Thursday 27 April 2023

Police asked to investigate 'perverse' attempts to humiliate Grimsby Town's chief executive

                                             

Blundell Park home of Grimsby Town FC whose chief executive has been subject to abuse (photo: GTFC)

THE  police have been alerted by Grimsby Town FC over allegedly "malicious comments" posted online via Twitter.

These have proved hurtful to staff - especially to the main target of hostility, the club's chief executive, Debbie Cook.

This afternoon, the club posted the following statement: "We recognise our supporters and the wider community wish to be able to have a say with regards to the running of their club, and we welcome the opportunity to engage through all channels.

"However, over the last few weeks, several of our staff and members of the Mariners Trust have been subjected to malicious comments through an anonymous Twitter account.

"In particular, Debbie Cook, our chief executive, has been personally targeted in a misogynistic and demeaning manner.

"We are sickened and appalled by the comments, some of which have been of a sexual, derogatory and discriminatory nature.  

"Many of the tweets have been perverse, degrading and targeted in a way to undermine and humiliate Debbie."

The statement continues: "In legal terms, this behaviour amounts to harassment and is something that the club condemns in the strongest terms. 

"Harassment and discrimination of any sort, whether it is face to face or through social media platforms will not be tolerated.

"There is no place for it in football, and it goes against all of our club values.

"We have reported the matter to the police who are investigating who is behind the Twitter account. 

"We will continue to work with the authorities to support the investigation and once an individual has been identified, apart from any criminal proceedings, the club will also take the strongest possible action.

"We have advised Debbie to disable her Twitter account until this matter has been dealt with."

The statement concludes: "Debbie continues to have our full support in taking our club forward and we wish to express our thanks to her for the steps she is taking to make GTFC a more progressive football club."

Digging deep! More than a thousand Freedom of Information requests submitted to council during 2022


A TOTAL of 1,083 Freedom of Information requests were fielded by North East Lincolnshire Council during 2022.

Of these, 94 per cent were responded to within 20 working days. 

This information is revealed in a report to a meeting earlier this month of the authority's audit and governance committee.

Corresponding figures for  previous  years' FoI  requests are as follows:

2021: 1,010 

2020: 1,092 

2019: 1,418 

2018: 1,433 

2017: 1,285 

The report states: "Volumes are consistent with the last two years, but lower than the volumes received pre the Covid lockdown.

"No reason can be directly attributed for this reduction of circa 20 per cent  on pre-2020 figures."

Wednesday 26 April 2023

'Fantastic' trading reported by boss of UK hotel chain which has premises in Cleethorpes and Grimsby

 


Always busy - the Premier Inn in Cleethorpes


AN upbeat note on trading has been sounded by Dominic Paul, chief executive of Whitbread whose portfolio of 840 UK Premier Inns includes the ones in Cleethorpes and Grimsby.

In a statement this week, he said the latest figures were "fantastic", with profits significantly higher than they were before the pandemic.

Both local Premier Inns are always busy, and their market position  has been strengthened here, as elsewhere, by shrinkage in the independent sector.

Up to 12 guest houses in our area have closed over the past couple of years, with the decline set to continue.

In Cleethorpes, there is adjacent land on which to expand, but the company is monitoring local economic conditions before taking the plunge.

It might be less inclined to invest if a proposed holiday lodge development at the nearby former Pleasure Island site gluts the market for short-term accommodation.

UK-wide, Premier has more than 83,500 rooms and employs more than  40,000 staff.

It is seeking to expand further not just here but also in German where it currently has 18 hotels.



Tuesday 25 April 2023

Sell-off of Humberston Fitties chalet park was 'almighty clanger' says Cleethorpes councillor

     

Cllr Parkinson - were prime tourism sites sold too cheaply?

A LONG-SERVING Cleethorpes councillor has claimed the sell-off by North East Lincolnshire Council of the Humberston Fitties chalet park was an "almighty clanger".

At a meeting of the borough's audit and governance committee, Cllr Bill Parkinson went on to demand far more rigorous market scrutiny in future before the authority sold off its assets.

"My understanding is that we could have secured twice the amount that was paid by Tingdene to acquire the site," he declared.

The transaction went through when the council was under Labour control, and the then leader, Cllr Chris Shaw, deemed the Fitties a non-core asset and hence ripe for disposal.

