Is stricken Cleethorpes puffin latest victim of devastating East Coast avian flu outbreak?

                                                           

The distressed  puffin (photo: Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue)

AN exhausted puffin is being cared for  after turning up on a building site in North East Lincolnshire.

The bird is in the care of Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue after having been checked for breaks and bruises by the Abbey veterinary practice in Grimsby.

Say CWR: "We suspect that a crash-landing took place, but the injuries only extend to minor contusions and exhaustion. 

"We have been administering a rehabilitation care plan based on valuable advice from Whitby Wildlife Sanctuary."

According to one report, the puffin may be the same bird seen earlier in a distressed condition on Cleethorpes saltmarsh.

It is not known if it has been tested for avian flu - a condition that has been decimating East Coast seabird colonies all through summer.

The location of the building site has not been revealed.

Partial eclipse of Spurn lighthouse as shorebirds take to sky in spectacular high-tide flypast

                                                                           

Such was the abundance of flying shorebirds at high tide this morning that Spurn lighthouse was almost lost to view from Cleethorpes Leisure Centre on the other side of the Humber.

32 pubs up for grabs but The Yarborough and The Coliseum to stay in Wetherspoon portfolio

                                                                      

The Yarborough in Grimsby is handily located next to the railway station and a taxi rank

THE Yarborough Hotel in Grimsby looks like remaining in the ownership of JD Wetherspoon - at least for the foreseeable future.

Earlier this week, the company revealed that it was putting up for sale more than 30 of its pubs across England.

However, neither The Yarborough, nor its sister, The Coliseum Picture Theatre in Cleethorpes, are included in the list.

The Wetherspoon chain, founded by entrepreneur Tim Martin, operates around 800 pubs around the UK and Ireland.

The group said it had made a "commercial decision" as costs of staff wages and repairs rise. 

The full list of 32 Wetherspoon pubs put on the market is:

* Barnsley – Silkstone Inn

* Beaconsfield – Hope & Champion

* Bexleyheath – Wrong ‘Un

* Bournemouth – Christopher Creeke

* Cheltenham – Bank House

* Durham – Water House

* Halifax – Percy Shaw

* Hanham – Jolly Sailor

* Harrow – Moon on the Hill

* Hove – Cliftonville Inn

* London Battersea – Asparagus

* London East Ham – Miller's Well

* London Eltham – Bankers Draft

* London Forest Gate – Hudson Bay

* London Forest Hill – Capitol

* London Hornsey – Toll Gate

* London Holborn – Penderel's Oak

* London Islington – Angel

* London Palmers Green – Alfred Herring

* Loughborough – Moon & Bell

* Loughton – Last Post

* Mansfield – Widow Frost

* Middlesborough – Resolution

* Purley – Foxley Hatch

* Redditch – Rising Sun

* Sevenoaks - Sennockian

* Southampton – Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis

* Stafford – Butler's Bell

* Watford – Colombia Press

* West Bromwich – Billiard Hall

*Willenhall – Malthouse

* Wirral – John Masefield

CBRE and Savills have been appointed to market the pubs.

After more than 30 years, popular household goods retailer prepares to quit Cleethorpes

 

A vast expanse of trading floor is now empty

SAY farewell to the Cleethorpes branch of household goods retailer Wilko which will cease trading this week from its shop in St Peter's Avenue after some 30-plus years. 

Over summer, the stock and fittings have gradually been reduced as the company seeks to concentrate its activities on its two stores in Grimsby - one in Top Town, the other on Freeman Street. 

It is not known if an occupier has been found for the Cleethorpes premises and how many, if any, of its staff will relocate. 

                                  

The Cleethorpes shop in early summer before its sad fate was decided

Another step up the ladder for Great Grimsby MP's hard-working (and ambitious) MP, Lia Nici

                                                 

Lia Nici - boost to political career

GREAT Grimsby MP Lia Nici has been appointed Assistant Government Whip.

The appointment is a boost for Ms Nici because it will widen her ministerial experience. 

She was previously Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities between 8 July 2022 and 20 September 2022.

The Grimsby MP was the staunchest parliamentary ally of Boris Johnson, then, after he was forced to resign as Prime Minister, she supported the successful leadership bid by Liz Truss.  

Whips are responsible for administering the system that ensures that members of the party attend and vote in Parliament as the party leadership desires.

