The golden age of the trawler! Second opportunity to bid for superb oil painting by George Odlin

 

A second chance has arisen to bid at auction for a superb  painting of Grimsby dockside. George Odlin's 1994 oil-on-canvas failed to sell on Tuesday at a sale conducted by John Taylors of Louth. This was because it did not achieve its reserve price. It is now being offered by the same firm in an online auction which closes at some time after 1pm next Monday February 10. The target price is upwards of £150.

                                           

 

More than 1,100 construction jobs beckon as Government approves huge Humber Estuary project

 

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 has been given the planning thumbs-up by Whitehall.

It could create as many as 1,112 jobs in the construction sector.

Once completed, there could also be significant permanent employment - 134 direct new jobs and 142 indirect jobs. 

In a nutshell, the development by port giant ABP and its partner, Air Products,  will comprise harbour facilities and a building to process liquid bulks, notably huge quantities of ammonia to be imported from Saudi Arabia.

The fuel will be converted to to hydrogen for use in  shipping, buses and HGVs.

There are also likely to be other industrial applications. 

The road to planning consent - rubber-stamped this week by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander - has been long and sometimes tortuous.

It has even involved the purchase of  now fewer than 10 houses on Queens Road, Immingham, which stood in the way of the project. 

There has also had to be 'compensation' for harm to biodiversity - for instance, an extensive area of deciduous woodland which is set to be chopped. 

Today's announcement is certain to be welcomed by North East Lincolnshire Council which backed the scheme.

Huge enthusiasm has already been expressed by the council's investment partner, Equans, which 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 will especially be the case during the construction period and then for the future supporting services, such as technical support, engineering and servicing." 

The proposed development is of huge scale, both the extent of land and the size of the buildings.

The highest elements of the development will 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.

Will 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.

A report states: "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 will be  inevitable during the construction phase, with  approximately  200 HGV movements and 1500 car/van movements per day at peak times.

Some 220 mature trees will 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 mudflats.                                     

Aerated concrete discovered in strip-out of former Freshney Place department store

                                           

Strip-out of former department store premises revealed something unwelcome 

INVESTIGATIONS have revealed the presence of fragile Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete in Grimsby's Freshney Place shopping centre.

This is the material  which prompted the partial closure of  buildings at more than 230 schools in August 2023.

It is understood the discovery was made while contractors were stripping out the former BHS store in readiness for it to accommodate a new food hall at part of the grand Freshney Place regeneration project.

A less costly alternative to standard concrete, RAAC is quicker to produce and easier to install, but less durable  and susceptible to structural failure if exposed to moisture. 

The typical lifespan is around 30 years.

It is not known whether this form of substitute concrete exists elsewhere in the shopping centre.

A NELC report seen by the Grimsby News report states:  "Operationally, the centre had not previously seen a focus on maintenance prior to acquisition."

Is MP Melanie Onn losing patience with council over slow-motion Corporation Road Bridge repair project?

                                                                 

Whatever happened to due diligence? it was originally claimed that the £5.1-million repairs project would be complete by December 2023  

GRIMSBY and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn will this week meet with NELC leaders to demand greater clarity on the Corporation Road Bridge repairs saga that has caused so much ongoing anguish in Grimsby.

The meeting should have been held last Friday, but, at the request of the council, it was postponed until this Friday.

Latest word from the council is that a report is still awaited on a feasibility study for the mechanics of Span 4 of the structure - the section that can be raised and lowered.

But last night Ms Onn demanded: "Why is it only now - so late in the project - that this study is being sought?

"The closure has divided Grimsby in two, hit businesses, clogged traffic and caused multiple other disruptions.

"There has not been a great deal of clarity from the council, and  I will keep pressing for regular updates."

                                              

Melanie Onn - quiet word with ministers?

The MP said she was encouraged by the recent removal of weatherproof coverings which she took as a sign of progress, but she warned that,  if the repairs were to fall even further behind schedule, she would be "in touch with her ministerial colleagues".

