Report reveals that scores of bats risk being made homeless if Pleasure Island revamp goes ahead

                                          

Buildings on the site of the former theme park are thought to provide a home for scores of bats

THE prospect of homelessness beckons for scores of bats if a redevelopment scheme for Pleasure Island  goes ahead.

Most of the tiny nocturnal mammals dwell in the various buildings of which there are 23 on the 24-hectare site of the former theme park.

But others live in the bark crevices on the poplars and other mature trees that are a wildlife-friendly feature of the park.

Almost all of the buildings and most of the trees are earmarked for removal if the Lidl-led consortium eventually secures planning permission from North East Lincolnshire Council to build a discount supermarket, two hotels, shops, an amusement arcade, a garden centre, a drive-thru coffee shop and 274 holiday cabins.

There have been two bat surveys at Pleasure Island, the first in 2020 and the second during July and August 2022 when a 20-strong bat-detecting team from the consultancy, OS Ecology, which is based in Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire, got to work.

 All surveyors were equipped with full spectrum detectors to enable high-quality recordings to be taken and analysed.

At certain times, infra-red cameras and lighting were also used in order to provide fuller data.

The team's  subsequent report, which was only released last week, states: "Numerous bat roosting opportunities are present within the site. 

"Eight of the buildings were found to support pipistrelle bat day roosts, with a maximum of six bats emerging from any one structure. 

"A single brown long-eared bat day roost was also identified with a single bat emerging. "

It continues: "Activity surveys were undertaken in suitable weather conditions with no constant rain or high winds and sunset temperature of at least 10 deg C."

Following the go-ahead from the Pleasure Island security guard, remote monitoring was  also carried out.

This was undertaken dusk to dawn over four nights, also in July and August, 2022.

This monitoring might have been more extensive had there not been concerns regarding the security of equipment given that anti-social behaviour regularly occurs around some of the buildings.

According to OS Ecology, internal access was not possible to the majority of buildings due to the type and dilapidated nature of the structures.

Monitoring activities confirmed the presence of four species - common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, brown long-eared and noctule.

Based on analysis of calls, there may also have been whiskered/Brandt’s bat.

A total of 3,684 records were obtained over the eight nights of monitoring completed. This equates to  460 records per night.

The majority of activity  (93 per cent) was attributable to common pipistrelle with a mean of 426 records per night of this species. 

Noctule was the second most frequently recorded species (six per cent  of all records) with 26 records per night while soprano pipistrelle was recorded at a rate of only 3.6 records per night (less than one  per cent of all records).

Brown long-eared bats were recorded on only a single occasion over the eight nights of  monitoring.

Despite the extent of bat activity - possibly  higher than anywhere else in North East Lincolnshire - OS Ecology makes no recommendation for the habitat to be safeguarded or for any mitigation to compensate for displacement.

Its report describes  the bat population at Pleasure Island as of "parish value" only.

It concludes:" No evidence of a maternity roost of any species was recorded during survey, and the buildings are considered to be of limited suitability for bats to remain within the structures over the winter hibernation period."

The report also highlights nesting by a range of birds including feral pigeon and two species in national decline -  starling and swallow.

The Grimsby News says: The survey  carried out by OS Ecology on behalf of the Pleasure Island redevelopment consortium is remarkable not so much for its research (though this is valuable) but for its conclusions. Bats are in serious decline in Cleethorpes, and it is astonishing that the consultancy should dismiss the Pleasure Island population as of "parish value" only. Value is value! Cleethorpes wants to keep its bats, thank you. OS Ecology needs to get back to the drawing board and devise ways in which these harmless little creatures can be saved.    

Eyewateringly expensive! Problem-stricken refurb of NELC's Doughty Road depot is way over budget

One financial headache after another! Upgrade  of depot has proved eye-wateringly expensive for council

 AN update is due next week on the problem-ridden redevelopment of North East Lincolnshire Council's works depot on Doughty Road in Grimsby.

At a meeting on Thursday, councillors will seek assurances that there have been no more cost overruns on the project that has been bedevilled by four years' worth of financial woe.

Even in February, 2020, the £6.8-million estimate for re-modelling and refurbishing the site, formerly a railways sidings, seemed high.

But it now seems the council will be fortunate to see much, if any, change from £9-million.