Whips are also largely responsible (together with the Leader of the House in the Commons) for arranging the business of Parliament. 

In this role they are frequently referred to as ‘the usual channels’.

Ms Nici will answer to the Goverment's new Chief Whip, Wendy Morton, MP for the Walsall constuency of Aldridge-Brownhills.

Council releases three new images of proposed new look for Grimsby's Freshney Place

 

These three new images of how Freshney Place might soon look have today been published by North East Lincolnshire Council. They have been supplied by Leslie Jones Architecture and reflect the council's aspiration to generate increased leisure activities day and night.  

Council leader optimistic on 'investment zone' for North East Lincolnshire - but not all are happy

                                                                         

COUNCIL leader Cllr Philip Jackson has sounded an upbeat note on Whitehall proposals for a  new 'investment zone' to be created in North East Lincolnshire.

Says he: "We are looking forward to having productive discussions  in the coming weeks and months as we seek to boost business growth." 

Our area  is one of 38 areas identifed by the Government for IZ staus.

These will apply to specific sites have more liberal planning rules to release land and accelerate development. 

The proposals could also see a cut in taxes for businesses on these sites for the first ten years and other  benefits including:

* 100 per cent relief on qualifying investments in plant and machinery used on the sites

* No stamp duty on purchases of land and buildings for commercial or new residential developments

* No business rates on newly occupied business premises

* For every new employee, the business will pay no national insurance on the first £50,000 they earn.

The Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will shortly set out the selection criteria to become an investment zone, and the process for designating sites within it.

The proposals have sparked concerns - for instance, that far from creating new employment, it will just be shifted as businesses seek to relocate.

Alarm bells have also been sounded about relaxation on planning restrictions - especially from conservation organisations such as the RSPB and the wildlife trusts who fear precious natural habitats will be lost to new roads, housing estates and other development.

The Government says it "will set out further detail on the liberalised planning offer for investment zones in due course".

The full list of 38 authorities earmarked for IZ status is as follows:

* Blackpool Council

* Bedford Borough Council

* Central Bedfordshire Council

* Cheshire West and Chester Council

* Cornwall Council

* Cumbria County Council

* Derbyshire County Council

* Dorset Council

* East Riding of Yorkshire Council

* Essex County Council

* Greater London Authority

* Gloucestershire County Council

* Greater Manchester Combined Authority

* Hull City Council

* Kent County Council

* Lancashire County Council

* Leicestershire County Council

* Liverpool City Region

* North East Lincolnshire Council

* North Lincolnshire Council

* Norfolk County Council

* North of Tyne Combined Authority

* North Yorkshire County Council

* Nottinghamshire County Council

* Plymouth City Council

* Somerset County Council

* Southampton City Council

* Southend-on-Sea City Council

* Staffordshire County Council

* Stoke-on-Trent City Council

* Suffolk County Council

* Sunderland City Council

* South Yorkshire Combined Authority

* Tees Valley Combined Authority

* Warwickshire County Council

* West of England Combined Authority

* West Midlands Combined Authority

* West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Rising costs and falling revenue spell end for well-liked Cleethorpes visitor attraction

 

Closure of The Jungle Zoo on October 3 will be a sad day for Cleethorpes. Sadly, skyrocketing energy costs and fewer visitors have taken their toll. The zoo can no longer pay its way. New homes are being found for the exotic livestock, and the seven staff are looking for new jobs. It is not known what will happen to the site which is surrounded by Russian vine, currently in magnificent flower.                                    

Grimsby Institute unveils plan for 530 solar panels on four of its Nuns Corner buildings

Grimsby Institute - keen to use renewable energy 

 

PLANS are afoot to install no fewer than 530 solar panels on Grimsby Institute at Nuns Corner in Grimsby.

The intention  is for them to be located on rooves on four different buildings at the landmark 11-hectare site, off Laceby Road.

An application for planning consent is currently under consideration by North East Lincolnshire Council with a decision expected before the end of the year.

Barclays Bank determined to banish 'aggressive' and 'unhealthy' pigeons from its Grimsby branch

                                                                            

Pigeons and doves belong to the same family - they are birds of peace. But the Grimsby branch of Barclays Bank wants rid of them.

LIFE is soon likely to get a whole lot worse for Grimsby's declining population of feral pigeons.

Barclays Bank is seeking  consent to prevent the birds from roosting on the roof ledges of its premises in Victoria Street.

