Imminent departure of The Body Shop from Grimsby will be further setback for ailing town centre

IT was today confirmed that the Grimsby branch of The Body Shop is one of 75 across the UK that will close within the next four to six weeks.

The long-established company is in the hands of administrators after a long period of difficult trading.

The full list of branches set to disappear from town centres is:

* Aylesbury

* Banbury

* Barnstaple

* Basildon

* Battersea

* Bedford

* Beverley

* Bexleyheath

* Blackburn

* Blackpool

* Bournemouth Commercial Rd

* Bolton

* Brixton

* Broughton Park

* Bury

* Camberley

* Carlisle

* Carmarthen

* Chippenham

* Cirencester

* Croydon

* Didcot

* Durham

* East Kilbride

* Edinburgh Gyle Centre

* Edinburgh Princes Mall

* Epsom

* Fareham

* Farnborough

* Glasgow Braehead

* Glasgow Fort

* Glasgow Silverburn

* Glasgow Station

* Grimsby (Victoria Street)

* Halifax

* Harlow

* Hastings

* Hempstead Valley

* High Wycombe

* Huddersfield

* Hull

* Ilford

* Ipswich

* Isle of Wight

* Islington

* Kendal

* Kings Lynn

* Leeds White Rose

* Lewisham Centre

* Lichfield

* Loughborough

* Luton

* Macclesfield

* Middlesbrough

* Morpeth

* Newton Abbot

* Northampton

* Oldham

* Perth

* Peterborough Queensgate

* Portsmouth

* Regent Street

* Salisbury

* Stafford

* Stanstead Airside

* Stratford Upon Avon

* Swansea

* Telford

* Thanet

* Trowbridge

* Wakefield 

* Walthamstow

* Wigan

* Woking

* Wolverhampton

Seven other stores shut earlier this month:

* Surrey Quays (London)

* Oxford Street  (London)

* Canary Wharf (London)

* Cheapside (London)

* Nuneaton

* Ashford 

* Bristol 

As in other towns, the company's departure from Grimsby will create another shop vacancy. 

Death of former Grimsby man who twice stood to become Speaker of House of Commons

                                         

Lord Cormack - long career in politics

A FORMER Grimsby man who was an MP for 40 years has died, aged 84.

Lord Cormack - Patrick Thomas Cormack - started his career as a history teacher at St James School where he had been a pupil, then at secondary schools elsewhere.

A former pupil of Havelock School and later graduate of Hull University, he also taught at secondary schools elsewhere in  the country and spent  a short time as a training and education officer with the Ross Group locally.

When the call of politics came, he stood unsuccessfully as Conservative candidate first in Bolsover in 1964, then (against Anthony Crosland) in Great Grimsby in 1966.

At the 1970 general election, he  stood for the seat of Cannock, and this time was elected,  defeating the incumbent Labour MP Jennie Lee, Aneurin Bevan's widow, with a majority of 1,529.

During his time in the Commons which stretched to 2010, he twice stood to be Speaker, losing out first to Betty Boothroyd, then to Michael Martin.

Cormack married Kathleen Mary MacDonald in 1967, and they had two sons. 

A devout Christian, he listed his recreations in Who's Who as "fighting philistines, walking, visiting old churches and avoiding sitting on fences".

Let the music play on! Council planners hold back on determining controversial holiday village fun project

 

The entertainment village provides  "thrills and action-packed adventure" says Haven in its brochure - but it doesn't mention the noise

ANOTHER summer of intrusive noise beckons for Humberston Fitties residents.

At this week’s planning meeting, North East Lincolnshire councillors deferred a retrospective application by Haven Leisure to retain its entertainment complex at Cleethorpes Beach holiday village - formerly known as Thorpe Park.

This is to permit committee members a site visit - which will be a pre-arranged - to allow them establish the extent to which noise, especially booming pop music from the stage, harms the peace and quiet both of nearby residents and of the Fitties chalet park which sits next door.

The site visit and follow-up planning meeting are probably several months away, so, this summer, it will be carry on regardless for the holiday company.

