Badger sett will be retained "if possible" says consortium seeking to revamp abandoned theme park

                                                                           

Pleasure Island - now a haven for badgers, bats, birds and bees

THE consortium seeking to redevelop the former Pleasure Island theme park in Cleethorpes has pledged to safeguard the family of badgers that has made its home on the site.

In a statement designed to reassure North East Lincolnshire Council planners, Lichfields, agents for the project, say: "It is intended to retain the existing badger sett if possible.

"During construction a 30-metre buffer will be placed around the sett to limit disturbance.

"Foraging opportunities will be retained to allow movement through the site and to provide escape routes from excavation." 

Mr Brock is not the only wildlife concern for the developers. Bats are abundant as are birds - the Pleasure Island dawn chorus in spring and summer being  one of the richest in North East Lincolnshire.

Since closing, it is thought the former theme park could now also be providing a habitat for butterflies, bees, water voles, various amphibian and reptile species and possibly even slow worms.

How will these creatures will be able to co-exist with the guests at the 273 holiday lodges earmarked for the site? 

Although it has not yet provided any details, Lichfields is confident these creatures can be safeguarded by means of "new habitat creation" and provision of "nesting oppportunities".

The future of the main fine trees and shrubs is, however, another matter.

The consortium, headed by the Lidl  supermarket chain, hopes to submit a formal planning application in the coming weeks.

Retrospective consent recommended for redevelopment of former Haith's birdseed warehouse

                                                              

Haith's in its heyday in the 1950s - it was formerly a chapel 

PLANNERS will tomorrow (Wednesday) be recommended to approve redevelopment of the former Haith's bird seed warehouse in Park Street, Cleethorpes for new commercial uses.

If members of North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee agree, the consent will be retrospective because a makeover is already underway.

However, there have been protests from neighbours about noise from aplified music, foul language swearing, loss of privacy, smoke nuisance from fires and even workmen relieving themselves within public gaze.

A report to the committe states: "The site  has been vacant since 2007 when Haith's relocated to purpose-built premises at Europarc

"Since the applicant purchased the building, various works have commenced and Unit 1 is now operational and has had external modifications undertaken. 

"The rest of the building remains largely vacant, albeit with some physical operations undertaken. 

"The present proposal therefore perhaps presents a realistic opportunity to bring the site back into economic use and provide additional employment for  local people."

"The document continues: "One of the main concerns over this development is the impact on neighbours in terms of  activity, noise, emission and traffic, particularly as the site is surrounded by residential dwellings, in particular to the east and south to Brereton Avenue and Clerke Street. 

"Objections have been received in particular from properties to the rear of the site. 

"Works have already commenced and created a number of issues for these occupiers in terms of noise and nuisance from building works, activities and conduct of the builders.

"The applicant has provided details of the uses and notes that the majority of the building will be let for storage. 

"It is his experience of operating such premises in Manchester the size of the units is likely to be used by small businesses and movements would be quite  limited maybe as few as several per week or at a maximum twice a day. 

"The main access to the storage units would be from Park Street, a busy road during daylight hours which would mask much of the noise and nuisance of vehicles using this area. 

"By the nature of storage units, activity within the building would be limited and unlikely to cause significant nuisance. 

"The creation of a flat at first floor above the garage at unit 1 is noted. 

"The applicant has confirmed that this will be utilised by himself as a Grimsby office and flat where he can stay when working in the town, reducing travelling and allowing work and meetings to take place."

"As the structure is not listed or locally listed and is in poor condition the impacts on this non- designated heritage asset have to be balanced with the public benefit of allowing the scheme to proceed.

 "It is noted that the development has commenced. 

"Whilst not condoned, the planning system can deal with development retrospectively and this application seeks to rectify the situation. 

"Similarly, any poor conduct of builders, while not condoned,is not something that can be dealt with through the planning system, albeit a construction management plan  could deal with issues such as unsocial working hours, fires and amplified music."