Meanwhile, in a Q&A session conducted live on Facebook on Monday, NELC's portfolio holder with responsibility for the bridge, Cllr Stewart Swinburn (Con, Immingham), expressed the hope that the troubled bridge would re-open to traffic in "the summer" - but, perhaps deliberately, he did not state the summer of which year.

It is not known whether the latest feasibility was carried out by an independent engineering consultancy or by the contractors, the Hull-based Spencer Group.

Repair work started in February 2023 with a target date for completion of December in that year.

The total budget was £5.1-million, with  £2.97-million coming from the Department of Transport, £1.83-million from NELC and  £320, 000 from another transport funding source.

There there has been no insight yet from the council on how much the repairs have so far  overshot the original budget, nor the likely size of the final bill  - and, crucially, who will foot it.

The Grimsby News says: The snail's pace progress on the bridge scarcely inspires confidence in NELC's capability to complete projects on time and within budget. This is worrying - particularly  given that it has lined up a raft of even more expensive infrastructure schemes for Grimsby and Cleethorpes - all to run concurrently - in the months ahead. Credit is due to to the NELC leadership for its ambition, but does the authority have sufficient staff with the skill, experience and determination to achieve its lofty aspirations? On the question of the bridge, the MP is right. Greater transparency would be welcome. When it is available, NELC should publish on its website the full feasibility report. It should also clarify all costings and state out of whose purse they will have to be met.

 

At last - a bit of (very) good news for Lidl-fronted consortium seeking to redevelop Pleasure Island

Light at the end of a very long tunnel for Pleasure Island consortium?

IT looks like there has been a major breakthrough for the consortium seeking to develop the former Pleasure Island theme park.

Up until now, the Environment Agency had always opposed the project for fear that coastal or fluvial flooding could swamp the site with potentially catastrophic consequences.

But it has emerged this week that the agency is now satisfied that the consortium’s commitment to a raft of precautionary measures is sufficient for it to withdraw its objection.

The proposal is for a Lidl supermarket, a drive-thru coffee shop, 272 holiday cabins, two hotels and various other retail, leisure and amusement buildings. 

There remain other objections - not least from  some nearby residents, concerned about highways matters, from a nearby supermarket chain and from organisations such as Natural England and the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust who fear the loss of rare bird and butterfly species that live either on or around the site.

Sadly, many mature trees - though not those adjacent to the site boundary with Kings Road - would need to be felled to make way for the development.

However, these considerations may not be deemed sufficient to outweigh the obvious economic benefits of the ambitious scheme.

As well as  German-owned supermarket chain Lidl, the consortium comprises two property developers with existing housebuilding and other interests in North East Lincolnshire.

However, they have entrusted the Leeds office of planning and development agents Lichfields to progress their application which has been sitting with North East Lincolnshire planning department since as far back as December 2022.

Now that the EA has withdrawn its objection, the consortium may be emboldened to ask NELC to determine the application without more ado - perhaps  brimful of confidence that a planning decision  will come down in their favour.                                            

Most, if not all, of these boundary trees would be maintained but most others within the site face the chop 

Town hall cookery lessons from council leader ahead of major revamp proposed for Cleethorpes

                                          

The site of the proposed new amenity building off Sea Road. Not a lot of activity has been seen in recent days but NELC's leader is upbeat about progress

You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs . . 

That was the reminder from leader Cllr Philip Jackson as he deliberated  on the forthcoming 're-design' that is looming for much of Cleethorpes. 

In a question-and-answer question conducted live on Facebook, he noted that work was already underway on construction of a landmark amenity building on Sea Road.

Later this year, the NELC management hopes also both to be revamping the market place and converting much of Pier Gardens from a leafy place of birdsong and tranquillity to a rumbustious free-to-use play park.

"That means quite a lot of work could be going on all at the same time," said the leader. "But I hope people will be patient and stick with us.

"You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs."

The leader provided no  details about any updated  proposals for Pier Gardens, nor about which firm might be the anchor tenant for the Sea Road amenity building.