A report to councillors states: "Global issues have impacted on the UK economy, creating both financial and delivery pressures in the construction sector. 

"Since the start of the project, inflationary factors brought about by the change in the economic climate have also impacted tender returns for each element of the work.

"The extent of these issues could not have been anticipated prior to project start. 

"There have also been unanticipated expenses relating to the age and complexity of the site."

The biggest shock came when  excavations for proposed new garage buildings adjacent to Peaks Parkway revealed a large railway sleeper tanalising tank that had been capped with concrete slab. 

The tank was made with cast iron and infilled with soil and rubble which had become contaminated by the remaining tanalising fluids.

 The required cleansing, demolition and safe removal of the tank and contaminated waste, plus the delays to the garage construction, resulted in an unanticipated extra cost of £216,250.

Since then, more contaminated ground has been discovered during construction of  the internal road works. 

Similarly, the construction of a new grounds maintenance building was subject to increased costs because piling was needed for the footings.

This added a further £662,000 to the costs.

Engaging a specialist firm to install underground ducting for utilities is also understood to be costing £125,000 more than originally budgeted.

And, as if that little lot were not enough, the leaky roof on the main office block  had had to be replaced with something sturdier to allow solar panels to be installed at a later date. This has added a further £128,00 to the cost.

Despite the financial woes, the council is looking on the bright side.

The report concludes: "The project has continued and is currently on target and within the revised budget."

Once completed, it is intended that the  depot will will bring 300 council staff and partners  together on a single six-acre site and house most of the council’s fleet including HGVs for waste collections, tractors for grounds maintenance work and a number of electric vehicles. 

It will result in the relocation of 70 staff who currently work at the Gilbey Road depot site which will be sold to help to defray the development costs.

Speaking in February this year,  North East Lincolnshire Council portfolio holder Cllr Stewart Swinburn said: "This project ensures that an important site in the town centre will not be left to deteriorate.

"The facilities at both Doughty Road and Gilbey Road are outdated and need complete refurbishment.

"We have made the right decision to consolidate all these services on the Doughty Road site in one of the most ambitious town centre projects we have undertaken as a council."

The Doughty Road depot as it was - with Grimsby Town Hall on the right

Decision next week could determine future of chocolate-making enterprise in Grimsby-area village

 

                                            

Chocolate venture could melt unless planners grant consent for Tracy's workshop 

THE future of a chocolate-making enterprise in a Grimsby-area village could be determined next week.

Tracy Clay is hoping North East Lincolnshire Council will grant her retrospective application for the workshop - a flat-roofed building at the rear of the Limes on Grimsby Road in Laceby.

Features of the premises include a commercial kitchen, spray room and a store plus the workshop.

A report to Wednesday's meeting of NELC's planning committee states: "Sales from the  production side of the business - known as The Chocolat Story - are online.

Orders  are sent out from the site via the applicant's own vehicle which takes them to the local post office for dispatch. 

"No pick-ups from the property are available. 

"The other side of the business is community/private workshop which hosts pre-booked events for adults or children or both. 

"This includes Special Needs Education and learning and mental health/ disability based events with local groups, schools and individuals.

"Presently only the owner is employed at the site although her partner occasionally assists."

However, committee members will be recommended by case officer Jonathan Cadd to refuse the application because of highway concerns about the hazardous access to the site from the nearby dual carriageway.

It is not known if there will be a site visit to allow councillors to sample the products.

Council's pledge on Pier Gardens revamp: Trees will be chopped down but we will 'help' wildlife - honestly!

                                     

A splendid specimen, but this seafront sycamore is earmarked for lopping.
 According to NELC, this is because it is seeping sap on to the footpath, but our investigation this afternoon revealed this not to the the case. There was not a single drop of sap. 

TREE surgeons will arrive in Cleethorpes next week to start felling trees ahead of the proposed part-transformation of Pier Gardens into a metropolitan-style plaza and multi-use recreation area.

The contract has been awarded to Acer Tree Care.

Two dead trees opposite Cleethorpes Library on Alexandra Road will be first for the chop.

More controversially, another tree - this time a healthy sycamore on Central Promenade - is due to be lopped, apparently for no other reason than it is said to drop sap.

Depending on the final design for the Pier Gardens revamp, more trees and/or  shrubs may be removed as the project progresses.