The report concludes: "The redevelopment of the Haith's buildings for industrial uses represents a positive re-use of a long term vacant building. 

"Although allocated for housing, the existing industrial use of the former factory has not been lost, and its subdivision would provide opportunities for economic regeneration and employment.

"It would also provide some enhancement to the street scene."

The applicant is Hassan Ahmed of Manchester.

Mayor outlines plans for Grimsby Town Hall festive coffee morning and craft fair

The Mayor - looking forward to filling Grimsby town hall with festive cheer 

NORTH East Lincolnshire’s Mayor, Cllr Steve Beasant,  is inviting everyone to a Christmas coffee morning and craft fair at Grimsby Town Hall from 10am to 3pm on Friday December 9.

Among stallholders will be members of the twinning association in Königswinter, Cleethorpes' twin town, with products from Germany.

Entry to the craft fayre is free and entry to the coffee morning costs £3 (with proceeds going to local good causes).

Says Cllr Beasant: "We have some incredibly talented craftspeople in North East Lincolnshire, and I’m grateful to those who are supporting this event and helping raise funds for good causes.

"We also have some very talented bakers supplying delicious cakes and treats for the coffee morning.

"I am very much looking forward to the occasion and to filling the town hall with Christmas cheer."

To find out more, call 01472 324109 or email civic.office@nelincs.gov.uk.

Did Grimsby MP's friendly chat with Fisheries Minister trigger Defra grant award to seafood firm?

Credit where credit's due. Just a couple of days after this chat between Great Grimsby MP Lia Nici and Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer, it was announced that Defra had awarded £5-million to town firm HSH Cold Stores Ltd towards improving its cold storage facilities. The hope is that this will help it to expand with the possibility of 60 new full-time jobs. It is understood Mr Spencer - who, like Ms Nici, is a former assistant Government whip - made a fact-finding visit to Grimsby last Thursday.

Post Office returns to Cleethorpes town centre with branch established in St Peter's Avenue Shop

The Post Office is again operating in Cleethorpes town centre. Earlier this year, the long-established premises on High Street closed, but a replacement branch outlet opened within the William's shop on St Peter's Avenue yesterday - just time in for the run-up to Christmas. Elsewhere in the town, there is also a branch in the Spar shop on Hardy's Road.

 

Pleasure Island consortium wants to build TWO hotels on site of former Cleethorpes theme park - eventually

                                                      

Artist's impression of one of the two proposed hotels - but will either ever be built?

THE consortium behind the proposed development of the former Pleasure Island has confirmed that it wants to build two hotels on the 10.65-hectare site.

Its agents, Lichfields, say the larger one would  accommodate 148 bedrooms, a conference centre and, subject to licensing consent,  a casino.

The smaller one would consist of 74 bedrooms and a ground-floor bar-restaurant. 

However, these would not be built until after clearance of most of the trees, followed by construction of a Lidl supermarket and a drive-thru coffee shop.

Next would come an amusement centre, then installation, in a phased programme, of  lodges -  247 of 10 beds and 25 of eight beds.

Only then would the consortium, headed by Lidl, turn its attention to the hotel-building phase.

The statement from Lichfields says: "Whilst details of the phasing of the proposed development have not been confirmed, it is likely that construction will take place over several phases, with the first phase likely to comprise demolition and site preparation works as well as construction of the retail and leisure units, drive-thru coffee shop and holiday lodges (albeit these are likely to be delivered in a phased manner)."

An earlier proposal for a fuel station seems to have been dropped, while the original garden centre idea now also seems iffy.

The Grimsby News says: What an anti-climax. Once touted as a project in the style of Center Parcs, it looks like, at least in the short term, we risk getting nothing very special - just a supermarket, a drive-thru coffee shop and an amusement arcade. Maybe, some years' hence, there could be some lodges and, perhaps, in the next decade or two, will come the hotels and conference centre. In the meantime, some splendid trees and shrubs are in peril. If planning consent is to be granted, there should be a condition that  the hotel and conference centre come first on the construction list, not last.