Even if their retrospective application is ultimately refused, there will be the option of appeal, but this might not be heard until late-2025, allowing for a further season of disruption.

It is not known if Tingdene, the owners of the Fitties chalet park, made any representations about the Haven application.

                              

Great fun for children. Haven are to be commended for bringing investment and jobs to the area - but does that entitle them to disregard the amenities of those living nearby? 

The Grimsby News says:  It looks like the planning committee has bottled the decision. During any forthcoming site visit, the volume from outdoor music will most likely be set low, probably with crooning love songs from a balladeer rather than loud hard rock from the likes of Black Sabbath. And why do the committee members need to be escorted on a formal site visit? Why have they not already done their research individually? The decision should have been made at this week's meeting. Those Fitties residents who objected to the application will rightly feel that the councillors have copped out and that they have been sorely let down.

Ann-Marie has brought a breath of fresh air to a council department whose past has often been rocky

 

Ann-Marie - bringing sunshine to children whose lives have often been dark

"WE must be compassionate, and we must strive always to make  a positive difference."

So says Ann-Marie Matson who took over as Director of Children Service at North East Lincolnshire Council in December.

"We want our children to be the best that they can possibly be." 

The department had been struggling, but, since her arrival, it has become much more purposeful - thanks both to her and to her refreshed leadership team.

It is a very tough job.

The department has to look after children, often with complex needs, when their parents are struggling to cope.

Because of lack of facilities locally, many children have, historically, had to be sent to care homes out of the area for their upkeep and  education - a situation Ms Matson is keen to change.

"Far better to keep children here, in North East Lincolnshire -  in their community with their families and friends." she insists.

The department is currently recruiting caring and energetic children's social workers who share the director's vision.

There are surely few jobs more valuable and more rewarding than helping children, many of them disadvantaged, on the road to a fulfilled and happy future.

Decision likely this week on controversial fun area at Haven Leisure's holiday village in Humberston

 

The entertainments complex which has sparked a long-running controversy

A CRUNCH decision on the controversial outdoor entertainments complex at Thorpe Park holiday village is expected to be made this week.

Operators Haven Leisure are keen to regularise the development which currently does not have the benefit of planning consent.

It consists of:

* Jump tower, jump bag and climbing wall 

* Low Ropes 

* Storage containers 

* Sweet treats unit 

* High ropes 

* Big play area 

* Refurbishment of multi-use games area

* Refurbishment of archery range 

* Crazy golf 

* Container bar and seating area 

* Stage and giant screen 

* Ranger station 

* Activities hub and WCs

* Bungee trampolines 

* Lighting 

* Three-metre acoustic fence  

There are longstanding objections - mostly about noise - from neighbours, including residents of Humberston Fitties. 

Humberston Village Council is also opposed.

However, members of North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee will, at a meeting tomorrow,  Wednesday February 28,  be  recommended to grant retrospective permission 

In a report, the case officer spells out reasons why the project should be approved.

"Attractions such as these are commonplace in other similar complexes," she says. 

"Some of the equipment is reasonably high, but these are somewhat to be expected in a resort area.

"They are set well within a part of the site which includes major buildings and a leisure pool with associated slides. 

"The updating of the park in this manner is not considered to detract visually and, indeed, enhances the facilities and impression of this major resort area. 

"From outside the site, visual intrusion is minimal due to the existing character of the area, existing buildings and structures and landscaping." 

The case officer continues: "Both the host site and Humberston Fitties are located within an allocated resort area, and it is considered that there is an expectation of activities in the surrounding area associated with holiday uses.

"The majority of the comments received have been in relation to the noise of the installed stage with associated loudspeakers. 

"The council's environmental officer has deemed that there would not be an undue impact on neighbouring or local  properties or chalets from the proposal, in particular from the stage."

"With regard to other activities, it must be acknowledged that the site is a well-established holiday park in a resort area and general usage of the leisure activities is not considered detrimental. 

