National Grid's controversial Lincolnshire pylons project to be debated this week in House of Commons

                                              

Saying it as he sees it - anti-pylons MP Matt Warman

CONTROVERSIAL plans to erect scores of pylons along a 87-mile route from Grimsby to North Norfolk will come under the spotlight in Parliament later this week.

The so-called Great Grid Upgrade is proposed to be the largest expansion  of Britain's  electricity grid since the 1950s.

It aims to improve and build more of the infrastructure needed to meet the UK’s expanding energy needs as well as increased output of energy from offshore windfarms.

During an afternoon debate in the Commons on  Thursday May 2, backbenchers will scrutinise the issues.

The debate has been secured by Boston and Skegness MP Matt Warman who says: "I am highly concerned that, at a time when pylons elsewhere in the country are being removed, residents in Lincolnshire are not being offered more than the one option  in National Grid’s narrow public consultation.

"It is clear that, not just my own constituents in Boston and Skegness, but also residents from neighbouring constituencies in Lincolnshire and the East of England, are opposed to strings of pylons polluting the rural and unspoilt parts of our county. 

"The future needs of the grid would be better served by a different approach.

"I have been making the case to ministers that, whilst National Grid is rightly burying cables underground in parts of the country such as Dorset, we shouldn’t be putting them up in Lincolnshire. 

"Ultimately, it is vital that other options are given greater consideration. Pylons should not seen as the default.

"I look forward to having the opportunity to raise this important matter in Parliament later this week."

Mr Warman has formally objected to the proposal, citing the potential threat it poses to food security by taking large amounts of agricultural land out of production, the potential negative impact it will have on Lincolnshire’s nature-based tourism and the visual impact it will have on Lincolnshire’s flat landscape.

Fellow Lincolnshire MPs Victoria Atkins and Sir John Hayes, as well as Lincolnshire County Council, and Police and Crime Commissioner, Marc Jones, have all also formally objected to the proposal.

Their schedules permitting, it is thought that Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers and Grimsby MP Lia Nici might also seek to contribute to the debate.

                                     

The proposed route of the pylons

Grimsby MP upbeat on prospects of direct rail link from Cleethorpes to London - perhaps later this year

 

All aboard for London? Grimsby MP Lia Nici has struck an optimistic note

A DIRECT rail link between Cleethorpes and London could be on the cards by as soon as this winter.

Although not making this a pledge, Grimsby MP Lia Nici struck an optimistic note when she was a guest panellist on a Sky TV political show on Thursday of last week.

Ms Nici and her Cleethorpes constituency counterpart, Martin Vickers, have long been canvassing ministers on the issue.

The latter is well-positioned to comment because he is co-chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Rail.

Meanwhile, the duo have both spoken out against Labour’s plan, if elected, to renationalise the railways.

In the same TV broadcast, Ms Nici spoke glumly of her experiences of travelling by railway (British Rail) in the 1970s and 1980s when it was under state control.

She said Labour’s policy would cede greater control to the trades unions - with the prospect of more strikes - and necessitate huge marketing costs in rebranding and re-painting the trains.

"Re-nationalisation would be a complete waste of money," she insisted.

In a comment piece in The Daily Telegraph, co-written with Labour peer Lord Berkeley, the Cleethorpes MP acknowledged that "change is radically needed and the strikes need resolving".

The pair continue: "We lived through British Rail.

"A monolithic body controlling everything may be attractive to some, but the evidence suggests it would fail.

"Nationalising our railways and pitting them in a battle for scarce public resources against schools, hospitals and defence is folly."

By contrast, Labour believes re-nationalisation would improve service and bring cost-saving efficiencies.

Is this a first? North East Lincolnshire Council urges gardeners to be kind to bees (and to blades of grass)

Every petal counts - a bee gets stuck in to some much-needed nourishment

                                                                    

BE kind to the bees!

That is the end-of-the-month plea from North East Lincolnshire Council.

