AS teachers in North East Lincolnshire reflect on whether to take strike action, the council has put out what is probably its shortest ever statement.
It says (not very helpfully): "We do not hold details of schools that are likely to be closed this week due to strike action.
"Teaching staff are not obliged to declare whether they will be striking."
It adds: "Parents should check with their child’s school to confirm whether they are likely to be open or not on the days of the strikes."
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| Rich in wildlife - the Freshney Parkway |
AN area of grassland next to the River Freshney in Grimsby has been officially designated a Local Nature Reserve.
This is the Freshney Parkway - east of Great Coates Road, between St Michael’s Church and the River Freshney.
Back in the 1980s, North East Lincolnshire Council planted many trees and landscaped the area.
Since then, the area has returned to nature and is now a haven for wildlife including birds, mammals, butterflies, dragonflies and wildflowers.
NELC's long-term objectives is to develop and maintain areas of meadow with as many species of native grasses and wildflowers as possible.
Trees line the southern and eastern borders of Freshney Parkway. These will be managed to improve the natural habitat.
By designating the site as a Local Nature Reserve, the council aims to raise the site’s profile as well as enhancing it for wildlife conservation.
Says Cllr Stewart Swinburn, NELC's portfolio holder for the environment: "Freshney Parkway is a much-loved green space at the heart of its community where people can connect with nature.
"It has fantastic potential for local schools and community groups to get closer to the environment on their doorstep.
"Nearby habitat such as Town’s Holt could be accommodated as part of a larger reserve in the future."
The site is in the Yarborough ward whose representative, Cllr Martyn Sandford, is enthusiastic, describing it as "a gem in the crown" and home to roe deer, muntjac deer, voles, kingfishers and even an unusual brown and beige magpie.
Other designated Local Nature Reserves in the borough include Cleethorpes sand dunes, Bradley and Dixon Woods, Weelsby Woods and Cleethorpes Country Park.
Meanwhile, there are also two wetland bird mitigation sites - Cress Marsh, near Stallingborough, and Novartis Ings, on the outskirts of Grimsby.
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| Individual kingfishers are regularly to be seen along the river in winter |
This curious watercolour-and-ink work of art, fetched £420 at an auction in Leyburn, North Yorkshire. The hammer came down well above the pre-sale estimate of £100-200. In line with common practice, the name of the successful bidder has not been divulged by the auctioneers, Tennants. The bird featured is a chough - a species more commonly associated with Cornwall and not known ever to have been recorded in any part of Lincolnshire.
Artist's impression of the proposed new-look Freshney Place shopping and leisure area
THE proposal to revamp the western side of Freshney Place Shopping Centre is expected to clear a significant first hurdle on Wednesday morning.
At a meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee, councillors will be recommended to approve:
* A new entrance
* Redesigned retail space
* New commercial units
* A five-screen cinema
* A leisure building
* A new market hall
* A market square
Improvements are also being sought for the public realm, highway and parking areas so as to incorporate some green landscaping.
The application also shows provision for outdoor seating.
Says a report to the committee: "Two new commercial units are proposed alongside Devonshire House.
"The leisure unit would follow as the building extends northwards leading to the cinema complex and concession foyer.
"The new entrance to Freshney Place would sit next to the new cinema entrance which will be accessible independently or through the shopping centre.
"Moving eastwards and extending southwards is the proposed market square and new market which would sit next to the former House of Fraser building.
"The proposals would extend between two and three storeys, utilising a range of roofs, fenestration and material finishes. "
A BATTLING performance by The Mariners today earned them a home replay against Luton Town.
The score ended 2-2 with both sides having to come from behind in this afternoon's enthralling Fourth Round FA Cup match at Kenilworth Road, Luton.
The result means that both sides will be in the hat for the draw for the Fifth Round.
And Grimsby Town must fancy their chances of progressing when the two clubs lock horns on their own Blundell Park ground.
There was an early interruption of play when the automatic pitch sprinklers came on.
When the action resumed, it was The Mariners who went ahead just before half-time thanks to a towering Gavan Holohan header from a corner.
Soon after the break, The Hatters were on level terms when Elijah Adebayo converted a penalty.
It was then the home side which went ahead on 66 minutes when Jordan Clark fired home - only for Harry Clifton to hit the leveller just a minute later.