Cllr Parkinson claimed there had been another "clanger" - namely the sell-off many years earlier, probably in the 1990s, of the land where the former Pleasure Island theme park is situated.

"How did that go through?" he demanded. "I never was able to find out.

"That's two extensive areas of prime tourism land that have passed from our hands."

The comments came after his Conservative colleague, Cllr Keith Brookes, who also represents the Haverstoe ward, warned of the risks of selling off "the family silver."

However, a different perspective came from other councillors who said NELC needed to sell off assets, such as surplus buildings, rather than allowing them to fall into disuse and decay.

Another Conservative member of the committee, Cllr Hayden Dawkins, referred to one instance where the council had been so tardy in the process of selling one site that the prospective purchaser was obliged to pull out of the deal because an offer of external funding had been withdrawn.

The Grimsby News says: Cllr Parkinson is being unfair to the council on which he serves. There was no clamour of opposition when the Fitties chalet park was put on the market because it was well known at the time that the site required major capital investment that NELC could ill afford. There was nothing amiss about the marketing, and other companies explored purchase options but, for whatever reason, decided not to proceed. Tingdene decided to take the risk and doubtless paid what, at the time, was undoubtedly deemed a full and fair price.  


Sunday 23 April 2023

Coach company National Express resumes city services from Grimsby and Cleethorpes

                                                              

Coach services to Birmingham (above) and London have been relaunched from Grimsby and Cleethorpes 

WELCOME back, National Express!

Following a three-year absence, the coach company is now running services from Grimsby/ Cleethorpes to London and/or  Birmingham - also serving  Louth, Lincoln, Leicester and Nottingham.

The 151 service, which started on Monday 3 April, runs from Osbourne Street in Grimsby – stopping at Cleethorpes, Louth, Wragby, Lincoln, Newark-on-Trent, Leicester and finishing at Birmingham Coach Station. 

There is also a return service for these locations. 

The 452 service will serve Osbourne Street in Grimsby - stopping at Cleethorpes, New Waltham, Louth, Wragby, Lincoln, Nottingham and finishing at London Victoria Coach Station. 

There will also be a return service for these locations. 

This service will commence from Friday 28 April and tickets are available to purchase now.

Says Ed Rickard of  National Express: "More and more customers are turning to coach travel as an affordable, reliable and sustainable way to get around. 

"We aree thrilled to bring our services back to Grimsby, offering residents better connectivity and choice of transport to help them get to where they need to be."

To make a booking, or to find out more information about the timetables and routes, visit their website at http://nationalexpress.com


Saturday 22 April 2023

To celebrate National Earth Day, council publishes photographs of scenic sites in and around Grimsby

                                                                

River Freshney - precious home to fish, aquatic insects and waterbirds  

THE fact that today, Saturday April 22, has been designated National Earth Day and has not gone unnoticed by North East Lincolnshire Council.

It has put out a statement which reads: "From wetlands to woodlands and from rivers to parks, our borough is home to many rich and diverse habitats, and some are internationally important."

The authority has also released on its website photographs, by Double Red,  of some of the scenic spots in and around Grimsby.


The beach at Humberston -  feeding and roosting habitat of numerous shorebirds, especially in autumn and winter 

Bradley Woods - photo by Double Red
Bradley Woods is our area’s only ancient woodland. It’s been here for more than 1,000 years. From beetles to bats, many species rely on this unique habitat. 



Friday 21 April 2023

Cleethorpes Promenade set for weekend pummelling from high tides and strong easterly winds

 

 

Cleethorpes seafront and stretches of the Humber Bank could be in line for a battering over the weekend as the result of high tides and strong easterly winds. Pictured is the scene yesterday evening with one cyclist taking an unexpected soaking as she pedalled along the prom.
                                          

                                                                         

Celebrating a special bird - council eager to spread the word that today is World Curlew Day

 

 


Plaudits to North East Lincolnshire Council for celebrating World Curlew Day which is today, April 21. The authority's communications department has gone to the trouble of putting out a press release which highlights the fact that, outside the breeding season, this remarkable species is often to be seen feeding in suitable habitat, such as estuarine mud, around Cleethorpes, Grimsby and Immingham.

Thursday 20 April 2023

Cleethorpes man keen to bring landmark church back into use as apartments

 

Historic building could be brought back into use if planning application is approved 



A DECISION is expected next week on the latest application to convert the  Beaconthorpe Methodist Church in Cleethorpes.

