Proposed 318-homes project on Grimsby's former Western School site will be landscaped with 397 trees

                                                              

Artist's impression of the proposed development - note the solar roof panels and the hedgerow frontage

A LONGSTANDING proposal to build 318 homes on the site of  the former Western School off  Cambridge Road in Grimsby has now been rubber-stamped by North East Lincolnshire Council planners.

The developers will be Doncaster-based  Keepmoat Homes, a national company with a history stretching back more than 90 years.

The agents are Lichfields - the same company that is working on the Pleasure Island redevelopment scheme in Cleethorpes.

It confirms that special attention will be given to landscaping and amenity space.

Says Lichfields' report: "The site will use a mix of landscaping techniques to define public and private spaces appropriately. 

"Along the streetscape, soft landscaping such as shrubs and hedges will create boundaries. 

"Between private properties, wooden fencing will define the plot boundaries."

It continues: "The development will include a number of areas of public open space with the largest being to the east. 

"This area of open space will connect into the public right of way on the eastern edge of  the site and will also include a Local Equipment Area for Play

"New tree planting is proposed across the site and will include a variety of types including 48 large trees, 186  medium trees, 69 small trees and 94 private garden trees  - 397 in total.

The report adds: "Wherever possible, existing vegetation will be retained and will be supplemented with additional native hedge planting."                                            

This will be the layout of the site of the former Western School 

Roadside trees prominently in the development proposal 

Councillor's alert on controversial housing scheme: "We risk creating a traffic congestion monster!"

                                                

Cllr Lindley: "We should not be frightened of the consequences of our decisions"

ALLOWING a 249-house development off a busy stretch of highway in New Waltham would risk creating a "traffic congestion monster".

That was the claim of Cllr Ian Lindley at today's North East Lincolnshire Council planning meeting held in Grimsby Town Hall.

His comments came during a 70-minute debate which ended with councillors controversially voting 6-5 to refuse the planning application submitted by Cyden Homes for the development off Louth Road near the New Waltham boundary with Holton-le-Clay.

The decision came despite forceful presentations from planning case officer Richard Limmer and head of planning Martin Dixon who commended the scheme for according with  highways, ecology, landscape, design and other criteria. 

Most significant all, as the duo noted, the site has already been  allocated for housing in the Local Plan.

However, concern was expressed by, among others, ward councillor Stan Shreeve, Cllr Henry Hudson,  Cllr Lloyd Emmerson and Cllr Paul Bright, with the last of these highlighting problems that had been created with corresponding developments in Scartho.

Cllr Hayden Dawkins was particularly vexed by the prospect of traffic lights being installed  at the junction of Louth Road and the access to the site.

"What is it about NELC's highways department that deems every new junction needs traffic lights?" he demanded. "Have officers not heard of roundabouts?"

Cllr Bill Parkinson unsuccessfully called for the application to be deferred with the hope that officers might be able to negotiate an "improved scheme" with an additional access road.  

While acknowledging that the scheme would increase congestion,  Cllr Edward Kaczmarak said he would vote in support of the proposal "albeit reluctantly".

"Just because there would be an increase in traffic is not sufficient justification for refusing the application," he declared.

Both Cllr Kevin Shutt and Cllr Janet Goodwin described themselves as "conflicted" by the proposal, with the latter warning that, if the developer were to win any subsequent appeal, the financial cost to the council could be heavy.

This point was heeded by Cllr Matthew Patrick who maintained that any appeal by the applicant was, indeed, likely to be successful. "We should beware of giving false hope to objectors," he warned.

But Cllr Lindley was sticking to his guns. 

"It is our job as councillors to determine applications," he maintained. "We should not be frightened of the consequences of our decisions."

"I say again - we must not create a monster, we must not feed the monster."

It is understood Cyden Homes will scrutinise  the refusal notice from NELC before deciding whether to submit an appeal to the Bristol-based Planning Inspectorate.