Both sides pressed for a winner, and had chances to win it, but the score ended all-square.
Before the match some visiting fans were held up after traffic was held up by a multiple vehicle accident on the A421 road in Bedfordshire.
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A proposal to convert the former Barclays Bank on High Street, Cleethorpes, to a restaurant and takeaway is due to be determined at a meeting next Wednesday February 1. North East Lincolnshire planners are recommending councillors to approve the project on the grounds that it will bring an empty premises back into use, but some neighbours have objected on the grounds of potential noise, cooking smells and other nuisance. The applicant is Mr Timothy Finbow. |
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| Didn't he do well! One of the dogs that sniffed out the illicit (and unsafe) baccy products |
A POLICE swoop has resulted in a huge quantity of illicit cigarettes, tobacco and vapes being seized from five business premises in North East Lincolnshire.
The locations have not yet been identified but four were in Grimsby (including three in Freeman Street) and one in Cleethorpes.
Also involved in the operation were trading standards officers from North East Lincolnshire Council and a privately-run search dog unit, B.W.Y Canine Ltd.
In total, 172,000 cigarettes (8,600 packs), 79.25kg of tobacco (1,585 pouches), 1.15kg of Shisha, and 1,662 illegal disposable vapes were seized during the operation.
Says a council spokesperson: "An estimated value for the cigarettes and tobacco would be a street value of £60,435 and a legitimate value of £149,552.
"The legitimate value of the vapes would be £18,282."
Officers will review their findings and follow-up with enforcement action in the courts if appropriate.
Comments Cllr Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities: "Illicit and fake cigarettes do not comply with the Reduced Ignition Propensity requirements and won’t self-extinguish.
"As a result, they could start fires."
He continues: "When people buy these products, they are putting their health at increased risk."
Insp Matt Stringer, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Grimsby East, comments: "This operation demonstrates the importance of different agencies working together in order to make our communities safer."
News elsewhere:
https://www.theguardian.com/international
https://morningstaronline.co.uk
https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk
WORK is due to start next Monday on a one-month project to replace the paving along the landward side of Alexandra Road in Cleethorpes.
This enhancement will bring the paving in line with the rest of the improvement works in the resort that were completed pre-pandemic.
It will also complement the work that has been done to restore the balconies and shop fronts along the same stretch.
The existing paving, in most cases, will be replaced with new natural York paving stone to match the rest of the paving in the main areas of the resort.
Additionally, surface water drainage for the properties will be improved.
The project will be carried out in two phases, each of about two weeks:
1. From King's Baptist Church to Yarra Road
2. from Albert Road to Dolphin Street
While the works are in progress, the parking bays adjacent will be suspended from use.
Additionally, the pavement width will be restricted for pedestrians, and at times, pedestrians may be diverted to the other side of Alexandra Road.
Access to properties and businesses may be affected for short periods.
The works are being funded by the Council supported by grant funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Townscape Heritage Project for Cleethorpes.
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| Smugglers - located on the seafront |
AN upbeat note on trading has been sounded by national brewing and pub company Marston's which has three hostelries in Cleethorpes.
For the 16-week period to 21 January, sales were up by 12 per cent compared with the previous year when the Omicron variant of Covid was still causing disruption.
The local portfolio of Marston's consists of:
* The Pear Tree
* Trawlerman
* Smugglers
Says chief executive Andrew Andrea: "We saw positive sales momentum through the festive season and into the New Year, with particularly strong demand on the key Christmas and New Year trading days.
"While we still have certain cost challenges to navigate in 2023, we are well-positioned to continue to progress and are encouraged by the level of consumer resilience experienced to date."
He continues: "The pub clearly remains an affordable treat which is attractive to consumers."
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| Joy (at foot of steps) with birders outside the new RSPB observation hide |
HATS off to a retired Cleethorpes dentist who has funded construction of an observation hide at an RSPB bird reserve.
Joy Croot came to the rescue when, after some three decades, an existing hide at Blacktoft Sands, near Goole, came to the end of its useful life.
The new hide will be known as ‘Reedling Hide’, a name chosen by Joy because one of her favourite birds is the reedling also known as the bearded tit.
It was officially opened last Friday morning.
Joy has lived in Healing with her husband, John, also a retired dentist, for 25 years.
