£150 COUNCIL TAX REBATE SHOULD HELP TO EASE RISING FUEL BILL PRESSURES

A COUNCIL  tax rebate of £150 is  be paid to residents across North East Lincolnshire from mid-May.

Most householders in council tax bands A to D will be eligible for the rebate which is aimed at helping to ease cost of living pressures, notably rising energy bills. 

The payment will not have to be repaid.

The first tranche of payments will go automatically to residents who pay their council tax by direct debit, and should start appearing in bank accounts from mid-May onwards.

Anyone who does not  pay by direct debit can sign up quickly and easily over the phone by calling 0300 3030164 (option 5).

For callers, it will be essential to have council tax account reference number and bank account details to hand.

Anyone who continues to pay their council tax by other methods will be contacted later with details of how they will receive the rebate.

COUNCIL UNLIKELY EVER TO CLAW BACK £600,000-PLUS OF UNPAID DEBT

THE coffers of North East Lincolnshire Council have taken a hit to the tune of more than £600,000 because of unpaid debts.

At a cabinet meeting, the sums were formally written off as "uncollectable".

Business rate debts amounted to  £574,974.51.

Council tax debts totalled £51,409.82.

The identities of the debtors have not been revealed, but it is understood NELC would still seek to pursue the monies if  realistic opportunities for their recovery were to arise in the future.

IMMINGHAM-BOUND - OR IS IT? TANKER WITH CARGO OF RUSSIAN OIL REMAINS AT ANCHOR

                                                

From Russia with oil? Will Seavictory be allowed to unload her cargo in Immingham? 

SPARE a thought for the 20 or so crew on board Seavictory, an Immingham-bound tanker ship with a cargo thought to comprise many thousands of gallons of Russian oil. 

The vessel set out from the Black Sea port of Tuapse on March 11.

Even though she was on course to arrive at the South Bank port just before daybreak last Sunday, there has been a hold-up.

As of 5pm today, she was at anchor  off Withernsea on the Yorkshire Coast where she has been since 7.37am on Sunday.

Why the hitch? This is not known.

It could, for instance, be for operational reasons or maybe because ABP Humber is under pressure, not to accept the cargo given its source.

Or it may be that dockside employees, in sympathy with Ukraine,  have registered opposition to unloading the oil.

The nationalities of the crew members, thought to number between 20 and 25, are not known but Seavictory sails under the flag of Malta.

Whatever the explanation, the men must be bored and frustrated not yet to have completed their journey after 18 days at sea.

REVEALED: COST OF CCTV AT NEW SUGGITT'S LANE RAIL FOOTBRIDGE IN CLEETHORPES

One of the two camera columns at the new railway footbridge

COSTS of installing  fixed CCTV cameras, columns and associated infrastructure at the new Suggitt's Lane railway footbridge in Cleethorpes have come in  at £70,000.

This is revealed in a new report which shows that the cost of upgrading CCTV across North East Lincolnshire is set to go through the roof.

At a NELC cabinet meeting next week, members will be asked to approve an extra £1.25-million on top of £1-million approved in July 2020.

Why the needs for so much extra expenditure? 

According to the report, it is due to "unforeseen uplift in market conditions and the requirements to add additional camera locations and remote sites to the original project". 

The report continues: "This will enable the council to operate an effective modern CCTV capability, utilising the latest technology and transmission infrastructure to improve community safety and reduce crime and the fear of crime."

The breakdown of the extra £1,250,295 sought is as follows:

• Incorporation of 15 additional remote l standalone sites and 51 additional camera locations: £418,335

• Unforeseen costs which include retail price index uplift, electrical infrastructure requirements to meet safety requirements and wireless licences: £696,960

• Costs for fixed cameras, columns and infrastructure for Suggitt's Lane footbridge development totalling £70,000

• Cost for additional rapid deployment cameras and increase in cost of improvements to the CCTV control room £65,000 

The report goes on: "The CCTV network is beyond its life expectancy and requires investment. 

"A decision to not invest resulting in the system falling into disrepair could impact on the confidence of residents and businesses. 

"It would also impact on the council’s ability to assist both the police and fire services in the apprehension and prosecution of perpetrators of crimes or anti-social behaviour and the NELC enforcement team in investigating and prosecuting perpetrators of environmental crimes."

What will council taxpayers make of this surge in cash requirement?

The document states: "The increased capital cost does present a risk in terms of negative reputational impact for the council which will need to be managed carefully. 

"It will be important to communicate the additional geographical camera coverage that the wider scope of the project now encompasses.

"Whilst the costs to complete the CCTV project have increased, there remains positive reputational benefits for the council resulting in decisions to invest in its CCTV network.

"It demonstrates that the authority is committed to keeping the system up to date with the latest technical advancements. 