It has issued this unusual (but welcome) statement: "At the onset of the growing season, hungry and recently-emerged native bees face a critical period. 

"In urban and suburban areas, it may be challenging for them to locate 'floral resources' (ie flowers).

The authority is encouraging residents with garden lawns to follow the 'No Mow May' approach which is beneficial to pollinating insects such as bees, butterflies and more.

The statement continues: "If you’re a gardener with a lawn like Wembley then the thought of not mowing your lawn for a whole month may fill  you with horror.

"But spare a thought for the wildlife whose habitats are disturbed every time you run the lawn-mower around the garden.

"No Mow May was introduced to give nature the opportunity to take its course and for us to see just how much wildlife appears when it does.

Is NELC practising what it preaches?

It says: "We have specific areas across the borough where the grass is longer and wildflowers are growing."

Among these are said to be the following :

* A16 Peaks Parkway

* Cleethorpes Boating Lake railway banks

* Cleethorpes Boating Lake SSSI

* Scartho Road cemetery

* Hewitt’s Belvoir woodland copse

* Kings Road, opposite Meridian Showground

* Patrick Street walk-through to People’s Park

* Martin Wragg Way

* Weelsby Avenue

* Matthew Ford Way

* Louth Road verge

* A46 Laceby Road

* Ainslie Street Park

* Cleethorpes Country Park

* Cleethorpes Sand Dunes SSSI

* Haverstoe Park Wildlife Area

* Laceby Beck

* West Marsh Country Park

* Grant Thorold Park

* People’s Park north east entrance

NELC has also worked with a community group to help  them to sow wildflower seeds on the verge at Stallingborough roundabout.

The message ends: "Once the flowers are given a free reign, they create areas of truly outstanding natural beauty. Look out now for primroses, bluebells and cowslips!"

Memo to contractors (and council): instead of holding chat sessions, why not just get on with the job?

                                            

You can't beat a nice cuppa tea (or in this case mug of coffee)

AS motorists and others fret and fume over A180 traffic delays in Grimsby, someone has has come up with a wheeze.

Drop-in 'Cuppa with the Contractors' sessions are to be held to allow the infrastructure company, VSL, to chat to the public about the ongoing repairs to Gilbey Road bridge and Cleethorpe Road bridge.

The proposed  dates, times  and locations, all in Grimsby, are:

* 29 April: McDonald’s Quay, West Birchin Way:16:00 – 18:00

* 30 April: Tesco Extra, Market Street: 11:00 – 13:00

* 7 May:  Burger King, Lower Spring Street:16:00 – 18:00

* 14 May: Asda, Corporation Road: 10:00 – 12:00

* 20 May: KFC Birchin Way: 16:00 – 18:00

* 3 June: Grimsby Truck Stop, Estate Road 1: 17:00 – 18:00

Promoting the initiative is North East Lincolnshire Council which states: "There is no need to book on to any of the sessions, just put them in your diary and turn up."

The Grimsby News says: This 'cuppa with the contractors' initiative sends out completely the wrong message. If you call in the plumber or electrician, you might well offer a courtesy cuppa - but you wouldn't want to spend two hours chatting. Likewise with the road bridge repairs. Instead of drinking 'cuppas', why are the contractors not cracking on to get an important job finished? Almost every infrastructure project currently underway in the borough seems to be characterised by lack of urgency, an apparent absence of deadlines and uncertainty over budgets. And no one seems answerable? NELC needs to get a grip - and quickly.  Contractors may want to drink cuppas. The public wants to see action. After the work is done, then Polly can go put the kettle on.

Staff being kept up to speed as council prepares to take back control of Equans-outsourced services

 

After next summer, North East Lincolnshire Council will again call the shots (or most of them) 

CONFIRMATION has come that "the majority" of services currently provided by private sector company Equans will  return to North East Lincolnshire Council control after June next year.

These include both planning and marketing/communications.