Particularly vulnerable could be those in the wildlife garden and picnic area which might block the view from the proposed new amenity building (assuming this project proceeds).  

This part of Pier Gardens has been earmarked to become a concourse to be known as 'Gateway Plaza' which is expected to  part-mirror the recently-completed Riverhead scheme in Grimsby by including an extensive area of paving. 

North East Lincolnshire Council insist the designers  have made "wildlife and planting key to the ideas - with green space and biodiversity central to many of the areas".

As yet, NELC has not detailed in what ways biodiversity will be enhanced given that  most of the replacement planting will only be cosmetic - for instance, ornamental grasses and pines that have little if any value to wildlife such as birds and pollinating insects.

The only birds likely to benefit are feral pigeons and gulls which will welcome the chance to forage for scraps from the many chippies and other fast food eateries in the area.

The council has suggested that nestboxes will be installed but these will only be of merit if there birds to occupy them and disturbance is of the minimum.

The final design plans for the Pier Gardens refurbishment scheme are expected to be released later this year after which NELC has confirmed that a formal planning application will be submitted.

In the meantime, the tree-felling team is due to start work next Wednesday September 4.

Dead trees can provide a home for insects, roosting birds and unusual species of fungus, but no one is likely to miss these two specimens which are due to be felled on Wednesday 

Vulnerable - the wildlife garden and picnic area where the trees could block the views across the plaza from the proposed amenity building

Also at high risk are the lawns - much loved by wagtails, robins and blackbirds. Ominously, there has been no assurance from NELC that these will be retained 

The Grimsby News says: If any householder wanted to fell - or even just lop - a tree in a conservation area, he or she would be obliged to apply to the council for planning permission. Why is it that NELC is entitled to chop down as many trees as it likes in the Central Cleethorpes Conservation Area without requiring any such consent? How is that fair - or even legal? As for the authority's claim that the refurbishment will enhance wildlife, how can such an assertion be made when it has yet to carry out an audit of the wildlife that currently exists? Pier Gardens may indeed benefit from some improvement but probably not in the ill-conceived ways proposed by NELC.

They came, they saw, they went away again! Still no official action to remove Cleethorpes mini-mountain

Hazardous - the mound of rubble is thought to pose a particular risk to cyclists

ALMOST two months after it first appeared, a lorry load of hardcore still part-obstructs a busy Cleethorpes street.

Dubbed 'Mount Sherburn' by locals, the mound poses a hazard - particularly to cyclists - because it is unaccompanied by any hazard bollards and remains unilluminated at night.

It also blocks access to a tenfoot alleyway and occupies space that could be used for parking.

Earlier in the month, a team from North East Lincolnshire Council investigated the mound, scratched their heads and pondered, then  went away again - seemingly never to return.

How did the rubble come to be where it is? One theory is that it has been designated for use in a bungalow improvement project in a nearby street, but this is unconfirmed. 

Sherburn Street is within the Croft Baker ward, but it is not known if any of the three ward councillors is  seeking action for 'Mount Sherburn' to be removed or if it will remain for the rest of the year.

Puzzled! A council team investigated - briefly - but that, apparently, was the end of the matter  

Trading shock for leading Cleethorpes fashion outlet as landlord takes back control of premises

 

Almost 10 years after it opened in Cleethorpes, is this the end for the fashion store?

AN uncertain future awaits one of Cleethorpes' largest fashion outlet.

On what should have been a busy Bank Holiday Monday for Leading Labels - located at Meridien Point on Kings Road - the store was closed.

It seems the -based company is in dispute with property company Maltgrade Ltd from which it leased the premises.

This has resulted in a Notice of Forfeiture which has today, Bank Holiday Monday, been posted on the inside of the front door by Grimsby law firm Wilkin Chapman.

This reads: "The landlord has re-entered the premises.

"As a consequence of re-entry, the lease and reversionary lease are forfeited and the premises have been secured."

As its name  suggests, Leading Labels retailed well-known fashion names such as: Bassini, Camille, Joules, Klass, Just Elegance, Viz A Viz, Go Top, Crew Clothing, Farah, Pringle and Wrangler.

Its website states: "Over  30 years, we believe we have established very strong relationships with our suppliers, concessions partners and landlords which has enabled us to adapt to the changing retail environment.