If its application is granted, existing netting will be replaced. Spikes will also be installed.

Say the bank's agents Stride Treglown in a report: "The branch has been subject to an infestation of feral pigeons, roosting on the building’s roof ledges, depositing waste on to the brickwork, stairwell, and plant machinery, as well as the hard landscaping around the branch. 

"The holes and breaks in the existing netting are also causing birds to be trapped, potentially leading to suffering, injury or death of the animal."

"The waste is unsightly and presents a slip hazard to customers, staff and other pedestrians, and a risk to health and safety. 

"This is particularly of concern on the emergency escape stairs, which if unsafe to use due to bird waste, would impact on the risk assessment of the bank, and cause the bank to close if safe escape routes cannot be maintained."

The report continues: "Similarly birds interfering with the plant at the rear of the branch through waste, nest materials and feather deposits - or by aggressive behaviour toward maintenance staff -  jeapordises the operation of the bank.

"Where bird waste builds up, the parasites and bacteria that thrive on bird waste can migrate into the building and pose a further risk to human health.

" Bird waste is acidic. Continued exposure of the building and plant machinery to the waste can cause corrosion and staining."

The Grimsby branch has consulted a specialist vermin contractor who has advised clearance and disinfection of  the area.

Planners are awaiting comments from various consultees, plus the public, before reaching a decision.

                                           

The bank is in Victoria Street, Grimsby

The Grimsby News says: With their quirky ways, pigeons bring personality and humour to town and city centres. They also provide a useful sanitary service in feeding on waste from fast food takeaways. The agent's claims are, at best, exaggerated and, at worse, completely wrong - notably the suggestion that they display "aggressive behaviour" towards branch staff. It is a shame that Barclays is so hostile to such docile and  friendly birds.

'Superiority' complex for this tanker as she passes Cleethorpes en route from Immingham to Peterhead

 

It's destination Peterhead in Scotland for the good ship Superiority following her departure from Immingham this morning. A chemical/oil products tanker built in 2007 and sailing under the flag of the UK, she is due to arrive at 11am tomorrow (Wednesday). She is seen here as she passes Cleethorpes along the Humber.

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These legs were made for running - tough conditions for competitors in today's Tape2Tape half-marathon

                                                                        

A stiff northerly breeze made conditions challenging this morning for these runners as they headed along the seabank between Tetney Lock and Humberston Fitties. The route took them alongside the RSPB Tetney Marshes reserves where calling redshanks and curlews provided the musical accompaniment.

                                              

                                        

                                                    

North East Lincolnshire Council joins in mourning death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth

                                          

The Mayor of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Steve Beasant, has issued this statement:

It is with profound sadness that North East Lincolnshire Council learnt of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

Queen Elizabeth II had served her country, Commonwealth and people loyally for more than 70 years and she is the longest serving monarch to have overseen the United Kingdom and Countries of the Commonwealth.

Flags across the borough have been lowered to half-mast as a sign of respect for Her Majesty’s passing.

A new market hall and plenty of sky but not much else - first images of council's vision for Freshney Place

                                                     

Plenty of open space - is this how Freshney Place might look into the future? 

NORTH East Lincolnshire Council has today released an artist's impressions of how Grimsby's Freshney Place might look in the future.

Despite financial pressures, the authority is determined to press ahead with a revamp.

Says a spokesperson: "The aspiration is for family leisure activities, a cinema and a new modern market.

"An overall entrance would feature an open community space, green landscaping, cafes and seating."

The 'visuals' are just  proposals at this stage.

They are being made public ahead of consultations with councillors and, if welcomed, a formal planning process.

Residents, market traders and businesses will also be asked for their views with their comments taken into consideration when any design amendments are made.

These first impressions do not show where the proposed new cinema might fit, nor any of the cafes, restaurants and shops. 

Nor does it show the dozens of CCTV cameras that the surveillance-hungry council says it is determined to install. 

How would such a project be financed? NELC is awaiting a decision next month on whether Levelling-Up funding will be forthcoming.

The Grimsby News says: This seems to be an improvement on what exists at present - but not a massive improvement. The proposed new market hall looks like it will enjoy plenty of natural light, but where are the other retail and leisure buildings?  And is there no scope for a fountain or some sort of sculpture or public art? As for the claim about 'green landscaping', cannot NELC come up with something more imaginative and ambitious than the installation of just three trees? Here's hoping residents will come up with some exciting ideas to inject the council's vision with a bit more fizz.  