                                         

Layout of the proposed development off Louth Road in New Waltham

                                                         

Committee members ponder the controversial planning application

Proposed 'green energy' processing plant in Humber Estuary could create 1100-plus construction jobs

                                         

Artist's impression of the 'green energy' project proposed for the South Bank of the Humber 

AN ambitious plan by ABP to build and operate a 'green energy'  processing plant in the Humber Estuary could create as many as 1,112 jobs in the construction sector.

Assuming the Government's planning inspectorate approves the project, there could also be significant permanent employment - 134 direct new jobs and 142 indirect jobs. 

Although there is no breakdown on the nature of the jobs, these figures have revealed in a document seen by the Grimsby News.

The Local Impact Report published by North East Lincolnshire Council's investment partner, Equans, states: "The proposal represents a significant investment in the port, manufacturing, chemical and logistics sectors which will support the wider economic growth of the South Humber Bank.

"This is especially the case during the construction period and then for the future supporting services, such as technical support, engineering and servicing."

To be located at Immingham, the joint venture with and Air Products plc would involve importing  ammonia - probably from Saudi Arabia - for conversion to hydrogen for use as a fuel in  shipping, buses and HGVs.

There are also likely to be other industrial applications. 

The report continues: "The proposed development is of a very large scale, both in terms of land-take and physical scale.

"The highest elements of the development would be  the hydrogen production units with flare stacks up to 45 metres high and the ammonia storage tank element which has infrastructure up to 65 metres high, the main tank being 40 metres high.2

Would the development be a blot on the landscape? Possibly yes - but no more than others on the South Bank of the  Humber such as  the ports of Grimsby and Immingham and petrochemical installations at Killingholme.

Says the report: "Whilst visible in the landscape the proposed development would not stand alone but add to the existing industrial landscape."

There are some downsides.  

Inevitably, traffic disruption would inevitable during the construction phase, with the document indicating approximately  200 HGV movements and 1500 car/van movements per day at peak times.

It says: "Whilst  these are large numbers, it would not result in severe impacts on the highway network."

Some 220 mature trees would need to be felled  in order to connect the liquid bulk pipeline from the proposed jetty to the storage and production facilities,

Natural England has also expressed misgivings about a potentially adverse impact on the many wetland birds that over-winter on the estuary mudflat.

However, the report deliberately refrains from comment  about both biodiversity and geodiveristy.

It states: "There is the potential for terrestrial, intertidal and marine ecological impact, but it is considered that Natural England and the Marine Management Organisation  are the  appropriate bodies to consider the intertidal and marine impacts."

                                                              

The report estimates more than a thousand jobs if the Immingham project goes ahead 

                                                                 

They're not looking to discover oil or gas under Pier Gardens, but who knows what might be revealed?

 

Technicians from Coventry-based firm Geotechnics have today begun exploring what lies below the Pier Gardens on Cleethorpes seafront. They don't expect their drills to find oil or gas, but could there be artefacts of historical interest - perhaps a settlement dating from prehistory? Or will their investigations just reveal the mundane - an electricity cable here or a sewer pipe there? The project is underway ahead of North East Lincolnshire Council's scheme to re-model the long-established gardens into an area of recreation including a skateboard park.         

Council confirms plan to convert part of green and leafy Pier Gardens to skateboard park

                                     

Contractors on site next week, so what future these shrubs and trees in Pier Gardens?

PART of  Pier Gardens in Cleethorpes will be given over to a skateboard park.

This has been confirmed by North East Lincolnshire Council which has awarded a contract  to Coventry-based  Geotechnics Ltd to carry out a week-long survey, starting on Monday 28 October.

This will involve rotary core drilling to check for ground conditions and also digging inspection pits to check where utility pipes are located.

The investigations will be conducted in the daytime, between approximately 9am and 4pm, with large machinery on site. 

The proposed revamp of Pier Gardens is supported by £18.4-million which was awarded to Cleethorpes out of Whitehall's  Levelling Up Fund. 