"The success of our business has also been due to the hard work and loyal service of our store teams and head office. The owner of the business firmly believe these teams work 'with us' and not 'for us'.

The apparent demise of the Cleethorpes store follows the similarly abrupt closure - for different reasons - in March this year of footwear retailer Pavers which traded within the same premises. 

Unless the dispute with Maltgrade Ltd can be resolved, it looks like another retailer will be lost to North East Lincolnshire with the dismaying prospect of lost jobs and disappointed customers.

Leading Labels  has 18 other outlets in the UK and Ireland, the nearest to Cleethorpes of which is in Lincoln. 

The message that greeted customers this morning

       

Consortium's surprise proposal to pave grass path between Premier Inn and Cleethorpes Country Park

                                                                   

Would the path be 'improved' if it were to be paved?

A GRASSY footpath in Cleethorpes could be paved to make it more accommodating for walkers and other users.

The half-mile path - stretches of which become boggy after heavy rainfall -  runs between Cleethorpes golf club and the Buck Beck.

At one end is the Premier Inn, while, at the other, is Cleethorpes Country Park.

The idea has been submitted by agents for the Lidl-led consortium which wants to redevelop the former Pleasure Island theme park with a supermarket, two hotels, a garden centre, an amusements building and no fewer than 272 holiday cabins.

But the consortium needs to allay the fears of Natural England which believes the influx of holidaymakers will spook the shorebirds that dwell for nine months of  the year on the nearby sandbanks and saltmarsh.

By means of a proposed 'pathway improvement scheme', the  consortium believes Pleasure Island's outdoors-loving visitors will be induced to head for the country park instead of the beach, thereby easing the pressure on the sand-dwelling and wetland birds.

To this end, it has commissioned a Newcastle-upon-Tyne firm, One Environments Ltd. to come up with ideas which include paving the path and installing knee-high safety railings, benches and other outdoor furniture.

However, the proposal poses questions which are not addressed in the preliminary documentation. 

Might heavy rainfall run-off from hardstanding raise the prospect of flooding for the golf course?

Would the golf club face the prospect of a claim if a holidaymaker was struck by an errant golf ball?

Would hard surfacing be damaged by the heavy equipment used by the drainage board  to clear the banks of the Buck Beck when they become overgrown?

Would residents of Thorganby Road, whose houses back on to the Buck Beck, have their privacy  compromised by increased footfall past their properties?

Would the birds and other wildlife of the country park be diminished by a summer influx of holidaymakers?

Who would be responsible for maintaining the footpath? 

The 'pathway improvement scheme' is one of several  new ideas  submitted by the consortium to North East Lincolnshire Council as it seeks to secure the support of planning officers for its project.

The Newcastle design firm has come up with this concept of how an 'improved' path might look 

Might increased footfall alongside its course be of concern to Cleethorpes Golf Club - especially near the 12th hole which is adjacent to the path? 

Planning go-ahead for former hair and beauty salon in Grimsby's Wellowgate to become women's charity HQ

                                                   

Change of use approved for former hair and beauty salon

THE former Athena hair and beauty salon in Grimsby is to be converted to an outreach centre for a charity.

Planning consent has been granted to applicant Joanna Newman for change of use of 15 Wellowgate, formerly occupied by Athena,  to offices and a meeting room for  Women's Aid.

There is unlikely to be significant change to the outside of property which is a listed building in a conservation area.

For security reasons, CCTV will be installed.

The proposal did not go before North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee but was determined under delegated powers by case officer Bethany Loring.

Immingham playing fields site set to become greener and leafier thanks to grant from ports giant ABP

                                                  

MORE trees are set to be planted in Immingham thanks to a financial contribution from ABP.

The ports giant has resolved to chip in  £18,352.44 towards a woodland expansion planting scheme at the playing fields off Battery Street in the town.

It is hoped this will be sufficient to pay for:

* 666 trees

* Shelter tubes, stakes and ties 

* Spot spraying

* One thinning operation

* Replacement of any dead trees over a period of three years

* Staffing resources

* Maintenance over 10 years

North East Lincolnshire Council will oversee the scheme.

The contribution represents part-mitigation for the imminent loss of historic Humber Bank woodland to make way for its  proposed new green energy jetty in the estuary.

More than just a spruce-up! Total renovation beckons for prominent building on Cleethorpes seafront

External refurbishment could breathe new life into a building with historic pedigree

A MAJOR facelift is on the cards for an historic property on Alexandra Road in Cleethorpes.