It's all about making a difference - students welcome opportunity to learn about local government

 

The Mayor, Cllr Steve Beasant, with young people eager to learn about local government

STUDENTS in North East Lincolnshire have been given an opportunity to find out more about local politics.

Students from Franklin College Sixth Form and Waltham Toll Bar Academy spent a day meeting politicians and officers from North East Lincolnshire Council.

They were able to fire questions at the Mayor, Cllr Steve Beasant, and council Chief Executive, Rob Walsh.

The day also included a tour of Grimsby Town Hall.

NELC Leader Cllr Philip Jackson commented: "Our young people are vitally important to this area.

"They are the future of this borough as leaders, workers and decision-makers.

"We want to nurture their talent, capture their interest in local decision-making and encourage them to  stay in our area, after college or university, and build their lives here.

"The vast majority of those who work at the council are local employees, and we offer internships, kickstarter schemes and other opportunities for young people to get involved and enjoy work experience."

Colin Carr's lively portrait of life on Cleethorpes seafront sells for £110 at Louth auction

The strength of interest in the quirky, amusing paintings of the late Colin Carr was reflected in the hammer price at auction yesterday of this study of Cleethorpes seafront. It sold for £110, and, apart from its obvious visual appeal, it will probably prove to be a shrewd investment. The sale was conducted by John Taylors of Louth.

 

Departed glory! Talk at Grimsby Town Hall will recall great bustard and other lost birds of Lincolnshire

                                    

Great bustard - favourite target of men with rifles

THE days when great bustards roamed Lincolnshire will be recalled at a talk to be held later this month at Grimsby Town Hall.

This bird used to breed in the Wolds but, as elsewhere in the country, it was hunted to extinction.

The free talk, starting at 11am on September 17,  will be given by bustard expert Phil Espin who is chairman of the Lincolnshire Bird Club.

It is part of a fortnight of heritage activities, starting on Friday.

Other events lined up include: 

Cleethorpes on The Move 

Town Hall, Knoll Street, Cleethorpes

10am to 4pm, Friday 9 and Saturday 10 September

Explore the story of transport that created the Cleethorpes of today, see displays, items and artefacts on the railways, trolley buses, tramways and more. Enjoy the *Punch & Judy show outside Blighty’s Café and meet *Willy and Milly, our seaside posers. Fun quiz for children to enjoy.

*Saturday only

Marvellous Machinery – A Windmill in Action

Waltham Windmill, Brigsley Road, Waltham

Open 10am to 4pm (weather permitting), Saturday 10 September

Tour the Waltham Windmill, a fully restored 1666 six-sailed mill that still produces flour and is made into bread. Watch millers at work and purchase flour and bread.  Visit the Museum of Rural Life and the RAF Grimsby exhibition located in a Nissen hut, the former dining hall for RAF Grimsby WAAFs during WWII.  GCMES train rides available for a small charge.

Weelsby Hall Open Day

Weelsby Hall, Weelsby Road, Grimsby

Open 12 noon to 3pm Saturday 10 September

Discover the history of Weelsby Hall with a self-guided tour. Owned by Linkage Community Trust, Weelsby Hall is one of the grandest buildings in North East Lincolnshire and is not usually accessible to the public. The mansion was built for George Sleight, a trawler owner, in the late 1800s. It is now a facility which supports people with learning disabilities.  Booking essential. email Sophie Tuplin at marketing@linkage.org.uk

Discover Immingham

Immingham Museum, Civic Centre, Pelham Road, Immingham

Open 1pm to 4pm, Saturday 10 September

Visit Immingham Museum and learn about the town’s social history. Exhibitions showcase the history of  Immingham Dock, the influence of the Great Central Railway, the town’s connection to the Mayflower Pilgrims and their dramatic escape from the shores of Immingham in 1608 and an extensive working model railway displayed on the first floor.

Discover Tin Town, the home of those who built Immingham Dock

Immingham Tin Town Heritage Centre, 359 Pelham Road, Immingham

Open 12-4 Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September and also Sat 17 & Sun 18 September

Visit the last remaining building of Immingham’s Tin Town which has been lovingly restored to its former glory. Homes and facilities were built to house the thousands of labourers who were employed to build the dock, called Tin Town. Using primitive equipment, it took six years to build and was opened in 1912 by King George V.