"The investment also reassures members of the community and other stakeholders that NELC understands its statutory duty and is proactively taking steps to make the area safer in accordance with its strategic aims." 

If the cabinet approves the additional expenditure, the borrowing cost over the estimated average life of the assets of 10 years will be in the region of £150k per annum, including interest.

This will be required to be met with effect from 2023/24 onwards.

                                      

CCTV= Carrion Crow TV - these watchful corvids provide two extra pairs of eyes

                                         

FOX HUNT IN GRIMSBY - WHO STOLE 'VIVIEN VIXEN' FROM WEELSBY WOODS?

 

Police appeal for information on wooden carvings

Pc Nick Gibbs, of Humberside police has issued a statement in the wake of the weekend theft of wildlife art installations from ground at Weelsby Woods in Grimsby.

"Thieves have taken it upon themselves to remove three of the five beautiful carved wooden statues from the front section of the Woods.

"These carvings were paid for by community funding and cannot at this time be replaced."

The stolen carvings are: Ollie Owl and Rachel Rabbit (both installed in 2019), plus Vivien Vixen (2021) who was named after a Friends of Weelsby Wood committee member who passed away.

The carvings were created by Xtreme Chainsaw and funded by The Grosvenor pub, in Cleethorpes, whose staff and customers  spent 18 months fundraising.

The Grosvenor won a competition, promoted by brewers Carling, and had their fundraising total doubled, meaning they could fund five carvings including Dixie Deer and Hettie Hedgehog who remain undamaged.

Anyone with information about the crime or the whereabouts of the carvings is urged to contact the police by calling 101 and quoting investigation number 16/38789/22.

APPEAL FOR INFORMATION FOLLOWING THEFT OF OWL SCULPTURE FROM GRIMSBY BEAUTY SPOT

  This much-cherished wooden sculpture of a barn owl has been stolen from Grimsby's Weelsby Woods over the weekend. The crime has devastated Friends of Weelsby Woods who have put out an appeal for information. Also taken - it is thought on Saturday night - were carvings of a rabbit and a fox.

FAVOURABLE WEATHER FOR ROAD-SURFACING CREW AS THEY FILL IN THOSE PESKY POTHOLES

 

The fine weather has smiled kindly on Project Pothole - the extensive programme to patch up the area's roads. Today, the EC Surfacing team from Brigg was carrying out works in and around Sherburn Street in Cleethorpes. 

MIAOW (AND RUFF RUFF)! BOARDING CATTERY PLAN UNVEILED FOR GRIMSBY-AREA VILLAGE

A NEW boarding cattery is in prospect for a Grimsby-area village.

Cooper Clarkson, who already runs a dog kennels at Brigsley, is planning to incorporate a 12-pen cattery into his Waithe Lane business.

Insulation fence would be installed to safeguard the felines from being stressed by the sight and/or sight of the canines

His application is currently under consideration by North East Lincolnshire Council planners.

The business goes under the name of Mind Your Paws. 

NEW HOT FOOD TAKEAWAY IN PROSPECT FOR CLEETHORPES IF CONVERSION IS APPROVED

ANOTHER hot takeaway food business is in prospect for Cleethorpes.

An application has been submitted to change the use of the property at 35 Grimsby Road that had previously been used for retail of  Motability products.

The proposal, which could also lead to the first floor being converted to a self-contained flat, is currently under consideration by North East Lincolnshire Council planners.

 

NEXT RUSSIAN OIL CARGO SET TO REACH IMMINGHAM UNDER COVER OF DARKNESS

Destined for Immingham - the oil tanker, SeaVictory, but who is buying its cargo?

THE next consignment of Russian oil is set to arrive in Immingham at 3 o'clock tomorrow morning.

In the wake of the war in Ukraine, Russian ships are barred from UK ports, so this cargo will be on board the tanker, SeaVictory, which sails under the flag of Malta.  

The 15-year-old vessel set sail from the Black Sea port of Tuapse on March 11.

She is understood to  be sailing at a speed of 10.5 knots.

It is not known what organisation is buying the oil, nor to what us it will be put when it arrives in Britain. 

The Grimsby News says: When Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced a ban on Russian ships entering British ports, it was understood by everyone that the purpose was to prevent Putin's murderous regime from making money by importing its products to the UK. So most people will be disgusted that Mr Shapps and the Government are turning a blind to a trade which is helping to fund Putin's unspeakably cruel war that is bringing death and destruction to thousands of innocent people. Many local people will also be dismayed that a major regional employer, ABP Humber, is a willing party to this shameful trade, whether it be in oil, timber, fish or whatever. In effect, any organisation  that colludes, directly or indirectly, with the Kremlin is behaving as if it were Putin's poodle. What ABP is doing may be 'lawful', but it is morally wrong. And the company knows it is wrong. It should refuse entry to the SeaVictory and end all trading links with Russia forthwith.

