SOME PEOPLE THOUGHT IT WAS CARTOON MATERIAL BUT COD WARS WERE DEADLY SERIOUS

                                                     

THE bitterness of the 'Cod Wars' of the 1970s has now mostly been forgotten, but it will be recalled in a forthcoming exhibition at the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre.

Opening on June 9, 'Fish ‘n’ Quips' will display more than 40 satirical newspaper cartoons which have been loaned by the Embassy of Iceland in London. 

It features many original pieces from some of Britain’s best newspaper cartoonists, collected by Niels P. Sigurðsson, Ambassador of Iceland between 1972 and 1976.

We are now friendly again with Iceland, and its UK ambassador, Sturla Sigurjónsson, will attend the opening.

Says Mr Sigurjónsson: "Despite the jocular term, Cod Wars, these conflicts had serious implications.

"For Iceland, control and sustainable harvesting of fish-stocks was a matter of national economic survival. 

"For the UK, the longstanding way of life of whole communities, not least in Grimsby, were at stake.

"However, strong feelings at the time never diminished the mutual respect and affinity felt on both sides. 

"This is reflected in the contemporary drawings and in the relationship between the two countries today."

Running concurrently with Fish 'n' Quips, there will also be a 'Sea to Sale' exhibition exploring the historical connections between Grimsby and the famous Billingsgate Fish Market in London.

The exhibitions will run from Thursday 9 June until the end of December between 10am and 4pm, except on Mondays. 

Admission will be free.

WORK UNDERWAY ON CREATION OF NEW 'MITIGATION' HABITAT FOR WETLAND BIRDS

The site earmarked for feeding and roosting waders and wildfowl (photo: North East Lincolnshire Council)

WORK has started on creation of a dedicated 50-acre wetland habitat for wading birds and wildfowl. 

Located on the Humber Bank, just outside Grimsby, it will be named Novartis Ings in gratitude to Swiss multinational chemical and pharmaceuticals Group Novartis which is vacating the adjacent factory at the end of this year after a 70-year presence.

Says the company's Grimsby chief, Ian Johnson: "Novartis is delighted to leave a lasting legacy towards this important project for the environment.  

"We are enjoying watching the field transform into a wetland habitat, and the project will ensure our contribution and connection is remembered."

The site will not be a nature reserve open to the public but what is known as a 'mitigation site', created to compensate for nearby bird habitat likely to be lost to industrial development.  

To be managed by North East Lincolnshire Council, it will complement another mitigation site, the 100-acre Cress Marsh, Stallingborough, created in 2018. 

Comments NELC leader Cllr Philip Jackson: " I am delighted that this second mitigation site is progressing, and would like to thank Novartis for the land."

The contract is being carried out by  Skegness-based JE Spence and Sons, who created the first Humber mitigation site, and overseen by Roger Wardle, an  expert in wetland design. His other Lincolnshire credits include Middlemarsh, near Burgh-le-Marsh. 

Because of its location right alongside the estuary, it is hoped that Novartis Ings will attract hundreds of godwits, avocets, curlews, redshanks plovers, teal, wigeon and other species including occasional rarities.                                  

Avocet - emblem of the RSPB and one of the long-legged beasties Novartis Ings is expected to attract

MESSAGE TO INCONSIDERATE DOG-OWNERS: PLEASE CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR PET!

                                                         

A continuing problem with dog-fouling has prompted residents of Brooklands Avenue, a leafy  private road off Cleethorpes seafront, to install signs politely requesting canine owners to clear up after their pets. Whether the request will be heeded remains to be seen.   

VICTORY ON SUNDAY AND BATTLING MARINERS WILL BE BACK IN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

                                                                

Now bring on the final - jubilant Town players after Saturday's thriller (photo: courtesy Grimsby Town FC)  

GRIMSBY Town now stand just one match away from a potential return to the Football League after a thrilling 5-4 extra time win against Wrexham on Saturday.

Their opponents at the London ground of West Ham United will be Solihull Moors who defeated Chesterfield 3-1 in  the other semi-final played earlier today.

With plenty of winning  momentum in their sails and a never-say-die attitude and passionate support, the Mariners must fancy their chance against the Midland side in Sunday's National League play-off final.

Goalscorers for Town were Waterfall (2), McAtee, Taylor and Dieseruvwe.

The result made for a joyous mid-afternoon journey back from Wales for jubilant fans while the celebrations were shared back home, with especially noisy Saturday-afternoon scenes in and outside many local pubs.

There is certain to be a big exodus to the London Stadium for Sunday's decider.

Ticket and travel options will be announced within the next few days.