 

Talk: Grimsby’s Fishing Heritage Centre, the Ross Tiger and the history of Trawling with Dave Ornsby

Grimsby Town Hall

7.30pm Thursday 15 September

Part of the Summer Talk Programme with the Grimsby & Cleethorpes District Civic Society

 

Delve into the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre

10am-4pm, Saturday 17 September

Enjoy 20% discounted entry into Grimsby’s favourite attraction! Visit the award winning Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre and experience life in the 1950s for trawlermen and their families.   Learn about Great Grimsby’s fishing heritage and experience the sights, sounds, smells and movement of the 1950s as the centre takes you back to the life of our trawlermen and their families both at home and at sea.  Take the opportunity to view the two exhibitions taking place in the Murial Barker Gallery – Sea to Sale and Fish ‘n’ Quips.  Enjoy a cuppa and cake in the on site café.

 

Discover The Time Trap and Grimsby Town Hall

Grimsby Town Hall, Town Hall Square, Grimsby

10am to 4pm, Friday 16 and Saturday 17 September

Explore the town’s treasures with FREE entry to the Time Trap museum, Grimsby Town Hall and the Council Chamber.  Also view displays from the Great Grimsby Family History Group, Grimsby Photographic Society, the North Lincolnshire Art Society and the Council’s Archives. 

Plus free talks on the Saturday:

11am-12.30pm ‘The Great Bustard & Other Lost Birds’ an illustrated talk with The Lincolnshire Bird Club 11.00am – 12.30pm

2pm-3pm ‘Mr Grimsby’ with Geoff Scargill from the Watkin Society 

 

Discover the long history of Grimsby Minster

10am to 4pm, Saturday 17 September

Visit Grimsby Minster and see if you can spot the Grimsby Imp. It’s thought the imp was sent here from Lincoln who played naughty tricks and was turned into stone by an Angel!  The Minster forms part of the Grimsby Heritage Trail that can be done through your smartphone on the (free) Love Exploring App. Learn about the history of the Minster whilst you have a look around.  Don’t forget to indulge in a cream tea in the Minster Café.

Also on at the Minster that day is the OE Makers Market. Meet over 30 local artists and makers, enjoy street foods and yummy treats and listen to mellow musical sounds at this bustling local makers market, open 10am to 5pm. 

Take the time to explore St James Square. View the ‘murmuration’ public artwork by local artist Annabel McCourt created from the outlines of hundreds of volunteer residents. Etched into the pathway in the Square is Come Follow Me, artwork featuring references to Grimsby and its history through quotes, memories, stories and historical text.

Astounding Inventions Down Dock

Grimsby Kasbah Conservation Area, Auckland Road, Grimsby

10am-4pm Saturday 17 September

Join us on the historic port of Grimsby to celebrate the amazing innovations which have propelled us into the future. Join a fascinating tour or talk, see fish filleting demonstrations, see traditional net braiding in action with the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre, have a go at stand up paddleboarding with Ebb & Flo at their on-land demonstration area, meet Orsted and gain an insight into the world’s largest offshore wind farm and enjoy street food and entertainment including uplifting sea shanties!

Bookable tours include:

• A guided walking tour of the historic streets of the Kasbah, 10am-3pm bookable only
• Smoke House tour with Alfred Enderby Fish Smokers, 10am, 12noon and 2pm, bookable only
• The Great Escape tour of Creative Start including the Paint the Town Proud artwork exhibition, 11am, 1pm and 3pm, bookable only
• Join Heritage Lincolnshire for a talk about historic building conservation and the work being done at Petersons and Building 89. Talks held at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm, bookable only.

 

Behind the scenes at the Caxton Theatre

Caxton Theatre, Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby

10am to 3pm, Saturday 17 September

This art deco theatre has brought high-class amateur entertainment to our area for nearly 80 years.

Join them for this backstage tour including the wardrobe department, props and more.

 

Homegrown Talent at Grimsby Central Hall

Grimsby Central Hall, Duncombe Street, Grimsby

10am to 4pm, Saturday 17 September

Tours at 11.00, 12.30 & 14.00

Learn about the Hall’s rich 86 year history, the famous people who started their career here and the filming of the Three-Day Millionnaire show. Tours will take place at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm. Booking not required.