BUILT FROM A MILLION BRICKS, GRIMSBY'S DOCK TOWER WILL SOON BE 170 YEARS OLD

                                                                 

Just magnificent - and a symbol of homecoming for Grimbarians

It is many  happy returns of  Sunday March 27 for Grimsby dock tower.

It will have reached 170 years having been completed on that date in 1852

Standing 309 feet (94.2m) tall, the tower was built to power the hydraulic machinery of Grimsby docks. 

Its height was to achieve the sufficient pressure needed to operate the machines.

Designed by James Wild, the magnificent structure is based on the Torre del Mangia on the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena. 

It was built by James Meadows Rendel, the civil engineer who constructed the docks at Grimsby between 1844 and 1853, and which were opened by Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert.

The tower stands on land owned by ABP Humber whose regional director, Simon Bird, says: "The dock tower is an icon in the landscape and the jewel in the port of Grimsby. 

"Over the years, it has been a beacon to  many, and for Grimbarians it is a symbol of home. 

"As its custodians we have over the years spent time and money maintaining it as it has such architectural historic value - it will be here for many more years to come."

Since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020, the Grade 1 listed tower has been closed to everyone interested in visiting it. 

Planned maintenance works this spring - prior to proposed re-opening - include the replacement of floorboards at the first level. 

Regular inspections are carried out on the building, led by ABP’s project team, and, in 2016, major brickwork repairs were carried out at the top.

These days, drones are used to do visual inspections of the mortar and brickwork. 

Weathering is one of the factors the building is affected by, but the work in 2016 saw lime mortar replaced where needed and new bricks inserted. The bricks were sourced from other similar aged buildings on the port.

Its construction in 1852 saw approximately one million bricks being used whose clay was excavated from the marsh adjoining the dock. 

The foundation of the tower is a solid masonry wall built upon a timber bearer piling. 

The legend is that it was "built upon a bale of wool", but, disappointingly, this is a reference to the Lincolnshire Longwool export trade which helped fund the port.

The tower continued to provide water for hydraulic working until 1892 when the erection of the hydraulic accumulator tower on the opposite pier approximately 70 yards to the northwest of the dock tower took over. 

Present dock and lock machinery are powered by electric or electro-hydraulic energy.

For Queen Victoria's visit in October 1854, the ground floor of the tower was lined with pink, white and blue drapery.

 Her Majesty gave permission for Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales, and the Princess Royal to accompany James Rendel in the hydraulic lift to the gallery running around the tower above the water tank. 

The lift is no longer in operation with access to the top via a spiral staircase.

It is hoped to have charitable fundraising activities and tours up and running by 2023.

                                                

The grand old lady in yesteryear 

SHORTCUT BECAME 'LONGCUT' FOR COUPLE WHO TRIED TO CROSS CLEETHORPES SALTMARSH

 

The saltmarsh at the south end of Cleethorpes continues to embarrass the unwary. This is the scene yesterday afternoon as a couple tried to take a shortcut back to the foreshore from the 'pirate wreck' promenade. Halfway across the marsh, they and their dog were defeated by the steep creeks and claggy mud. They had to beat a not-very-hasty retreat in favour of opting for the circuitous route back to drier land. Their shortcut became a longcut, but at least they were safe.     

HOW MUCH RUSSIAN CARGO IS FLOWING INTO BRITAIN THROUGH HUMBER PORTS?

 

Controversial - this tanker is believed to have been carrying a consignment from Russia 

THE Russian war effort in Ukraine continues to be boosted by trade conducted through British ports including those in Grimsby and Immingham.

The income generated through sales of products such as oil and fish amounts to millions of roubles which is all helping to  keep the Russian economy afloat.

Indirectly, this in turn finances the killing of thousands of people - including women and children - and the devastation of Ukrainian cities.

According to reports white fish from Russian waters was yesterday being unloaded at one of the Grimsby docks, while oil  was being discharged in Immingham.

Although Russian-registered ships are currently banned from  entering British ports, there is plenty of scope for them to continue trading by transferring product to non-Russian ships.

Particular controversial was this week's arrival in Immingham of Seacod, an oil products tanker built in 2006.

She flies under the flag of Germany and arrived here seven days after setting sail from the Russian port of Primorsk.

She left Immingham yesterday afternoon and is now somewhere in the North Sea en route for the Swedish port of Goteborg where she is due to arrive on Sunday.

