Huge congratulations to all involved with the highly successful Armed Forces Event at the weekend! It involved a prodigious amount of planning and organisation, and it all came right over the three days thanks to superb liaison by many agencies and services whether in the public or private sectors. Up to 300,000 adults and children are thought to have attended over the three days, with possibly more people in Cleethorpes on Saturday than at any time in its history. Roll on 2026!
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| NELC keen to see refurbishment start this autumn |
AN update on the proposal to give a comprehensive makeover has today come from North East Lincolnshire Council. In a statement, it says:
An updated tender has been released for the construction work for the Government-funded Pier Gardens project in Cleethorpes.
The first tender exercise, issued earlier this year, was paused in May.
Lots of questions were received about the scheme, showing a healthy interest from potential tenderers about the project.
As a result, the council took the decision to revise the tender documents and drawings to refine certain elements and make sure that prices received as a result of the new tender could be matched against each other for evaluation.
The designs show an array of different zones in the Gardens - from a small park for the skate community at the northern end, through water and woodland play zones in the middle to a quieter, more serene and contemplative area towards the Armed Forces Remembrance gardens.
Input from local people has helped to shape the designs, and some of the features in the gardens - from the inclusion of open spaces and play equipment to practical things like public foot washes and bicycle repair stations.
The local skate community was also involved in developing the design of the skate park area alongside international specialists, Betong Park, with all sorts of different elements included in the design.
The successful tenderer will be responsible for the overall Pier Gardens renovation works, including the landscaping and planting, as well as creating the different zones across the site and the skate park area at the northern end of the site.
The tender closes on 11 August, and works are expected to start in autumn.
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| Long lease purchased for undisclosed price - Grimsby Seafood Village |
PORTS operator ABP has today revealed a surprise swoop for the four-acre site of the Grimsby Seafood Village - the cluster of fish processing firms located close to the Humber Estuary.
The amount paid has not been disclosed but the company describes the purchase of the 125-year lease as a strategic investment aimed at providing "future security and support for an important hub of UK food production".
The 70,000 square foot site comprises 21 units.
ABP regional director Andrew Dawes says: "The acquisition of the Grimsby Seafood Village strengthens our commitment to Keeping Britain Trading.
"It enhances our property portfolio with a vital hub for the UK’s seafood supply chain - supporting regional jobs, boosting food security, and anchoring long-term supply chain resilience in the heart of the Humber."
Pete Dalton and Gary Cadey, who created the 'village', have welcomed the purchase.
In their statement, they say: "The vision we had 15 years ago was to enable the merchants to remain on the dock area in a close community environment to enable them to work together in a modern facility.
"We feel that we achieved this successfully and are happy to see our vision thrive in such a way that it should continue well into the future.
"We wish ABP and all the tenants our very best wishes as we now take a back seat and slow down a little."
Meanwhile, the chief executive of Grimsby Fish Merchants' Association Simon Dwyer comments: "We congratulate Associated British Ports on its acquisition.
"The FMA look forward to working with ABP in continuing to deliver a top-class processing and distribution facility."
In the Humber region, approximately 6,000 people are employed directly in the seafood processing sector which supports a wider supply chain of more than 10,000 jobs. al and national demand.
Some 70 per cent of the UK’s seafood is said to be processed in Grimsby making it a critical hub for national food security.
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| The on-site training facility |
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| Ainslie Park - mini nature reserve in the heart of Grimsby |
A LITTLE-known nature reserve in the heart of Grimsby will be in the spotlight on Saturday.
Experts will be recording what is believed to be a rich variety of wetland birds, plants, mammals, amphibians and insects.
It will also offer members of the public the opportunity for visitors to see the site and chat with local environmentalists about the park's importance.
Formerly a cemetery, Ainslie Park has partially flooded giving rise to permanent and temporary standing water which is fed by a blow-well.