However, from time to time, there will be opportunities for private enterprise to chip in with support. 

Says NELC: "Our aspiration is to continue to work with existing sub-contractors and the local supply chain to deliver high quality public services and support the local economy."

It continues: "Final service reviews are in progress and will conclude this summer. 

"The results of these reviews will be public knowledge as they will form the basis of recommendations to the council’s cabinet later this year."

The current NELC contract with Equans is due to end on  June 30, 2025, and, according to the authority, "cannot be extended".

Equans staff are being kept in the communications loop, with most expected to transfer relatively seamlessly to the employment of the council.

The council statement adds: "Staff and trades unions will be briefed on those exceptions which could see a service being outsourced and not transferring direct to the council."

 

Lia Nici (Conservative) v Melanie Onn (Labour): the General Election sequel coming soon

In the red corner - Labour challenger Melanie Onn

THE two women who contested the Great Grimsby constituency at the last General Election in December 2019 are renewing their acquaintance - and their political rivalry.

Lia Nici (Conservative) and Melanie Onn (Labour) will be seeing a lot more of one another in the coming months as they debate the great issues of the day in the run-up to the next General Election which is expected to be held in autumn or winter.

Yesterday evening,  the duo sparred in a live debate, before a guest audience, on Sky TV.

The exchanges were amicable and courteous, but they could become  more feisty in the weeks to come.

Ms Onn was the Great Grimsby MP until she lost the seat to Ms Nici in 2019.

Next time round,  following parliamentary boundary changes, the Grimsby constituency will also include Cleethorpes.

It could be a very close contest. 

In the blue corner - Conservative incumbent Lia Nici

For Wilko read Barnardo's - brisk opening day's trading for new charity shop on St Peter's Avenue

 

Trading was off to a brisk start at the Barnardo's shop which opened today in St Peter's Avenue, Cleethorpes. With a bright exterior and relatively spacious premises, the store has brought retail life back to the shop that formerly accommodated the homeware specialist Wilko before it fell into administration last year.  Proceeds will be for a good cause - children who have not been off to the best start in life.

Proposed Cleethorpes amenity building balcony will provide enhanced views of Pier Gardens

 

Proposed design of the new amenity building 

WORD is still awaited on a start date for the proposed new amenity  building earmarked for the site of the former Waves public house in Cleethorpes.

In the meantime, the design has been tweaked to incorporate a second-floor balcony extension.

According to a report, the extension will allow the space below to become a semi-protected, sunny space for outside eating and entertainment.

It states: "Not only will it will face away from any stiff breezes blowing up the Humber, it will benefit from the afternoon sun.

"This will enable more people to enjoy the aspect and vistas from the highest level of the building by creating an opportunity to look over and across Pier Gardens - a view which has not previously existed and would not exist without this extension."

The proposal is subject to planning consent but this is expected to be a formality.

It is not yet known which contractor will be putting up the building on the council's behalf, but it is believed that one has now been commissioned.

Who will occupy the premises once completed? 

A report to councillors states: "Renewed publicity  has generated further interest in the site and the council's officers and its marketing agents have been in dialogue with interested parties for some while. 

"This has now culminated in what is viewed as an acceptable offer for a material element of the building.

"Proposed Heads of Terms have been agreed with a leading national hospitality company for most of the ground floor and all of the first floor of the building. 

"The council’s agents will continue to market the remainder of the building."

The document continues: "It is expected that this lease agreement will attract similar operators to the building, but the council will carry out appropriate due diligence into all prospective tenants.

"The successful confirmation of the lease agreement will provide market confidence regarding this project and the opportunity to attract other tenants into the remainder of the building. 

"In addition, the proposed tenant and its investment in Cleethorpes will also provide wider market confidence in the town, supporting both existing and prospective new traders and attracting additional footfall, expenditure, investment and pride in the area."

Who might be the "leading national hospitality company"? 