The Grimsby News says: There are many businesses in our area which, directly or directly, have  longstanding links with Russia. In the wake of the tragedy in Ukraine, there is no doubt their bosses (and employees)  will have been confronted with difficult  moral  considerations. There is an old saying that principles count for nothing until they are put to the test. It is to be hoped that most, if not all, deem ethics more important than profit.  

VINTAGE BLUNDELL PARK BOXING TOURNAMENT POSTER FAILED TO PACK A PUNCH AT AUCTION

                                                       

There was a disappointing outcome for proposed sale of a vintage poster for a boxing tournament held at Blundell Park, home of Grimsby Town FC. Auctioneers Graham Budd had hoped the poster would fetch between £100-150, but it failed to find a buyer. Top of the bill for the 1905 event was a bout between Grimsby's Jerry Thompson, known as 'The Fighting Fisherman', and Londoner Joe Goodwin. The contest is believed to have ended in a draw.   

THE MUDDY PERILS OF TRYING TO CROSS CLEETHORPES SALTMARSH ON FOOT

 

Safety first! Some considerate soul has posted this sign behind the 'pirate's wreck'  structure on Cleethorpes outer beach. It is an important reminder to those tempted to return to the promenade by crossing the saltmarsh. It may look quicker, but the route is  traversed by deep gullies and thick slippery mud.  Wading birds such as redshank and curlew can tread surely, but, for humans - both adults and children - it is an altogether different challenge, and many have come a cropper.

DEER SPOTTED FEEDING ON SCRUBLAND BEHIND GRIMSBY TOWN'S FOOTBALL GROUND

 

A deer can  just about be spotted as it feeds on the patch of land behind Grimsby Town FC's Blundell Park ground earlier this week. Perhaps it is a good omen  as The Mariners target promotion from the National League back to the Football League. 

CLEETHORPES' NEW RAILWAY BRIDGE PROVIDES EXCELLENT VANTAGE POINTS TO VIEW NATURE

Swallows will soon be here again -  Chapman's Pond

LAT week's  opening of the new Suggitt's Lane railway footbridge at Suggitt's Lane in Cleethorpes has had a welcome spin-off  for birdwatchers.

The bridge platforms provide excellent points to view nature - occurring both on the Humber Estuary and on Chapman's Pond.

At various times of the year, both habitats attract a range of unusual and sometimes rare birds.

In recent times, it has always been difficult to watch the birdlife at Chapman's Pond because it is surrounded by palisade security fencing and houses, but now it is possible to look right over and across the water and reeds.

Today, two great crested grebes were conspicuous, and soon the first swallows and sand martins will be arriving, plus reed warblers and sedge warblers.  

Occasionally, a peregrine falcon is to be seen perched on the water tower. 

One of the grebes is just visible among the reeds

The view across the Humber is expansive

In all its glory - the new footbridge 

CHECKS ON WW2 BOMBING ACTIVITY NEEDED BEFORE NEW BUSINESS UNITS CAN BE BUILT

                                  

This derelict building is likely to be demolished to make way for the new units

FURTHER safety checks may be required on a Cleethorpes site earmarked for new business units after it emerged that the area suffered  "a medium level of bombing density" during World War II.

A preliminary assessment of the land off Poplar Road has indicated that further research is necessary to identify whether the site itself was bombed by the German Luftwaffe.

A report states: "A watching brief is required during ground investigation due to a medium risk remaining. 

"An Unexploded Ordnance official will supervise all such works on site, and the ground investigation is due to commence this month."

In partnership with its private sector partner Equans (formerly Engie), North East Lincolnshire is keen to build 17 new mixed industrial units that will sit alongside those already in  use.

These sorts of units are extremely popular with entrepreneurial businesses, so demand is likely to be brisk.

It is understood that four derelict storage buildings have been identified for demolition to make new way for the development.

Because of various heavy industrial units on site in the past, some remediation works will be required to address soil contamination.

It is not known if there are any proposals to landscape the site.

The application  is currently under consideration by a planning case officer.

Hub of business activity - some of the site's existing tenants

                                         

GRIMSBY'S FRESHNEY VALLEY CAMPAIGNERS NAME CANDIDATE TO CONTEST MAY 5 ELECTIONS

                                                                   

A 'Save The Freshney Valley' campaigner will be one of the candidates contesting the North East Lincolnshire Council elections on May 5.

Steve Holland will be seeking the votes of those opposed to the proposed houses-and-roads development to the west of Grimsby.

His candidature has been announced over the weekend on the social media platform, Twitter.

The project is seen by NELC's current Conservative administration as a means of stimulating economic development, but opponents believe it will have a devastating impact on the countryside and wildlife.

It is not yet known if the Freshney Valley campaign will be nominating further candidates to contest other wards. 