 

Cleethorpes and the Growth of the Tourism Industry

Old Clee Church Hall

10am to 1pm (church closed at 1pm), Saturday 17 September

Come and discover the history with our volunteers and our self-guided trail in and around the surrounding area of the church.

 

Discover St Nicolas Church, rooted in its landscape for 800 years

St Nicolas church, Great Coates Road, Great Coates

Open 10-4 Saturday 17 September

This Grade I listed, ancient 13th century church is set in beautiful grounds. Look out for the gargoyles and the east facing blue clock. Medieval glass shows the arms of the Barnardistons who were lords of the manor of Great Coates in medieval and Stuart times. Sir Thomas Barnardiston has the distinction of being the original Roundhead. There are other items of note pertaining to the Barnardistons including two old brasses.  Guided visits to the church tower may be available to those who have a reasonable level of fitness and mobility.

 

Council set to recruit 33 social workers from overseas in bid to curb runaway costs

 A WORRYING note has been sounded  on North East Lincolnshire Council's spending.

Based on the first three month of this financial year, a report says the authority is set to overspend its 2022-23 budget by as much as £7.9-million.

This is largely being attributed to the ever-increasing costs of paying for the upbringing of dozens of children being put into care for their own welfare.

There is a shortfall in local placement capacity for many of these young people, so facilities are having to be found elsewhere in the country.  

In other circumstances, high-cost agency staff are being engaged.

On a hopeful note, the report to a forthcoming cabinet meeting states: "The recruitment of 33 overseas social workers is expected to reduce the overspend over the remainder of the financial year.

"They should be in post at some time next month."

The council has not said from which country or countries, these social workers are being recruited - nor indicated their required levels of competence. 

Like everyone, the council is also being squeezed by inflation, but it says it still intends, with the help of external grants, to press ahead with "an ambitious £81-million programme of capital investment". 

Won't some fair lady turn solitary Humberston frog into a handsome prince?

Legend is that fair lady only has to kiss a frog for it to be transformed into a handsome prince. But is it true? This solitary frog can only wait and wonder as it hops about in the sand on Humberston's Anthony's Bank in  Humberston.

 

Decision looms on controversial proposal for drive-thru coffee shop in Morrisons supermarket car park

                                                         

This artist's impression of the proposed drive-thru has been submitted by Morrisons' agent, Whittam Cox Architects

A DECISION is due next week on a controversial proposal to introduce a drive-thru coffee shop on the westernmost corner of the car park of the Morrisons supermarket on the outskirts of Grimsby. 

There have been numerous objections from nearby residents fearful of traffic congestion and litter.

If approved, it is believed Starbucks would operate the venture. 

The application is due to be determined at a meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council's planning meting next Wednesday.

Above is the artist's impression of the drive-thru as submitted by Morrisons' agent, Whittam Cox Architects. 

Planners approve conversion of Italian restaurant on Cleethorpes seafront to a ground-floor flat

A Cleethorpes restaurant is to be converted to a ground-floor flat. Planners this week approved John Armstrong's change-of-use proposal for Valerie's Italian on Kingsway.

Works underway to restore cemetery buildings ahead of proposed launch of council-run funeral service

                                                                  

Long-waited restoration project will lead to buildings being reused

HISTORIC  buildings at Scartho Cemetery are undergoing restoration.

The works are focusing on the Cemetery Lodge, which has been empty and semi-derelict for 15 years, as well as the Cemetery Chapels and Waiting Rooms.

First priority is restoration and conservation of the internal and external structure and fabric elements of the buildings including masonry, roofing, windows and doors and rainwater goods.

The buildings will then be able to dry out and acclimatise prior to the next phase of works which will finally bring the buildings back into use after having stood semi-derelict for more than 15 years.

Says Cllr Stewart Swinburn, of North East Lincolnshire Council: "I am very pleased to see this important project  get underway.  

"Bringing these historically important and attractive buildings back into use is a significant next step in improving services for bereaved families.

"Once complete, the Cemetery Lodge will become the venue for our new Simple Funeral Services which will provide an affordable funeral service for bereaved families."

The works will be undertaken by Burnley-based UK Restoration Services, a specialist conservation contractor.

The project is part of the final stages of a five-year plan to bring the council’s heritage assets up to a reasonable state of repair and preservation