Darren Lince has applied to North East Lincolnshire Council for consent to restore the outside of the property to its grandeur of yesteryear.

Assuming permission is granted, it will be a major project involving refurbishment or replacement of brickwork, doors, windows, external staircases, stone detailing, roof tiles, guttering, drainpipes and much else.

Mr Lince has appointed as his agents a Cleethorpes-based firm, Hodson Architects Ltd whose team have a 'feel' for Cleethorpes - its traditions and character.

Says HA: "The intention is to improve significantly the external appearance, benefiting both a locally listed asset and the Cleethorpes Central Seafront Conservation Area. 

"Some of the original but irreparable features will be replaced, but any replacements will be like-for-like to mitigate any harm that removal might otherwise cause."

In addition, demolition beckons for some unoriginal and harmful additions and extensions to the rear of the building.

The proposals are currently under consideration by North East Lincolnshire Council planners and the author's heritage office, Louise Jennings.

As tensions simmered, MP Melanie Onn probably returned from 'tinderbox' region in nick of time

                                           

Melanie Onn - she met with politicians and . . .  activists 

GREAT Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn was in Israel and Palestine just days before the Hamas incursion of early last October.

Although it is unlikely, the MP experienced any personal danger, she probably believes, given what has happened since, that she left not a day too soon. 

The world has been increasingly horrified by the unfolding violence and reprisal in the Hamas-Israel conflict.  

As part of a 'fact-finding' visit, Ms Onn - who had not yet been returned to the Commons as an MP - was in the Middle East between September 3 and September 7 last year.

While there, the met politicians, academics, diplomats and  'activists'.

The trip, which Ms Onn has dutifully disclosed in the latest edition of the MPs' Register of Interests, was paid for by the London-based Labour Friends of Israel organisation.

The total amount for flights, hotel and meals was £2,200.

The MP's other disclosures include receipt of a donation of £7,723.60 from  the trade union, Unison, which is believed to have part-funded her General Election campaign.

A more modest donation of £1,500 came from Lord  Oakeshott, an anti-Conservative peer and investment banker, who also supported Ms Onn's successful campaign.

Another donor to the campaign, chipping in with £2,000, was the GI Media Group run by former UKIP North East Lincolnshire councillor Matt Stinson.

A further donation was for £2,500 from Julia McNeal about whom little is known except that she donated a similar amount to Alison Hume the Labour MP for Scarborough and Whitby.

On the other side of the House, the two latest  'fact-finding' visits of  Conservative MP, Martin Vickers (Brigg and Immingham) - who was accompanied by wife, Ann -  both came last year.

They were to the Isle of Man  (July 4-6) and Gibraltar (September 7-11).

For the couple combined, these were worth  £730 and  £2,502 respectively.

Mr Vickers has also disclosed a donation of £3,058.78 to his election campaign fund from Andrew Miller.

                                             

Martin Vickers - trips to the Isle of Man and Gibraltar

The Grimsby News says: One of the perks of being an MP (or even just a hotly-tipped parliamentary candidate) is the prospect of plenty of overseas travel. These are typically described by the beneficiaries as 'fact-finding' visits, but, to the public, they sometimes look more like 'freebies' - especially when the destinations are exotic or alluring. But there are risks. Those organisations which fund the visits may choose to 'call in' the favours. In certain cases, gentle pressure might be exerted - for instance, an unnerving phone-call in the dead of night. MPs need always to be mindful of  the old saying  - 'there is no such thing as a free lunch'. 

Will 2024 season be last ever crop of apples from secret Garden of Eden on Cleethorpes seafront?

 

Many residents and visitors may be unaware of the fruit trees because they are almost hidden from sight

DOES anyone know who planted what is believed to be the only surviving apple orchard on Cleethorpes seafront?

Since it consists of fewer than a dozen trees, it probably only counts as a mini-orchard.

The apples are thought to be Cox's orange pippin - a popular English variety with a crisp and juicy texture and a tangy taste.

The trees were grown by the espalier method up a wall behind the plot of land earmarked for a new amenity building.

However, it seems likely the trees could suffer the same fate as an  adjacent row of nearby whitebeams which were felled earlier this summer. 