Local man David Beard is seeking to change the use of the former place of worship  to six apartments including mezzanine accommodation on the first and second floors.

However, heritage and architectural commentators have expressed concerns about the impact on a fine Grade II Listed building.

There are also misgivings about flood risk in the event of a tidal surge because the property is not far from the Humber Bank.

The proposal is due to be determined at next Wednesday's meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee.  

Tuesday 18 April 2023

In honour of the King Charles III: Council reveals roads set to be closed for Coronation parties

                                                      


SEVERAL roads in North East Lincolnshire will be closed to support celebrations and street parties for the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

The Coronation will take place on the morning of Saturday 6 May at Westminster Abbey. 

Tens of thousands of people are expected to visit the capital city to experience this unique and historic occasion, with millions more watching from home, across the UK and around the globe.

Between Saturday 6 May to Monday 8 May, a number of road closures will be in place as communities in North East Lincolnshire come together to celebrate.

There will be a small road closure on Alexandra Road, from Yarra Road junction up to Sea View Street mini roundabout, on Saturday 6 May. 

Organised by the Armed Forces Major Events Team (AFMET), people are invited to celebrate from 3.30pm on Saturday 6 May at The Knoll in Cleethorpes. 

There will be live music and fireworks. Bring your family and friends and enjoy a picnic.

Waltham Windmill will also be celebrating on Sunday 7 May, between 11am and 3pm, with train rides, face painting, ice creams, picnics and more. No vehicles will be allowed on site.

The following streets will also be closed for street parties:

Saturday 6 May

Bassett Road, Cleethorpes

Sunday 7 May

Crowhill Avenue, Cleethorpes

Signhills Avenue, Cleethorpes

Woodsley Avenue, Cleethorpes

St Mathew’s Road, Humberston

Achille Road, Grimsby

Sanctuary Way, Grimsby

Monday 8 May

Reston Court, Cleethorpes

 .

Solar planners to be installed on holiday park amenity buildings if councillors give the planning thumbs-up

 

Solar panels could soon be installed on amenity buildings at Thorpe Park holiday centre in Humberston. North East Lincolnshire planners are expected to grant consent a meeting later this month, though there have been some objections about a potentially adverse consequences from glare plus impact on ecology and the neighbouring Fitties conservation area. 

Monday 17 April 2023

Delight for more than 98 per cent of parents/carers over allocation of primary school places

Pupils at Signhills School - a longtime favourite with Cleethorpes parents and carers


PARENTS and carers of children who are due to start at infants or primary school for the first time in September have been notified of their child’s school place allocation decision.

A total of 1,489 applications were received for children living in North East Lincolnshire.

 Of those, 98.12 per cent were offered their 1st preference school and 1.48 per cent were offered their 2nd preference. 

A few - 0.4% of applicants - were not offered any of their preferred schools and were allocated a place at their catchment or next nearest school with availability.

Any late applications or changes to previously submitted preferences will be considered at a second round of allocation next month.

Says a NELC spokesperson: "The allocation of school places can be quite a complex task. 

"While the vast majority of students have been allocated their first preference, there will be some who are perhaps unhappy with their allocation.

“Any parents or carers who have not received their preferred school will be sent information and advice on how they can appeal."

Information about the application process is available on the Council’s website at: www.nelincs.gov.uk/school-admissions.

Friday 14 April 2023

RSPB's 2023 survey reveals house sparrow to be most common species in Lincolnshire gardens

 

Top of the tree - house sparrows in Grimsby garden

THE most common garden bird in Greater Lincolnshire, including the Grimsby area, is the house sparrow.

So says the RSPB which has today published the results of its 2023 Big Garden Watch survey conducted in January.

The Top 30 list for Lincolnshire is as follows:

1 House sparrow 

2 Starling

3 Blackbird

4 Woodpigeon 

5 Blue tit

6 Goldfinch 

7 Robin 

8 Collared dove 

9 Great tit

10 Chaffinch

11 Dunnock 

12 Long-tailed tit 

13 Jackdaw 

14 Magpie 

15 Feral pigeon 

16 Carrion crow 

17 Greenfinch 

18 Wren 

19 Coal tit 

20 Black-headed gull 

21 Song thrush 

22 Pheasant 

23 Rook 

24 Common gull

25 Tree sparrow

26 Great spotted woodpecker 

27 Fieldfare 

28 Pied wagtail 

29 Herring gull

30 Buzzard 



Thursday 13 April 2023

Council set to get to grips with pollution nuisance that is causing harm to Cleethorpes wildlife

                                                                  

The Marine Walk car park where some thoughtless  motorhome occupants are thought to have been causing harm to the water in Buck Beck outfall

A PROSPECTIVE ban on motorhomes on Marine Walk in Cleethorpes could help bring an end to an unsavoury practice by some of their occupants.