This weekend's event has been initiated by The Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and is being promoted by North East Lincolnshire Council which says the findings will be valuable to its small ecology team in future management of the site.
Says NELC ecology manager Rachel Graham: "For the most part we like to leave our wildlife environments as undisturbed as possible to allow them to thrive naturally.
"As custodians of the wildlife and flora and fauna in our parks, however, it is vital that we carry out species recording on a regular basis, which also helps us to identify any areas that may need management.
"We are very happy to be teaming up again with the Lincolnshire Naturalists’ Union whose members will be available to offer their views on how important sites like this are to the natural environment of the borough."
Saturday's event will take place between 10am and 4pm.
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| These trees in the park may be dead but they are likely to provide precious habitat for insects, birds and possible small bats |
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| Melanie Onn: "My constituents are fed up." |
GRIMSBY and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn has spoken out in the 'Commons about the proliferation of "dodgy vape shops and unlicensed barbers" in the constituency.
In a challenge to business and trade minister Gareth Thomas, she declared: "My constituents are fed up with seeing high streets dominated by dodgy vape shops and unlicensed barbers.
"While some of those businesses are legitimate, a recent BBC investigative report indicates that many are involved in money laundering and organised crime.
"Obviously, the minister is aware of the situation, but is he working closely with the Home Office to try to tackle this blight?
She insisted: "We need a national strategy."
The minister responded: "This is a concern up and down the country.
"The National Crime Agency and Home Office colleagues are seeking to take action against illegitimate businesses.
"My hon. Friend will recognise that Wednesday's spending review announcement of additional police officers will help us with that activity."
In his own latest pronouncement on the subject, North East Lincolnshire Council's portfolio holder for community safety, Cllr Ron Shepherd, pinpointed Freeman Street as a location for these pop-up businesses, but he noted that activity had "migrated": to St Peter's Avenue, Cleethorpes, The Willows, Waltham and beyond.
He expressed particular concern that single-use vapes were still being sold locally despite a ban hat came into force on June 1 this year.
However, there was nothing in planning regulations to prevent vacant shops from being converted to these new uses and nor was there a licensing system for vape shops.
However, he said NELC was working closely with the police and partner agents.
"We are exploring every avenue to tackle the issue,"he insisted."Where tough measures are available, we are determined to take them."
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| The good old days - the bridge before its closure more than two years ago |
'I WILL will not resign over the Corporation Road Bridge fiasco . . .
These are the defiant words of senior North East Lincolnshire Council cabinet member Stewart Swinburn.
"Resignation won’t solve the issues," declared the portfolio holder for transport and highways. "I will not walk away from a challenge."
When work started on the repairs in February 2023, the project was expected to be completed by 12 months later.
But last month the main contractor, Spencer Group, was fired and, as yet no firm has been appointed to complete the works.
Cllr Swinburn said he relied on the technical expertise of specialists to guide his decisions. "It’s right to trust the experts," he insisted.
But the portfolio holder insisted he would not play the name game.
"Pointing fingers doesn’t repair bridges," he continued. "I was elected to serve the community - not to sidestep challenges."
Without going into detail, Cllr Swinburn revealed that the decision to fire the main contractor had been prompted after the authority "inside information".
The NELC administration’s position was defended by its leader, Cllr Philip Jackson.
"On the initial independent survey it had been impossible to detect the extent of corrosion and degeneration in the structure," he declared.
He said the decision to axe the Hull-based main contractor been made when the council heard word that not only was there likely to be an "escalation of costs" but also that the project would continue "well into next year".
Both councillors apologised for the delays and expressed frustration about what has happened.
They said the search to find a new contractor would continue "at pace".
In the meantime, sub-contractors are being kept up to speed and scaffolding and security remain in place.
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| Bark Street - where the incident occurred |
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| Attractive property - the old police station dates back almost 100 years |
A CRUNCH decision on the future of the former police station on Princes Road, Cleethorpes, could be made at a North East Lincolnshire Council planning meeting tomorrow, Wednesday June 10.