Welcome to Cleethorpes! Grimsby's Canoe River Cleaner puts in a litter-clearing shift on boating lake

Here's James Elliott, the River Boat Cleaner, who was today featured on BBC Look North for the great work he does in clearing litter from the River Freshney in Grimsby. However, he sometimes ventures into Cleethorpes and can occasionally be seen on the lake in the country park or, as today, on the boating lake. 

 

Newspaper group withdraws interest in acquiring Grimsby Telegraph and its sister UK titles

 

Today's edition of the Grimsby Telegraph

IT'S as you were at the Grimsby Telegraph - part of the Reach plc newspaper empire.

Earlier this month, another company, National World, revealed that it was poised to launch a takeover bid for Reach which, as well as the Grimsby title, also owns the Daily Mirror, the Daily Express and many regional and local newspapers.

But yesterday, NW issued the following statement: "Following further work with its advisers, National World has concluded that, while there are considerable industrial and financial advantages to combining the newspaper portfolios of the two companies, the circumstances are not aligned to proceed any further with the possible offer."

Johnson adds another football shirt to his collection - but what luck will it bring for National League club?

  From the Sunday Telegraph: Mr Johnson with the Wealdstone shirt - note the number 10 (the address in Downing Street to which he hopes to return)

HAVE Vanarama National League club Wealdstone FC failed to learn the lesson of Grimsby Town FC?

Two years ago, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was presented with a Mariners team shirt - whereupon Town went into a losing spiral that saw them relegated from the Football League.

As reported in the Sunday Telegraph, Mr Johnson, now no longer PM, last week visited the ground of Wealdstone, which is in his constituency, to take receipt of another team shirt to add to his collection.

But what  will be the consequences for the club? Will the Stones, as they are known, suffer a similar relegation fate to the Mariners?

Only time will tell.

 

                                                              

Come on your Mariners! Mr Johnson receives the Grimsby Town shirt from MPs Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) and Lia Nici (Great Grimsby) 

New lease of life beckons for prominent - but long-neglected - Grimsby town centre building

 

Confirmation came today that St James House in Grimsby's Top Town has been acquired by local company E-factor for renewed  use as offices. Says the company's MD Mark Webb: "We are  delighted that we can now plough on with our plans to develop this building and provide quality accommodation for a variety of local businesses and entrepreneurs right in the town centre. There will also be space for special events and small conferences aimed at supporting local business people."

https://grimsbypost.blogspot.com

Death-knell sounds for Grimsby garden oak tree - because birds like roosting in its branches

                                                                         

Unloved - the Fallowfield Road oak tree

THE planning go-ahead has been given for an oak tree in a Grimsby garden to be felled.

This is because the occupant of the house, in Fallowfield Road, says the overhang of the branches is causing "excessive" shading to the neighbouring properties.

She also dislikes the presence of roosting woodpigeons whose droppings cause a "health hazard", so she claims, to the occupants of her and her neighbours, plus children and pets.

Another concern is that the droppings might be "causing damage" to parked cars.

North East Lincolnshire Council's trees officer, Paul Chaplin, has approved the felling request on condition that a replacement oak is planted on a plot of land on nearby Allestree Drive.

The Grimsby News says: The oak is healthy and has been growing on this part of Fallowfield Road since long before the applicant's house was built. As well as the pigeons, it will be home to many songbird species. It is a shame, therefore, that, far from being cherished, it is to be disposed of - another lamentable sign of modern society's readiness to tolerate nature, but only so long as it does not "get in the way". Since the same argument can be levelled against almost every urban tree, none in the borough can now be deemed safe. No wonder North East Lincolnshire has been ajudged one of the most tree-depleted parts of Britain.