 NELC says the proposed design will incorporate

* An area for children’s and adults’ social activities

* An area designed specifically for the 'skateboarding community'

* An area specifically designed for more 'contemplative' activities.

It says the project is based partly on input from local people, so it is hopeful not to reignite the controversy sparked in spring by its removal of  the hedgerow maze just at a time when songbirds were prospecting for nesting sites.

No detail has been provided on the likely location of the skateboard park, but the grass putting green opposite Cleethorpes Library could be in the frame.

Other lawns and many of the shrubs are also at risk of being 'removed' though NELC insists that most, if not all, of the trees will be retained.

Although NELC originally signalled its intention to submit a planning application for the project, it is now likely to skip this stage in order not to delay the scheme.

However, it may have to re-think this if it seeks to install structures taller than four metres such as lighting and CCTV towers. 

                                        

Is the grass putting green the location earmarked for the proposed skateboard park? 

Crunch decision next week on controversial plan for 249-home estate off A16 road in New Waltham

                                                         

For crops, read houses - the field earmarked for a housing estate (photo: Andrew Chick)

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build 249 homes on farmland in New Waltham could be rubber-stamped at a meeting next Wednesday October 30.

The project, on 13.2 hectares off the A16 Louth Road, is being recommended for approval by senior North East Lincolnshire Council planning case officer Richard Limmer.

However, it is members of the planning committee who will make the decision on the application by Laceby-based Cyden Homes Ltd.

Ahead of next week's meeting in Grimsby Town Hall, there has been huge opposition from scores of residents.

Also opposed are MP Martin Vickers and the parish councils in New Waltham, Holton-le-Clay and Waltham.

And even Barratts and David Wilson Homes, who are building on the other side of the road, are unhappy.

The main concerns seems to be the inevitable build-up of traffic, air pollution and pressure on infrastructure, but there also fears about the likely impact on wildlife including various songbird species, badgers, great crested newts and water voles.

The case officer has taken all these representations into consideration, but has still reached the conclusion to recommend.

Of concerns about traffic congestion, he notes: "While the proposed development would add additional traffic using the junction, in particular during peak hours, it would not lead to an unacceptable or severe impact on the junction and no further improvement works are required."

He further believes sufficient mitigation has been offered to safeguard water voles and great crested newts.

Cyden Homes' preference is for 52 two-bedroom houses,  68 of three bedrooms, 125 of four bedrooms and four of five bedrooms. 

There would also be a public open space including a children's play area.

Wednesday's meeting, which starts at 9.30am, is open to the public.

                                                                          

The developers believe mitigation measures can save the site's water voles from disturbance during construction works or predation by pet cats

Underground sewer could stall plan to site energy storage batteries on Cleethorpes wildlife site

                               

The site off Hewitts Avenue that has been earmarked for an  industrial development subject to planning permission

THERE has been a hitch for a company that wants to install giant storage batteries on a wildlife hotspot on the outskirts of Cleethorpes.

It has emerged that running under the site, which is located off Hewitt's Avenue, lies a 675mm foul sewer pipe.

This has prompted Anglian Water to lodge an objection.

In a letter to North East Lincolnshire Council, it states: "The site layout plan indicates that the sewer  asset will be located within perimeter of the battery storage development. 

"Anglian Water does not permit these assets to be located within the proposed development. 

"We would like to be re-consulted when the applicant submits a revised development layout with the application."

The application has been submitted by Harmony Energy which is based in Knaresborough in North Yorkshire.     

The leafy spot, which is adjacent to the Buck Beck, is home to songbirds such as warblers, finches, robins and wrens

This photograph taken at another Harmony Energy site is what the company has in mind for land off Hewitts Avenue

Women tell of the misery and despair caused when 'stalkers' just won't leave them alone

                                   

Oh no, not him again! Stalking and harassment can bring unspeakable anguish (photo: NELC)

"I HAVE had taxis called to my house at 3am, and six different pizza take aways delivered in one night - none of which I had ordered!"

