New seafood school at Grimsby Institute will provide world-class training and generate career opportunities

                                           

GRIMSBY Institute has a new feather in its cap - or should that be fin on its back?

This month has seen the launch of a UK Seafood School on its main campus at Nuns Corner in Grimsby.

Says a spokesperson: "The new facility will  provide world-class training and development opportunities for those pursuing careers in the seafood sector."

There is state-of-the art demonstration kitchen, a new wet room training space and a redesign of The Samphire restaurant (formerly The Gallery) to include  a dedicated seafood service area. 

These developments aim to equip local students with enhanced practical skills while supporting the long-term growth of Grimsby’s seafood industry.

 Costing £185,000, the seafood school will play a pivotal role in further strengthening Grimsby’s position as a leader in the UK’s seafood industry, providing crucial training and career development pathways for the next generation of professionals.

Enthuses Institute vice-principal Maria Turnbull-Kemp: "I am incredibly proud to see the UK Seafood School come to life here at the Grimsby Institute. 

"It provides a fantastic opportunity for young people, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have, not only on the students, but on the entire seafood industry in the region."

Cleethorpes councillor opts for 'softly, softly' signage outside his popular seafront meeting place

 

Artist's impression of how Willys might look with the less obtrusive sign (visual: Jonathan Hendry Architects)  

PUB landlord and North East Lincolnshire councillor Bill Parkinson is planning to insert more subtle signage outside his pub on Cleethorpes seafront.

In a world where everyone else wants to shout, he prefers to speak quietly with a more discreet sign than the one that currently exists.

Says his architect, Jonathan Hendry:  "The potential impacts of this application and design of proposed signage are minimal in response to the setting of the site and its location within the conservation area.

"The signage proposed will replace an existing sign that is far larger than what is proposed. 

"Its shape and size will be in keeping with the new canopy structure, reducing its impact on the existing building whilst maintaining adequate visual promotion. 

"The proposed signage looks to use a soft white illuminated acrylic box, with black text.

"It is our opinion that the new signage will be in keeping with the existing building's characteristics and will not be a detraction."

The proposal is currently under consideration by planners.

                                                               

The existing signing is hardly garish, but Cllr Parkinson favours something more 'gentle' 

False hope? Talk of direct rail link from Cleethorpes to London seems to have run out of puff

 

Derailed? Hopes of direct trains from Cleethorpes to London have faded

LINGERING hopes  that a direct rail link might be restored between Cleethorpes and London this winter have chug, chug, chugged into the buffers.

Earlier this year, local Conservative MPs Lia Nici and Melanie Onn were confident that they had persuaded ministers to bring back the direct link  to the capital after a 32-year absence.

All being well, the first trains could have been running this December.

But since then there has been a change of Government, and the new rail controllers-in-chief have, according to the specialist media, shunted the prospect into the sidings.

Reportedly there are “timetabling, financial, operational and infrastructure” challenges - and there is no evident  political will  from rail minister Lilian Greenwood, nor anyone else, for them to  be overcome.

The reports will be a bitter disappointment not just for Mr Vickers but also for Grimsby’s MP, Melanie Onn - as well as for all those travellers who would have made use of the service.

Instead, it will be  the same service as ever. A slow train  to Doncaster, followed by a change of platform and a scramble to find a seat on the connection to Kings Cross.

* In another development, NELC planners this week gave the green light for a modular building to be installed at Cleethorpes railway station. This will accommodate a state-of the-art WC for disabled users.

Say farewell to Robin Hood! Building society with branch in Cleethorpes decides to show him red card

                                          

IT'S all change at the Nottingham Building Society which has a long-established branch on St Peter's Avenue in Cleethorpes.

It has decided to ditch its logo of Robin Hood in favour of one which it believes to be more dynamic.

Says Head of Customer Service Charlotte Symonds: "Over the coming weeks and months, our customers will  spot fresh colours and a bold new look. 