It has long been of concern, especially to North East Lincolnshire Council's ecology  unit,  that it has become a regular practice of environmentally-insensitive visitors to empty the contents of their chemical loos into the waters of the adjacent Buck Beck outfall.

This pollutes the water to the detriment of fish, aquatic insects and the birds, such as egrets, kingfishers and redshank, that that feed on them.

The chemically-treated waste also contributes to deterioration of the bating water, both in Cleethorpes and Humberston.

However, North East Lincolnshire Council is soon set to install height barriers to prevent access by motorhomes and similarly tall vehicles.

The restriction  should also have the benefit of creating more space for cars.


 

Wise bird! Rare Alpine swift prefers to be in Cleethorpes than in sunny Mediterranean climes

High in the sky, the rare bird whizzes past

                                                                      

A RARE bird that should be in the Mediterranean has been spotted in Cleethorpes.

The Alpine swift winters in South Africa and flies north to breed in Spain, Italy, Portugal and other sunny climes.

But this bird has overshot its range and has been seen circling the water tower,  Chapman's pond , the Suggitts Lane footbridge and Blundell Park.

It was first detected by longstanding Cleethorpes birder John Nelson at about 10.30am yesterday.

He put out the word, and it has since attracted a steady audience of admirers, impressed with its aeronautical acrobatics.

"It's a fine bird, and seems to be in good condition, so its obviously finding enough flying insects to feed on," says John. "Despite the cold wind, it seems happy to be  in Cleethorpes."  

Scythe-shaped wings - the Alpine swift streaks past

The bird's speed of flight makes photographing it a challenge for these local birders 

How the bird appears in the recently-published (and authoritative) 3rd Edition of Collins Bird Guide

                                                       


Tuesday 11 April 2023

Ports company ABP keen to erect three giant wind turbines on docks estate in Immingham

Bird's eye view of the docks - but the view will change if turbines are installed (photo: ABP)



THE skyline in Immingham is set to be transformed if a proposal by ABP goes ahead.

The ports giant has unveiled plans to install three giant turbines on its docks estate in the town.

Measuring as high as 150 metres from ground to top of the blade, the turbines will be similar to the four proposed at its other site near Grimsby's dock tower.

In advance of submitting a formal planning application, the company's agents are carrying out consultations and research on any potential impact - for instance, on the wealth of birdlife that feeds on the mudflats of the Humber.
                                               


Monday 10 April 2023

World Heritage Site status beckons for Grimsby as part of 'East Atlantic Flyway' for migrating shorebirds

In winter, waders such as these knot, are conspicuous on Cleethorpes beach

 

GRIMSBY and other East Coast locations are along a route being proposed as a World Heritage Site.

The East Atlantic Flyway - used by millions of  migrating birds - is one of the candidates submitted to Unesco.

The Government says it supports the nomination "in recognition of its vital importance to bird populations and wildlife".

The flyway stretches from North East Canada, where many wetland birds (such as ducks, geese, swans and waders) breed, all the way to warmer climes in South Africa where some spend winter.

En route, many of these birds (such as dunlin, knot and sanderling) take an extended feeding and resting break, on sandflats and mudflats in Cleethorpes, Grimsby, Humberston and Immingham as well as at coastal sites in Yorkshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and the Thames Estuary.

There are already bird sanctuaries - for instance, in  China and Senegal - on the existing Unesco list, but, if approved, this flyway would be the first bird route to be recognised.

                                          



Cleethorpes black swan opts for a bit of Bank Holiday peace and quiet by relocating to Humberston Fitties pools

 


A black swan that has intermittently been spending time on Cleethorpes Boating Lake since last summer has relocated, at least temporarily, to the pools at Humberston Fitties - part of the RSPB's Tetney Marshes nature reserve. Its new habitat is prone to less human disturbance than occurs at the boating lake.



Sunday 9 April 2023

Cleethorpes guesthouse could be converted to seven bedsitters if council planners give green light

 ANOTHER Cleethorpes guesthouse could soon be lost.