  

A handsome specimen! Superb festive tree lifted into place in Grimsby's St James Square

                         

Easy does it! The tree is hoisted into place

A  28-foot-tall Christmas tree was today lifted into place outside Grimsby Minster.

The stunning specimen is a Nordmann Fir grown by Strawson Woodland at their plantation near Louth.

It is a gift to the town from  North East Lincolnshire Council’s waste management contractor, Newlincs Development Ltd, which operates the energy-from-waste incinerator at Stallingborough and the community recycling centres in Grimsby and Immingham.

The tree was put up this morning by contractors McCann and staff from NELC's grounds maintenance team. It will be decorated later in the week. 

It is due to be lit in a ceremony at 6.30pm on Friday.

                                                      

The festive tree will be lit at 6.30pm on Friday

Council plans to upgrade historic Scartho Cemetery buildings delayed after discovery of roosting bats

                            

Special measures will ensure that cemetery's long-established bat population is not made homeless  

THE discovery of roosting bats has set back North East Lincolnshire Council plans to refurbish the historic lodge and chapel buildings in Scartho.

In summer, the authority announced a scheme to bring back to life the two properties which have stood empty and semi-derelict for 15 years, as well as the Cemetery Chapel and Waiting Rooms.

The project included  restoration and conservation of the internal and external structure and fabric elements including masonry, roofing, windows and doors and rainwater goods.

However, work has been put on hold following the discovery of roosting brown long-eared bats and a smaller species, as yet unidentified.

The works will still go ahead but only after measures have been put in place to ensure the creatures are not displaced from their home of many years.

Another downside for NELC that it will have to postpone the launch of its own funeral service because Cemetery Lodge is where it is due to be based.

On the upside, the discovery of these unusual and delightful flying mammals shows that wildlife, of all descriptions, continues to flourish in and around Grimsby. 

When will things improve? MPs press Transport Minister for urgent action on unreliable rail service

 

Pictured, from left, are Conservative MPs Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes), Andrew Percy (Brigg), Holly Mumby-Croft (Scunthorpe) and Lia Nici (Great Grimsby) in a meeting last week with shirt-sleeved Transport Minister Huw Merriman where they demanded urgent action to ensure that the TransPennine rail service through their constituencies returns to normal after months of cancellations.  

Will Grimsby's revamp of Riverhead Square be ready in time for public celebration of Charles' Coronation?

                                                           

Green and leafy - more trees, shrubs and flowers  in prospect for town centre square

SCREENING of the Coronation on May 6 could be on the agenda for Grimsby's Riverhead Square - so long as its proposed makeover has been completed in time. 

The plan is for the square to host live broadcasts of national events, such as Royal occasions and major sports tournaments, plus regular concerts, markets and festivals.

Following a public consultation, more trees and shrubs are to be installed than was originally proposed.

This is in order to create a softer more welcoming environment.

According to a North East Lincolnshire Council report, there will be 65 per cent hard landscaping and 35 per cent green landscaping.

Work is due to start on the project early in the New Year.

German supermarket chain now spearheading plans to redevelop former Pleasure Island theme park

Lichfields has unveiled new artist's impressions of how the revamp might look 

IT  has emerged that German discount retailer Lidl is now lead developer in the consortium seeking to splash out £66-million on redeveloping Cleethorpes' former Pleasure Island theme park.

The expanding supermarket chain is flush with cash for capital development.

Just this week, it announced that annual profits from its 918 UK stores reached £41-million - more than 300 per cent higher than a year earlier.

In advance of submitting a formal planning  application to North East Lincolnshire Council, possibly next month, Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners, the consortium's planning consultancy, will be seeking endorsement from the public on the principle of redevelopment of the 54-acre site.

There have been revisions to the concept first unveiled way back before the Covid lockdown.

The proposed number of static caravans - or 'high quality lodges'   - has increased to  272, and the fuel station idea seems to have been ditched in favour of an amusement arcade.

The supermarket is still high-profile, and there may be an adjacent garden centre.