She been attending RSPB Blacktoft Sands as a volunteer warden since retiring, in 2018, from dental surgery in Cleethorpes and lecturing part-time at Sheffield University.
"I have been going birdwatching at Blacktoft for as many years as I can remember,"says Joy. "It’s a beautiful reserve and so peaceful, with superb birds and very friendly and knowledgeable staff.
"There’s always something to see - not least a dozen pairs of marsh harriers in spring and summer.
"I have learned so much here and just wanted to give something back.
"The RSPB team has done the hard graft and specialist Garthorpe-based hide manufacturers Gilleard have done a great job."
Reedling Hide stands higher than the one it replaced and offers spectacular unrestricted views across the reserve.
Says RSPB philanthropy manager Sarah Standing, said: "It has been such a pleasure to keep in touch with Joy and see the hide project come to fruition thanks to her decision to support the RSPB in this special way."
The new dual-level hide was designed with accessibility in mind, so everyone can enjoy the sights and scenery.
The building features an accessible lower deck served by two doors, allowing easy access for people with reduced mobility, and has the potential for a ‘pandemic-proof’ one-way system.
A stairway leads to the upper floor with a viewing gallery which runs the whole length of the structure.
RSPB community engagement officer, Darren Johnson, comments: "We want people to access nature, and this new hide helps us achieve that."
The new hide is expected to last for 30 years, and enthral hundreds of thousands of visitors in that time, but work to maintain the hides and improve Blacktoft Sands for visitors doesn’t stop. The RSPB has a five-year plan for the other hides at the nature reserve.
RSPB Blacktoft Sands hosts a wide variety of wetland birds, including marsh harrier, bittern, bearded tit, and avocet.
Its most spectacular rarity of recent years was a white-tailed lapwing in autumn 2021.
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| Preparing to cut the ribbon - Joy wth the president of the Yorkshire Wildlife, Prof Sir John Lawton, who did the honours |
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| The shelduck and Brent geese are too far away, so this purposeful canine targets a carrion crow |
A SENIOR member of North East Lincolnshire Council today pleaded with dog-owners not to let their pets chase birds feeding on Cleethorpes Beach.
Most of the locally-seen waders and gulls are over-wintering here after breeding in Scandinavia or further north, but their welfare is imperilled by canine disturbance.
Says NELC's environment portfolio holder, Cllr Stewart Swinburn: "Wintering birds need your help to make their stay here as restful as possible.
"Anything that disturbs the birds, such as a dog running loose or a speeding jet ski, causes them to take flight and waste valuable energy reserves.
"This means they might not make it back to the Arctic in the spring and puts their populations, which are already declining, at even greater risk."
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| Cllr Swinburn - birds need our help |
The alert came on the same day that the authority issued a press release highlighting the importance both of the beach (for traditional bucket-and-spade tourism) and, in particular of the saltmarsh.
It states: "Like the Amazon rainforest, Cleethorpes saltmarsh is a spectacular landscape that supports a rich variety of plants, birds and other creatures.
"It also captures and stores polluting carbon dioxide - more so than an area of rainforest the same size."
NELC has also today published a fascinating " immersive story-map":
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/b83954a7cc8d4a118831058e38cdd2e1
"It is vital that we look after the saltmarsh and the wildlife that inhabits it,"adds Cllr Swinburn.
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THERE has been a severe blow to plans for a revamp of Freshney Place in Grimsby to include a new market hall and a cinema. North East Lincolnshire Council had hoped to get a shedload of levelling-up money from the Government to fund the project. But the project never inspired residents. Nor, apparently, have the decision-making civil servants in Whitehall been impressed. As a result, the bid has failed. Also unsucsessful has been NELC's bid for a new transport hub to include a bus station. The Grimsby News says: Council leaders will understandably be disappointed by the failure of the two bids, but there is a silver lining. The Government has spared the authority from pressing ahead with schemes which signally failed to inspire residents and were almost certainly unviable. The fear is that that it will now seek to raise monies from other sources which would be a catastrophic blunder. NELC should draw a line under its failed initiative and instead concentrate on delivering the goods in Cleethorpes where its bid for Levelling-up funds has been successful. |
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| Whitehall cash set to cascade into Cleethorpes |
CLEETHORPES is set for a boost following the announcement that it will benefit from a £18.4-million Levelling Up grant from Whitehall.