 

PLENTY OF DEVELOPMENT INTEREST EXPECTED IN FORMER CLEETHORPES SCHOOL PLAYING FIELD

Housebuilders, both local and national, have until noon on July 8  to submit bids to North East Lincolnshire Council for the land occupied by the former Matthew Humberstone School site off Davenport Drive in Cleethorpes. The authority has already both drawn up a wildlife-friendly design (see above) for the proposed 58-homes development and awarded planning permission for it to go ahead as soon as possible. NELC is being assisted by property consultancy Montagu Evans which has offices in London and Manchester.

FLEETING VISIT TO CLEETHORPES COUNTRY PARK LAKE FROM FISH-EATING 'SEA SWALLOWS'

Commons terns are mostly marine species, but this bird is one of two that has been in Cleethorpes for part of the weekend, swooping for small fish in the lake at the country park. There are several tern species that come to the UK in summer from Africa. They are sometimes known as 'sea-swallows' because of their forked tails - more conspicuous in flight than when they are perched. 

LITTLE HOPE NOW OF REPRIEVE FOR CLEETHORPES BRANCH OF RETAILER WILKO

 

Wilko on St Peter's Avenue - countdown to permanent closure has begun

HOPES are fading for a reprieve for the popular Cleethorpes branch of household/ garden products store Wilko.

Back in January, the company announced that its St. Peter’s Avenue branch was one of 15 nationwide that would close this year.

Said Jerome Saint-Marc, Wilko's chief executive: "We apologise to customers but will continue to offer them everything they need in nearby stores or via our website.

"We will be doing everything we can to support affected staff."

The decision sparked dismay, prompting Cleethorpes and Immingham MP Martin Vickers to urge a change of heart from the top brass.

As well as writing to the chief executive, he raised the matter in the  Commons only to receive a somewhat patronising from minister Jacob Rees-Mogg. 

Their exchange went as follows

Vickers: One of the familiar names on high streets up and down the country is Wilko. It is crucial to the vitality of St Peter’s Avenue in Cleethorpes, but unfortunately the company has announced the store’s possible closure which is of obvious concern, particularly to the staff. The Government have done a great deal to support our high streets, but this is clearly another example of the difficulties that companies are facing. Could I urge a debate to explore what can be done to ensure that companies such as Wilko retain their outlet in Cleethorpes?"

Rees Mogg: As always, my hon. Friend is a great champion for his constituency. I can tell him what the Government have been doing. The £4.8 billion levelling-up fund includes help to regenerate town centres and high streets. Considerable measures have been taken to spur innovation and investment across the country and help business to build back better from the pandemic.The support that my hon. Friend gives by encouraging people to use their high street and go to the shops will also be important in maintaining a competitive high street.

In the latest update on the situation, it has emerged that the last day of trading for the Cleethorpes store will be October 1.

Thereafter, the nearest branches will be those on Grimsby's Freeman Street and Top Town, the latter having a notably expansive trading floor and a wider product range.

However, it is understood that few, if any, of the Cleethorpes staff have opted to relocate to Grimsby, with most preferring to leave the company in order to explore other employment opportunities.

The other Wilko stores that have either already closed or are due to close are:

* Shipley

* Stockton

* Bournemouth

* The Fort, Birmingham 

* Leicester (Narborough Road)

* Redditch

* Rotherham

* Sutton Coldfield

* Edmonton Green

* Llanelli

* Merthyr Tydfil

MAYOR RAISED MORE THAN £6,000 FOR WORTHY CAUSES DURING HIS CIVIC YEAR

                                                  

Last year's mayor of  North East Lincolnshire, Cllr David Hasthorpe (centre), raised a total of £6,300 for worthy causes during the course of his civic year. He is pictured, centre, with his wife, Sandra, and representatives of the three beneficiary charities - CatZero (Sarah Coulson), right, St Andrew's Hospice (Emily Aitken) and Harbour Place (Robin Barr).

MOT GARAGE AND STORAGE UNITS PROPOSED FOR LONG-EMPTY BIRDSEED FACTORY

                                          

The Park Street premises in the days when it was purveying nutritious birdseed to the nation's canaries, budgerigars and parrots

AFTER many years of neglect, new life could soon be breathed into the former Haith's birdseed sorting and distribution warehouse in Cleethorpes.

Manchester-based business man Hassan Ahmed has unveiled plans to revamp the site on Park Street to establish a garage/MOT station, with four adjacent storage units and a self-contained apartment.

The site has fallen into disrepair since Haith's moved to a site on Europarc, though word is that the firm plans a further relocation - this time to the Fairfield industrial estate in Louth.

Mr Ahmed's agent is HSH Engineering Design Services Ltd, also based in Manchester.