NELC is keeping this under wraps, but it says speculation that it might be McDonalds "could not be more wrong". 

                                      

Light at the end of the tunnel for derelict site of former public house? 

An animal that became 'deer' to our hearts - Cleethorpes charity thanks all who aided rescue

 

Pastures news for this roe deer which endured a torrid few days 

IT looks like all's well that ends well for the deer that spent the early park of this week being chased by off-the-lead dogs in Sidney Park, Cleethorpes.

Via social media, Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue has issued this eagerly-awaited update and the photo above. 

"This morning, the lost male roe deer left Sidney Park and travelled along various streets before getting stuck down an alleyway in Grimsby. 

"This gave volunteers the opportunity  to act and safely contain the deer. 

"We called upon Clee Vets for assistance, and this rescue would not have been possible without them. 

"Deer suffer terribly from a condition called post-capture myopathy. It can cause them to go into cardiac arrest if they become too stressed. 

"Without the medical professionals being on scene and quick to respond in practice, this could  have ended badly. 

"After full assessments by veterinary professionals, the deer was transported by our volunteers and a Royal Veterinary Nurse. 

"The animal was then taken to a much more suitable location to be released."

CWR has expressed gratitude for their support to Clee Vets,  Humberside Police, North East Lincolnshire Council and others, not least its volunteers, who supported the mercy mission

The rescue was expensive, and the charity would welcome any donations at: CleethorpesWildlifeRescue.com/donate

Best foot forward for year-old giraffe as it completes long journey from Grimsby to Skegness

 

Zarafa the giraffe has completed his charity trek from Grimsby to Gibraltar Point bird observatory near Skegness with a little help from puppeteer Seb Mayer . Monies raised are to benefit the activities of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. Zarafa was created life-size last year, with help from Daisy Beattie. She is made from carbon fibre with a cardboard skin.

Fewer dog attacks, but continuing 'acts of cruelty' means fate of hapless stray deer hangs in balance

 

After-dark shot of the deer using a night vision camera 

CLEETHORPES Wildlife Rescue have today posted this update, including a photo, of the deer that seems to have become 'trapped' for the past few days in Sidney Park, Cleethorpes.

On the plus side, attacks by out-of-control dogs seem to have reduced, but the creature is still under stress and probably hungry.

Says the CWR statement: "While incidents of cruel acts do continue, they have lessened over the last 24/48 hours. 

"Volunteers continue to patrol the park and report any suspicious or cruel acts, including at night. 

"The deer did have a short stint on the road  before quickly returning to the park. 

"North East Lincolnshire Council and Humberside Police have both stepped up their patrols of the park, and we are in regular communication with both.

"The site has also been visited by Humberside Police's Rural Task Force for Wildlife Crimes." 

The statement continues: "We continue to discuss all possible options for the deer with the relevant services, and together we are working on short-term and long-term plans regarding his safety. 

"It is not a simple decision to make, and there are a lot of factors that have to be weighed up before implementing any plans. 

"If you see anyone acting suspiciously, or behaving in a cruel manner, please report it via 101. 

"In the meantime, our advice remains unchanged: 

• If you need to walk your dog, consider another park, or if you really can't avoid bringing them to the park, please do not let them off leads. This is for both the safety of the deer, and your dog.

•Do not chase or attempt to capture the deer, it is not safe! There are high risks involved even for our volunteers. A roe deer can easily weigh over 20kg, run and speeds almost 40mph, and with 8-inch antlers, this is NOT something you want to come in contact with.

• If you do visit the park, be considerate to the deer, he just wants somewhere safer than main roads, parks are, of course, their home.

"Thank you!" 

Banished from the bridge! There will be no home for pigeons once Grade II structure has been repaired

Shrouded in plastic - pigeon's eye view of Corporation Road Bridge

THERE will be no place for pigeons to rest their weary heads once Grimsby's Corporation Road Bridge has been repaired and reopened (assuming that day ever comes).