THINGS ARE NEVER JUST BLACK AND WHITE - THERE'S ROOM FOR COMPROMISE

White and black - the two swan species will never love each other but they are learning to co-exist

A SPIRIT of reconciliation seems to have broken out on Cleethorpes boating lake. 

Some of the 20-plus mute swans had been giving grief to the solitary black swan which is much smaller and which has flown here from  an ornamental waterfowl collection. 

There is still mutual suspicion (and possibly hostility) but the two species  have been managing to keep ill feelings  under their feathers.

Black swans are seldom seen in Cleethorpes - the last one at the boating lake thought to have been in 2012 - so this bird has become an attraction and a talking point. 

What graceful splendour - the bird glides across the water

Feeeding alongside the barnacle geese

A photographer lines up a shot of the enchanting bird

                                   

OH NO! DEVIL DISEASE IS BACK ON THE WARPATH RIGHT ACROSS NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE

CORONAVIRUS  is spreading rapidly once again in our area as the two-year anniversary of the first UK lockdown approaches.

The Covid case rate in North East Lincolnshire currently stands at 331.3 per 100,000 people, with some 640 local residents having tested positive in the last seven days.

Public Health officials have warned that doctors and nurses in the areas hospitals are starting to see more cases in new admissions.

Professor Derek Ward, Director of Public Health for Greater Lincolnshire, said: "There is a lot going on for people to worry about at the moment so Covid has understandably taken a back seat.

"Although catching Covid is still a concern, spending time outside, meeting other people and taking a break from the news are important for our mental and physical wellbeing.

"It is really easy for people to do small things that significantly reduce the risk of catching the virus.

"The disease still has quite a bite. It can hospitalise people and cause severe illness. We still need to take it seriously and put precautions in place."

Here are some of the things that can help reduce the risk:

* Get vaccinated: A recent vaccination (whether it’s your first or second dose, booster or the new fourth  dose coming soon for people over 75) will help protect you from catching the virus and reduce the severity of the disease if you do pick it up.

* Keep testing while it is still free: It’s worth taking an LFT test 2 or 3 times a week and a PCR test if you have any symptoms. This will reduce the risk of passing on Covid. If you get a positive LFT test, ideally you should isolate and follow the guidance on the Government’s website. Although it’s no longer a legal requirement, it’s the best way to stop the risk of passing the disease to other people.

* Don’t forget the power of handwashing: Washing your hands thoroughly and often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds helps eliminate harmful bugs and greatly reduces the risk of spreading infections such as colds, tummy upsets and Covid.

* Keep it fresh: Let fresh air in if you are meeting inside and think about meeting outdoors where you can.

* Think about still wearing a face covering: If you are going into a crowded, indoor space or making a journey on public transport such as a bus or train, consider still wearing a covering over your nose and mouth. It is not a legal requirement in England but it will help reduce your chance of catching or spreading the disease.

LONG-AWAITED NEW FOOTBRIDGE LINKS RESIDENTIAL STREETS WITH BEACHFRONT

                                                                         

In all its glory - the new footbridge opened today

A £3.6-million railway footbridge in Cleethorpes today opened, thereby reconnecting people in residential streets with the beachfront.

The new bridge includes ramps and stairs to provide a safe route over the railway from Suggitt’s Lane to the promenade.

The project was jointly funded with £2m from Network Rail and £1.6m from the Department of Transport and will now be owned and maintained by North East Lincolnshire Council. 

It was built to replace a level crossing which was closed for safety reasons in April 2019.

Because of his interest in the project, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, had been keen to cut the ribbon.

With other matters on his plate, he was unable to come up from London, so the mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Cllr David Hasthorpe, did the honours opened the bridge at a ribbon-cutting ceremony today. (Friday, 18 March).

He was joined by Martin Vickers, MP for Cleethorpes, and Lynn Sayles from the Suggitt’s Lane Campaign Group. 

Representatives from Network Rail and NELC, who have worked in partnership to deliver the project, were also in attendance.

Mr Vickers said: "The decision to close Suggitt’s Lane Level Crossing was highly controversial and has caused a lot of inconvenience for the local community. But we’re now able to move on. 

"Thanks to the high-profile local campaign and the intervention of stakeholders including the Prime Minister, we now have this fantastic new facility that will provide all members of the local community safe access to the beach, the North Promenade and beyond."

Work began in June 2021, with much of the structure being built off-site to minimise the impact on people living nearby.

Engineers have installed an 11-metre-long main bridge deck weighing around 10 tonnes. The bridge has lighting, 300 metres of accessible ramps, and four CCTV cameras to improve safety in the area.

Lynn Sayles, leading member of the Suggitt’s Lane Campaign Group commented: "This is the end of a long journey and for many local people a journey that has been so very worthwhile. 