An application has been submitted by Leicester man Damien Cheeseman for change of use of Claydens Hotel at 6 Isaacs Hill to a house in multiple occupation.

If North East Lincolnshire Council planners grant consent, the property will be converted to bedsitters. 



Friday 7 April 2023

Samples taken by zoologists may establish what led to demise of whale washed up on Cleethorpes Beach

                                                               

Bank Holiday sadness as whale is washed up on Cleethorpes Beach  

 

THE public have been urged to stay away from a dead sperm whale washed up on  Cleethorpes Beach near the pier should it reappear when the tide goes out. 

Teams from the Coastguard, Humberside Police, British British Divers Marine Life Rescue and Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue were among those who attended for much of this afternoon until the creature was submerged by the incoming tide.

The Cetacean Stranding Investigation Programme have been notified and zoologists are expected to take samples over the rest of the bank holiday in attempt to assess the age of the creature and likely cause of death. 

Collision with a vessel, starvation, pollution and disease are among the possibilities. 

The photo above was posted on Facebook by Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue. 

It is understood that there may also be CCTV footage from beach cameras.

Thursday 6 April 2023

Spotted on Cleethorpes seafront - private transport of the past (and perhaps of the future)


How sweet! A reader has submitted this picture she snapped on Cleethorpes seafront of a beautifully-maintained motorcycle and sidecar of doubtless vintage heritage. Back in the 1950s and 1960s, they were commonplace on Britain's roads, but then they fell from favour. Who knows, perhaps a comeback beckons?



 

Wednesday 5 April 2023

Council set to trial seafront site in Cleethorpes for 10 parking places for motorhomes.

                                               

Council keen to discourage illicit parking on land off Marine Walk, Cleethorpes (the perched bird, incidentally, is a carrion crow)

A DESIGNATED  parking place for motorhomes is likely soon to be  trialled by North East Lincolnshire Council.

The pilot scheme would see 10 parking spaces, with defined parking areas laid out with wooden logs, created on the southern part of the 500-space Thrunscoe Land car park in Cleethorpes, specifically a hard-standing area near to the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway. 

The area would include new post indicators and signs displayed, as well as new parking fees introduced at a proposed £12 for 24 hours, with a maximum stay of 48 hours.

This pilot is designed to stop the unauthorised use of Marine Walk car park which has been an ongoing issue for some years. 

Over the summer of 2021 and 2022, joint enforcement was carried out between the council and Humberside Police to deter motorhome owners from inappropriately or illegally using the car park.

The council has consulted with a number of local authorities to understand how they manage similar parking challenges.

With the number of motorhome owners rising in recent years and the provision of suitable car parking in greater demand, this trial would see a facility solely dedicated to accommodating motorhomes for short duration stays and would encourage more visitors to the resort, in turn, contributing to the local economy and enabling a wider contribution to the visitor economy.

To deter the unauthorised encampments at Marine Walk car park, a height restrictor, new signs and line markings are set to be installed.


58 candidates battling to win (or retain) seat on North East Lincolnshire Council come May 4 poll


Grimsby Auditorium where the count will be held on the night of May 4 - some candidates will go home elated, but, alas,  most will leave dejected

A TOTAL of  58 candidates will be battling to win the hearts and minds of voters over the next four weeks.

The prize: one of the 15 North East Lincolnshire Council seats up for grabs on polling day which is on Thursday May 4.

The candidates, who all submitted their nominations by 4pm yesterday are as follows:


CROFT BAKER

BEST, Julian Darren (TUSC)

CALLISON, Bob (Con)

MORLAND, Malcolm (Lab)


EAST MARSH 

AISTHORPE, Nicola Dawn (Lib-Dem)

COULBECK, Lee (TUSC)

PROCTER, Callum Terence (Con)

RUDD, Kay (Lab)


FRESHNEY

DOWNES, Lyndsey (Ind)

GRIFFITHS, Anna (Con)

KIFF, Mick (Ind)

MILL, Sheldon James (Lab)


HAVERSTOE 

BROOKES, Keith Cyrus (Con)

BROWN, Samantha Jenny-Louise Quibs Spell (Lab)

WARREN, Cameron Robert (TUSC)


HENEAGE 

CROFTS, Trevor Richard (Con)

PATRICK, Matthew David (Labour)

STIFF, John Stephen (TUSC)

YOUNG, Daniel John Lib-Dem)