"In addition, as we are proud to be a building society, we have brought that back into our name, too. "

Along with Lloyds Bank and the Nationwide Building Society, NBS is one of only three surviving financial institutions in Cleethorpes - and Lloyds is set to close its premises at the end of the year. 

Council planners give blessing for urgent repairs to brickwork of blaze-damaged Cleethorpes church

It was in October last year that a blaze ripped through the fabric of the precious landmark building

THE go-ahead was today given for urgent repairs to walls and window openings at the fire-ravaged Beaconthorpe Methodist Church in Cleethorpes.

These are deemed essential because of the extent of damage caused when a blaze ripped through the building on October 5 last year.

The roof could not be saved and severe cracking was caused to much of the brickwork.

In addition, the stone framing of an arched window is severely displaced and likely to fall in if not removed.

After noting the comments of architectural experts, senior North East Lincolnshire Council planning case officer Jonathan Cadd has granted Listing Building Consent for the repairs to proceed subject to appropriate replacement bricks and mortar being used.

Ultimately, it is the intention of Grimsby man David Beard for the property, which has long ceased being used for worship, to be converted to up to six apartments for which he has already secured planning permission.

                                     

Aspirational. Above and below are images of an interior designer's concept for how the inside of the church might look if converted to apartments. 

Life after Leading Labels and Pavers - Cleethorpes shop expected to re-open later this month

High hopes that Meridian Point shop will re-open with new tenants as soon as next week 

THE vacant Cleethorpes shop that formerly accommodated Leading Labels and Pavers Shoes is expected to re-open next week.

Word is that will be an independently-owned outlet for designer wear and will trade under the name of  Meridian Labels.

The provisional opening date is next Monday October 14.

Pavers Shoes closed in March this year and Leading Labels in August.

Both pulled out of Unit 2b Meridian Point abruptly with no announcement to customers but thought to be because of disagreements with the landlord.

Since then there has been speculation about the future occupants, with residents suggesting retailers they would  favour - among  them  being M&S Food and Dunelm.

It is not known if Meridian Labels will occupy the whole of the premises or if they might decide to share it with another enterprise.

Also unknown is if a fashion celebrity, such as Victoria Beckham, might be invited to cut the ribbon on October 14.

                                          

A revealing peek through the front door of the empty shop  

Major spruce-up in prospect for Grand Old Lady of Grimsby waterfront - the Grade I listed Dock Tower

                                                               

Resplendent but in need of a facelift - the historic Dock Tower is Grimsby's most famous landmark

A MAKEOVER  is planned for Grimsby's Grade I Dock Tower.

Listed building consent is being sought for  major renovation of the landmark building which was built in the early 1850s and is modelled on a similar building in the square at Sienna in Italy.

Following a an inspection carried out by a drone, the proposed programme of works includes removal or replacement of cast iron pipes, replacement of defective bricks, rewiring plus  installation of new lighting and fire detection and alarm system.

Assuming ABP's application is approved, the works are likely to be phased over several years.

There is anecdotal evidence of peregrines falcons having nested at the top of the tower, so care will be taken not to disturb them.

Likewise any bats that might roost in existing cracks and crevices.  

Plan unveiled for conversion of Grimsby restaurant to become 20-bedroom hotel extension

                                        

It looks like farewell soon to the Brewers Fayre restaurant on the outskirts of Grimsby. Along with others in the chain elsewhere in the country, it has been earmarked to become an extension to the adjacent 58-bedroom Premier Inn. Assuming  planning consent for conversion of the property - on Appian Way - is granted by North East Lincolnshire Council, it will provide a further 20 bedrooms. The eating-on-the-premises facility will not entirely be lost because the scheme also proposes provision of a 'breakfast room'.

Mud, mud, glorious mud! Nothing quite like it for . . .

 

A ride out on Cleethorpes beach proved an exhilarating experience for the driver of this saloon car - but not in a happy way. The Renault Scenic  quickly became bogged down in mud and was partially submerged when the tide came in. That was last night and this is at 2.30pm today.  An attempt to tow the car back to shore with a truck failed when it, too, became stuck and had to be recovered. What happens next? Only time will tell.