"The lack of a safe crossing for this community over to the seafront has restricted the freedom of people who simply cannot walk the longer way around. 

"Parents and carers with young children and those with mobility problems have been badly impacted, and we are so pleased today to be able to see they now have their freedom back - freedom to walk across this bridge and enjoy the real benefits of living by the water."

UKRAINIAN FLAG FLIES OVER CLEETHORPES BEACH IN SHOW OF SUPPORT FOR INVADED NATION

 

The Ukrainian flag has this week been flying aloft the 'shipwreck' structure on Cleethorpes outer beach as local people demonstrate their solidarity with the people of the invaded country. 

SPRUCE-UP HAS PAID DIVIDENDS ON 'GATEWAY' ROAD THROUGH GRIMSBY AND CLEETHORPES

Before and after - images reflecting the smarter appearances of some of the commercial properties

MORE than 100 buildings on one of the main roads through Grimsby and Cleethorpes are looking  smarter thanks to a North East Lincolnshire Council campaign.

NELC launched Operation Gateway in June, 2020, to improve the street scene on the A180 between Riby Square in Grimsby and Suggitt’s Lane in Cleethorpes.

The project is now coming to an end and has seen scores of property owners respond positively to calls to fix up their business premises and residential buildings.

Breaking the work into three phases, project officers contacted the owners of 227 buildings in Cleethorpe Road, Freeman Street and Grimsby Road.

To date, improvements have been carried out at 130 buildings in the target area.

Some of the problems put right include window frames, broken or missing render and flaking paintwork.

NELC's aim with the project has been to grow business confidence by encouraging property owners to make physical improvements to their buildings and make the area more attractive.

Most property owners take care of their buildings, but some properties have been neglected and posed a risk to the wider area.

Problems included windows almost falling out of their frames, shrubs growing in brickwork, missing gutters and drainpipes and vegetation in the gutters and on the roof.

Not only are dilapidated buildings an eyesore, they can also pose a risk to passers-by, harm the value of surrounding properties, and become beacons for criminality and anti-social behaviour.

Some property owners had set an example by already making changes before the project started, but many responded to calls from the council to fix up their properties.

As well as working with property owners to encourage them to make improvements, the officers liaised with colleagues in the planning team to look at ways to bring some neglected buildings back into use.

Says Cllr Ron Shepherd, NELC's portfolio holder for Safer and Stronger Communities: "Since we launched Operation Gateway, we have seen big improvements to the street scene along one of the main routes through Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

"I am  grateful to all the property owners who responded to our calls to fix up their buildings."

Agrees Cllr Callum Procter, portfolio holder for Economic Growth, Housing and Tourism: "We have big ambitions for North East Lincolnshire, and the A180 is the gateway to the towns of Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

"There is a massive amount of passing trade - we are seeking to capitalise on that."

LOWEST PAY POINT AT NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL IS £9.90 PER HOUR

 

The boss - Rob Walsh is well remunerated but he has a lot on his plate

AN update on how much North East Lincolnshire staff are paid will come at this evening's full meeting of the authority.

According to a report, the lowest pay point is £9.90 per hour.

The highest paid salary  is £165,000 which is paid to Rob Walsh who  serves in two roles -  chief executive at both NELC and NHS North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

Not including teachers, the median full time equivalent salary at the council is £23,541. 

The report states: "The council is conscious of the need to ensure that the salary of the highest paid employee is not excessive and is consistent with the needs of the authority.

"Its approach to the payment of other staff is to pay that needed to recruit and retain staff with the skills, knowledge, experience, abilities and qualities needed for the post in question.

"The council also ensures that it  meets any contractual requirements for staff including the application of any local or national collective agreements regarding pay."

BULLYING AT THE BOATING LAKE - CHURCHILL'S FAVOURITE BIRD RECEIVES HOSTILE WELCOME

 

The black swan keeps a watchful and wary distance from the larger bird

A BLACK swan first spotted on the lake in Cleethorpes country park last Friday was this afternoon on the nearby boating lake where it was being relentless harassed by a much larger mute swan.

At one point it was driven from the water to which it was being prevented from returning.

Although neither leg bears any numbered ring to identify its origins, the black swan  is almost certainly an escapee from a private collection of ornamental waterfowl, possibly in the Louth area.

It was a favourite species of Sir Winston Churchill who kept a family on the lake of his home at Chartwell, near Westerham in Kent, occasionally featuring them in his paintings.

A beautiful bird - like its larger but aggressive white counterpart - the black swan was today proving to be a magnet for birdlovers who marvelled at its plumage coloration and elegance.

But  it is unlikely to tarry long  given the hostility of the mute swans of which there were 22 present today.