Extensive measures are being employed to prevent the birds from roosting or nesting  on the 100-year-old Grade II listed structure.

This is because a century's worth  droppings are thought to have contributed to the corrosion.

Planning consent has been granted for installation of netting, steel mesh and other pigeon-deterrent measures despite a protest from a member of the public that no mitigation to provide alternative habitat had been proposed for  the threatened birds.  

Not a friend in the world - this bridge pigeon will have to find a new home 

A North East Lincolnshire Council planning officer states: "The comments from the member of the public are noted. 

"An advice note is therefore recommended re responsible actions with respect to nesting birds on the bridge, and this will be placed on the decision notice to remind operatives of their responsibilities. 

"It should be noted, however, that the bridge is currently cocooned in a plastic shroud which seeks to prevent escape of dust and particles but which also limits access by birds so that nests are less likely to be built here. 

"No alternative roosts are proposed as it is considered that the urban environment provides sufficient alternate locations for any pigeons and/or gulls which would be prevented from using the limited areas of the bridge to be covered by the netting."

Meanwhile, there is still no target date for the bridge repairs to be completed. 

NELC's latest update, issued earlier today, reads as follows: "The steel work repairs are ongoing to both sides of the bridge deck.

"Primer and coatings of paint are also being applied to sections of the bridge along with the required preparation works and inspections.

"Control room works are in progress and all rotten timbers are now being replaced and corroded steels are being removed.

"Taking advantage of anticipated low tide levels in May, workers will continue the mechanical preparation works to the underdeck of the bridge. 

"This will involve weekend working.

"Footpath closures are also required while works are undertaken adjacent to public areas to ensure the safety of both the public and the contractor.

"Footpath closures will take place between 9am and 4pm each weekday. The footway will remain open during the weekend working dates. Temporary signs will be in place for the footway closures.2

The key footpath dates for May are:

* Wednesday 1 May – footpath closure

* Saturday 4 May – weekend working

* Wednesday 8 May – footpath closure

* Wednesday 15 May – footpath closure

* Saturday 18 May – weekend working

* Sunday 19 May – weekend working

* Wednesday 22 May – footpath closure

* Wednesday 29 May – footpath closure

North East Lincolnshire Council, its delivery partner, Equans and contractor, Spencer Group, have expressed gratitude to the public for their patience while the work is being undertaken.                                           

Cleethorpes deer update: the dog attacks have ceased but wildlife rescue volunteers are still being abused

 

Police community support officers keep a watchful eye on the deer (photo: Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue via Facebook)

A PAT on the back for the public has come from Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue in today's update on the lost deer in Sidney Park.

In a statement today, it says: "We are happy to share that the general public have been very helpful by avoiding the park where possible.

"Those visiting with dogs have been keeping them on leads and using the designated dog run to avoid harming the deer." 

However, the charity says its volunteers are still being subjected to  "some abuse", so they have been equipped  with body cameras and shorth-wave radios.

The deer, meanwhile, is said to have become much calmer since yesterday when repeated dog attacks caused it ever-increasing stress.

Continues the statement: "We are continuing to provide updates to external agencies including North East Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police and the RSPCA in hopes to get a successful outcome."

NELC is monitoring the movements of the creature with CCTV.  

It is hoped that it will soon be possible to capture the deer, rehabilitate in confinement if necessary, then release it into a place that is wilder than an urban park.

Fears grow for safety of stricken roe deer following numerous dog attacks in Cleethorpes park

                                             

The Cleethorpes park where the deer has come under remorseless canine attack

THE fate of a distressed roe  deer today lies in the balance after having been  persistently chased by out-of-control dogs in a Cleethorpes Park.

The frightened animal fled from Sidney Park into Brereton Avenue where it risked being fatally struck by traffic.

Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue volunteers attended with deer nets but,  unable to capture the deer, had no option but to navigate it back to the park - where the dog attacks resumed.