There will also be two other food and drink outlets plus a Costa drive-thru coffee shop.

Crucially, a 148-bed hotel with conference  centre and a casino is still part of the package as (additionally or alternatively) is a smaller 74-bed hotel with ground-floor restaurant and bar.

It seems that the existing lake will be retained, but for angling, not watersports, as originally envisaged. There will also be a cycle-hire facility.

To counter concerns about loss of trees and shrubs,  Lichfields says many more will be planted.

It comments: "Tree retention, extensive new tree planting of native species, wild flora and wetland planting will combine to provide a coherent, dramatic and natural setting for all parts of the scheme. 

 

"A network of cycle and pedestrian routes will provide safe and convenient access to all of the proposed uses across the site whilst improving the strong connecting link with the seafront.

 

"Natural play areas will be set around the lodge areas, with access provided via meandering pedestrian routes along grass paths mown through meadow areas." 

Also members of the consortium are Cleethorpes-based Seaside Getaways Ltd, Fab2 Ltd and Projex.

                      

Impressive makeover now complete for Ross Tiger - revered reminder of town's illustrious fishing heritage

 

The renovated deck of the historic trawler 

VITAL renovation works to the deck of historic trawler Ross Tiger are now complete.

The scheme, which started on Monday 5 September, has included removing the rotten timber deck to reveal the steel deck below which was then inspected, grit blasted and painted. 

Some of the timber was able to be removed for conservation and will return to the collection at the nearby Fishing Heritage Centre.

To allow the ship to reopen and public access to be possible, a walkway will now need to be installed to allow public tours to resume. It is hoped this can be done as soon as possible.

Comments Cllr Tom Furneaux, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and the visitor economy at North East Lincolnshire Council: "Staff are keen to reopen the historic trawler to the public and get back aboard delivering their popular tours. 

"We want Ross Tiger to be seen in all her glory by the public once again, but with health and safety the utmost priority, a walkway must now be created and installed following the main works to allow for public access."

                                            

Cherished vessel - the Ross Tiger

 Meanwhile, Louise Bowen, collections officer at the heritage centre, comments: "We are delighted to have completed these vital works. 

"Removal of the decaying timber has provided the assurance that the steel decking below is in a sound condition. 

"This is a testament to the shipbuilding engineers at Cochrane and Sons of Selby, whose skill and craftmanship has stood the test of time for over 65 years."

Earlier in the year, the producers of Three Day Millionaire climbed aboard the ship to film. She features in the new film which debuts at Parkway Cinema today, Friday 18 November. 

The film was shot in Grimsby and based on the activities of the fishermen that once brought hauls of fish back to the port.

Another shot of the trawler which is soon to be re-opened for tours by the public

Asda eyes new convenience store on site of long-established Waltham Toll Bar petrol station

                                                   

20 jobs proposed if conversion plan is rubber-stamped

A LONG-established Cleethorpes-area fuel station could make way for an Asda-owned convenience store.

Lacklustre trading at the Esso-selling garage at Waltham Toll Bar has prompted its owners, EG Group, to submit an  application for change of use.

The premises currently has modest grocery range under the Spar umbrella, but this would be substantially extended  if conversion is approved.

Says a report by agents Montagu Evans: "The proposed development will link well with permitted and planned residential development to the west and south of the site, providing a top-up shopping facility for local residents for which there is an identified need.

"EG Group are committed to a capital expenditure in excess of £2.5-million in order to decommission the existing store in order to deliver an aesthetically pleasing replacement which will enhance the street scene in a prominent location. 

"The development will also deliver three EV charging points in an accessible location to motorists."

It continues: "The proposed unit will be occupied by the new Asda on the Move format store,  stocking largely fresh and ambient items.

"It will function as a neighbourhood convenience store used for top-up shopping or food to go (i.e. consumed on the day of purchase) by the surrounding community and passing traffic. 