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| Land and buildings behind the police station |
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| Scenic - this photo has been submitted by the applicants to support the proposal |
NORTH East Lincolnshire Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson has joined the clamour of protest over a proposal for a development in a green and leafy village on the outskirts of Grimsby.
His is among scores of objections to a plan by a Binbrook couple to build a luxury house, with garage and driveway, on land adjacent to The Old Rectory on Main Road in Ashby-cum-Fenby.
In a submission to NELC's planning department, Cllr Jackson, who is ward representative, says: "This would be over-intensive development on a key heritage site within the village.
"It would have an adverse effect on the street scene.
"The access and egress will be at the narrowest part of Main Road and will present a highways safety issue."
The council leader continues: "There will be an adverse effect on mature trees and well-established wildlife.
"The village infrastructure, especially the drainage system. will be overburdened."
Cllr Jackson, who lives in nearby Barnoldby-le-Beck, certainly has a point about the wildlife - the network of ponds on the site provide one of the last breeding habitats in the borough for rare great crested newts.
It is also incredibly rich in finches, warblers and other songbirds.
However, having carried out surveys, the applicants are confident that their project will be sufficiently sympathetic as to cause minimum disruption to existing nature.
The proposal is due to be considered at NELC's planning committee tomorrow, Wednesday (June 10) with a recommendation from case officer Bethany Loring that it should be approved.
Says she: "The proposal for one dwelling on this development site is acceptable in this residential area.
"It is considered it can be achieved without harm to the character of the area and street scene, and it would not give rise to detrimental impacts in terms of residential amenity, highway safety or drainage."
Great crested newts like living in Ashby-cum Fenby. (Photo: Rainer Theuer via Wikimedia Commons)
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| Cllr Swinburn - exploring all options |
AN assurance has been given that North East Lincolnshire Council is committed to the welfare of the borough's cyclists.
It is an increasingly chunky bone of contention among the pedalling community that their safety appears to have slipped down the authority's traffic and transport agenda.
There are some stretches of dedicated cycle lanes, but many are riddled with potholes or obstructed by parked cars, creating risk to life and limb.
It is a particular worry how frequently motorists disregard the importance of allowing a 1.5 metre distance as they overtake.
During a question-and-answer forum on Facebook, transport portfolio holder Cllr Stewart Swinburn acknowledged the concerns and said he was working with partner organisations such as the police to improve the situation.
In particular, he was addressing how to raise awareness among other road-users and to upgrading or reconfiguring road layout and signage.
"Action may take time, but we are exploring all options," he insisted.
"Just to save one life would make it all worthwhile - I am committed to a safer situation for all cyclists."
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| Cllr Cracknell - only woman in NELC cabinet |
A PROTEST about the lack of diversity in NELC's Conservative cabinet came up this evening during a live question-and-answer session on the Facebook social media platform Facebook.
At present, all are thought be in their late 50s or older, and only one - Haverstoe ward representative, Cllr Margaret Cracknell - is female.
Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson replied that he had appointed "the best people for the job" with each of the individual portfolios.
However, he acknowledged that it was obvious looking around the cabinet table that almost all were "men of a certain age".
He continued: "Ideally, the cabinet would be more diverse with more women and some young people, but at present I am fully confident I have the right people in the right posts."
There followed a brief discussion in which the leader's cabinet colleagues theorised about how to encourage more people to become involved with local politics.
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| The grassy site proposed for the controversial salmon-rearing project |
A CONTROVERSIAL proposal for an onshore salmon farm off North Promenade in Cleethorpes has been rubber-stamped by a High Court judge.
It was back in November 2023 that North East Lincolnshire Council planners approved the £120-million project which, if it proceeds, could create up to 300 jobs.
The planning decision was challenged by the campaign group, Animal Equality, which successfully sought a judicial review, claiming that the planning committee had failed to take into account of the welfare of the fish.