"Neighbouring sites are also holiday areas though it is accepted that the Fitties is a different offering to Thorpe Park and users of this site enjoy and appreciate the more reserved nature of it. 

"This has been taken into account in the negotiations and considerations of noise impact."

"Overall, and taking all representations into account, it is not considered that there are adverse impacts to neighbouring amenity to justify objection to the planning application." 

Ms Davidson concludes: "The application relates to an investment into a major holiday destination in the Cleethorpes area.

"It supports the existing site and supports the visitor economy for the borough. 

"With the appropriate conditions, the proposal is not considered to harm the amenity of the surrounding holiday chalets or the character of the area."

The Grimsby News says: There is something disquieting about the heavy-handed and long-winded, not to say clumsy, way that the planning  officer has made her recommendation. It is almost as if she is trying to persuade herself that it is perfectly all right for chalet occupants on Humberston Fitties to have their longstanding peace and quiet disrupted by their noisy neighbours at the adjoining holiday complex. NELC's planning officers are employed by a developer, Equans, which invariably supports fellow-developers, not infrequently to the detriment of the little man or woman whose interests and welfare may receive lip service but nothing more. This is patently unfair and brings the planning system into disrepute. And why does the planning officer need to make a recommendation at all? Why not just leave the decision to the members of the committee without the need for external bias or persuasion?

                                          

Banging out Abba's hits from yesteryear - but some Fitties residents complain that noise is intrusive 

Objectors win battle to block 42 homes from being built between Waltham and Barnoldby-le-Beck

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build a housing estate on land between Waltham and Barnoldby-le-Beck  has been withdrawn.

There had been strong opposition from nearby residents to a proposal for 42 dwellings to be built on a greenfield site off Waltham Road.

But nearby residents claimed the project would put increased pressure on infrastructure.

Concerns were also expressed that entrance to the proposed estate would increase hazard at a mini roundabout on roads that can become busy.

Both Waltham and Barnoldby-le-Beck parish councillors submitted objections.

North East Lincolnshire Council has confirmed that the application has now been withdrawn, though no reasons have been given.

Council's assurance on Pier Gardens trees - any that are removed 'for safety reasons' will be replaced

Pier Gardens - council says it is mindful of its biodiversity responsibilities

AN assurance has today been given on the fate of the trees and shrubs in Pier Gardens, Cleethorpes

Yesterday, North East Lincolnshire Council confirmed its intention to "change and refresh" the site  to include "new activities for children and a better space for hosting markets and other entertainments".

It also insisted that the historic seafront parkland would remain "a space for quiet contemplation".

NELC's press release prompted the Grimsby News to post a report stating that the proposals put the fate of existing trees and shrubs at risk.

However, the authority has responded,  maintaining that our report contains "inaccuracies".

It states: "We have already done a tree survey of Pier Gardens to ascertain what state all the trees are in.

"If there are trees in the boundary that have died, then we may remove them for safety reasons - they get weaker over time. 

"However, any dead trees that we remove will be replaced."

It continues: "We are obliged to replace any trees that we remove as part of our biodiversity net gain responsibilities.

"We will not be removing trees in favour of 'entertainment venues'. 

"If anything, we will be strengthening our natural assets throughout the process."

Will windfall from part-cancelled HS2 rail project boost prospects of new bus station for Grimsby?

                          

It is unlikely HS2 would have been much benefit to the Grimsby area, so the cancellation funding is a welcome and unexpected windfall.  

IT looks like North East Lincolnshire could be in line for a £119-million windfall from Whitehall following the cancellation of the northern section of the HS2 railway.

It is understood the funding will be allocated over seven years rather than in a single splash-out.

How it is spent will be determined by the council with input from MPs (and possibly residents).

In total, £4.7-billion has been allocated to councils across the Midlands and northern England. 

Options for them to consider include:

* Building new roads and improving junctions

* Installing or expanding mass transit systems

* Improving roads by filling in potholes and better street lighting for personal safety

* Improving journey times for car and bus users by tackling congestion

* Increasing the number of EV chargepoints

* Refurbishing bus and rail stations

* Improving our streets so they are safer to walk children to school 

It is possible NELC will seek clarification if it might be permissible for some of the money to be spent covering the escalating costs of repairs to Grimsby's Corporation Road Bridge.