The proposal is currently under consideration by planners at North East Lincolnshire Council.

SUMMER WOES LOOMING DURING ROAD RESURFACING PROJECT

DISRUPTION will be inevitable for hundreds of householders and motorists in the coming weeks because of surface dressing of numerous roads in Cleethorpes, Immingham and Stallingborough.

The works are set to start on Monday June 6  and could take until mid-July to complete.

On various dates, cars will be banned temporarily from total or partial stretches of the following roads:

CLEETHORPES

ELDERBERRY WAY

REDWOOD DRIVE 

LARCH ROAD 

BEAUFORT CRESCENT 

PYTCHLEY WALK 

FITZWILLIAM MEWS 

HOLLINGSWORTH CLOSE 

BUCK BECK WAY 

ASH COURT 

PINE COURT

BEECH WAY

WALNUT CRESCENT 

OAK WAY 

BELVOIR ROAD 

LANSDOWN LINK 

BRAMPTON WAY 

RAVEN HILL CLOSE 

BELMONT CLOSE 

ASHBY ROAD  

ORMSBY CLOSE

IRBY COURT 

SWABY DRIVE 

ANN GROVE

SOLOMAN COURT

WEST STREET 

GLEBE ROAD 

KEW ROAD 

CROWHILL AVENUE 

WILLIAM STREET

GEORGE STREET 

OSLEAR CRESCENT 

COULBECK DRIVE 

CURZON COURT 

HEY STREET 

PARKER STREET 

SHERBURN STREET 

WHITES ROAD 

BARKHOUSE LANE

BARK STREET 

THRUNSCOE ROAD 

ALBERT ROAD 

HUMBER STREET 

HIGHGATE 

ELM AVENUE 

REYNOLDS STREET 

BLUNDELL AVENUE

HART STREET 

STALLINGBOROUGH

NORTH MOSS LANE

IMMINGHAM

MAPLE GROVE 

CEDAR DRIVE 

OAKLANDS ROAD 

SPINNEY CLOSE 

BEECHWOOD AVENUE 

WOODLANDS AVENUE 

ROSE GARDENS 

LEYDEN CLOSE 

CHILTON CLOSE 

BRADFORD ROAD 

AINSWORTH ROAD 

HOLBECK PLACE 

MORTON CLOSE 

CLYFTON CRESCENT 

BALFOUR PLACE 

Says a statement from North East Lincolnshire Council: "This temporary prohibition is required because works are being or are proposed to be executed on or near the road by Kiely Bros. on behalf of the authority.

"Works will be phased in order to minimise disruption to traffic."

SO MANY WONDERFUL PEOPLE - NEW MAYOR IN AWE OF SUPERHERO FOSTER CARERS

 

Cllr Beasant - 'fostering is such a rewarding responsibility'

NEW North East Lincolnshire mayor, Cllr Steve Beasant, says he is "in awe" of the area’s silent superheroes - foster carers.

The Mayor hosted a number of carers for afternoon tea at Grimsby Town Hall, part of celebrations to mark Fostering Fortnight.

He and the mayoress, Mrs Carol Beasant, met foster carers and heard about their experiences caring for some of the area’s most vulnerable children.

Afterwards, he said: "It really is a calling. 

"I’ve heard today so many wonderful stories and experiences. 

"These are incredible, caring people who have become foster carers because they have lots of love to give and they have a genuine interest in making the lives of children better.

"Some have been foster carers for more than 20 years, caring for lots of different children in that time, many of whom have gone on to lead successful lives and have children of their own."

He enthused: "I am in awe of them all - they’re superheroes. They really are. 

"And we need more. I would urge anyone considering foster caring to get in touch with the council’s team to find out more. 

"From speaking to some of our foster carers today, it is clear that it’s such a rewarding responsibility."

To find out more, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/fostering, call 01472 323966 or email fosteringandadoption@nelincs.gov.uk.

EXTRA FENCING TO BE INSTALLED TO HELP CLEETHORPES SCHOOL EXCLUDE VANDALS

                                                          

St Peter's Primary - the proposed weldmesh fencing will be additional to the timber

PLANNING consent has been granted for steel weldmesh fencing to be installed outside a Cleethorpes primary school to keep out ne'er-do-wells.

In its application, St Peters C of E Primary School said: "The existing timber boundary fences are not high enough to prevent unwanted access on to the school site, and the school has regularly suffered from intruders who cause damage and vandalism."

It added: "A higher fence is also required in order to safeguard the children and to provide them with a safe and secure play area." 

It is understood the new fencing will be two metres high and black and that existing timber fencing will be retained. 