Via Facebook, a spokesperson said: "Rarely have we been so appalled at such public disregard for wildlife.

"Deer should be able to use our parks for safety as it is their home.

"We urged countless people to place their dogs on leads and were ignored.

"We even had to capture out-of-control dogs for their owners!" 

The spokesperson continued: "We are working with the council and the police to try our best to get a good result.

"However, the deer is heavily stressed. 

"If members of the public do not use common sense, there will not be a happy outcome

"Untilthis situation is resolved, please, avoid the park or at least   stay away from the deer - and keep any dogs on leads.

"We are doing everything we can as volunteers but we are only human. 

"We are hoping that we can help it as night falls, but that may not be possible if the deer continues to be attacked. "

                                          

There are few places for a deer to hide from dogs in Sidney Park 

Plan for children's care home in quiet Waltham-area village sparks objections from near neighbours

                                                      

The five-bedroomed house at centre of controversy

A PLAN for a two- storey semi-detached house  to be converted to a children's care home have set red lights flashing in  Barnoldby-le-Beck.

Other householders in Beck Farm Mews have objected on the grounds firstly of loss of parking and secondly that the property has only a small back garden with no children's recreational facilities in the the village.

The change-of-use application has been submitted by the firm, Gravity Red Inspires, which describes itself as a "residential children's home and adult supported living provider".

"We are dedicated to providing a nurturing and safe environment  where individuals can grow and thrive," they say.

"Our staff are passionate about supporting all individuals and providing them with respect, and love. 

"They strive to make a positive difference in the lives of the people they serve."

Their Barnoldby-le-Beck project would accommodate three resident children, aged 10 to 17, with two non-resident care staff working on a duty rota of 8am to 10.30pm.

Last month, North East Lincolnshire Council turned down an application by Gravity Red Inspires for a Certificate of Lawfulness at the same property which, if approved, would have proved less cumbersome and expensive than a planning application.

However, the refusal has forced it to take the alternative planning application route, with a decision  from planners expected this summer.

Attractive and informative sign outside Cleethorpes leisure centre showcases nature on the foreshore

 

 The sign newly installed outside the leisure centre 

CREDIT to North East Lincolnshire Council for displaying a sign denoting that Cleethorpes is now part of the recently-designated Lincolnshire Coronation Coast National Nature Reserve.

Similar signs, all funded by Natural England,  are now also on display at:

* Meridian Park, 

* Thorpe Park exit on to the beach

* Humber Mouth Yacht Club car park. 

What is the purpose of the signage?

Says  NELC: "The coastline and the species that inhabit it are very vulnerable to recreational disturbance. 

"This not only means dogs or paddleboarders approaching and disturbing the birds that live here, but other activities can cause serious damage too. 

"Many of the plants that grow in this area are fragile, and damaging them, even by walking over them, can lead to erosion of the dunes and loss of habitat.

"Saltmarsh is a rare coastal habitat. It forms in areas protected from the strongest sea waves where mud can build up. 

"Saltmarsh protects from flooding, prevents pollution from reaching the sea and stores carbon - more than a rainforest of the equivalent size."

The spokesperson continues: "Saltmarsh supports certain rare and protected species that have adapted to these dynamic, salty environments and live nowhere else.

"An example is the sea aster bee. 

"These peaceful bees dig nests in the dunes but forage on the flowers of saltmarsh plants, particularly sea aster, the pollen of which they use to feed their offspring."

                                         

Hopes rise for welfare of nesting Grimsby swans following temporary installation of fencing

Protected - the plucky Riverhead swans

PROMPT action by Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue should help to safeguard a pair of mute swans that are nesting at Grimsby's Riverhead.

In the past, similar nests have been subjected to attacks by ne'er-do-wells throwing sticks, stones or bricks.

But this year, the wildlife rescue charity has been quick to install protective fencing. 

This will not guarantee the birds' safety, nor success for their nesting attempt, but at least it has increased their chances.

