expected to reach her destination  at about 5.30pm today. Built in 2009, Marianne currently sails under the flag of Begium.  

I'M HONOURED! GRIMSBY MP REACTS TO BEING APPOINTED PRIVATE AIDE TO PRIME MINISTER

                                              

                                      First step to becoming a minister? Lia Nici with the PM

GREAT Grimsby MP Lia Nici has today confirmed that the Prime Minister has appointed her one of his parliamentary private secretaries.

The step up the political ladder is a reward not just for her steadfast loyalty to Boris Johnson during his current travails but also because he admires her political doggedness.

Clarification of what her additional responsibilities might be are expected to emerge in the following days.

Tradionally, private parliamentary secretaries are expected to provide the 'eyes and ears' of what backbench MPs are thinking and saying.

Alas, there is no extra remuneration but the position could open a lot of doors both to the MP and to the constituency she serves. 

In the meantime, Ms Nici says: "I am honoured to have been appointed by the Prime Minister."

 

GRIMSBY CENTRAL LIBRARY SET TO OPEN FOLLOWING ASBESTOS REMEDIATION MEASURES

                                                

Re-opening tomorrow - Grimsby Central Library

GRIMSBY central library is due to reopen tomorrow, Thursday, after spending much of winter with its doors closed.

It went out of bounds to readers and staff and staff as a precaution following a routine asbestos management inspection. 

Repair works have now been completed, and safety checks have confirmed the building can now reopen.

In a joint statement issued today, North East Lincolnshire Council and Lincs Inspire say:

"We should like to thank the public for their patience while the works were carried out.

"We should also like to thank our regeneration partner, Equans, and contractors for carrying out the works.

"Our staff are looking forward to welcoming people back."

The library reopens with a selection of brand-new book stock for customers to borrow.

It also sees the launch of the  Business and Intellectual Property Centre -  a new resource to support entrepreneurship for anyone with a business idea.

The library’s children’s activities will also resume, and computers will be available for community use.

From next Tuesday, February 22, the HEY Credit Union will also be located within Grimsby Central Library. 

This not-for-profit community bank, serving people who live or work in the Humber Region, which has been temporarily located at Cleethorpes library.

HOPES FADE FOR NEW TOURISM-FOCUSED AMENITY BUILDING ON CLEETHORPES SEAFRONT

                                                        

Said to be a 'prime site', so why the lack of interest from developers?

ALMOST two years after planning consent was awarded, there is still no prospect of work starting on a proposed new tourism building on the site of the former Waves pub in Cleethorpes.

Worse, there is no indication that any commercial developer is even slightly interested in what North East Lincolnshire Council believes to be a prime piece of real estate on the other side of the road from the pier.

Nor is there any indication yet that NELC has a Plan B for the land which thus remains a hoardings-surrounded blot on the seafront.

The disappointing lack of progress came under the spotlight at a meeting of the authority's tourism scrutiny panel.

According to officers, the pandemic is to blame. They say that, had it not been for Covid, the development would have been "well underway".

Now that the disease is taking less of a toll, they believe "the leisure market will begin to normalise, and this is expected to lead to stronger occupier- and developer- demand."

If the lack of interest continues, the council says it "remains open to considering alternative options from developers or investors for the site", though it currently has no ideas of its own.

NELC's agent for the site is Hull-based property consultancy, PPH, which describes the location as  "a prime resort centre suitable for a variety of retail uses".

The Grimsby News says: The lack of progress on developing this site reflects unfavourably both on the council and its agents. Dynamism and imagination seems to be wanting. In the run-up to spring and summer, there is, alas, little to indicate an end to the torpor. The need for a revitalised approach is all too obvious. Can someone please give the two organisations a bit of a nudge?

Ugly hoarding screens the site which is opposite the pier

LIA NICI: HOW I'M HELPING TO RAISE NATIONAL PROFILE OF GREAT GRIMSBY

                                                

Lia Nici - "working tirelessly" 

GRIMSBY MP has Lia Nici has awarded herself a pat on the back for raising the national profile of the town.

Says she: "This is no coincidence - I have been working tirelessly since being elected to make sure Grimsby is as far at the top of the Government’s agenda as possible. 

"Can anyone ever remember a time when a Prime Minister has worn a Grimsby Town FC hat?"