Who will pluck the last apple? Or will the birds and wasps get there first?

Ripening up nicely - one of the last apples. Adam, of Book of Genesis fame,  would surely have enjoyed giving it to Eve

Amber lights flashing following huge overspend by NELC in first three months of financial year

 

An overspend of £3.2-million in just three months! The council's cabinet is due to discuss the disturbing report at a meeting this week in Grimsby Town Hall

A WORRYING report has revealed that, in just the first three months of the current financial year, North East Lincolnshire Council has overspent its budged by an estimated £3.2-million.

Yes, £3.2-million!

The bleak numbers will come under the spotlight at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday of this week.

According to the  report, the main headache for the authority is one of longstanding - the huge cost of caring for the welfare of children whose parents are either unable or willing to cope.

Because many of the care facilities are outside the borough, the authority is also having to foot colossal  bills from taxi firms.

On the positive side, the  document says "restorative actions" - though these are not defined - should help to ease the financial squeeze over the remaining nine months of the financial year.

Other pressures on NELC's funds are said to be coming from additional demand for council services and an uplift in pay for staff, plus inflation.

The report concludes: "The environment in which the council is operating is challenging in terms of   capacity to deliver our priorities within financial resources. 

"It is important that the council is transparent about the delivery of planned activities and any issues that affect delivery of the plans". 

Planning green light for family villa in Grimsby's Abbey Road to become children's care home

 

                                              

As a care home, up to four children at a time will be accommodated

AN imposing villa in Grimsby's Abbey Road is set to become a  care home for up to four children at a time.

A Barton-on-Humber company, Tower Residential Care, has secured  planning consent from North East Lincolnshire Council to change the use of the two-storey property from a family house.

TRC states: "This application  seeks a change of use to a children's home to provide a place for children to feel safe and secure and to build a new life for themselves, allowing them to grow and develop.

"The home would provide the children with safe accommodation where they can be given the best possible support, keeping them safe from exploitation and abuse. 

"Our proposal is in a suitable area away from run-down hotspots where there might be drug problems or a bail hostel which is housing released sex offenders. It will be run by a competent provider."

The children anticipated to reside at the property will have a range of conditions whether that be emotional problems, autism and/or Down's Syndrome with ages ranging from 8 - 16.

Staffing will be on a shift basis with two daytime shifts (8am - 3pm) and (3pm - 10pm) and one overnight shift (10pm to 8am).

During term time no children will be present at the premise from 8:30am to 15:30pm, but there will be a member of staff. 

A social worker will visit the site every six  weeks.

Visits by family and friends are likely to take place away from the site at family homes or family centres after school and at weekends.

The property will have four  bedrooms on the first floor.

A fifth room does not  comply with the Technical Housing Standards so this will  be used as a study. 

The change-of-use application raised the eyebrows of some nearby residents - but not high enough to persuade case officer Jonathan Cadd to refuse the proposal.

In his report, he says: "In many ways the scale of the use proposed will not be dissimilar to that of a family home.

"While safety concerns were raised initially by the police, they   now feel able to support the proposal. 

"The impact on neighbours will be limited by the small number of children accommodated."

We'll drink to that! NELC gives green light for proposed new signage outside Waltham hostelry

 

How the front of the pub-restaurant is soon likely to look

A FACELIFT is in prospect for the outside of The King's Head pub in Waltham.

Its owners, Mitchells and Butlers, has secured advertisement consent from North East Lincolnshire Council to display the following:

* One externally illuminated totem sign

* One externally illuminated sign written panel

* One non-illuminated hand painted sign to the front of restaurant

|The application did not go before NELC's planning committee but was determined under delegated powers by case officer Bethany Loring.

In her report, she states: "The design of the signs is functional and simple in a white-and-black colour scheme. 

"The site is located within Waltham Conservation Area and close to some listed buildings, but the council's heritage officer, has  raised no objection.

"The signage will be wholly located within the site and does not extend into the highway so that it does not hinder pedestrian traffic or cause any safety issues. 

"Similarly, the totem and other illuminated signage will  be static and  located so as not to obscure visibility splays for passing traffic.

"There will be no adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring businesses or residential property."

The parish council also supported the proposal which attracted no objections from any villagers.