LABOUR OPPOSITION TABLE MOTION OF 'NO CONFIDENCE' IN COUNCIL LEADERSHIP

                                           

Cllr Patrick - gunning for council leadership 

THE leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson - along with his cabinet - face a vote of No Confidence later this week.

For tomorrow's meeting of the authority, Labour leader Cllr Matthew Patrick, will claim their administration of the authority is "untenable" in  the wake of continuing issues in the NELC department which oversees the care of disadvantaged children.

His motion, which is being supported by Cllr Karl Wilson, reads as follows:   

In November  2021, the findings of an Ofsted review of the children’s services of North East Lincolnshire Council were made public/

The conclusion was that the council’s rating had crashed from an overall ‘good’ rating to inadequate.

The report ent on to damn the council and corporate leadership in the strongest possible terms. 

Examples of failure included a reference that "not all senior leaders and council members understand the depth of the failings, either to hold each other to account, or to prioritise the needs of children in corporate decision making".

The portfolio holder for children’s services (Cllr Ian Lindley)  has time and time again failed to demonstrate a grasp of the challenges at hand, often showing a lack of understanding the services that sit within his portfolio.

He has demonstrated no decisive strategic insight into what he must do to start to turn around this failure of the most vulnerable children and families in our borough. 

Despite this, the leader of the council has seen fit to keep him in post, an afront to the families that have been failed in the worst possible terms. 

This council finds it no longer has confidence in the current leader, Cllr Jackson, and the wider cabinet he leads.

The meeting, to be held at 7pm at Grimsby Town Hall, is open to the public.

JUST LIKE THE OLDEN DAYS - WELCOME MAKEOVER FOR SEAFRONT VILLA

Woodliffe Villa - revamp underway

 AN important building on Cleethorpes seafront has this month been undergoing a welcome facelift.

No 41 Alexandra Road - also known as Woodliffe Villa - is the latest building to receive Townscape Heritage funding.

Grade II Listed, it is one of the earliest properties along the road. 

Built from red brick with a Welsh slate roof, the building also has a cast iron arcade and balcony dating from around 1900.

This work, which is being undertaken by Grimsby firm Topcon, comes in the wake of other heritage work along the same stretch.

In December last year, a section of the balconies at the southern end of Alexandra Road was removed so that the cast iron could be stripped, checked for structural flaws,  then re-coated away from the marine environment before being reinstated.

It is expected that those balconies will be returned to the properties within  the next few months.

Work has already been undertaken to restore the bay windows on No 21 and 22 Alexandra Road, and refurbishment of the RAF Association building at No 5 Alexandra Road was completed last year.

Enthuses Cllr Callum Procter, North East Lincolnshire Council's cabinet member for heritage: "This is a fantastic project, and I am really pleased.

"People in Cleethorpes love the Victorian balconies, and we need to make sure our heritage is preserved for the future."

                                                                    

                                                

Don't forget the hanging basket - it needs a  flower or two

PLIGHT OF UKRAINE TO BE DEBATED AT FULL MEETING OF NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

THE situation in war-torn Ukraine will be on the agenda at  tomorrow evening's meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council.

The authority's leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, has tabled a motion which is being seconded by his cabinet colleague, Cllr Ron Shepherd.

 It reads as follows: "This Council is appalled by the shocking events in Ukraine and the devastating effects on her people. 

"We welcome the generous support being offered by our local community to the people of Ukraine. 

"As a council, we pledge to do all we can to facilitate and enable further support across North East Lincolnshire including for those families who have been forced to flee their homeland." 

The meeting, to be held at Grimsby Town Hall at 7pm, is open to the public.

Meanwhile, there has also been a joint statement from East Lindsey, which oversees Holton-le-Clay and Tetney, and its partner local authorities in Boston and South Holland.

Following the Government’s announcement of its Homes for Ukraine scheme, through which people are asked to provide homes or a spare room rent-free for as a long as they can, any willing hosts can now register at https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk.

There will be a process of vetting, security checks and matching offers against the refugee families and individuals, with an expectation of the accommodation being for a minimum of six months. Hosts will be paid £350 a month per resettlement group.

While precise details of the visa process and sponsorship scheme are awaited, under the scheme Ukrainians who are matched and housed with a UK ‘sponsor’ will be granted leave to remain for three years.

They will be able to work, claim benefits and access public services in that time. All current details are available on the Government website, and any further local specifics will be posted on each council’s website.

Already 50-or-so offers of accommodation have been made, offers which will now be redirected to the Government site. In a later phase of the scheme, organisations such as charities and churches will also be able to sponsor refugees, with details to follow.

Additionally, today, working in partnership with all Lincolnshire councils, the Lincolnshire Community Foundation has launched an appeal dedicated to supporting those arriving in the county. 