HUMBERSTON & NEW WALTHAM

SHREEVE, Stanley (Con)

TOWNSEND, Ian Keith (Lab)


IMMINGHAM 

BARTON, Dave (Ind)

NEWTON, Nathan Roy (TUSC)

SWINBURN Karen Doris (Con)

WREXAL HOLBOROW, Sam (Lab)


PARK

AISTHORPE, Ryan Ashley (Lib-Dem)

BOYD, Marian (Con)

DICKSON, Andrew (Green)

KACZMAREK, Edward Thomas Peter (Lab)

MITCHELL, Dave (TUSC)


SCARTHO 

AUGUSTA, Robson Jack (Lab)

LINDLEY, Ian Robert (Con)

POW, Val (TUSC)


SIDNEY SUSSEX 

GEE, Mark Patrick (TUSC)

HAGGIS, Janet (Lab)

VICKERS, Christine Elizabeth (Con)


SOUTH 

BATSON, Karen (Ind)

BRAMLEY, Jane Elizabeth (Ind)

BURCH, Andrew Philip (Con)

GOODWIN, Janet Angela (Lab)

MOULSON, Phillip Andrew (Ind)

WARD, Bill (TUSC)


WALTHAM 

BAILEY, Peter Kenneth (Lab)

Party 26 Skinners Lane, Waltham, DN37 0EU

JACKSON, Philip (Con)

KIRMAN, Lorna Jennifer (Green) 


WEST MARSH 

BARKER, Peter Michael (Ind)

DAVIS, Heather Christine (TUSC)

LAWLESS, Marco (Lib-Dem)

RICHES, Hugh George James (Con)

WATKIN, Keith (Ind)

WILSON, Karl (Lab)


WOLDS

EMMERSON, Loyd Layton (Lib-Dem)

HUDSON, Henry Richard (Con)

KIRMAN, Jonathan Michael (Green)

WHEATON CHAPMAN, Wil Shane  Howard (Lab)


YARBOROUGH 

ABEL, Garry Kenneth (Con)

HENDERSON, Paul Simon (Ind)

TUPLIN, Phil (TUSC)Trade Unionist and Socialist

WATSON, David Aaron (Lab)


*TUSC = Trade Union and Socialist Coalition

Tuesday 4 April 2023

Welcome or unwelcome? Is council getting itself into tangle with latest pronouncement on dog tourism?

 


TALK about mixed messages . . .

North East Lincolnshire Council has today issued a press release which simultaneously seeks a) to encourage dog tourism and b) to discourage dog tourism.

Below is the text which totally contradicts the illustration that accompanies it.  

"Here are three things dog owners can do to give their canine companions the best time in the resort.

"Look after the beach: Cleethorpes has a beautiful beach, let’s keep it that way. Dogs are banned from the main beach from Good Friday to 30 September.

"Look after wildlife: Cleethorpes is internationally important for wading birds. Keep dogs under control and stay on the main footpaths so you don’t disturb the wildlife.

"Look after yourself and your dog: Cleethorpes has fast incoming tides. Leave sand banks six hours before high tide. Stay away from the mud.

"Dogs are not allowed on Cleethorpes beach between the leisure centre and Wonderland groyne from Good Friday to 30 September.

"Signs carrying clear reminders that dogs are not allowed on the beach are prominently displayed in the area where the ban is enforced.

"Dog walkers will be fined £100 if they take their dogs on the restricted section of beach.

"Warning signs about the fines can be found along the promenade and at beach entrances in the restricted area."

"Wherever you take your dog, remember to carry a dog poo bag and pick up after them. Dog walkers will be fined £100 for not picking up their dog’s mess.

"Dog walkers also face a £100 fine if they don’t carry a dog poo bag or other means to pick up after their pet."

All very puzzling. Are dogs welcome? Or are they unwelcome? You decide.

Sunday 2 April 2023

Is stage musicals composer Andrew Lloyd Webber customer of Grimsby-based bird seed merchant?

Is composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (pictured, right, with BBC culture presenter Alan Yentob) a customer of Haith's, the bird seed company based at Europarc on the outskirts of Grimsby? Probably yes judging by these shots snapped recently by a reader while watching a BBC-TV documentary. A box originally used for dispatch of the seed from Haith's is now being used by the co-creator of Jesus Christ, Superstar and many other blockbusting musical shows to store memorabilia.