The welcome monies will help it to press on with a masterplan produced last year by Hemingway Design.
All being well, this should lead to major enhancement works for:
* Market Place
* Sea Road
* Pier Gardens
Welcoming the announcement, North East Lincolnshire Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson said: "This is absolutely brilliant news for the resort!
"Cleethorpes is fast becoming the jewel in the crown along the East Coast of our country and is attracting growing numbers of people who want not only to visit but also live here."
Top priority will be to revamp the market place to accommodate markets, festivals and associated retail events.
The council hopes this will "encourage outdoor dining and provide a healthier, more pleasant environment" than exists at present.
It is hoped that the monies might hasten redevelopment of the boarded-up former Waves pub site on Sea Road where, despite planning permission for a new building, marketing efforts to attract occupants have so far been unsuccessful.
Regarding Pier Gardens, NELC is keen to retain the Victorian heritage and 'feel', but believes the site could be rejuvenated with additional seating and planting to encourage birdlife and other biodiversity as well as providing spaces for reflection and contemplation.
Meanwhile, in neighbouring East Lindsey, the district council has secured a grant of just over £8-million towards various schemes such as refurbishing Alford Manor House, a Grade II listed building which will be brought back to life as part of a community visitor complex, and the same town's only remaining windmill which will be brought back into commercial use as part of a community complex.
Says Levelling Up Secretary: " We are firing the starting gun on more than a hundred transformational projects in every corner of the UK that will revitalise communities that have historically been overlooked but are bursting with potential.
"This new funding will create jobs, drive economic growth and help to restore local pride.
"We are delivering on the people’s priorities, levelling up across the UK to ensure that no matter where you are from, you can go as far as your talents will take you."
Agrees Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt: "This is a major downpayment on jobs, growth and regeneration, all part of our mission to level up opportunity across the country.
"To unlock more growth right across the country, we are making it easier for locally-elected leaders to make things happen."
The Grimsby News says: Congratuations to NELC on securing this handsome grant! On the face of it, this can only bode well for Cleethorpes and the rest of the borough. But let's not crack open the champagne yet. The authority is light on project management expertise. It will probably have to recruit and appoint consultants across many disciplines - and none of them come cheap. It would be a disappointment, indeed, if, as has happened before, they swallowed up most of the monies, then disappeared over the horizon before mission had been accomplished.
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| All things must pass - the Eve & Ranshaw department store |
A DEPARTMENT store founded by a Grimsby-area man at a time when George III was King is poised to cease trading
Eve & Ranshaw started life when Adam Eve, a 26-year-old a farmer’s son from Scartho, near Grimsby, opened his first shop in October, 1781, at 1 Market Place, Louth, where the store is still located.
The small lattice-windowed premises began as a drapers and grocers.
Although Eve's original shop was small, he saw a bright future and, as he prospered, the shop became a rendezvous for the gentlemen of Louth and the district.
Ten years later, he purchased the James Street wool spinning factory and began to make the exquisite flat weave carpets, for which Louth became renowned.
Following Eve's death in 1831, the carpet factory was run by his three adopted sons, John, Henry and Charles Paddison.
The spinning factory closed in 1883, but the store continued to flourish and expand.
It was run by John Campbell, Charles Bowmar and, in the 1870s, by members of both the Eve and Ranshaw families.
More recent owners of the shop were Charles and Eric Vamplew and Christopher Sandwith who continued the tradition of family ownership and independence.
Announcing the sad news, a statement from the store reads as follows:
"We regret to inform you that Eve & Ranshaw Ltd is closing.
"Our last day of business is Saturday March 4, 2023. After this date Eve & Ranshaw will ceaase trading.
"Our online store will close on Monday January 30, 2023.
"It is with heavy heart that we close after 240 years' service in Louth.
"We are immensely proud of our shop and heritage.
"In recent years, we have faced some challenging times with changes in customer shopping habits, lockdown closures, rising business costs and the current cost of living crisis.
"Regrettably it has now reached a point where the department store is no longer viable.
"We would like to thank all our custiomers for your business over the years.
"Eve & Ranshaw could no t have been as successful as it was without your support and loyalty.
"Thank you for being with our shop in all our ups and downs.
"Our heartfelt thanks go also to our dedicated shop team, some of whom have served the business for decades.