Ms Nici continues: "Whenever I get a chance to speak with the PM he is fully updated on what we are doing and what towns like Grimsby need."

It was a busy week for the MP, starting on Monday when she updated Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove on how plans to regenerate the town centre with a new market hall and a cinema are progressing.

Over the past two years, Whitehall has allocated £55-million to various schemes in her constituency.

But, as she says, 'levelling up' isn’t just about ‘buying stuff’. 

"It’s a much broader policy to support towns such as  Grimsby to be able to thrive in the future. 

"Key to that is being able to support children’s education so that they can take advantage of the huge number of new career opportunities that are coming our way.  

"I have taught tens of thousands of students in my career at the college and I know how scary it can be to consider doing a course or starting to learn something new. 

"But the best way to a brighter future for yourself and your family is to gain new skills for a new and enjoyable career.

On Friday, Ms Nici was back in Westminster.

"There have been a number of bills I have been supporting,"she says. "These include new legislation to fight against animal cruelty, banning the use of rodent glue traps plus a landmark bill to support people who have Downs Syndrome in accessing the vital services they need." 

PLANNERS GIVE GREEN LIGHT FOR CONVERSION OF GRIMSBY SHOPS TO FOOD TAKEAWAYS

TWO new hotfood takeaways  are in prospect for Grimsby.

Mr  R. Wnuk has secured planning consert to convert a shop at 63 Kent Street,   

With the new YMCA nearby, he should not be short of customers.

Meanwhile, Mr J. Thayaruban has been successful with a similar planning application for the vacant shop at 137 Lord Street.

HELLO, IS THAT GRIMSBY CREMATORIUM? I WANT TO BOOK A FUNERAL FOR MY DECEASED IGUANA

Green iguana - one Grimsby pet, similar to this, was given a crematorium farewell 

A TOTAL of 40 pet funerals - including one for an iguana - have been held at Grimsby Crematorium in the first six months since the service was set up.

The breakdown is as follows:

Dogs: 24

Cats: 10

Rabbits: 2

Cockatiels: 1

Budgerigars: 1

Chick: 1   

Iguana:1

Elsewhere in the UK, most pet funeral services are private operations rather than council activities.

But North East Lincolnshire Council was persuaded by its private sector partner, Engie (now named Equans) that it would be a money-spinning wheeze to use Grimsby Crem for animal as well as human funerals.

The authority splashed out £100,000 council taxpayers'  money on building a dedicated pet burning unit separate from the human crematorium.

From the initial 40 pet cremations - the first was on June 24 -  NELC has generated a fees income of  £4,074.

For deceased large dogs, the fee per funeral is £159.

For smaller mammals, reptiles (such as snakes), amphibians, birds, fish and insects, it is £68.  

NELC's portfolio holder with responsibility for deceased pets is Cllr Stewart Swinburn.

Says he: "To many, their furry, finned or feathered friends are considered to be well-loved family members.

"It is right that, when they pass away, they get a proper send-off and their owners have somewhere to go to grieve their loss.

"I am really pleased we can offer this service."

                                                      

Cash from dead animals - the pet crematorium

STILL NO CLARITY ON WHEN ASBESTOS-AFFECTED GRIMSBY LIBRARY WILL RE-OPEN

 

The central library - asbestos concerns prompted closure

THERE has been a delay in the re-opening of Grimsby Central Library.

It had been scheduled to take place midway through last month, but the doors have remained shut.

The library closed in November as a precaution after a routine asbestos  inspection identified issues in the entrance foyer and on the ground-floor lending library.

The building is owned by North East Lincolnshire Council but operated by a partner-organisation, Lincs Inspire.

A joint statement issued on December 22 by the two organisations said: "Repair works are progressing well and we expect to reopen the library by mid-January.

"Thank you to all library users for their patience during the temporary closure.

"An update will be issued in the New Year when we will confirm the opening date."

The statement continued: "Our regeneration partner Equans and contractors carried out air sampling, and no risks have been identified that would cause concern to our staff, customers or partners who use the building."

It is understood that the plan for the library to reopen later this month, but there has been no official word.

In the meantime, the libraries in Cleethorpes, Waltham and Immingham are open as usual along with the online elibrary service.