It also unclear whether there has yet been any resolution to longstanding differences with traders over parking and access arrangements when the market place revamp goes ahead.

The forthcoming works are being funded on the back of an £18.4-million grant from Whitehall.

About 70 people watched the Facebook broadcast firing in no fewer than 80 questions.

The leader said that the event, screened in Grimsby Town Hall, reflected his administration’s commitment to transparent local government and he was keen for it to be the forerunner of similar adventures in future.

                                         

Uncertain future for these shrubs in NELC's vision for a 'rejuvenated' Pier Gardens

Count me out! Tree surgeon withdraws involvement in controversial Cleethorpes tree-lopping project

                                      

Tree surgeon and agent now wants no further involvement with contentious sycamore scheme (photo: NELC)

THERE has been a surprise twist in the furore over one of the finest trees in Cleethorpes and one that is covered by a preservation order.

At the weekend, tree surgeon Michael Lawn and his firm Acer Tree Care opted to pull out of his involvement in a scheme that would have seen 16ft being lopped off a main branch of the sycamore which is located in a garden  just off the seafront.

In an email seen by the Grimsby News, Mr Lawn writes: "After the multiple emails  sent to me from various people and places, we have taken the decision to withdraw ourselves from any  works to the sycamore tree at 4 Queens Parade, Cleethorpes."

He continues: "We pride ourselves on being one of the best tree surgery companies around, and we feel that this could jeopardise everything we have worked hard for even though we would be confident in carrying out a professional job. 

"Further to this, I instruct you to remove my name and my company's name from any further emails, notices and social media posts." 

It was only last Wednesday that NELC’s planning committee voted 6-4 to approve the dismemberment of the sycamore.

This was  at the request of the Waterfront Residents' Association which claimed that pigeons defecated "continuously" from the branch - though it produced no photographic evidence of a pigeon, or any bird, actually being perched on the threatened branch, let alone defecating from it..

Councillors reached their decision even in the knowledge that the measure would harm the visual amenity of the street scene, seriously wound the tree and  unbalance it such that it could be blown on to the house next to which it has grown for the past 70 years.

In addition, the decision appeared to breach NELC's own Trees Policy which states: "The nuisance of bird droppings is not considered to be a sufficient reason to prune or remove trees."

The lopping proposal was always opposed by the tree's owner, Kate Teakle, who engaged a specialist arboricultural consultancy whose report outlined a raft of potentially unwelcome consequences if the measure were to go ahead.

"If only the toe nails need trimming, why would you amputate a whole leg?" was her wry comment.

The ensuing controversy - picked up both by social media and the Grimsby Telegraph  - was so intense that Mr Lawn decided, probably not least for his own peace of mind, that the wisest option was to withdraw from the project.

However, his name is still formally registered on the planning application document as 'agent' for the scheme, so he may still bear a degree of liability should another firm offer to take on the contentious project. 

In the meantime, Ms Teakle has submitted her own alternative planning application for an all-round 'trim' of the tree which would be significantly less harmful to the tree while allowing it to retain its perfectly-proportioned shape. 

The Grimsby News understands that the council has deferred the decision on her proposal to a forthcoming planning committee meeting, possibly the one on February 26.

The Labour MP for Grimsby and Cleethorpes, Melanie Onn, is aware of the controversy as are the three Croft Baker ward councillors - Cllr Oliver Freeston (Reform UK), Cllr Malcolm Morland (Labour) and Cllr Marian Jervis (Labour) - but, as far as is known, none has made any public comment nor sought to resolve the situation to the satisfaction of all parties.

The Grimsby News says: Mr Lawn's decision to withdraw is both wise and magnanimous. Credit it to him for reaching this conclusion and good luck and prosperity to him and to his highly-regarded firm, Acer Tree Care. Looking to the future, the proposal by the tree's owner for an all-round  'trim' is surely much more pleasing than that submitted by the Waterfront Residents' Association.  Pending a decision, one course of action now open to the association is to request the council to revoke last week's planning permission with immediate effect. This would close one unhappy chapter and allow the two parties to move forward in a spirit of goodwill and harmony.