"We thank them for their commitment, loyalty and excellent customer service over the years.
"Please show them support and consideration through this difficult time.
"We hope that you and your family and friends will visit us in the last weeks before we close.
"Our sale continues with large discounts.
"Please spend your loyalty points and gift cards as soon as possible."
The sad statement ends: "We look forward to seeing you in the shop and bid our final goodbye."
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| The horror of flooding - no one knows what the weather might bring |
A NEW Environment Agency campaign to raise awareness of actions Grimsby residents can take to prepare for flooding has been launched - 70 years on from the east coast storm surge.
Households in the town are starting to receive information leaflets through their doors.
The information is urging them:
* To know what actions to take if the area is flooded
* Where to find help and support if needed
* How to take action to increase their resilience to future flooding.
The campaign will focus on seven wards in Grimsby: East Marsh, West Marsh, Sidney Sussex, Park, Heneage, Yarborough and Freshney.
Signing up for flood warnings- external site that warn of flooding from rivers, seas and groundwater.
Says Ben Thornely, Environment Agency Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager for Lincolnshire: "We are seeing more extreme weather due to climate change.
"We also expect an increase in the speed of sea level rise which will increase tidal flood risk in Grimsby.
"The best way to be prepared is to sign up to our Flood Warning Service and to have a plan in place so you know what to do should flooding occur."
Grimsby and the surrounding area is susceptible to a number of different types of flood risk:
* Tidal flooding from the sea
* Fluvial flooding from the River Freshney and New Cut Drain
*Surface water flooding from heavy downpours
Of the 75,634 properties in North East Lincolnshire, 46 per cent (34,981) are located within Flood Warning Areas, and more could be at risk of flooding.
Flooding can cause up to £30,000 of damage to a home, resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder.
There are still many old enough to recall the devastating East Coast tidal surge on 31 January and 1 February 1953.
This disaster caused the death of 307 people, destruction and damage to 24,500 homes.
The most serious tidal surge in recent times was on December 5 2013 where an estimated 1,100 homes and businesses were flooded along the East Coast.
Before that, in 2007, flooding impacted more than 600 homes in North East Lincolnshire including those on Grimsby’s Willows estate and in parts of Immingham, Stallingborough, Healing, Great Coates, Humberston and Waltham.
Locally, flood defences are managed by the Environment Agency, ABP and North East Lincolnshire Council.
Due to the enormous economic importance of the Humber Estuary and the scale of tidal flood risk, the Environment Agency and 12 local authorities are working in partnership to develop a strategy that will address the risk and enable sustainable growth now and for the next 100 years.
People can report flooding via the Environment Agency Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
Over the past decade, millions of pounds of investment has been made in flood defences in the area, including:
* Concrete wave walls installed around the port between 2013 and 2016, at a cost of £19m
* River Freshney flood alleviation scheme which diverts water to a storage reservoir, away from people’s homes. It benefits the Willows estate and properties next to the river downstream. It was constructed in 2000, with improvements in 2012
* A £1.5m rock groyne was completed in 2017 to re-establish sand levels on the North Promenade beach in Cleethorpes and reduce the impact of the waves hitting the sea wall
* Since 2011, more than £1m has been spent on reinforcing the coastal defences at the Humberston Fitties
Grimsby is one of 25 pilot projects to have received a share of the £150-million Defra-funded Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Project.
* Available (£2) as an e-book via Kindle:
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| Cllr Ron Shepherd - council determined to crack down on fly-tippers |
NORTH East Lincolnshire Council has secured the conviction of a man after his car was used to fly-tip waste at a bring to recycling bank in Grimsby.
Wayne Kiss(37), of Wroxham Avenue, Grimsby, pleaded guilty to an offence under the Environmental Protection Act.
The offence dates back to April 2 last year when the defendant's black Citroen C2 vehicle was caught on CCTV arriving at Fisherman’s Wharf.
An occupant of the car took cardboard boxes from the vehicle, dumped them next to the recycling bins, then drove away.
The person fly-tipping the rubbish could not be identified from the footage, but enforcement officers were able to trace the vehicle to the defendant.
He was sent a fixed penalty notice on November 24 last year but, after failing to pay the fine, he was summonsed to appeared before Grimsby magistrates on December 9.