Says CWR: "We have introduced protective measures at the River Freshney as part of a licence granted by North East Lincolnshire Council. 

"This licence has given us the ability to prevent the illegal disturbance and destruction of the swans' nest.

"Sadly, it had  already been victim to mindless attacks and bottles being thrown on to it." 

The statement continues: "Many members of the public have approached our volunteers and said how they were thankful that these measures had been put in place as they often see people acting in a cruel manner towards these swans. 

"We should like to say a big thank you to HSS Hire who have provided these fence panels for free, NELC for their support, and to our volunteers, Michaela and Tia, for installing the equipment.

"We will continue to relay any updates to the local authority and Humberside police if and when necessary."

* The children's author, Enid Blyton, once lost a pair of swans that were nesting by a pond at the edge of her garden when they were stoned by two boys through a gap in the edge. She later wrote: "I think  both those boys should have been well and truly whipped, don't you? There are just a few things that I think whipping should be the punishment for, and cruelty to birds or animals is one of them."  

Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue has expressed gratitude to supporters including volunteers Michaela and Tia

                                            

Is there life after Equans? Council ponders its options after June 2025

                                                  

A PARTING of the way is on the cards for North East Lincolnshire and its private sector partner, Equans (formerly Engie).

The contract between the two organisations expires in June next year, paving the way for NELC to take back services in house or to strike up deals with other organisations.

The council  leadership does have a plan, but, at present, it is intent on keeping this under wraps.

That means the future is uncertain for staff currently employed by Equans which provides the following services: 

• Facilities Management

• Housing Enforcement and Grant Administration

• Disabled Facilities Grants

• Highways and Transport

• Parking Services

• Design Services (Architectural Services, Highways Design, Civil Engineers, Quantity Surveyance, Landscape Design and Principal Contractor role)

• Planning and Development Management/Planning Enforcement

• Flood Risk Management

• Building Control

• Strategic Planning

• Security

• Some support services including procurement and communications. 

It was back in July 2010 that NELC decided to offload these activities - initially to Balfour Beatty Workplace which sold on to a French company, Cofely GDF Suez, thence to Engie before Equans  (owned by another French company, Bouygues) came on the scene in October 2022.

A report to councillors states:  "The contract is due to end on  June 30, 2025.

"A new delivery model is required as the existing contract cannot be extended beyond July 1, 2025.”

The following options have been considered behind the scenes:

• Reprocure the services on the open market 

• Bring services in-house

• Review the contract service by service with different approaches for different areas

• Establish an arms-length delivery company to deliver the services based on similar existing arrangements with Care Trust Plus and Lincs Inspire

• Partnership or joint venture.

"The review found no real financial or service benefit to any one option, and thus recommended that any solution should be considered entirely on which option offers the best potential to meet its current and future challenges and opportunities. 

Another factor that has come into the equation is the prospect of  local government which will involve the election of a mayor, increased revenue from Whitehall and closer working than hitherto with two sister authorities -  North Lincolnshire Council and   Lincolnshire County Council.

The likelihood is that NELC will opt for a hybrid arrangement, with some services coming back in house and others set up in such a way to involve partnership with private sector companies.

However, for more details we need to be patient.

House sparrow is most commonly seen bird in Lincolnshire gardens says RSPB

 

Male and female house sparrow - regular garden visitors (photo: RSPB)

AN RSPB survey has revealed that the house sparrow is the most numerous bird seen in Lincolnshire gardens.

At the start of the weekend, the charity published the full list of birds from the research carried out during January's annual Big Garden Bird Watch.