The authority will also be mindful of calls  for construction of a state-of-the-art bus station in Grimsby town centre.

However, the prospect of new road-building could flash red lights  - especially among those concerned about safeguarding the environment.

The Department of Transport says: "Councils will work with local MPs, and they will be held to account by the Government as well as their communities to make sure the money is spent promptly and effectively.

"Local councils will be expected to publish their delivery plans for which projects they wish to invest in."

                                           

Transport Secretary Mark Harper  - the man overseeing how local authorities splash their cash 

Trees and shrubs in jeopardy as council confirms 'entertainments venue' plan for Pier Gardens

                                               

An uncertain future awaits many of the trees and shrubs in Pier Gardens

IT looks increasingly likely that  dozens of trees and shrubs in Pier Gardens, Cleethorpes, risk being sacrificed in order to create space for entertainments and markets.

Although nothing has been said about loss of greenery,  the proposal for an "entertainments and markets" venue was confirmed today by North East Lincolnshire Council.

It has appointed the consultancy, WSP, to draw up some plans.

The NELC statement claims: "Local residents and businesses want to see the gardens changed and refreshed to include activities."

The intention is for the project to be financed by some £5-million Levelling-up monies from Whitehall.

Says NELC leader Cllr Philip Jackson: "The scope for re-development is vast. 

"The area for regeneration presents a unique opportunity to create a space that will become an attraction for residents and visitors alike. 

"It is an underutilised gem of a space that could offer so much more."

WSP has recently completed projects in Swansea, Lowestoft and Blackburn.

It claims to have a track record of working with coastal communities in delivering projects that change how people feel about spaces in their towns.

Anson Forrester, of WSP, says: "We can’t wait to get going on this project. 

"Cleethorpes is a fabulous resort and can only be enhanced by the work in the gardens. 

"We will be looking for input from local people in to take the works from concept to final design."

A  drop-in session at Cleethorpes Town Hall between 12 noon and 7pm on February 29 will allow residents to learn more about the proposals and express their views.

The Grimsby News says: Has NELC not learnt the recent lessons from Plymouth and Sheffield where, understandably, residents were incandescent with rage when their councils took the chainsaw to  much valued trees and shrubs? For all its 140-year life, Pier Gardens has been a  place where nature and tranquillity have prevailed, a place where robins, wrens and goldfinches sing. Doubtless, the spot could be enhanced and enriched with creative planting and water features - but not by replacing greenery  with concrete and steel. Far better, surely, to keep the site just as envisaged by our thoughtful Victorian forebears.

Bring on the entertainment! Is this what lies in store for the gardens?  

                                  

Sadness at death of Chris Nicholl - a skilful and much admired centre back with Grimsby Town

Chris Nicholl - he will be remembered with respect and affection

THERE is sadness today in Grimsby - as elsewhere in the football world - at the death last Friday of Chris Nicholl.

Aged 77, a former player and assistant manager at Blundell Park,  Nicholl made 70 appearances for the Mariners as centre-back after signing from Southampton in July 1983.

Previously, he had been a stalwart at Aston Villa where he was part of the side that won the Football League in 1975 and 1977.

In one First Division match against Leicester City, he scored all four goals (two of them own goals) in a 2-2 draw! 

He also had playing spells at Witton Albion, Halifax Town and Luton and made 51 appearances for Northern Ireland. 

After a year at Grimsby, as assistant boss to Dave Booth, he returned to Southampton in succession to Lawrie McMenemy and influenced the early careers of Alan Shearer and Matt Le Tissier, but was sacked at the end of the 1990-91 disease.

He later enjoyed a successful spell as manager at Walsall but left football in 2002.

In recent years, he had required care for dementia which he attributed to brain damage caused by frequent heading of the ball.