"If I was eating in McDonalds, he was in the queue for the drive-thru. If I went to Asda, he was in the next aisle. I couldn’t figure out how he always knew where I was."

This is what North East Lincolnshire woman has said of her experience of stalking.

Latest figures from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust show that one in five women nationally is or has been the  victim of stalking. 

In North East Lincolnshire in 2023/2024, there were 5,300 reported instances of violence against women and girls and a growing number of these incidents relate to stalking.

The women featured are all being supported by Women’s Aid. Here is what they had to say in this special feature compiled by North East Lincolnshire Council's media department.

Jane reported how her ex-husband drove past her house at all times of the day and night. 

She said that if it wasn’t him driving past, it was a takeaways delivery driver turning up to her house late at night with a meal that she had not ordered.

"It feels like little things each time, and when you tell someone an isolated experience, they may not think it’s that much of a big deal,"she said.

"But when this is happening every single day, it starts to become a problem. 

"I can’t even prove it’s undeniably my ex who is ringing the taxis and ordering the takeaways, but there wouldn’t be anyone else who would do this to me."

This experience is is echoed in Emma’s story.

She could not understand how her ex-boyfriend seemed to know where she was at all times.

She explained how he seemed to turn up wherever she was even when she had turned off all location-sharing on both her phone and her children’s phones. 

She had mechanics check her car for trackers and regularly changed her routine. But he still managed to figure out where she was.

Her friends tried to tell Emma that North East Lincolnshire is such a small place that it may have been a coincidence, but her gut feeling was that it was something more sinister.

Emma took her phone to the provider who was able to go through each app. 

This found a false parcel tracking link that had been emailed to Emma and had downloaded a hidden app that shared her location.

With the hidden app deleted, Emma found that her ex was no longer showing up whenever she left the house.

Emma said: "Women’s Aid have been amazing. There were times when I felt like I was going crazy.

"I feel so much safer now, and it’s all thanks to Women’s Aid believing me."

Another victim, Henrietta, could not understand why her ex started making odd comments to her mother when he came to pick up their child. 

He was saying things about Henrietta’s haircut or the new furniture she had bought for her house.

After inspection, Henrietta found that a gift her son had brought home had a tracker in it. Her ex had been watching her remotely.

These three women’s names have been changed for safety and privacy, but their stories are true.

Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Roworth, Humberside Police’s Lead for Stalking, said: "We are seeing an increase of instances of stalking, and there is no level of stalking or harassment that is acceptable. 

"It is important to know what the signs are if you think you might be being stalked.

"Stalking behaviour is labelled as FOUR – Fixated, Obsessive, Unwanted and Repetitive. 

"If someone is exhibiting stalking behaviours towards you, please report it to the police.

Stalking and harassment does not  have to mean it takes place in person or involves being physically followed or threatened. 

Stalking can be in several different forms, such as:

* Turning up at work or other locations they know you will be at

* Leaving unwanted gifts

* Messages sent through social media and other social networks

* Monitoring through tracking devices and mobile apps

Men are also sometimes victims of stalking but none has been inclined to share his experience with the council.

Women’s Aid NEL has  a wide range of support options for those who are being stalked or harassed and encourages those experiencing this to contact them for advice sooner rather than later.

Cllr Stan Shreeve, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing, and Adult Social Care comments: "Women’s Aid work so hard to support our vulnerable.

"They do outstanding work supporting and advising those at some of their most difficult times."

If you need support with dealing with stalking, ring Women’s Aid on 01472 575757 or visit www.womensaidnel.org  

For more information visit https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/keeping-our-area-clean-and-safe/stalking-and-harassment/

MP sounds alarm on potentially adverse impact of Cleethorpes market place pedestrianisation

                                                         

Cleethorpes Market Place - traders fear business will suffer if NELC introduces pedestrianisation

GREAT  Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn has sounded her misgivings on the proposal by North East Lincolnshire Council to  pedestrianise the market place in Cleethorpes.