The Top Ten in Greater Lincolnshire were:

1 House sparrow 
2 Starling 
3 Woodpigeon
4 Blackbird 
5 Blue tit
6 Goldfinch 
7 Great tit 
8 Robin 
9 Long-tailed tit 
0 Collared dove 

Also recorded (in order of number of individuals) were the following:

Chaffinch
Dunnock 
Magpie 
Jackdaw 
Carrion crow 
Feral pigeon
Greenfinch 
Coal tit 
Wren 
Pheasant 
Rook 
Common gull 
Great spotted woodpecker 
Song thrush 
Tree sparrow 
Fieldfare
Pied wagtail 
Moorhen 
Sparrowhawk 
Mallard 
Buzzard
Jay 
Red kite 
Blackcap 
Bullfinch
Stock dove
Redwing
Siskin
Herring gull
Kestrel
Green woodpecker 
Nuthatch
Goldcrest 
Mistle thrush 
Reed bunting 
Yellowhammer 
Barn owl 
Brambling 
Lesser spotted woodpecker 
Grey heron 
Mute swan 
Treecreeper 
Ring necked parakeet 
Raven 
Grey wagtail 
Red-legged partridge
Redpoll
Tawny owl 
Marsh tit 
Linnet 
Hooded crow
Willow tit 
Great black-backed gull
Skylark
Chiffchaff
Little owl
Black redstart 
Hawfinch 
Corn bunting 
Gadwall 
Great crested grebe 
Grey partridge 
Lapwing 
Lesser black backed gull 
Meadow pipit
Teal 
Tufted duck 
Waxwing 
Wigeon

Calling all enterprising A-level students! Council offering internships this summer - with pay thrown in

 

A GREAT opportunity beckons for A-level students to find out about the world of work.

This summer, North East Lincolnshire Council is offering paid internships across the spectrum of the authority's activities.

There will be places in the following departments:

* Legal

* Culture and Tourism

* Environment

* Business support

* Careers advice

Says a council spokesperson: "Successful applicants will be working three to four days per week for five weeks during the summer holidays.

"It’s a great opportunity to develop new skills, be part of a great team and make a difference."

More details at:  https://bit.ly/3xv4J6d

NELC is also offering internships for degree students currently between their first and second year of study or between their second and third year. 

Work placements are for 30 hours per week for 12 weeks from Monday 3 June.

More info at:  https://bit.ly/3UarbdI

Grimsby News report about development threat to rare butterfly caused a bit of a flap at council HQ

 

The Wall - one of Britain's rarest butterflies survives (just)  in Cleethorpes

ON April 4, the Grimsby News carried a report under the headline, 'Tiny but scarce butterfly threatens to hold up controversial Cleethorpes  salmon-farming project'.

It included the following sentence:  "When members of North East Lincolnshire Council’s planning committee approved the project at a meeting in November last year, there was no reference to the tiny butterfly - either in the agenda papers or during the debate."

 

This was incorrect.

Although any reference was absent from the main agenda, we have since been advised that it was contained in a 'supplementary agenda'.

In a response to a request from North East Lincolnshire Council, we have therefore  amended our  post of April 4 accordingly.

However, it should also be stated that the existence of a supplementary agenda was not made plain to  the public and press.

Furthermore, it was published less than 24 hours before the start of the meeting, allowing potentially interested parties such as Natural England, almost no time nor opportunity to comment.

We understand that North East Lincolnshire Council's planning department has now resolved to update its notification processes in event late of supplementary information being supplied in advance of committee meetings.

Meanwhile, we stand by our assertion that there was no reference to the rare butterfly during the debate.

If there had been discussion about the under-threat insect, we should have reported it.

Cleethorpes' first cuckoo of spring 2024 seen calling amid buckthorn fringe between saltmarsh and sea

The first Cleethorpes cuckoo of 2024 was watched calling amid sea buckthorn on the fringe between the saltmarsh and the outer beach shortly after 10 o'clock this morning.  The bird had flown here all the way - via either Spain or Italy -  from its wintering grounds in the Congo where it shares the same jungle habitat as gorillas. It is this thought that this bird was taking a breather before continuing its journey to elsewhere in Britain. Cuckoos used to be common throughout North East Lincolnshire, but they have declined rapidly over the past 30 years.