            

A 'murky' affair! Council keen to tackle 75-year build-up of sludge at base of Cleethorpes Boating Lake

                                                

All the fun of the boating lake! But build-up of sediment is sometimes an issue for boaters

HIGH-profile Cleethorpes businessman and councillor Bill Parkinson has urged full speed ahead on a project to clear the huge amount of sludge that lies at the bottom of the boating lake.

At a meeting today, he urged NELC officers: "Push on as hard as you can.

"The boating lake is extremely popular. It is almost 100 years old and one of the resort's most important assets." 

                                    

Cllr Parkinson - 'lake is important asset'

Concerns about the sediment were detailed in a report to the tourism economy scrutiny panel which met this morning in Grimsby Town Hall.

Compiled by assistant environment director Kath Jickells, the document states: "There are several challenges around the management of the lake due to its age and design. 

"These challenges have included a build-up of sediment over the years which has led to a decreased water level in the boating lake causing it to dry up during drought conditions. 

"There has also been poor aeration in the boating lake further increasing sediment build-up, causing the water to become murky and reducing the biodiversity of the lake."

Ms Jickells continues: "The lake was originally designed to be drained and cleaned annually  there are no records of this having happened since the Second World War.

"The build-up of  sediment has caused issues for the boat operator and boat users who have raised concerns about water levels.

"Water levels are checked daily by officers, with officers pumping water out of the lake if there is an overflow and opening the borehole inlet if there is too little water.

"Pumping system and water fountains are checked and maintained by external contractors. 

"All filters for infalls leading into the lake are also cleaned by NELC Officers. 

"Alongside these measures, officers carry out routine lakeside maintenance and checks which includes: 

• Hedgerow flailing once per year

• Grass cutting by both triple ride on mowers and a tractor with gang mowers on a 10–14-day schedule 

• Shrub pruning annually

• Repairs and maintenance to all pathways and handrails

• Routine waste collections 

• Bridge inspections and maintenance

• Routine inspection and repairs of benches and knee-high railing

• Weed spraying

• Inspection of Trees and actioned works 

According to Ms Jickells, officers have explored options to de-silt the lake, but this would be at "a significant cost", not least because of transportation and disposal.

It will therefore be seeking grants  - initially £250,000 - from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and/or other sources to enable it to proceed.

NELC is also hoping to learn lessons from other areas including Boultham Park in Lincoln. Some sort of community involvement could be an option.

It is also exploring options to involve Natural England, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and the Humber Nature Partnership.

Although they are not named in the report, there could also be roles for Grimsby RSPB and the Lincolnshire Bird Club whose secretary carries out a monthly count of the various waterfowl species for the British Trust for Ornithology.

We need to talk about the quackers and honkers! NELC's waterfowl woes at Cleethorpes Boating Lake

                                                                

Barnacle geese resting up on a grassy bank of the boating lake 

THE spotlight has fallen on the ducks, geese and swans of Cleethorpes Boating Lake in a new report from North East Lincolnshire Council.

It states: "The lake has become home to numerous resident wildfowl. 

"While it is important to protect the birds of the Humber Estuary, the regular feeding of birds  by visitors has caused a population build-up - particularly of grey lag geese.

"This has created a management challenge in that it has caused damage to grassland and the large  fouling on pathways." 

"To manage these challenges, officers have undertaken daily cleaning of pathways while  a fountain and reed baskets have been installed to provide aeration and improve biodiversity."

Feeding ducks and geese is a popular pastime, and is often a first opportunity for toddlers to interact with birds.

There is no suggestion that there should be an outright ban on feeding - though it is already discouraged (especially with bread)  in some areas.

Nor does the report call for a cull which would undoubtedly cause squawks of outrage (from humans as well as from birds).

The report is due to be considered at a a council scrutiny panel meeting tomorrow, October 3. 