She told 'Commons colleagues: "Local businesses are really worried that this will affect footfall for them."

Ms Onn was speaking in a debate, chaired by Immingham and Brigg MP Martin Vickers, about the need to regenerate town and city centres.

She went on to lament the lack of a national strategy which she maintained had led to the decline of town centres resulting from "a decade and a half of neglect".

"It has fallen to local areas to undertake plans themselves - expending significant cost and time - to present plans to Government and then to gradually eke out funds, at sporadic intervals, to try to fulfil their local vision. 

"That has happened in Grimsby and Cleethorpes. 

"An endeavour under the banner of the Greater Grimsby Town Deal Board and the commitment of local businesses brought about the establishment of the 2025 Group.

"The Group's members are working together to deliver the kinds of improvements that will make areas attractive and safe, to encourage the increased use of expanding town centre facilities."

The MP continued: "I have long argued that town centres and high streets need to evolve to survive, but that requires intervention when the market fails. 

"Initiatives such as the new Horizon Youth Zone on Garth Lane, the introduction of a community diagnostic centre - that is not without its issues but I am raising them separately with the Health Secretary - or the proposed new transport hub will all go towards making Grimsby town centre much more attractive.

"We have some brilliant businesses in our town centres and on our high streets that all worked so hard through the pandemic to keep going in the face of rising bills. 

"They have dug deep and kept their doors open. 

"I went to the Great Big Small awards recently and I was pleased to see so many businesses celebrating and being celebrated for their contributions to the vibrancy of the offer across North East Lincolnshire."

Ms Onn expressed regret that her constituency has "loads of empty shops".

"Companies, particularly banks, are leaving big gaps that lie empty for extended periods of time. 

"When they are filled - this is an issue that I have raised before - they are filled with vape shops and barbers and there is a real lack of a range of different options. "

The Grimsby News says: Melanie Onn does well to cast the spotlight on the proposed revamp of Cleethorpes where the NELC leadership seems not to have done much to encourage debate - at least not in any public forum. The authority should submit a planning application for its scheme so that all relevant documents can be scrutinised and the matters thrashed out in committee for all to hear. However, later in her speech, the MP’s reference to 'barbers' is less helpful - in fact, it is somewhat sinister. Although she refrained from using the term, 'Turkish', she is leaving her audience to fill in the space. Possibly sub-consciously,  accidentally even, she seems to have been feeding into an unsavoury current of public opinion. And, on a different tack, why should barbers’ shops, of whatever nationality,  be deemed less welcome on our shopping streets than ladies’ hair salons or beauty parlours?

Quiet start to life but Cleethorpes' newest fashion store can expect busier times nearer Christmas

For Leading Labels, read Meridian Labels - the new fashion store opened at 9.30am today

TRADING was today off to a quiet start for Meridian Labels Designer Outlet in Cleethorpes.

It was the first day of  life for the new store which occupies the premises of Leading Labels until it closed two months ago.

At 10am today, there were about 12 browsers in a shop which is broadly similar to its predecessor both in layout and the kind of fashionwear (for both women and men) that it stocks.

The biggest surprise is that the way is being prepared for the return, probably in February, of Pavers Shoes which closed, in unexplained circumstance, last March.

Not that many days to Christmas - spot Santa hanging from the ceiling!

Just right for cooler days ahead - a good range of ladies' knitwear is on sale

Note the sign - Pavers Shoes is set to return in the New Year

MP Melanie Onn in 'Commons plea for 2026 return of National Armed Forces Day to Cleethorpes

                                                                     

Melanie Onn - looking ahead to 2026

GREAT Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn has issued a ' Commons plea for National Armed Forces Day to be held in Cleethorpes in 2026.

And she wants it to start on the "somewhat overlooked" North Promenade.

Except during the pandemic, Armed Forces Day has been a feature of the town's summer calendar - but Cleethorpes has not staged the national event since 2016.