The Grimsby News says: It is disappointing that the planning case officer who determined this application did not impose a condition stipulating some complementary landscaping such as the planting of trees, a hedgerow or wildflower strips to attract butterflies, bees and other pollinators. Too many of our schools are set in environs that are harsh and unlovely. It is time local educationalists - teachers and governors - thought a bit more creatively about ways to inspire their pupils. 

NEW HAIR SALON IN PROSPECT FOR VILLAGE IF PLANNERS GIVE GREEN LIGHT

A NEW hair salon is on the cards for Laceby.

Graham Charles has applied to change the use of the shop premises at 10 Caistor Road in the village and additionally create a self-ontained flat on the first floor.

Associated works could include the installation of a bay window on the ground floor.

The proposal is due to be determined shortly by North East Lincolnshire Council planners pending which time the authority's conservation officer, Louise Jennings, has commented thus: "This building lies within the Laceby conservation area. 

"It is almost certainly two cottages that have been knocked together, forming a terrace of three cottages in total. 

"It has undergone cumulative unsympathetic changes, including altering all of the windows (which would have originally been sashes to picture windows), creation of a single entrance with porch and rendering. 

"It does, however, form part of an attractive street scene along Caistor Road, so it is important that any further alterations are sympathetic. 

"The creation of a bay window could be considered a betterment, though it would not necessarily have been a feature that would have been on a small cottage such as this.

"More importantly,  removal of the window closest to the pharmacy creates an imbalance in the building that is harmful - a window should be retained in this position." 

JUST THE TICKET! BUMPER GRANT SHOULD BOOST BUS SERVICE IN NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE

                                                    

Improvements are on the cards for the bus service in North East Lincolnshire. It was announced today that North East Lincolnshire Council and its regeneration partner, Equans,  have been awarded a grant of £4.7m from the Government’s Bus Back Better scheme. NELC says a delivery plan will now be developed to identify the projects that will bring about the biggest improvements.

NEW MAYOR EAGER TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO LOOK AFTER ENVIRONMENT

Cllr Beasant (left) and his deputy, Cllr Lindley

EAST Marsh ward councillor Stephen Beasant has been sworn in as the new Mayor of North East Lincolnshire.

He succeeds outgoing Mayor Cllr David Hasthorpe, who last night (Thursday) passed over the chains of office at the annual Mayor Making ceremony at Grimsby Town Hall.

In a break with tradition, Cllr Beasant did not specify the charity or charities he would be supporting this year.

Instead, beneficiaries from  the Mayoral Fund will be announced at the end of his year in office.

The Mayor has set up a Just Giving Page for the fundraising activities at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/steve-beasant 

Alternatively, anyone wishing to donate to the mayoral fund can send a cheque to the Mayor’s Parlour at Grimsby Town Hall marked ‘Mayoral Charities’.

Among his first civic duties will be to start  the Ørsted Great Grimsby 10K on Sunday 5 June.

Cllr Beasant thanked all those who supported him and said one of his ambitions for his year as mayor is to encourage more young people to get involved in looking after their local environment.

Cllr Beasant was Deputy Mayor last year and will be supported by his wife Carol, as Mayoress, and by new Deputy Mayor, Cllr Ian Lindley.

Councillors and senior officers pose for the camera in Grimsby Town Hall 

HANDSOME FACELIFT FOR SEAFRONT PROPERTY THAT ONCE WAS AN OYSTER SHOP

 

The rub-red colour scheme gives the property a sense of heritage pedigree 

A CLEETHORPES seafront property that once housed an oyster shop has had an impressive makeover.

Number 33 Alexandra Road is is the central property of a block of six properties, 30-35 Alexandra Road, between Albert Street and Dolphin Street.

Now, thanks to National Lottery Heritage Funding and significant private investment, the shop front and the property above have been reinstated to bring back lost historical details, including:

* Complete restoration of the historic shop front

* New timber sash windows 

* Cast iron guttering and downpipes have replaced PVC fixtures.

*A new ruby-red colour scheme in the wake of paint analysis carried out last year by the University of Lincoln.

Says Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council: "The heritage and architectural details have been gathered from early photographs and postcards as well as specific studies into the history of the road. 

"I should like to thank everyone for getting behind this project and producing such a stunning transformation."

The work to the shop front and façade has been carried out over the last six months by contractors Keith Howson and Hodsons architects. 

Number 33 has had a colourful past, including being a purveyor of oysters in the early 20th century, Newman’s jewellers in the late 1960s and, more recently, a string of different occupiers.

Its newest business is as a Thai Massage and Spa salon which opened last week.

* Discover Cleethorpes Heritage is a four-year Townscape Heritage programme launched in 2018. The scheme is supported by £1.9m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and £1m from North East Lincolnshire Council  and circa 900k of third party match funding from the property freeholders/leaseholders.