The Bench fined Kiss £200 and ordered him to pay a £34 victim surcharge but did not order him to pay a contribution towards costs because he had spent a day in custody.
Following the case, Cllr Ron Shepherd, NELC's portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, commented:
"We will not tolerate fly-tipping in our borough.
"All incidents are investigated and, where there is enough evidence, we will take legal action."
He continued: "Even where a person does not personally fly-tip waste, he or she is responsible in the eyes of the law should their vehicle be used by anyone to transport waste that is found to have been illegally dumped.
"It costs taxpayers in North East Lincolnshire tens of thousands of pounds each year to clear up illegally dumped waste.
"The rubbish could easily have been taken to the tip for free and disposed of correctly - there was no need to dump it."
* Over the years, Fisherman’s Wharf has regularly attracted fly-tippers. For that reason, the recycling bank was removed in May last year.
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| Pledge on new wetland habitat if homes project is approved |
The location is a site to the south of Millennium Farm, off Humberston Avenue, where Persimmon, along with its subsidiary, Charles Church, have been building out a huge new estate.
The latest application has been submitted by Tetney-based S & M Hewson, a partner of Persimmon in the earlier project.
A report from Hewsons' consultants, Addison Planning, states: "The design of the scheme shall seek significantly to enhance the ecological base line of the site through the following measures:
• Bat bricks and bat boxes - bat bricks in at least 15 per cent of houses and enhanced bat foraging habitat through the proposed landscaping scheme
• Installation of swift boxes and sparrow terraces on 15 per cent of houses combined.
• Installation of a variety of other nest-boxes/nesting features, for species including, barn owl, barn swallow, house martin, house sparrow and tree sparrow in conjunction with the woodland elements of the planting scheme
• Creation of wetland habitats, including ponds, as part of the sustainable urban drainage solution for the site
• Detailed landscaping solutions to comprise retention and enhancement of mixed native hedgerows and locally native trees, shrub, hedge plants and wildflowers of high biodiversity value.
• Sensitively-designed lighting schemes to minimise ecological impact.
Unfortunately, no mitigation is proposed by Addison for skylarks and yellowhammers, which, as open countryside species, will inevitably be lost to any development.
The report concludes: "The driving principle of the development is to create a sustainable development and extension to the existing development (by Persimmon Homes) at Millennium Farm.
"The intention is to incorporate self-build plots, affordable homes, properies for over 55’s and significant enhancements in biodiversity while providing open amenity space and reinforcing local distinctiveness through the design approach."
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| Osprey says it hopes to create PR 'buzz' with EV charging points |
EIGHT "ultra-rapid" vehicle charging points could soon be installed in Cleethorpes.
A London-based company called Osprey has earmarked land near the entrance to the southern car park of Meridian Point Retail Park for the project.
It says: "Our proposal will serve as a vital piece of new infrastructure for both locals and for visitors.
"Further, it will serve to increase footfall at the retail park.
"To that end, we are seeking planning permission from North East Lincolnshire Council for the erection of a substation, eight ultra-rapid electric vehicle chargers and associated electrical equipment."
It continues: "The proposed development will have minimal visual impact as the chargers and associated infrastructure are limited to 2.3 metres in height."
"It is our intention to make the development at Meridian Point Retail Park one of our flagship hub sites in the UK which will create a huge buzz and PR focus in the area.
"Osprey has already have completed in excess of 200 sites around Britain.
"While electric vehicles currently only account for 2.9 per cent of the vehicles on UK roads, that number is expected to rise to over 30 per cent by 2030.
"Not all homes and EV drivers will have access to off-street parking, and they will be reliant on affordable and accessible public charging infrastructure.
"Customers will have an option to simply use contactless payment, an app or a subscription service."
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| On site tree expert will monitor welfare of trees during flood defence project |
There is an existing concrete block wall situated on the south-east bank of the beck, but an engineering report suggests that this "may not be relied upon due to its condition".
On behalf of the Environment Agency, the work will be carried out by contractors Arup.
There is a complication because this strip earmarked for the works is home to a row of rare black poplars - the species that features in John Constable's famous painting, The Haywain.
However, although some root pruning may be required, every effort will be made to safeguard the trees which are an important part of the street scene.
A report states: "The line of trees along Buck Beck is a feature in the landscape being seen from Hewitt's Avenue as the backdrop to Tesco's Superstore and industrial units on Wilton Road.