This Local Welcome Fund which will help to meet additional costs and provisions required by the refugee families and their hosts, such as to access transport, broadband and digital resources, access to leisure facilities, vouchers for toys etc. 

It is available at: www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/LincolnshireCF-Ukraine.

 For an overview on ways to help, see: www.gov.uk/government/news/ukraine-what-you-can-do-to-help

Private landlords, businesses and property owners willing to offer up homes in Lincolnshire for those seeking sanctuary are invited to email LincsResettlementPartnership@n-kesteven.gov.uk

 Donations of money are encouraged to organisations or community groups that demonstrate an understanding of community needs, safe and legal working practices, and systems of accountability. 

These include:

*  Disaster Emergency Committee

*  British Red Cross: Humanitarian aid in Ukraine 

*  MSF Doctors Without Borders 

ANNUAL LICENCE FEE INCREASE ON THE CARDS FOR CLEETHORPES SEX SHOP

A CLEETHORPES sex shop  faces an increase in the annual licence fee it pays to North East Lincolnshire Council.

At a licensing committee meeting, this evening (Tuesday), councillors are expected to approve a hike from £1,182 to £1,230.

The shop, on Grimsby Road, is long-established and, as far as is known, has not generated any controversy within the community. 

PROJECT POTHOLE - COUNCIL SET TO REPAIR 'DEEP DEFECTS' ON AREA'S CARRIAGEWAYS

                                               

Defective road surfacing is a menace for road users and especially dangerous to cyclists 

A THREE-week patchwork programme for streets in North East Lincolnshire is due to start next Monday.

These works are deemed "essential to repair deep carriageway defects and ensure the road surface is fully prepared for the annual carriageway treatment programme which will take place later in the year". 

The works will take place on a rolling programme  and will involve a number of daytime road closures. 

These road closures will be in place between 7:30am and 6pm at the following locations:

Grimsby

Cooks Lane – Monday 21 March

Great Coates Road (temporary traffic lights) – Wednesday 23March

Immingham

Woodlands Avenue – Monday 28 March

Clyfton Crescent – Thursday 7 April

Cleethorpes

Belvoir Road – localised traffic management (using give and take) – Tuesday 22 March

Brampton Way – localised traffic management (using give and take) – Tuesday 22 March

Glebe Road – Tuesday 22 March

Parker Street – Thursday 24 March

Highgate – Thursday 24 March

George Street – Friday 25 March

Hey Street – Friday 25 March

Barkhouse Lane – Friday 25 March

Sherburn Street – Monday 28 March

Humber Street – Tuesday 29 March

Oole Road – Tuesday 29 March

Crow Hill Avenue – Wednesday 30 March

Whites Road – Wednesday 30 March

West Street – Thursday 31 March

Thrunscoe Road – Thursday 31 March

Reynolds Street – Tuesday 5 April

William Street – Wednesday 6 April

Bark Street – Wednesday 6 April

Albert Road – Wednesday 6 April

Stallingborough

North Moss Lane – Thursday 7 April

The above dates may be subject to change as the works are weather-dependent.

During the works, on-street parking will be temporarily suspended and residents are asked to not park vehicles on the carriageway or footpath to ensure a safe working area.

This will ensure the surface dressing treatment taking place later in the year will effectively extend the life of the carriageway. 

Further details of these works will be announced once confirmed closer to the start date.

WINDFARM COMPANY CONDEMNS INVASION - BUT CONTINUES TO BUYS GAS FROM RUSSIA

                                         

WINDFARM operator Ørsted has condemned the  invasion of Ukraine, but it is maintaining its trading links with Russia.

The Danish company has fingers in many energy-generating pies, including gas.

In 2006, it signed a contract enabling it to purchase gas until 2030 from Russian state-owned supplier Gazprom.

It is understood the gas is supplied via Germany with most being used in the domestic market with any surplus being sold to Sweden or other parts of north-western Europe.

Ørsted claims the contract "cannot be terminated at this point in time".

It adds: "It will have severe societal consequences if Europe experiences shortfalls in gas supplies."

The worry is, of course, that the monies from Ørsted are providing the cashflow that is supporting the killing of innocent people - as witnessed every day on TV by its customer and staff, some of whom are employed in Grimsby.

Ørsted insists the the contract will not be extended and that any 2022 profits derived from the Gazprom deal will be donated to humanitarian aid in Ukraine subject to shareholder approval at the forthcoming AGM.

It further states that it has taken "several steps" to end its cooperation with Russian companies.

Says the company: "Ørsted has ceased all sourcing of biomass and coal from Russia for its power stations.

"Ørsted will not enter into new contracts with Russian companies, and we have made sure that none of our direct suppliers for the build-out of renewable energy are Russian."