Plans for new Grimsby children's care home scrapped after flurry of objections from worried neighbours

The property at the centre of the furore. Houses on this quiet Grimsby cul-de-sac typically sell for £350,000-plus

RESIDENTS of an exclusive street in Grimsby have won their campaign to prevent a family house from being converted to a residential home for young people with mental health needs

Such was the clamour of  opposition from neighbours that the owner of 11 Augusta Oaks  decided not to proceed with the proposed sale of his property to the mental health organisation, Navigo.

As a result, the company had no option but to withdraw its planning application.

This will come as a bitter disappointment to Navigo whose proposal stated: "Nationally there is a shortage of foster care for children.

"Within North East Lincolnshire, the situation is dire.

"This is leading to many local children being put into placements elsewhere across the country, away from any family and friends. 

"In addition to the distance issue, many of the placements are either  in unsuitable and unregulated accommodation or in very expensive private homes, draining the funds  available to the local authority to care for this very vulnerable group. 

"It is proposed that the house will be used as a children’s home to support up to three of these currently out-of-area children, repatriating them to their local community. 

"Ten similar properties are already embedded within the borough and, without prior knowledge, it would be difficult to distinguish these from normal family homes. 

"Our home will be run in exactly the same way."

The statement continued: "The whole point of having children’s homes located within community settings is to create a ‘family ’ environment, the only difference being that the children are supported by qualified support workers rather than parents.

"Children living at the property may, from time to time, have some needs which must be addressed but mitigation would be in place through qualified, experienced staff who know how to handle any challenging behaviour. 

"It is not anticipated that regular vehicular movements would be any more significant than the other houses within the cul-de-sac as most other houses in the street having at least two or more vehicles. 

"Therefore, it is considered that this location is ideal for the proposed use, namely to provide the children with a home in a residential  'normal' environment to allow them every opportunity to integrate and flourish."

                                       'Funny farm'

But objectors were having none of it, with a claim that the properties would become tricky to sell if located next to what one called a "funny farm". 

He wrote: "My wife has experienced out-of-control patients roaming and terrorising Grimsby from one of these mental health facilities run by Navigo. 

"She works in a shop and was attacked by a 15-year-old who was entirely out of control on drink and drugs. 

"It resulted in her being knocked to the ground and suffering a black eye. She is terrified that this mental patient is going to live next door to us.

"Navigo, its staff, and its patients are not wanted in this area."

Other objectors applauded the work of Navigo but claimed Augusta Oaks, a quiet cul-de-sac, was an inappropriate location for this kind of initiative.

One said that the company should be as mindful of the mental wellbeing of existing residents as well as its own patients.

There was also opposition from some householders in Utterby Drive which backs on to the property.

Light at the end of the bridge? Council issues progress update on controversial (and costly) project

                                                              

Some of the coverings have now been removed from some sections of the bridge

North East Lincolnshire Council has today issued this  update on the long-running Corporation Road Bridge project:

Control room works are near completion and grit blasting is ongoing to Span 5 and Span 6. 

These works will pave the way for a final assessment to determine any further required repairs.

Scaffold removal is in progress to Spans 2 and 3 and final painting works to these sections are also underway. 

With sections of the bridge having undergone full paintworks and other areas still to be completed, passers-by can now see parts of the uncovered structure, showcasing the repairs.

To take advantage of anticipated low tide levels, weekend working will take place next month.

Footway closures are also required while works are taking place adjacent to public areas to ensure the safety of both the public and the workers on site.

To help complete remaining sections of the works the footway may be closed for 2-days a week if conditions allow.

Footway closures will take place between 9am and 4pm each weekday as detailed below. The footway will remain open during the weekend working dates. Temporary signs will be in place for the footway closures.