However, after considering submissions from both the council and Animal Equality, High Court, Judge Karen Ridge has found in favour of the former, ruling that it had observed correct procedures in reaching its decision.
With the planning decision in the bag, the applicants, Aquacultured Seafood Ltd, can now revive its efforts to secure sufficient funds to proceed with the project.
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| On the look-out for emergency incidents - a National Watch volunteer |
THE organisation National Coastwatch has been given the all-clear to site a look-out station on the car park at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre
North East Lincolnshire Council planners have granted temporary consent for the next 12 months.
The surveillance station will be accommodated within a modified twin-axle trailer measuring7.4m x 2.4m x 2.5m.
Says a report on the project: "The station will allow two to four watchkeepers to observe beach and water-users at any one time during daylight hours, 365 days a year.
"Observations will also be made via two fixed cameras attached to the roof of the pier building on the and the Fitties Yacht Club in Humberston."
National Coastwatch is a charity which monitors the coastline to alert emergency services early to any incidents.
The watchkeepers will also enjoy excellent view of the wildfowl and wading birds that flock to this part of the Lincolnshire Coast between August and March.
The report notes that "the unit has the capabilities to informally provide information on the ecology in the area such as bird sightings for any volunteers who may be interested in adding to local knowledge".
NELC says the number of car parking spaces to be lost will be small.
Theoretically, the volunteers would also be able to monitor breaches of by-laws such as dogs being walked on the beach in summer, but this not part of their brief.
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| The unit will provide watchkeepers with expansive views over the estuary |
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| Waders in flight over the estuary in late summer last year |
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| Grimsby hospital in line for useful funding boost |
THERE are hopes that monies could soon be available for important repairs to the fabric and fixtures at Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital.
Along with Scunthorpe General Hospital, it is in line for £5.83-million funding from the Department of Health.
A statement from the Department says: "More than 400 hospitals, mental health units and ambulance sites will be handed £750-million to tackle long-term problems such as leaky pipes, poor ventilation and electrical issues.
"This will help to prevent thousands of cancelled operations and appointments."
The figure of £5.83-million for the two local hospitals has not been specified in the statement, but it is the one briefed to Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting says: "Past underinvestment has left hospitals crumbling, with burst pipes flooding emergency departments, faulty electrical systems shutting down operating theatres and mothers giving birth in outdated facilities that lack basic dignity.
"We are on a mission to rebuild our NHS through investment and modernisation."
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| Will Grimsby's Corporation Road Bridge ever re-open? This could be one of the questions on June 9 |
THERE will be a chance to quiz North East Lincolnshire Council leaders later this month.
At 6.30pm on Monday, June 9, council leader Cllr Philip Jackson and his cabinet colleagues will be fielding questions via the social media platform, Facebook.
Says a NELC spokesperson: "There’s lots happening in the years ahead - and the council is playing a pivotal role in most of that change.
"Grimsby and Cleethorpes will be transformed with major grant-supported regeneration schemes and Freshney Place will continue to be redeveloped under council ownership"
Says Cllr Jackson said: "It is important that people know they have the opportunity to ask my colleagues me about the decisions we make that will impact on their lives both now and in the future.
"We will listen to what they say and try to answer any questions they ask.
"Others may have issues to raise and points to make that we can take away to consider."
Some of the questions could be tricky.
In Grimsby, for instance, the Riverhead revamp has been underwhelming and repairs to Corporation Road Bridge still have not been completed.
In Cleethorpes. three schemes have all stalled. These are:
* The Sea Road amenity building
* The redesign of Market Place
* The hard-surfacing of Pleasure Gardens
There is also concern about the future of the libraries service which some, rightly or wrongly, fear is at risk of being 'dumbed down' or even gradually dismantled.
Any questions should be pre-submitted to communications@nelincs.gov.uk
Cabinet members will endeavour to answer all questions on the night.