                                       

Although their numbers fluctuate, grey lag geese are usually the commonest bird species on and around the lake

Update possible later this week on council's controversial plan to 'hard-landscape' Pier Gardens

Pier Gardens - council leaders think the shrubs and lawns look "tired"  and need to make way for hard landscaping, a 'performance zone' and  recreational equipment

An update on the proposed revamp of Pier Gardens could come later this week. Members of North East Lincolnshire Council's economy, culture and tourism panel will have the opportunity to quiz officers at a meeting on Thursday morning. The proposed project has been the subject of simmering controversy ever since the first stage - removal of a popular hedgerow maze - occurred in spring. Pending this week's meeting, NELC has released the minutes (below)  of  the July 12 panel meeting where the revamp was discussed. 

Elected members raised concerns over the removal of historical activities for families, as well as the public health concerns raised in a recent press release, particularly around antisocial behaviour in the maze. 

The removal of the maze was acknowledged but the panel questioned the timing of its removal. 

                                           

The maze - first casualty of the redevelopment project

They wondered whether this was only done because of the upcoming Armed Forces Weekend and asked whether the ecology around removing part of these gardens had been considered. 

Members enquired about the need for planning permission on some of the structures put forward and asked whether the project cost would be more than what officers were currently forecasting. 

They expressed concerns over the difficulty officers may have in appointing external contractors and reiterated how they hoped officers had thought about the disruption this project may have to residents and visitors coming to the resort.

The leader of the council (Cllr Philip Jackson) and officers clarified the 'need' to take out the play equipment and the maze. 

They maintained that the removal was done in advance of the holiday season when there would be  increased footfall. 

Ecological reports were taken into consideration before the maze was removed. 

They also explained that the only planning permission they would need would be on one of the structures in the play area, but a pre-application presentation had already been presented to the council planning committee to help to avoid the implementation of this project being held up. 

Cllr Trevor Crofts (Con) moved for the recommendations within the report to Cabinet be supported along with a further recommendation that  the technical design, costs and timescales of the Pier Garden project be referred back for information to the panel for review.

Councillor Tim Mickleburgh (Lab) seconded this.

The motion was unanimously approved.        

                            

Mystery property company in pre-auction swoop for vacant buildings in Grimsby's Riverhead Square

Under new ownership - the 'landmark' properties in  Riverhead Square   

A MYSTERY buyer has pounced  for a giant chunk of real estate in Grimsby's Riverhead Square.

Earlier this summer, North East Lincolnshire Council completed its project to refurbish the part of the square once occupied by a bus station.

But its initial hopes that initiative would spark regeneration of part of the town centre looked shaky when commercial property agents Scotts were unable to secure a buyer for various empty properties.

Specifically, these were five commercial units and the six-storey Imperial House office block which has planning permission for conversion to 24 self-contained apartments.

A decision was taken to auction the properties as a single lot in a sale being held by Acuitus in London last Wednesday.

But just hours before the Grimsby properties - lot 47 - were due to go under the hammer, a property company swooped, clinching the deal at significantly above the pre-auction guide price.

It is not known if it is a British or foreign company is involved, nor the price paid.

Despite its recent forays in commercial property investment, North East Lincolnshire Council is not believed to have been in the frame.  

But the dramatic events of last week have revived hopes that  a vibrant new future beckons for Riverhead Square if occupants can be found for the properties. 

Recent occupants included a children’s soft play centre, a gym & fitness studio, a bar plus a café/public transport hub.

Following their demise, the Worcestershire-based property company which had owned and managed these assets collapsed into receivership.

When the properties, which sit on 2.19-acres, were on the open market, they were being described by Scotts as a "landmark town centre repositioning opportunity".

Now it seems that some ambitious company  has not just recognised that "opportunity" but seized it.

                                         

NELC leader Cllr Philip Jackson (right) and cabinet colleague Cllr Stewart Swinburn in Riverhead Square earlier this summer. Their confidence in the regeneration project will have received a boost with news of the property deal.