February 2025 weekend working and footway closure dates:

South Footway Closures:

Tuesday 4 February

Wednesday 5 February

Tuesday 11 February

Wednesday 12 February

Tuesday 18 February

Wednesday 19 February

Tuesday 25 February

Wednesday 26 February

Weekend working:

Saturday 8 February and Sunday 9 February

Saturday 22 February and Saturday 23 February

North East Lincolnshire Council, its delivery partner, Equans, and the  contractor, Spencer Group, would like to thank the public for their patience whilst the work is being undertaken.

A delightful reminder of Grimsby's fishing heritage set to go under the hammer at auction in Louth

There has been lively pre-sale interest in this enchanting John Landrey watercolour of the Ross Jackal trawler which is due to go under the hammer at Louth auction house John Taylors next Tuesday February 4. Believed to have been painted in 1991, there is a handwritten note on the back which says "Remember the 'fifties." There has been an opening bid of £50 for the study, which measures approximately 65cm x 54cm, but it could fetch double this figure or more.         

                                                               

It's beautifully formed - but one of Cleethorpes' most cherished trees might soon look a little lopsided

A beautiful approach to Cleethorpes seafront - but how much will surgery change shape of the tree? (photo: NELC)

A DATE with the dreaded chainsaw  beckons for one of Cleethorpes' most cherished trees.

At today's North East Lincolnshire Council planning meeting, members voted 6-4 in favour of an application for the mature and healthy sycamore  - located in a private garden on Queen's Parade - to be lopped on its east side.

Consent was granted  even though the tree is covered by a preservation order and the measure is likely both to unbalance and to wound it.

Why such drastic action? Because of a complaint  that birds perching on its branches poop over two car-parking spaces at the rear of the adjacent Waterfront apartment block.

During the hour-long debate, Cllr Ian Lindley (Con, Scartho) spoke up for the proposal. "We don't like to see trees chopped and hacked willy-nilly, but this tree should have been pollarded regularly", he insisted. 

"It needs urgent attention. People should not get hung up about what we do with trees - this one needs urgent attention. It is in desperate need of a maintenance schedule."

Cllr Janet Goodwin (Lab, South) disagreed. "I am totally against the application," she declared. "The tree is absolutely beautiful. Why do we have to hack it?"   

Also opposed was committee vice-chairman Cllr Nick Pettigrew (Con, Waltham) who noted that a subsequent application - submitted by the owner of the tree and to be determined at a later date - is seeking an all-round approach to pruning that will safeguard the overall appearance of the tree.

"Surely, it would be more sensible to pause, then adopt a holistic approach," he argued.

Also unhappy with the proposal were  Cllr Loyd Emmerson (Lib-Dem, East Marsh) and Cllr Paul Bright (Ind, Freshney), with the latter expressing concerns about "visual amenity" if the surgery proceeds.

He also queried whether support for the application would be in accordance with tree preservation regulations and NELC's own Trees Policy. 

The committee also heard from NELC's trees officer, Paul Chaplin, who favoured the application but whose comments about tree "growth points" probably  went over the heads of most, if not all, of those in attendance.

Responded Cllr Kevin Shutt (Lab, Heneage): "I don't know about trees - I'm not a tree expert

"I want to do the right things by this one, and I trust Mr Chaplin to do the right thing."

There was also a contribution from a member of the public, Dr Keith Collett, who warned that the proposed action would leave the tree "lopsided and incredibly unbalanced". 

He added: "There is no reason for this work to be done."

No member of the public spoke in favour of the application at the meeting. Nor indeed was any individual named in the written application which was submitted by an organisation called the 'Waterfront Residents' Association'.

In a preamble to the debate, NELC's planning supremo, Martin Dixon, commented: "We get similar applications all the time - it is an issue of general tree management.

"The objections from the public  have been well articulated and given due consideration, but it is not felt that this proposal will be to the detriment of the street scene."

The agent for the application is Grimsby-based Acer Tree Care  which, it is understood, will be asked to carry out the controversial pruning works at a date unknown.

                                            

The tree is feeding, breeding and roosting habitat for robins and other birds - but unfortunately some 'poop' over the parking spaces beneath (photo: NELC)

Entrepreneur Jordan Brompton steps down as chief marketing officer of hi-tec firm myenergi

                                                                        

No longer an executive director at the firm she co-founded - Jordan Brompton 

THE co-founder of Stallingborough firm myenergi has stepped down as chief marketing director.