Speaking on Thursday, she declared:  "Each year, 300,000 people come to Cleethorpes for our Armed Forces Day. 

"Can the Leader of the House advise me how I can best communicate to the Ministry of Defence how much we would appreciate it if National Armed Forces Day in 2026 could be held in Cleethorpes? 

"It will be the 10-year anniversary of the last time it was held there.

"Perhaps we could extend Armed Forces Day to start at the wonderful but somewhat overlooked North Prom."

In response, the Leader of the Commons, Lucy Powell (who is MP for Manchester Central), sounded a positive note.  

"I did not know that so many people come to Cleethorpes for Armed Forces Day," she replied. "It sounds like a real occasion."

"I will certainly make sure that the Ministry of Defence hears my hon. Friend’s plea. 

"Cleethorpes sounds like a very good place for National Armed Forces Day in 2026."                                           

Lucy Powell: 'Cleethorpes sounds like a very good place' 

                                            

'Wonderful but somewhat overlooked' - North Promenade

Geoff and Louise scoop the honours with stunning exhibits at Cleethorpes Library's summer art show

Almost like being there!  Kim and Geoff with his impressive study of Freeman Street market 

                                                      

CONGRATULATIONS to Cleethorpes artist Geoff Humphreys who has scooped a £50 prize after exhibiting his work in an exhibition which ran in the town's library during summer.

Judges voted his vibrant oil-on-canvas study of Grimsby's Freeman Street market the most dynamic of the 37 paintings that were on display.

Because there was insufficient space to set up his easel in the market, Geoff, who grew up in Davenport Drive but now lives on Queen's Parade, worked from a series of photographs to recreate its rich colours and atmosphere."

Judge Kim Rothman, of Lincs Inspire Libraries, commented: "I have always loved the warmth  and energy of the market. 

"We chose this piece as it captures its essence - not least details  such as the onions and hessian sacks.

"All-in-all, it  has a lovely mix of light, energy and market vibes!"

Visitors to the exhibition were also invited to cast their votes, and  the public winner was Louise Barnard with her watercolour  of a donkey entitled  'Gentle Friend'.

Louise, who received a £25 prize, has had plenty of practice with  animal studies.

                                        

Louise - fur and feather are her favourites

For the past two and half years, Louise  she has specialised in pet portraits, painting birds, dogs, cats and horses for commission. 

Says she: "Fur and feathers are my favourite subjects. 

"I love paintings where the subjects look out at you - if you can get the eyes and nose right, you’ve cracked it! 

"I am thrilled to win the public vote! I feel so grateful for every commission, but to have people generally appreciate my work means so much - thank you to everyone who voted for me."                                                   

Gentle Friend - Donkey won most votes from visitors to the exhibition

                

Council confident of generating handsome revenue stream with its proposed new Cleethorpes car park

                                                        

Car park behind pub should be a decent money-spinner for council  

THE land behind the recently opened Old Vic pub in Cleethorpes looks set to become a council-run short-stay car park very soon.

The longstanding proposal is set to be signed off by NELC's portfolio holder for transport, Cllr Stewart Swinburn, at a meeting next week.

When the council sold the pub for £430,000 to the Lancashire-based Amber pubs chain, it retained ownership of the car park.

The authority  intends to provide 25 spaces and name it the Victoria car park.

The works will cost about £31,300, but the projection is for the annual revenue to be between £40,000 and £50,000 a year.  

It is understood Amber is also paying the council an annual ground rent of £2,500 for the 99-year lease on the pub.

Elsewhere in Cleethorpes, NELC is planning to make the maximum stay for the existing 53-space car park off High Street for two hours only.

The authority hope the two measures will compensate for the likely loss of car parking in readiness for the forthcoming part-pedestrianisation of the market place.

The proposals will still need to be advertised via Public Notices in the media to allow any interested parties to make  representations if they so wish.

                                       

Motorists seeking to park for longer than two hours will soon have to look elsewhere

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.