The proposed totem sign

'Functional and simple' - the style favoured by the pub's owners

The Waltham pub-restaurant as it is now

This is an 'incredible time' to be joining ABP Humber says new boss Andrew Dawes ahead of autumn start

Andrew Dawes - set to take the helm on October 1

CONGRATULATIONS  to Andrew Dawes who will take over as regional director for ABP's Humber  ports in autumn.

Mr Dawes, who  will succeed Simon Bird when he leaves the company in October, has extensive global experience of the ports  industry.

Says he: "This is an incredible time to be joining ABP Humber as it launches its next five-year business strategy is launched. 

"The Humber region  has some really exciting projects and growth opportunities with its twin missions to Keeping Britain Trading and to Enable the UK's Energy Transition.

"I very much look forward to meeting and working with my Humber colleagues, customers and wider stakeholders and to bringing my family to live in this fantastic region."

Mr Dawes will answer to ABP's chief executive, Henrik Pedersen, who says: "We are delighted that someone with Andrew’s breadth and depth of port sector experience has chosen to join us.

"I am sure he will build on the strong foundations laid down by Simon Bird during his tenure as regional director."

ABP operates four ports on the Humber Estuary - Immingham, Grimsby, Hull and Goole.

Between them, they handle  £80-billion worth of trade, generating £6.6b-billion of value to the UK economy.

ABP Humber is also a central player in the region’s growing role as a green energy leader.

It is involved with offshore wind (both manufacturing and operations) and boasts  a pipeline of major projects for green hydrogen and carbon capture/storage such as the proposed Immingham Green Energy Terminal which is currently going through the planning process.

Formerly a wholly British company, ABP is now thought to be owned by a consortium consisting of Borealis Infrastructure, Anchorage Ports LLP, Cheyne Walk Investment Pte. Ltd and the Kuwait Investment Authority.

New Cleethorpes lifeboat station has now had most of its roof fitted, so countdown to completion has begun

 

Much of the roof has now been fitted, so completion surely now beckons for the long-awaited new lifeboat house on Cleethorpes seafront. The project was delayed when the original contractor  hit cashflow problems, but the successor company, Wynne Construction, has been cracking on at a speed of knots. 

Disabled travellers will welcome new state-of-the-art WC proposed for Cleethorpes railway station

                                                                 

The concourse at Cleethorpes railway station which has been earmarked as site for a loo for disabled users  

 

TRANSPENNINE Express has submitted plans to install a modular building to accommodate a WC for disabled users at Cleethorpes Railway Station.

It says: "Although the station has an accessible toilet, it does not have one for individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities and severe mobility limitations. 

"Thousands of people in the UK require facilities beyond standard accessible toilets which do not provide changing benches or hoists and are too small to accommodate more than one person. 

"This deficiency puts individuals with disabilities at risk and often forces families to compromise their own health and hygiene by changing their loved ones on the  floor.

"Installing a Changing Places toilet at public places such as railway stations would dramatically improve the lives of thousands who desperately need these facilities."

It continues: "Currently, there is only one Changing Places WC located within Cleethorpes - the one situated in the leisure centre which is a mile away from the station.

The next available Changing Places facilities  are located in Grimsby - at the YMCA Humber and Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital." 

Because of the heritage status, Transpennine Express will require Listed Building Consent, but it is not thought this will be an obstacle to planning approval.

River clean-up man's plea to anglers after sad discovery of dead kingfisher tangled in discarded line

                                                               

Tangled up in a fishing line - the perished kingfisher

 

WATERWAYS clean-up activist Jim Elliott has today been anguished after discovering the corpse of a kingfisher apparently killed  by an irresponsibly discarded fishing line.

Jim spends his working day clearing litter from the  River Freshney in Grimsby and other watercourses in North East Lincolnshire has made 

His favoured mode of transport is a 16ft canoe into which he lifts rubbish both large and small.

Locally, he is known as the Canoe River Cleaner  which is also the title of his Facebook page.

Today, the married father-of-three posted the following: "While on a routine tidy-up of the beautiful River Freshney, I came across one of the most upsetting sights since I started my efforts: a male Kingfisher tragically caught in discarded fishing wire, leading to its untimely death.

"This is clearly NOT the work of responsible anglers who respect nature and understand that they share the river with other wildlife. 

"I laid this stunning bird to rest on the bank along which it once flew."

Jim has asked his followers to share the word, especially among anglers, of his sad encounter.