Joy turned to regret for young motor-cyclists who were said to be causing weekend nuisance on prom

 

Two joyriders who were said to be causing a nuisance on North Promenade, Cleethorpes, this afternoon  got unwelcome comeuppance. First their off-road motor cycle broke down, then the police arrived on the scene to take names and addresses with a view to further action. The machine was later taken away, its ultimate destination likely to be a scrapyard. 

Inna and her daughter have made many friends in Grimsby but they long to hug family in Ukraine

 

The flags flying aloft Grimsby Town Hall say it all - the support for Ukraine continues

ON  the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, North East Lincolnshire Council has issued the following update on the authority’s continuing commitment to the Ukrainian cause.

Many predicted Ukraine’s capital city, Kyiv, would fall within three days but now the war is entering its third year.

People across North East Lincolnshire have taken the people of Ukraine to their hearts and, under the Local Authority Homes for Ukraine scheme, 112 people have arrived in the borough. 

Of these, 54 are now living in homes sponsored by local people.

Inna Rengach moved here in May 2022 with her now six-year-old daughter, Masha. Her family, including her husband, parents and brother, remain in Ukraine.

Initially hosted by a local family, Inna and Masha now have a home of their own, and Masha is now a Year 2 pupil at a Grimsby school.

Masha has a circle of friends and great support from the school, says her mother. 

She attends drama classes, art studio and is learning to swim, and she dreams of playing the guitar one day.

In September 2022, Inna began her role at NELCl as a refugee integration support officer, liaising with families that have moved to the area from Ukraine. She continues that work today.

In July last year, she became a member of the Ukrainian Advisory Panel, supported by Migration Yorkshire, and is continuing her studies at Franklin College in Health and Social Care. 

"My job is to help people and support them," says Inna. "I don’t want them to feel alone, I want them to feel they have support. 

"I help people to start their new life and improve their language." 

Inna’s family remain in the Ukraine and she speaks to them every day by video call. 

She continues: "I am from the city of Odessa in the south of the country. 

"The lives of the Ukrainian people are divided into ‘before’ and ‘after’ the invasion. 

"I often wish I could spend this day with my family and be able to  be hug all of them."

Inna and her daughter like to cook traditional Ukrainian food, listen to Ukrainian music and read Ukrainian bedtime stories. 

"When global changes occur in life that you cannot influence, it makes you think, and reconsider your attitude towards life," she says.

"Every day I wake up with gratitude in my heart to the Lord and the British people for the fact that I and my daughter have the opportunity to live in safety and enjoy every day, for support and new opportunities.

"I believe in the victory of Ukraine because I know how strong and indestructible the spirit of the Ukrainian people is, as well as the support of Ukraine from many allied countries. 

"Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!"

NELC has arranged for refugees to attend  a performance of Carmen by the Ukrainian National Opera, at Grimsby Auditorium on Tuesday of next week, March 5.

NELC's leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, comments: "As a community we have opened our hearts and homes to the people of the Ukraine and we continue to offer support for as long as they need it.

"We thank those sponsors, past and present, who have opened their homes to Ukrainian people since the scheme started in 2022. 

"Not only have they allowed people into their spaces, but they have also been great support networks, helping people to grow and settle in the UK. 

"I know many have formed great friendships and still see each other day to day."

New plea for patience as Corporation Road Bridge repair project rumbles on . . . and on . . . and on

                                   

The bridge has been totally cocooned to exclude dust, rain and debris during the repairs

A NEW plea for patience has been  sounded over the longer-than-expected project to repair Grimsby's Corporation Road Bridge.

Says Cllr Stewart Swinburn, North East Lincolnshire Council's portfolio holder for environment and transport: "I should again  like to thank all of our residents, local businesses and partners for continuing to support the much-needed refurbishing works.

"Closing the bridge for an extended period of time was not an easy decision to make, but it has been necessary in order for this historic structure to be saved.

"If we had chosen not to go ahead with the refurbishment, this 100-year old structure would likely not be around for much longer."

Grit-blasting works to the undersides of the bridge have revealed that more repairs are necessary.