After eight years at the helm of one of Britain's fastest growing tec businesses, Jordan Brompton says she wants to "enjoy some rest and family time before pursuing her next adventure".

But she insists she will remain a shareholder, board member and advisor of the firm which is best known for its manufacture and supply of solar-powered charging devices for electrical vehicles.

From modest beginnings, myenergi - a sponsor of Grimsby Town FC - now enjoys both domestic and international sales and has a turnover of £50-million-plus. 

Much of the credit for this was thanks to the fizz with which which the entrepreneur promoted  the firm's products.

However, last year proved difficult, and it made a substantial loss.

Ms Brompton's decision means that co-founder and pal Lee Sutton now assumes total reins of the firm.

In her statement, she says: "We met and built one of the best teams in our industry, and I’ve made friends for life from far and wide on this crazy ride. 

"We proved you can have success with British manufacturing and do it profitably. 

"We’ve given hundreds of thousands back to the Grimsby-area community and created real career opportunities for people."

She continues: "We smashed through barriers - we've laughed and  we’ve cried.

"The highs have been extremely high the lows have been the lowest! But what a ride! What an experience." 

Ms Brompton - known as Jordee to her friends - is also a director of  other companies including Hexham-based Mat Zero Heat Ltd whose heat mats have a special value in disaster relief and refugee emergencies. 

Government seems in no hurry to establish direct rail link between London and Grimsby and Cleethorpes

Melanie Onn - local MP is getting tired of waiting

LITTLE progress seems to being made on longstanding calls for a direct rail line from London to Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

There has been an underwhelming response from the Government to a call for an update on progress by Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn.

In a written reply to her request for information, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood (Labour MP for Wakefield and Rothwell Commons) has replied thus: "The Secretary of State knows the introduction of a direct train to London from Cleethorpes and Grimsby has been a longstanding local ambition. 

"We are working with industry to understand the timetabling, financial, operational and infrastructure issues that would need to be resolved before a service to Cleethorpes could be introduced.

"Infrastructure and operational assessments made by London North Eastern Railway  and Network Rail have confirmed that services could call at Cleethorpes and Grimsby without major infrastructure changes. 

"However, for  trains to serve Market Rasen station, significant infrastructure work, estimated to cost £15- to £20- million, would be required. 

"The introduction of this service would be subject to funding and a thorough business case process."

                                             

Simon Lightwood - 'working with rail industry'

The Grimsby News says: How disappointing that the new Government is showing so little political will to get trains running directly from London to Grimsby and Cleethorpes. The cost of an infrastructure upgrade at Market Rasen station has been identified as the obstacle but the price  of such works seems relatively slight in relation to the UK's overall transport budget. If Whitehall is not ready to foot the bill, perhaps there could be a whipround among businesses, local government and other parties. Failing that, an alternative solution would be for trains simply not to stop at Market Rasen. This subject needs addressing with greater urgency. It should be near the top of the agenda when  a Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire is elected in May.

New homes in prospect on site of former engineering works near Cleethorpes water tower

The site off Pelham Road which has been earmarked for a small housing development

A SEVEN-home development is on the cards for a plot close to  the 43-metre tall water tower and Chapman's pond in Cleethorpes.

North East Lincolnshire Council planners have given a Solihull man  the green light to erect five linked houses and a pair of semi-detached houses on land formerly occupied by Unifab Engineering off Pelham Road.

The application site is roughly rectangular in shape and  currently hard surfaced. It used to serve as   car park to the Unifab works which  have long been demolished.

Before the application was decided, there had been a note of concern that construction works could disturb historic contamination which might leach into Chapman's  pond - an important site for various fish species plus birds such as nesting great crested grebes and sedge warblers.