"Some people need to be reminded  that carelessness and disregard for the environment cause unnecessary suffering.

"Let's work together to protect the wildlife that makes our rivers so special.

"Gutted - but we move forward."

                                      

Discovery of dead kingfisher really upset the Canoe River Cleaner 

                                                                     

Your chance to buy a bank! Soon-to-be-vacant Cleethorpes property has been put on market

 

A friendly and familiar face - but the bank will soon be bidding farewell to Cleethorpes

IT will not be until just before Christmas that Lloyds pulls the plug on its longstanding branch in Cleethorpes.

However, the town's last surviving bank has wasted no time in putting the St Peter's Avenue property on the market.

According to the agents, Scotts, the premises  are available for sale at an asking price of £425,000 or to let with a guide rent of £37,500 per annum.

Above the banking floor, there is 'ancillary' space, though it is not clear to what use, if any, this is made.

The property also benefits from a six-vehicle car park accessed via Elm Road.

If no potential buyer or leasee come in for the building, chances are that it will be put up for auction.

Will council and traders manage to resolve their disagreements over proposed market place revamp?

Cleethorpes Market Place as it is now - essentially just a car park, maybe with two or three stalls on two days a week 

FRESH talks are expected this week, possibly as soon as this evening, between senior North East Lincolnshire Council members and Cleethorpes traders in a bid to resolve issues over the proposed revamp of the market place. 

The proposal has sparked controversy because  traders, especially shopkeepers and restaurateurs, think they will lose custom if parking spaces are reduced. 

But NELC believes the town overall - and the wider area - will benefit if the area reverts to its original purpose - as a place where markets can be held. 

Says a spokesperson: "There will be a welcoming entrance from St. Peter’s Avenue to Market Place, with street paving improvements. 

"A one-way system will  reduce vehicle traffic and increase space for pedestrians

"There will also be 'flexible' space for events/alfresco eating and drinking plus displays of public art and the potential for a screen. 

"Through traffic will be restricted to maintenance vehicles, emergency access and events traffic.

"The footway will be of high quality footway, and some trees will be planted."

The authority says layby parking will be retained with additional spaces to be provided on the land behind the nearby Old Vic pub and, at least until the property is sold, in the grounds of the vacant civic offices.                                               

The new design presents  the existing car park (in purple) as a prospective 'flexible events space'

The project envisages one layout for 'busy' days and another for 'quiet' days

Is Louth Market Place preferable - no cars but plenty of stalls (and customers)?  Here, East Lindsey District Council operates a 'hybrid' system, with parking available on the four days of the week when there is not a market. However, the Cleethorpes proposal may not offer the same flexibility.

New moves unveiled by NELC to curb verge-parking on busy road outside Waltham Tollbar Academy

                                                                      

The council is unhappy with the extent of parking alongside a busy road outside a school 

VERGE-parking restrictions are likely to be extended along a stretch  of Station Road outside Waltham Tollbar Academy.

In addition, the 40mph speed limit will be replaced with a 30mph limit elsewhere on the same road.

This current 30mph limit will be extended 150 metres towards the western end of the road.

A report  states: "The amendments to the verge parking, clearway and 30/40mph speed limit restrictions are proposed in order to support the new car park and drop-off area opposite Tollbar Academy. 

"The prevention of all parking within the carriageway and on the  verge in favour of using the new off-street parking and drop-off facility, coupled with an extension to the current 30mph speed limit in front of the school, will ensure the safety of all road users.

"This will in turn ensure clear visibility for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists in the area on the approach to and around the academy."

At a meeting next week, the report is expected to be signed off by portfolio holder for highways Cllr Stewart Swinburn.

One serious and four slight personal injury collisions have been reported on Station Road over the last five years. 

Some highway improvements have previously been made in the area to try to mitigate against road safety risks. 

These have included the introduction of controlled crossing facilities and changes to the road layout during the Wigmore Park housing estate development.

According to the council, verge parking on Station Road has resulted in widespread damage and has created issues with visibility and access to properties .

It has also created a road safety risk for pedestrians and cyclists on both the carriageway and the adjacent segregated cycle/footway.

NELC hopes the proposed measures will encourage more walking and cycling as an alternative travel option

                                              

The grassy site adjacent to Wigmore Park housing estate which has been designated for  car parking