A spokesperson for Spencer Group, the principal contractor, comments: "This bridge has been in place for almost 100-years, and exposed to harsh environmental conditions.

"As blasting works have progressed, it has become clear that the extent of the repairs required are beyond those originally envisaged. 

"This has required further designs to be added to the scope of works in addition to further physical repairs."

No update has been provided on a target date for completion nor the likely size of the final bill.

If you think you can make a contribution to the community, why not stand for the council?

                                           

Your council needs you! 

BRIEFING sessions are to be held  at Grimsby Town Hall for individuals thinking of standing for election to North East Lincolnshire Council on Thursday May 2.

Prospective agents are also urged to attend.

This year, there will be polling in all the borough's 15 wards except for Waltham, West Marsh and Wolds.

Dates of the briefing sessions are:

* March 19 at 5:30pm (pre nomination)

* April 10 at 5:30pm (post nomination)

Subjects to be covered include:

* Election timetable

* Qualifications

* Disqualifications

* Nominations

* Appointment of election, polling and counting agents

* Postal votes - including new rules for postal vote handling

* Digital imprints for printed and online materials - new this year

* Voter ID

* Polling day - explanation of how it will work

* Counting of votes - key dates and times

* Candidates’ expenses.

Says NELC: "If you are thinking of standing as a candidate, particularly if you are new to the nomination and elections process, you are strongly urged to attend the briefing sessions which will last for approximately one hour each."

For more information, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/elections or email elections@nelincs.gov.uk.

Historic Cleethorpes hostelry set to re-open next week with new name and new Blackpool-based ownership

Some hanging baskets (containing real flowers ) would not come amiss, but hats off to Amber Taverns for smartening up the premises no end

 

IT looks like a long-established Cleethorpes hostelry will be re-opening  its doors next week.

Blackpool-based Amber Taverns acquired the former Queen Victoria Hotel just up the road from the town's railway station last year.

Following a major refurbishment over winter, the premises - now renamed The Old Vic - are scheduled for re-opening either on Sunday or Monday.

It is not expected that any celebrity, such as Taylor Swift or David Beckham, will be cutting the ribbon.

In these straitened times, the Lancashire firm is not one for fripperies and frivolous expenditure.

Its strategy is to provide a range of popular drinks in hospitable surroundings, with televised sport for those who like to follow the action.

Says Amber's operations director, Gary Roberts: "We believe that the great British pub should always offer great value for money and be an affordable treat for everyone.

"We want to  create a modern pub that is attractive and welcoming to all customers, driving day and evening footfall and helping to regenerate the area." 

It is understood that, this weekend, staff are being given  final pre-opening training  in the run-up to the big day.  Who will place the bar order?

Most of Amber's pubs are in the Manchester area, but they do have another in Lincolnshire - The Lumley Hotel in Skegness, also close to a railway station, where they host events such as an annual scooter rally.

Prior to the changeover, the pub had most recently traded as The Foundry and, before that, O'Neills, though there were also long spells when the premises was empty.

Its previous owners, North East Lincolnshire Council,  had been considering demolition of the property to open up sea views until  Amber swooped, paying £430,000 for a 99-year lease.

Under the terms of the deal, it is understood NELC will receive an annual ground rent of £2,500 and retain the car park from which it expects to see an additional annual income of between £30,000  and £40,000.

As with the front rooms, it looks like no habitable use has been found for the top-storey space - such a shame

Top decision! Polly quits post at Manchester United to become chief executive at Blundell Park

Polly Bancroft - track record of achievement

                                                       

FOR Manchester United, read Grimsby Town FC!

The Mariners have signed Polly Bancroft from the illustrious  Lancashire club to become Chief Executive in succession to  the departed Debbie Cook.

Town announced the appointment thus: 

We are excited to announce that Polly Bancroft will become the new Chief Executive of Grimsby Town FC at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.

Polly is currently Head of Women’s Football at Manchester United and has made the Red Devils a leading force in the women’s game since her appointment in October 2022.