However, these provisional misgivings were not deemed sufficient to warrant refusal of planning consent by the NELC planning case officer.                                           

Water tower and Chapman's Pond - an important refuge for uncommon wildlife 

Company founded by former Tour de France winner set to create almost 400 jobs on outskirts of Grimsby

                                                                               

Visual impression of the proposed development which will be screened by trees

A COMPANY founded by a former cycling champion is poised to create almost 400 jobs on the outskirts of  Grimsby.

At the time when he was winning the Tour de France three times, it is questionable whether California-born Greg Lemond  (63) had even heard of Grimsby.                                           

But this week, North East Lincolnshire Council gave LeMond Carbon UK - a subsidiary of his Tennessee-based company - the planning green light to build a factory to manufacture the most technologically-advance carbon fibre yet known to industry.

The location earmarked for the project is the site which was formerly  base for the Bluestar Fibres  factory off Energy Park Way, 

Agents for LeMond UK say: " The proposed development is expected to create 384 new jobs  once the development is complete in 2030. 

"These will include high-skill technical roles as well as entry-level and administration roles.

"In addition to those direct jobs there will be a number of indirect jobs that will arise in  various supply chains."

There is increasing international demand for carbon fibre in a range of products including  aircraft and spacecraft parts, racing car bodies, golf club shafts,  fishing rods, automobile springs, sailboat masts, camera and 'scope tripods and bicycle frames (of course).

                                                 

American Greg LeMond racing in 1989 - photo: Chris Timms via Wikimedia Commons

What these products have is a requirement for  light weight in combination with high strength.

However, particularly lucrative markets being targeted by LeMond are the offshore wind and hydrogen propulsion sectors.

The statement continues: "LeMond Carbon UK Limited  is commercialising the first major breakthrough in carbon fibre processing technology in over 40 years. 

"It has been developed at Deakin University in Geelong, Australia, whose experts have found a way to reduce protection costs by 30 per cent while reducing carbon emissions arising from the production process is reduced by 50 per cent.

                                             

Father-of-three Greg LeMond as he is now

At present, the UK is almost entirely dependent upon imported carbon fibre, and it is understood that the Government, recognising the need for home-produced  supply is supporting LeMond to set up the  new Grimsby facility.

An objection by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust that the project might compromise birdlife on the nearby Novartis Ings shorebird mitigation site was acknowledged by planners but not deemed sufficient to block the planning application

An objection was also raised that any materials generated into the atmosphere by the various production processes might be hazardous to human health, but LeMond quelled these concerns with assurances about its rigorous health and safety practices. 

It is not yet known when work will start on clearing the last few BlueStar Fibre buildings in readiness for construction of the new factory and offices. 

Independent inspector dismisses appeal for five houses to be built at rear of row of Cleethorpes shops

                                                              

Suitable for five houses? The potholed area of land behind the shops

THERE has been a setback for  Humberston man Mr Jaswinder Dhallai who wanted to develop land behind the shops on Middlethorpe Road, Cleethorpes with five two-storey houses.

His application, which was first refused by North East Lincolnshire planners has now suffered the same fate  with an independent planning inspector.

In his report, the inspector, Mr C. Skelly, notes: "The proposal would make use of an area of unused land. 

"It would also create five small new dwellings in a location close to facilities, and this  would contribute to local housing supply. 

"However, it would harm the character and appearance of the surrounding area, cause harm to the living conditions of  existing and future occupiers and cause harm to highway safety and operation. 

"These harms are not outweighed by the benefits I have identified and are sufficient to justify dismissing the appeal."

                                                          

Some of the shop traders and flat occupants above opposed the application 

Boxing Day, 1933: the day The Mariners gave mighty Manchester United a 7-3 thumping

 

NEW Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim this week controversially claimed that the team that he has inherited was the "worst" in its history - but is that true?

Rewind to Boxing Day, 1933, when Grimsby Town played host to United at Blundell Park.

The visitors scored three but their defence crumbled, allowing the  lively Mariners to score seven - yes, seven!

A match report (in the December 27 edition of the Sheffield Independent newspaper) describes the match thus: 

"Grimsby Town overwhelmed Manchester United at Blundell Park, yesterday. 