IT'S BACK! RETURN ANOUNCED OF CLEETHORPES CARNIVAL ON EVENING OF FRIDAY JUNE 24

THE much-missed Cleethorpes Carnival is set for a comeback.

It was announced today that it will be staged during the early evening of Friday June 24.

The event will be the launchpad for Armed Forces wekend over the next couple of days - June 25/26.

The big wheel will return to the leisure centre car park, and stands and stalls will be open through the day.

There will be evening entertainment on a stage at Remembrance Gate, culminating on Saturday with a firework display.

The Red Arrows will be returning, as will the Typhoon display team and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. 

More details will be posted on the Armed Forces Cleethorpes page on Facebook and the website www.armedforcesnortheastlincolnshire.co.uk

BRISK BIDDING LIKELY FOR SIGNED PRINT OF GRIMSBY RAILWAY CELEBRATION PAINTING

 

Busy - the study by Colin Carr is full of colour and movement

A SIGNED print of an impressively dynamic painting by the late  Colin Carr is up for grabs next week.

It celebrates 150 Years of the Railways in Grimsby (1848-1998).

The print, one of 750 and signed by the artist, will go under the hammer at a sale being held by John Taylors of Louth on Tuesday of next week.

It is expected to fetch at least £40 - maybe considerably more.

Also included in the sale is a collection of records by the Sex Pistols.

                                   

Anyone rememeber Johnny Rotten, vocalist with the Sex Pistols?  

                             
 

PROMOTION FOR SOLICITOR TOM FURNEAUX IN COUNCIL CABINET REJIG

                                                             

Cllr Furneaux - arts and culture portfolio

LAWYER Tom Furneaux is set become a member of  North East Lincolnshire Council  later this month.

Cllr Furneaux, a partner at Wilkin Chapman, replaces Callum Procter, who lost his Freshney ward seat to the Independent, Cllr Steve Holland, in this month's local elections.

He becomes portfolio holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy  with responsibility for tourism and the visitor economy, leisure, sport and recreation, including the playing pitch strategy, culture, Borough heritage, museums and the arts.

Also joining the cabinet after NELC's annual meeting will be Cllr Stephen Harness who takes on the portfolio for Finance, Resources and Assets with responsibility for financial strategy and corporate governance, revenue budget and capital programme, digital strategy, inclusion and development, shared services and commercial development, financial inclusion, assets (corporate, commercial, community) and estate management.

The rest of the cabinet is as follows: 

Cllr Philip Jackson: Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Net Zero, Skills and Housing with responsibility for economic strategy, regeneration, inward investment and growth, business support and local enterprise, all aspects of housing, net zero, decarbonisation, the NEL Carbon roadmap and the green agenda, strategic economic collaboration, skills and employability.

Cllr Stan Shreeve: Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care  with responsibility for adult social care, health and adult social care commissioning and provision, public health and health inequality, health and care partnership, collaboration and integration.

Cllr Margaret Cracknell: Portfolio Holder for Children and Education ­­ with responsibility as statutory lead member for children’s services for safeguarding of children and young people, corporate parenting, care leavers and family support, early help, SEND, school improvement and education.

Cllr Cracknell will be assuming the responsibilities of Cllr Ian Lindley who is leaving the cabinet to take on the position of deputy mayor.

Cllr Stewart Swinburn: Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport  with responsibility for planning, development control, highways and transportation, traffic management, parking and regulation, waste, recycling and environmental management, neighbourhood services, street scene, parks, open spaces, climate change related policy implementation affecting the natural environment.

Cllr Ron Shepherd: Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities  with responsibility for all aspects of local authority enforcement and regulatory services, environmental health, port health, food safety, pollution control, trading standards and licensing, community safety and anti-social behaviour, voluntary and community sector, equalities, diversity and inclusion, emergency planning and civil contingencies.

These appointments will be formally announced by the Leader at the AGM of the council on May 26, along with other committee chairs and placings.

                                                  

THE JOYS OF PARENTHOOD - WATERBIRDS SHOW OFF THEIR YOUNG ON CLEETHORPES LAKE

 

A pair of great crested grebes have this week been showing off their newly-hatched chick on the lake at Cleethorpes country park. For the first few days of its life, the chick spends most of its time on the back of one of the adults, only seldom venturing on to the water. Many perils lie ahead - not least the threat of being eaten by a pike or snatched by a passing herring  gull. However, its parents can be counted on to  defend their offspring with ferocity. Elsewhere on the water, a pair of swans are rearing six chicks.                                       

                                           

 The chick 

IT ALL GOES HORRIBLY WRONG FOR JET-SKIING DUO AS CAR GETS BOGGED DOWN IN SOFT SAND

Sea meets car - and the car comes out worse

AN afternoon's thrill-seeking on the ocean wave never materialised for two hapless jet-skiing enthusiasts who had driven to Cleethorpes from the Scunthorpe area.