"The trees also provide a strong visible feature from Humberston Road, particularly The Pear Tree public house.
"A supervising arborist will be on site at all times to oversee the excavation works and ensure there is no unnecessary root damage.
"The method statement is clear that the pruning of roots with a diameter greater than 25mm will require the agreement of both the supervising arborist and North East Lincolnshire Council's trees officer, Paul Chaplin."
It is understood Mr Chaplin will make a site visit once a day in order to liaise with the supervising arborist and monitor the works in progress.
The project will be undertaken near the Robert Abey furniture showroom and should provide reassurance both to this firm and to others with premises on the trading estate.
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| Council is hoping to revitalise market trading during 2023 |
FOOTFALL levels at Grimsby Top Town's indoor market are under review pending the crucial Christmas trading period.
So says North East Lincolnshire Council as it considers way to stimulate activity in 2023.
A report says: "The New Year is a difficult period for market traders and the Council will be working closely with traders to assist them to a Spring recovery.
"Marketing and social media activity will continue to promote the market, to drive footfall and to attract new traders such as haberdashery, pet stalls, hairdressers/ barbers, tattooists, fabrics and niche food items."
At the beginning of last year, it was acknowledged that traders were facing significantly difficult trading conditions.
The National Market Trader Federation and the local Market Management team met to discuss the challenges what supporte might be on offer.
At this time last year, occupancy at Grimsby Top Town Market was 55.29 per cent, with 47 occupied stalls.
However, footfall figures were down by 52.4 per cent compared with pre-pandemic footfall in 2019.
In response, a rent incentive scheme to attract new traders was introduced in March 2022.
The scheme is based on a four-month period at 50 per cent rent, two months at 75 per cent rent and, after six months, the trader would pay full rent.
Since its launch the scheme, the market has attracted seven new traders, five of which are still trading but subsequently two ceased trading due to their businesses not being viable.
As of last November and December, occupancy stood at 49 per cent.
NORTH East Lincolnshire planners have approved installation of a net at Waltham Windmill Golf Club to reduce the chance of nearby residents being struck in their gardens by errant balls.
The go-ahead came despite concerns that birds and bats might be put at risk of inadvertently being trapped in the net which will measure 6.5-metre high by 10 metres wide.
The consent is for five years only to allow newly-planted trees and hedging - which will provide better protection for householders - to reach maturity.
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| Soon to be replaced - the old synthetic pitch has been out of use for many years |
PLANS for a football ‘hub’ on land in Grimsby have been finalised, thanks to an injection of money from the Premier League, The FA and the Football Foundation.
A bid for £1.5m to the Football Foundation to support the new Clee Fields project has been approved, so, along with the money from North East Lincolnshire Council’s capital projects budget, the work can create new facilities.
Two new all-year 3G pitches, both suitable for football and one suitable for rugby, will be laid to replace the old synthetic pitches that have been out of use for several years.
As part of the same project, new changing facilities will be created alongside a larger car park and additional security fencing.
Air source heat pumps, solar panels and LED lighting will be used in the scheme as part of the Council’s ongoing pledge to reduce carbon output in its projects.
Planning permission for the scheme was granted earlier this year since when work has been ongoing to secure contractors.
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| The new fountain has been winning plaudits for its sound as well as appearance. It is also oxygenating the surrounding water to the benefit of fish and other wildlife. |
IT looks like elements of the proposed revamp of Grimsby's Riverhead Square may either have to be shelved or scrapped altogether.
These include:
* A nesting island for waterbirds
* Water planting
* Sculpture/ art
* Events stage and canopy
According to a report to councillors, these are probably "unachievable" within the £3.3-million budget.
The document notes that to include them at this stage could cause the project to stall, but one or more might go ahead if the other works come in under budget.
On the plus side, the fountain has been installed and has been receiving plenty of favourable comment from passers-by.
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AN attempt by North East Lincolnshire Council to get tough with motor giant Kia UK has backfired.
The authority decided to take enforcement action after floodlighting columns were installed on Kia-occupied land to the rear of Paragon House, off Kiln Lane in Stallingborough.
NELC deemed that the lighting, installed for security reasons, would have an adverse impact both on residents and on wildlife - for instance, bats and the birds that over-winter in the Humber Estuary.