"It will not be of the scale to stock deep enough lines to comprise a destination in its own right or a store where a weekly shop can be undertaken. 

"Improved vehicular and pedestrian access is to be provided via Louth Road, with 14 spaces for car parking."

It concludes: "The proposed development will result in economic benefits in the form of significant job creation in the form of circa 20 positions an increase in 12 based on existing provision."

An ecological survey has not revealed the presence of any bats, but old bird nests have been founded on or around the existing buildings.

It is therefore proposed that a minimum of four nesting boxes of two different varieties should be installed.

Says the report from Clitheroe-based Bowland Ecology: "The boxes will be installed upon completion of the works. 

"Nest boxes will be positioned according to manufacturer instruction and should not be placed above window or door openings.

"They should ideally be located on quieter elevations of the building."

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

New thrice weekly flights to Esbjerg in Denmark will boost route network at Humberside Airport

The airport - flights to and from Aberdeen, Esbjerg, Jersey and Newquay

EASTERN Airways, based at Humberside Airport, has announced the launch of a new route - to Esbjerg, Denmark’s fifth largest city.

The new three-weekly service will begin on Wednesday December 14, thereafter operating all year on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Among those likely to benefit are executives who work in Grimsby for windfarm company Orsted.

The airline has also announced its intention, from April next year, to double the number of flights to Newquay - a service which started this summer.

All this is good airline news in the wake of the disappointment following last month's closure of Doncaster-Sheffield airport.

Eastern also flies to Aberdeen, with connections to John O'Groats and Wick, and, in summer, to Jersey.

More details at: www.easternairways.com 

Photo: Jf245 /Wikimedia Commons

Proposals unveiled for new 210-place primary schools in Waltham and at Scartho Top

                                                   

Waltham - new primary school in prospect 

TWO new primary schools are in prospect - one for Waltham and one for Scartho Top.

The requirement has been prompted by rapid population growth in the wake of new housing development.

It is thought the demand cannot be fully addressed simply by expanding existing schools.

According to a document seen by the Grimsby News, each of the proposed newcomers will be sufficient to accommodate 210 pupils. 

It is understood they will be run privately as academies and not by the local education authority.

Neither will include nursery provision as there is said to be "ample sufficiency in the locality and across the authority as a whole", but special needs pupils will be catered for.

Applications are now being sought from "high-quality DfE-approved sponsors who have a proven track record of improving educational attainment for children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, within a fully inclusive environment". 

The aim is to have the schools up  and running in September 2024.

The glory and the tragedy: auction of Manchester United prints will revive memories - happy and sad

 

Cantona fires home the winning goal

CALLING all Manchester United fans!

A print of Eric Cantona scoring the only goal in the club's defeat of Liverpool in the 1996 FA Cup Final is up for grabs at auction.

The print, signed in pencil by the artist Marc Grimshaw, measures approximately 61.5cm x 52cm.

As Lot 424, it will go under the hammer in an online/in-person  auction being held by John Taylors of Louth this afternoon (November 15).

In the same sale, there is another Man U item - Lot  423 - with very sad associations.

A signed print, painted in 2002 by an artist unknown, it depicts Old Trafford on February 7, 1958 - the day after the Munich air disaster claimed the lives of 23 players, journalists and supporters.

More information at: https://www.johntaylors.com

Scene of desolation - outside Old Trafford the day after the Munich tragedy  with the flags at half-mast 

                                                               

Grab-and-go? Council's uncomplimentary comment on Cleethorpes fast-food outlets

Taco Bell, KFC and McDonalds are located close to Parkway Cinema. Likewise (not pictured), Subway and Starbucks 

                                                               
 A new document from North East Lincolnshire Council spells out the case for a cinema in Grimsby town centre - at the same time describing (or demeaning)  the fast-food businesses near Cleethorpes' Parkway cinema as 'grab-and-go' outlets. This is what the document says.

The main competition for cinema traffic within a 30-minute drive time of Grimsby town centre is the Parkway cinema in Cleethorpes. 