As they towed the speed machine out on the beach to meet the incoming tide, the wheels of their 4x4 Volvo sports utility vehicle became irretrievable stuck in the soft sand.

There was nothing the duo could do to halt the tide (surprise, surprise), and, before long, the inevitable happened - the car was part-submerged by the sea.

The vehicle was later towed off the beach by tractor but not before it had become totally waterlogged. Whether it will ever again be fit to be driven on the public highway remains to be seen.

It the meantime, it is understood that the jet-ski is in the safekeeping of a like-minded Cleethorpes-based enthusiast.

There were fears that fuel and other potential contaminants might both pollute water, to the detriment of paddleboarders and bathers,  and soil  the sand.

If this had happened in autumn or winter, this could also have been to the detriment of feeding shorebirds, but, during summer, almost all are absent from Cleethorpes while they breed in the Arctic.

There is no early indication of any significant environmental harm.

It is understood the pair were seeking to launch from an unauthorised part of the beach.

The incident is under scrutiny by Cleethorpes Resort Team and its manager, Scott Snowden.

BYGONE GRIMSBY: MAN ACCIDENTALLY SHOT BY FRIEND WHILE OUT SHOOTING BIRDS

From the Eastern Morning News (December 13,1897)

CLEETHORPES GUN ACCIDENT 

A serious gun accident occurred on Cleethorpes beach yesterday whereby a  young named Farah Frairey was severely injured in both legs. 

Frairey had accompanied a friend named Albert Brown to the sands for the purpose of shooting birds. 

When opposite the railway crossing near Blundell Street, Brown reloaded the gun and put the stock under his arm, carrying it barrel downwards. 

The gun suddenly went off, and Frairey, who was only two yards ahead fell, shot in the legs about the knees.

Pc Langton was sent for, and the unfortunate young  man was conveyed to hospital.

The gun, an old-fashioned single-barrelled one, was taken possession of by the police.

* More reports from bygone Grimsby in an e-book now available via Amazon Kindle

GRIMSBY CALLING: Yesterday's Headlines from Lincolnshire's Famous Fishing Town eBook : Wright, Jim: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

NEW MAYOR IS LONGSTANDING AND POPULAR STALWART OF GRIMSBY-AREA COMMUNITY

Cllr Beasant: "I wouldn't want to live anywhere other than Grimsby"

WHEN long-serving councillor Steve Beasant becomes Mayor of North East Lincolnshire next Thursday evening, March 19, he should have no problem controlling council meetings when feelings run high.

This is because he is a former top Lincolnshire football referee and well capable of keeping a grip when tempers become frayed.

In fact, if needs must, he may still have a yellow and red card to flash in council chamber debates (and perhaps a whistle in  his pocket).

Cllr Beasant has been sitting member of Grimsby's  East Marsh ward for almost two decades.

He also once stood as Great Grimsby candidate in a parliamentary election.

He is a member of the Liberal-Democrats, but is not notably partisan in his political views, preferring co-operation to confrontation.

Although a forthright public speaker, and not one to mince his words, he has always been popular with colleagues across the political spectrum.

Says he: "I am married to my wife Carol and we have three grown-up sons and two smashing grandchildren, Nathan and James.

"I was born and bred in Grimsby and have lived here all my life except for nine months when I was working in Canada.

"Some individuals may 'call' my home town, but I would not want to live anywhere else."

Cllr Beasant used to work for Birds Eye as maintenance fitter until he developed epilepsy in 1988, but, thanks to medication, this is now under control.

As a mature student, he subsequently enrolled at York University and came away with a good degree in Politics and Sociology.

Thereafter, he completed a postgraduate certificate in Public Sector Modernisation.

After leaving university, he supported a local epilepsy charity and spoke at a number of national conferences on  this baffling neurological condition.

He has a special interests in community cohesion and all matters relating to children’s services. 

He is a school governor at Queen Mary Infant School and chairperson of the local authority Pupil Referral Unit. 

However, he is much more than just a meetings-only type of councillor. He is hands-on and always ready to get his hands dirty if a project, however arduous, needs completing.

Cllr Beasant will be succeeding current Mayor Cllr David Hasthorpe (Con, Wolds) in the one-year role.

His deputy will  be Cllr Ian Lindley (Con, Scartho) who will be stepping down as a cabinet portfolio holder.