But the company, which has South Korean owners, contested the action by lodging an appeal with an independent inspector.
After investigating the matter, the inspector acknowleged that lighting "spill" might be harmful, but he said this could be addressed by adjusting the intensity and colour balance of the lighting and installing shields to control any light spill beyond the site boundary.
In his report, he says: "The appeal is allowed, the enforcement notice is quashed and planning permission is granted."
However, the victory is not total for Kia. They will still have to adjust the lighting as stipulated by the inspector.
The Grimsby News says: A lot of time and expense could have been spared if common sense had prevailed without the need for an intervention by an independent inspector. This matter could quite easily have been resolved if the two parties had sought an amicable compromise. Instead, stubborness ruled the day and both, particularly NELC, have ended up looking somewhat foolish.
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| Waltham Windmill Golf Course - neighbours are divided over netting plan |
NEIGHBOURS in a leafy part of Waltham have fallen out over proposals for a temporary golf ball impact net to be installed on the village golf course.
Waltham Windmill Golf Club, on Cheapside, is concerned that, sooner or later, a poorly-directed ball will cause injury or worse to an occupant of one of the neighbouring properties.
Over the years, there have been many near-misses and some residents, of Golf Course Lane, are enthusiastic about the plan even though the net - 6.5 metres tall and 10 metres wide - would do nothing to improve the outlook from their windows.
However, others are strongly opposed, fearing that balls might be 'trampolined' in their direction or cause noise nuisance either if they collide with the tubular steel supports or if the net flaps in the wind.
There is also a worry that birds or bats could be fatally injured if they fly into the netting.
The golf club hopes that the net will be a temporary measure while trees are planted to provide a more long-term solution.
The application will be determined at Wednesday's meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council planning committee with a recommendation by case officer Richard Limmer that it should be approved.
Says he in his report: "In regard to the impacts on neighbours' amenities it is considered that, due to the size, type and position of the proposed netting, it would not have an unduly detrimental impact on the neighbours' residential amenities.
"Comments have been made in regard to the proposed netting displacing stray golf balls by acting as a trampoline.
"The details supplied for the netting demonstrate that it would be slack and so would absorb the power from the ball and make it drop to the base of the net.
"It is also noted that the NELC Environmental Health team have been involved with the golf club and neighbours to resolve health and safety complaints due to the stray golf balls.
"The team has reviewed the application and support the proposed net to address the concerns raised to them.
"The support from the immediate neighbours is also noted.
"Concerns have been raised in regard to the potential impact on ecology due to the net catching birds and bats.
"The application has been considered by the council ecologist and no objections have been raised on the basis the proposal would not cause ecological issues.
"The proposed netting is a temporary measure and of a modest scale. It is positioned in an open area away from flight paths for birds and bats.
"In conclusion, it is considered that the proposed netting would not cause undue harm to the visual character of the area, neighbours amenities or ecology.
"It is a temporary measure to resolve a health and safety issue and is recommended for approval."
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| Cleethorpes architects Hodsons have supplied this image of the proposed fencing |
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| Netting, along with fencing (as here at a school in Cleethorpes), is perilous to birds and bats |
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| Crime scene? One of the Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue team investigates. |
DISTRESS and outrage has been sounded by Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue after an incident yesterday in which a young mute swan lost its life in barbaric circumstances.
The cygnet was reportedly savaged to death by two off-the-lead dogs alongside a dyke on the Tetney trail bordering the RSPB reserve.
CWR has since issued the following statement: "After a long walk to the location, we found that the cygnet had already passed away from the extremely severe injuries it had sustained in the attack.
"The bird had been left in a terrible way, and our photographs from this call-out are too graphic to share."
"This is certainly a cause for concern and we remind dog walkers that, should your animal not be correctly trained in recall, it should never be off lead.
"This is a precaution for the safety of wildlife, public and other dogs.
"Dog owners also have a legal responsibility under the Dangerous Dogs Act to keep their dog under control in a public place."
CWR has evidence of the attack and has reported this matter to the wildlife crimes officer at Humberside police.
It has urged any witnesses to the attack to do the same at:
https://beta.humberside.police.uk/.../report-wildlife-crime/
the statement concludes: "This case is one of the worst attacks on wildlife we have seen during our time as a rescue, and this cygnet will have died in terror and tremendous pain."