This provides a nine-screen multiplex on a retail park somewhat isolated from the Promenade and main tourist and leisure facilities. 

The food and beverage offer is limited to the lower end of the family market with an emphasis on grab-and-go fast food and a very limited sit-down restaurant offer.

Ultimately, Grimsby town centre demands an improved food offer with a wider family appeal rather than grab-and-go self-service.

Due to prime location and optimum size, the proposed Grimsby site is capable of attracting an independent cinema operator which, in combination with the 10 million shoppers that visit Freshney Place, each year creates  the magnet to attract restaurant operators that otherwise would not consider locating to the town. 

The development already has expressions of interest from numerous operators and are looking to attract restaurants with longer dwell-times and aimed at the whole family rather than the younger teenage market alone. 

New lease terms have been agreed with Parkway Cinemas, and the legal documents are being progressed to an imminent exchange. 

Parkway will provide the multiplex anchor tenant for the development, and, being the same operator as at Cleethorpes, will make sure that the new cinema offer will not compete with it but complement it. 

The adjacent leisure unit has attracted further interest both from the cinema operator as a complementary activity and from another operator interested in bringing  an active leisure use such as bowling to the scheme.

Parkway in Cleethorpes - deal for sister cinema in Grimsby said (by council) to be 'imminent'

The Grimsby News says: Credit to North East Lincolnshire Council for its ambitions  for Grimsby town centre. But are they realistic? Is it true that there have been "numerous expressions of interest" in the proposed makeover?  If so, from whom? Is not the reality that, contrary to NELC's aspirations, the best on offer is likely to be a replica of what exists at the south end of Cleethorpes? In other words, more grab-and-go. And if that's what the market demands, so be it.

                                                              

                                                            

A ray of 'feathered sunshine' on a murky November morning in Cleethorpes

This yellowhammer lit up a misty morning on the edge of Cleethorpes saltmarsh today. It is perched on sea buckthorn. Meanwhile, on the central beach nearby, a birder scans the shoreline through his 'scope for waders, such as knot and godwits, either feeding or, as here, in flight. 

                                                                              

Plan for conversion of Cleethorpes bank to eaterie sparks neighbour objections

                                                              

Concerns that change of use could bring problems 

PLANS to convert the former Barclays Bank in Cleethorpes to a takeaway and restaurant have sparked controversy.

Among objectors are a nearby resident who fears change of use  of the premises on High Street will generate  noise, odour and litter, plus  disturbance from arriving and departing customers, some of whom may be intoxicated.

Concern has also been expressed by the operator of the nearby Scratching Post bar who is worried about the prospect of vandalism such as "broken windows and body fluids" should the venture go ahead.

The applicant is Timothy Finbow who has given no clue about proposed hours of opening.

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

Cleethorpes Remembrance Sunday lapse - could no one be bothered to straighten the banner?

VIPs seem oblivious to the sloppy backdrop as they prepare to take the salute 

CLEETHORPES was let down this morning at the marchpast of Services organisations following the Remembrance Day service in Cleethorpes. 

The Lest We Forget banner at the front of The Knoll had slipped and no one had seen appropriate to straighten it. 

It surely would have been better to have taken it down all together than to have allowed it to dangle so disrespectfully. 

Smart and respectful - more than can be said for the banner

VIPs take the salute - but the event was demeaned by the shoddiness behind them
 

The Grimsby News says: What went wrong here? Money cascades into the Armed Forces Events Team from both the Ministry of Defence and North East Lincolnshire Council for the upkeep of The Knoll. It is surely unacceptable that the organisation failed to ensure a satisfactory backdrop for the most important event in its calendar. The lapse seemed disrespectful not just to onlookers but, more importantly, to those whom we had all gathered to remember. Could not someone have borrowed a ladder in order to re-attach the banner? An explanation is required.