In his capacity as deputy mayor, Cllr Beasant attended last November's Remembrance Day service in Cleethorpes

                                           

PROPOSAL TO CREATE 'DOG PLAYGROUND' OUTSIDE VILLAGE SPARKS OBJECTIONS

                                              

The proposed dog-walking area would be off Bradley Road 

NEIGHBOURS are barking mad at an unusual plan to create a meeting place for dogs on a leafy spot outside Bradley.

They fear the noise of the animals and their owners, plus smell nuisance, might blight their lives. 

The proposal submitted by Joe Fenwick to North East Lincolnshire Council is to allocate a 3.7-acre parcel of agricultural grassland, at Netherwood Dairy,  off Bradley Road "for the purpose of dog-walking in a pleasant and secure environment".

Hours of operation would be 9am to 6pm, with 30-minute slots per customers and a maximum of 10 dogs - on a lead - at any one time.

Walkers would be asked to keep verbal commands to a minimum and to "discourage dogs from barking".

There would be parking for up to four vehicles. 

But neighbours doubt if any conditions can be enforced and see no reason why they should be expected to act as monitors.

One has expressed horror at the prospect of "dogs barking, with their owners shouting and whistling from dawn to dusk".

Another, who works night shifts, has expressed concern at being kept awake and the possibility of "offensive and unhealthy smells". 

A third complaint is that, while it may be "a joy" for dog owners to hear their dogs barking while chasing a stick or ball, it is "noise pollution for everyone else forced to suffer it".

No objection has been raised by the parish council.

It is not known how much dog-walkers might be charged per session.

Mr Fenwick's application is currently under consideration by planners. 

ODDS ON THAT FORMER CLEETHORPES BETTING SHOP WILL BECOME NAIL SALON

                                       

The former William Hill betting shop in Market Place, Cleethorpes, could become a nail salon, with some ancillary retail use. A planning application for change of use is currently under consideration by North East Lincolnshire Council. The applicants are said to be the 'Hudson Family' but no other information  has been divulged. An earlier proposal for  conversion to an adult gaming centre was withdrawn.

FEARS FOR WILDLIFE AFTER LEAKING OIL DRUM CONTAMINATES GRIMSBY-AREA WATERCOURSE

One of the stricken swans - its hopes of recovery are not great

A PROBE has begun after oil pollution was identified in a watercourse in Stallingborough.

The oil is understood to have leaked from a dumped 10-litre drum, contaminating the water and harming wildlife including two mute swans, one of which is now in the care of Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue.

It is believed the rescued bird ingested oil as it sought preen its feathers clean.

According to one report, at least two other swans were found dead nearby. 

North East Lincolnshire Council and the Environment Agency are investigating the incident, said to have affected a stretch of up to two miles in Middle Drain, near North Moss Lane culvert. 

Anyone seeing pollution of any kind in a watercourse should report it to  to the Environment Agency hotline at 0800 807060.

Pictures: Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue

The oil will have had a devastating impact on wildlife

                     

DEMENTIA BLOW FOR FORMER BLUNDELL PARK PLAYER-MANAGER MICK LYONS

                                                        

Mick Lyons - Mariners boss from 1985 to 1987

THE family of former Grimsby Town manager Mick Lyons (70) have revealed that he is suffering from dementia.

Now living in Australia, Mick Lyons made his football reputation as a fearless central defender for Everton and England.

It was in 1985 that he took over the reins at Blundell Park - initially as player-manager - after Dave Booth quit football management to become a property developer in Tenerife.

But his spell in charge of the Mariners was not a success and he left after two seasons.

He remained in football and subsequently had management spells with clubs in Canada, Brunei and Australia.

Like all in football, Mariners fans will be wishing Mick and his family well as he comes to terms with his condition.

LET THE SUN SHINE DOWN! SOLAR PANELS PLAN FOR MORRISONS OUT-OF-TOWN SUPERMARKET

                                                                                   

Making use of the sunshine - the store on the outskirts of Grimsby 

SOLAR panels are set to be installed on a section of  roof at the Morrisons store at Laceby.

A resident of Spratton Court in Grimsby has described the likely impact on the landscape as "horrid", but there has been no objection from the parish councillors, and North East Lincolnshire Council planners have cleared the project. 

Another commentator, of Nelson Way, Grimsby, says: " I think it will be a great project. 

"Anything to help the environment that little more, and what better place to put it than on a building like Morrisons?

"It won't be an eyesore, and I can't see it affecting people who live on the back of the field either - great proposition."

It is understood that a firm of structural engineers has confirmed that the building is sturdy enough to withold the load.

It is not known when the works will start. 