During her time in the role, she has led strong growth in the revenues and fan base of Manchester United’s women’s team, helped deliver major new facilities at the club’s training ground, and overseen the team’s progress to their first FA Cup final and qualification for the UEFA Champion’s League last season.

Before joining United, Polly was women’s team General Manager at Brighton & Hove Albion, director of the women’s team at Nottingham Forest and also held roles with UEFA and the FA.

Speaking of Polly’s appointment, Mariners Chair Jason Stockwood said: "We are absolutely thrilled for Polly to be joining us. 

"There was a tremendous amount of interest in the role and to have someone of Polly’s calibre and background join us is a real testament to how the club is regarded. 

"We look forward to welcoming Polly and her family to the area and for her starting once the WSL season has concluded." 

Town’s new CEO will oversee most  aspects of the club, including the men’s, women’s and Academy teams and commercial activities.

However, it is not thought she will have  input on  the playing side where manager David Artell continues to hold the reins.

Adam Smith will remain in his role as interim CEO until the end of the season and revert back to Club Secretary once Polly takes up her new position.

A blast of Government propaganda in prospect for hoarding on demolition site opposite Cleethorpes pier

                                                

One of the new graphics proposed for the hoarding on Sea Road

NEW graphics are in prospect for the hoarding that surrounds the site of the demolished Waves pub off Sea Road in Cleethorpes.

The signs depicted below will be an advertisement for the Government's Levelling Up policy, with an additional message  urging passers-by to "love Cleethorpes".

There is also prominent reference to the £18.4-million which has been allocated to:

* Redesign the market place

* Build an eaterie on Sea Road

* Redesign Pier Gardens

More than a year has passed since the funding was announced, but progress has not been fast.

Worryingly, it is not clear if any contractors have yet been appointed.

Last year, there was a competition in which photographers were invited to submit snaps to adorn the hoarding.

Although several entries were selected, none has yet been displayed.

* At a drop-in session in Cleethorpes Town Hall between noon and 7pm next Thursday February 29, residents will be invited to express their views on how they would like the resort to develop.

Does this message make you love Cleethorpes?

                                                

The money is welcome, but the proposed graphics (above and below) are little more than Government propaganda. And will the money be spent wisely - or will it be squandered on PR and consultants?

The Grimsby News says: These graphics are not impressive. They are word-heavy and clunky in design. What is more, many will regard the 'love Cleethorpes' message as both trite and patronising. And why, anyway, are the hoardings still there? Will work ever start (let alone be completed) on the Sea Road development? 

Will scheme spell the end of parking free-for-all that has long been a bugbear outside Toll Bar Academy?

The land within the red box has been earmarked for the proposed car park 

 A NEW car park could be created on  land opposite a New Waltham school if planning consent is granted.

The aim of the proposed 55-vehicle development is to reduce the dangerous  parking mayhem that currently exists on Station Road outside Toll Bar Academy.

It is hoped the scheme will also discourage those wily parents who - to the dismay of residents - have been making use of the new Barratts housing estate known as Wigmore Park.

The new car park would be for both staff and parents dropping off their children's for the day's lessons. It would be illuminated.

There is no indication of whether the site will be actively managed, but the application does note that there will be EV charging points and space for motorcycles.

There could also be some modest landscaping in the form of hedge planting.

If the scheme is approved, a traffic regulation order will be introduced to make it unlawful for motorists to park on Station Road in the vicinity of the school.

NELC is inviting comments from interested parties before making a decision on the planning application.

How the 55-space car park would be laid out. The land was recently used as a compound for the Barratts housing development

Beat that! Council unveils apartment block (with scenic views of river and countryside) for homeless

Council leaders and housing staff prepare to go walkabout in Swan House

                                                                  

A NEW council complex for people without homes and facing difficulties in supporting themselves to live independently has welcomed its first residents.

North East Lincolnshire Council has taken a long-term lease on Swan House - a 29-apartment building on  New Haven Terrace, Grimsby. 