They gave their today for our tomorrow: Remembrance Sunday in Cleethorpes, 2022

A crowd of several hundred attended the annual Remembrance Day service and wreath-laying outside St Peter's Church in Cleethorpes today. Pictured are scenes from a misty morning. 

                                                                    

Scrapped - plan to have greenery growing on front wall of Grimsby's Freshney Place shopping centre

 

Instead of this . . .

A proposal to plant a 'green' panel of climbing plants outside Freshney Place shopping centre has been scrapped. 

The idea was submitted as part of the planned re-design of the shopping centre, but it has now been ditched. 

Says a report: "It was decided that maintenance over the entrance could be an issue." 

                                                 

. . .Freshney Place shopping centre will have this

                                                            

The Grimsby News says: How unenterprising of the urban designers. The proposed 'green' panel was modest, but at least it showed a modicum of imagination and environmental awareness. The adopted idea is dull and sterile. The whole of the wall should be alive with creepers and other plants. As envisaged, the front of the building looks more like the entrance to a college than a shopping centre. Is this really the way to inspire the shoppers of tomorrow?

Grimsby convenience store has alcohol licence revoked after 'blatant disregard' of conditions

 

The Cartergate food and wine convenience store in Grimsby has had its alcohol licence revoked following "multiple" breaches of licensing conditions by management. The decision was made earlier this week by North East Lincolnshire Council's licensing sub-committee whose chairman, Cllr David Hasthorpe, said it was the only "reasonable and proportionate" option based on the evidence placed before members by Humberside police and others. "There has been a blatant disregard of the conditions,"he declared. "We have a duty to protect and reassure the public."

Immingham fundraiser Elysia (7) is top of the castle - or should that be top of the climbing frame?

                                                                  

Thumbs-up from Elysia, of Immingham, plus family members and friends

AN Immingham park now has new play equipment thanks to a £2,500 fundraising drive by a seven-year-old girl.

Elysia Nicolaou, who lives near Pilgrim Park, raised the money after an arson attack on her favourite climbing frame in April this year.

Helped by her mum, Vicky Shakespeare, Elysia launched her own fundraising page and asked people to sponsor her to walk across the Humber Bridge and back.

Teachers and friends from her school, Pilgrim Academy, got behind her and Elysia’s big-heartedness inspired about 50 others to take part in the walk in June.

Her fundraising target was £500 but her efforts resulted in lots of donations from family, friends and businesses and she raised more than five-times that amount.

Elysia, along with her mum and nanna Nadine Haigh,  handed over a donation of £2,536 to North East Lincolnshire Council’s grounds maintenance team, in August, and the money has funded a  multi-playframe  with a climbing net, climbing bars and a pole, a slide and firefighter’s pole.

Says Elysia: "When the old frame got burned down, I was really, really sad as  it was my favourite bit of the park that I used to play on with my friends.

"I hope everyone will like the replacement a lot."

Will avian influenza spell the end for Cleethorpes' rare flock of barnacle geese?

Finger crossed, the Cleethorpes barnacle geese have so far been unaffected by bird flu

                                                                        

AN uncertain future beckons for Cleethorpes' rare flock of barnacle geese.

The birds are known to be highly vulnerable to avian influenza, with at least 5,000 having perished since autumn last year at sites near the Solway Firth south of Dumfries in Scotland.

Where they occur in most parts of the UK, the species is migratory, coming here in autumn and winter from breeding habitats in Norway.

But the Cleethorpes birds stay all the year round because the migratory instinct seems to have mysteriously been bred out of their genetic make-up.

So far, there are thought to have been no casualties from bird flu and the flock number, as of this week, stands at about 114 - probably as high as it has ever been.

Traditionally, their home has been the town's boating lake, but in recent weeks they have been bullied off the water by the larger Canada geese and mute swans.

They are therefore biding their time on grassy areas to the south of the lake, outside the Meridian centre or on the caravan site adjacent to the miniature railway station.