MUD, MUD, INGLORIOUS MUD! WARNING SIGN INSTALLED ON EDGE OF SALTMARSH

This sign has been installed on the edge of Cleethorpe saltmarsh to discourage the unwary from trying to make the crossing. The initiative follows numerous incidents when people have got into difficulties. Even after the recent dry spell, the ground is boggy, and there are many deep creeks, some of them not easily seen.  It is not known which organisation (or individual) posted the sign.

TINY WARBLER THAT FLIES FROM AFRICA TO SPEND SUMMER IN CLEETHORPES COUNTRY PARK

Incredible to think that this tiny bird, a reed warbler, has flown from the UK to Africa and back to Cleethorpes - journeys that have involved flying over the Sahara desert. The bird is only five inches long and weighs the same as a 50p coin. It is one of several that have taken up summer residence at the country park. But come September, it will be migrating back to Africa where it will spend winter.  

HOPES OF A SPEEDY RECOVERY FOR POPULAR IMMINGHAM COUNCILLOR

                                                                   

Cllr Karen Swinburn - unable to attend election count

THURSDAY night's NELC votes count at the Grimsby Auditorium was overshadowed by news that a sitting councillor was said to be "very ill".

Karen Swinburn  is one of the three Conservative members for the Immingham ward and a very popular member of the community.

She would have like to have been with her husband, Stewart, who was re-elected by a comfortable margin, but he revealed that, sadly, she had not been well enough to attend.

Another successfully re-elected councillor, Oliver Freeston (Con, Croft Baker) made a point of expressing his best wishes to Cllr Mrs Swinburn in his own victory speech.

'PROTECTION ZONE' RESTRICTIONS LIFTED AS RISKS OF BIRD FLU RECEDE

                                                                             

Cleethorpes Boating Lake - the waterfowl seem to have been unaffected by bird flu

ALL  restrictions that had been in place following winter's  bird flu outbreak have now been lifted, both nationally and locally.

The local 3km Protection Zone has ended and the 10km Surveillance Zone has been revoked.

They had been imposed locally following an outbreak at a farm in Laceby back in February.

Birds such as poultry are no longer required to be housed, but keepers are encouraged to remain vigilant for signs of disease and to maintain good biosecurity measures when dealing with their birds.

All poultry gatherings, such as shows, are still banned, both nationally and locally.

There were worries that victims of bird flu might  include the ornamental waterfowl at Cleethorpes boating lake and overwintering shoreline and saltmarsh  ducks, geeses and waders, but there is no evidence that the disease ever spread from Laceby.

TORIES REMAIN AT THE HELM - FULL RESULTS FOR NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL POLL

                       

Oliver Freeston - victorious for the Conservatives in Croft Baker

THE turnout for yesterday's election in North East Lincolnshire was just 25.09 per cent, reflecting widespread indifference to the local political scene.

As a result of the vote, the political composition of the council is as follows: 

Conservative – 30

Labour – 8

Liberal Democrat – 3

Independent – 1

---

WARD RESULTS

Croft Baker 

Best TUSC            47

Dickson Green       112

Freeston Con        1205

Georgiou Ind          102

Haggis Lab        867

East Marsh

Beasant Lib-Dem 868 (Elected to 2026) 

Coulbeck TUSC 71

Hardware Con         138

Khawaja Lab         237

McLean Lib-Dem 635 (Elected to 2024)

Freshney

Holland Ind 750

Mill Lab         660

Procter Con 701

Haverstoe 

Cracknell Con 1751

Rodwell Lab 824

Heneage

Bonner Lib-Dem 556

Clifford TUSC 30

Sandford Con        502

Shutt Lab        745

Humberston and New Waltham 

Harness Con    1819

Townsend Lab      761

Immingham 

Barton Ind     188

Newton TUSC     38

Swinburn Con  1144

Watson Lab     700

Park 

Aisthorpe Lib-Dem 695

Brown      Lab          665

Mitchell TUSC 63

Silvester Con        968

Scartho

Augusta Lab 1194

Shepherd Con 1541

South

Batson     Con 533

Mickleburgh  Lab 727

Moulson      Ind 102

Ward         TUSC        27

Sidney Sussex 

Farren Lab     819

Gee TUSC     113

Vickers Con     747

Waltham

Bailey Lab     551

Pettigrew Con   1232

West Marsh 

Barker       Ind     405

Wheatley  Lab     452

Wolds 

Emmerson Lib-Dem 413

Hasthorpe Con 891

Kirman  Green 122

Chapman  Lab         321

Yarborough

Cairns Con       898

Kaczmarek Lab      821

Note: TUSC= Trade Union & Socialist Coalition

                                 

Kevin Shutt - Labour winner in Heneage