Developed and refurbished privately by entrepreneur Adrian Smith, the building had originally been earmarked as luxury apartments overlooking the River Freshney and Millenium Country Park.

But when sales failed to materialise, North East Lincolnshire Council stepped in to ensure the property did not stand empty.

Says a spokesperson: "This is a welcome alternative to putting those who are eligible for statutory homelessness assistance in bed and breakfast or other alternative and expensive accommodation.

"Clients are offered recently-furnished smart one- and two-bed apartments within the  complex.

"Residents have fully fitted kitchens and appliances, such as washing machines, that enable them to live safely and do their own cooking and washing. 

"They are responsible for their own cleaning and managing their budgets to pay bills."

Support is also available from the council and its partners to help those who may have issues with money, benefits, or health and wellbeing. 

Round-the-clock housing management along with external and internal CCTV is expected to enhance security.

 Built to high specifications -  above and below, inside the premises

Traffic disruption 'inevitable' on three critical road bridges into Grimsby but the work has to be done

 

Sections in green indicate where the repairs will be carried out, starting on Monday

PHASED repairs of the three key road bridges through Grimsby and Cleethorpes starts next week.

These will be carried out on both eastbound and westbound carriageways in phases, starting with Gilbey Road bridge, next  Cleethorpes Flyover, then Alexandra Dock bridge.

North East Lincolnshire Council today announced the first phase as follows:

"From February 26, for up to two weeks, there will be overnight closures from 8pm to 6am on Gilbey Road flyover.

"Traffic will be diverted between Pyewipe and Westgate roundabouts around localised diversion routes.

"During daytime in the first week, the road over the Gilbey Road flyover (between Pyewipe and Westgate roundabouts) will be open  to normal traffic, but with a lowered maximum speed limit of 30mph.

"Once underway, the main project will involve removal of the existing carriageway surface in order to reach the lower layers so as to inspect and repair the waterproofing.

"Removing the concrete cover of the bridge deck to get to the reinforcement bars will be a noisy operation, and while sound reduction measures will be put in place, these will not completely mask the row.

"During weeks two and three, there will be a contraflow on Gilbey Road flyover.

"On both Alexandra Dock and Cleethorpes Road bridges, there will be overnight lane restrictions on a single night to allow for surveying.

Says NELC's portfolio holder Cllr Stewart Swinburn:  “These are critical elements of our highway system in North East Lincolnshire. 

"If these fail, there would be significant impacts, both economically in terms of the amount of trade that use the route, but also for local people going about their everyday lives.

"If we don’t do the repairs, the structures will only get worse, meaning larger scale repairs and potentially complete closure of the route in the future."

He adds: "Given the scale of the programme, it is inevitable that there will be disruption to the highway network." 

The  main contractors are VSL who will be working 24 hours a day to complete the project  as quickly as possible.”

Incredibly exciting! Head teacher's delight at proposed new premises for his Cleethorpes school

 

Jason Thurley - 125 more pupils but school will retain its 'ethos' 

HEAD teacher Jason Thurley  has described proposed reconstruction of Beacon Academy in Cleethorpes as "incredibly exciting".

Not only will the new premises be state-of-the art, but the school - which is currently oversubscribed - will be able to accommodate a further 125 pupils, bring the roll up from  625 to 750.

However, the school will still be smaller than the average secondary.

"This will allow it to retain its ethos where every child is known and understood, valued and given opportunities to excel," insists the  head.

A new building will be constructed on part of what is the existing playing field. 

Some existing buildings will be demolished, and other areas refurbished.

Will there not be disruption? If so, it will be kept to a minimum.

Pupils will  continue their lessons in our existing school building throughout the construction without disruption. 

The new building will include a biosolar roof, with solar panels.

Beacon Academy has also agreed that playing fields and a proposed multi-use games area  may be used by the community.

During development, there will be a temporary construction access via Humberston Road  to ease traffic concerns in Chatsworth Place. 

The project, which was granted planning consent last Friday, is scheduled for completion in summer next year.

Unlikely to win any architectural awards but far superior to what exists at present