"They attacked with fast pace and moved the ball about freely on the muddy pitch, the forwards running the United defenders off their feet.

" They were three goals up in 20 minutes, and at half-time led three goals to one. 

"Three more goals were scored by Grimsby in the first 10 minutes of the second half.

"United rallied strongly after this, and they scored two goals to Grimsby's one. 

"Craven and Bestall were thorns in the side of the United defence which shaped none too well. 

"Their remodelled attack, in which Chalmers displaced Hind at inside left, played lively football at times. 

The goalscorers were: Grimsbv: Glover (2), Bestall (2), Holmes. Jennings and Craven. United: Byrne, Frame (penalty) and McGlllivray.

The Mariners' fine form continued for the rest of their season and they ended top of the table.

By contrast, United continued to struggle,  and it was only a 2-0 win against Millwall on the last day of the season that saved them from the ignominy of relegation to Division Three North.

Apology issued by Chesterfield FC after Blundell Park tribute to Fallen Mariners was drowned out by chants

THE manager of Chesterfield FC, Paul Cook,  has issued an apology after he and fans inadvertently disrupted a tribute to Fallen Mariners before kick-off at Blundell Park on Saturday afternoon.

Throughout the tribute, fans chanted noisily - with apparent encouragement from Mr Cook.

But it subsequently emerged that the away fans had been  unaware of the dedication - partly because of shortcomings with the tannoy system and partly because the video displaying names of deceased Mariners players and supporters was not visible to away supporters.

Made aware of the disquiet, the Derbyshire club was quick to issue an apology.

A statement read: "Please note that many of the club staff and supporters were unaware of the Fallen Mariners tribute taking place before kick-off. 

"They therefore failed to pay tribute, as they would normally do, due to the lack of awareness. 

"Our sincere apologies to anyone who perceived this to be a lack of respect."

Manager Paul Cook said: "I always go over to acknowledge our supporters at away games, and I did this unaware that a tribute was taking place.

”I am not a disrespectful person so I would like to apologise to anyone who felt offended in any way. That was not my intention."

Grimsby Town director Jason Stockwood later took up the matter with his Chesterfield counterparts and was reassured by their response.

On social media, he wrote: "I spoke to directors of Chesterfield FC  who wanted to apologise for the misunderstanding around the pre-game tribute. 

"They are a really good bunch who run that club, and we will ensure we communicate things like this more clearly in future."

NELC cabinet likely to re-think wacky proposal to relocate Cleethorpes library to leisure centre

                                              

Cleethorpes Library - service likely to stay put, at least for the time being

IT looks  like an offbeat  scheme to  re-house Cleethorpes library in the leisure centre could be 'shelved'.

The management at North East Lincolnshire Council came up with wheeze as a way of cutting coasts.

In addition, any subsequent sale of the library building could be expected to generate a financial boost to the authority's under-pressure coffers.

But a panel of councillors was unimpressed, raising concerns about such issues as accessibility, parking, reduced footfall and the potential loss of the library's autism room.

Their worries will be fed to NELC's cabinet who will be asked to think again on the proposal at a meeting next month.

In spring, there is likely to be a new consultation exercise where alternative ideas for the future of the library servicewill be put to the public.

Members of the authority's culture scrutiny panel have asked for  sight of the wording of the proposed questions ahead of launch of the survey.

Housebuilder unveils proposals for attractive-looking development in Grimsby town centre

                                                                 

KEEPMOAT Homes have now revealed artists' impressions of their proposed housing development off  Garth Lane in the centre of Grimsby.

Even before planning permission has been granted, North East Lincolnshire Council has been 'bigging up' the project which it sees as crucial to regeneration of the town centre.

The proposal is for 103 houses, a 20-flat apartment block and three shops, plus space for parking.

The application is currently under consideration by planners who welcome comments from the public.

Above and below are a selection of 'visuals' which have been submitted to support the proposal.

* Images: Keepmoat Homes/ IDPartnership Northern