What next for Beaconthorpe church after its fire-ravaged shell fails to sell at auction?

The fire-damaged Beaconthorpe Methodist Church on Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, failed to sell at auction today. Agents Pugh and Co say it is now available for £40,000.

 

Bidders will have to get their skates on if they want to bid for fire-damaged chuch

                                   

What am I bid? The Grimsby Road church

THE fire-ravaged Beaconthorpe Methodist Church in Cleethorpes could have new owners by the end of this week.

The building - or rather the shell of the building - is going under the hammer online with property auctions specialists Pugh.

The window for bidding is short - starting at noon on Tuesday and ending at about the same time the following day.

Pugh have set a provisional guide price of £35,000.

* When the Grade 2 Listed property went under the hammer in December last year, it sold for £31,000.

Welcome to Cambridge Green! Full steam ahead on 318-homes project at former Western School site

Show homes at the site of the former secondary school 

THE first of more than 300 houses have now been built on the former Western School site in Grimsby.

The site, now known as Cambridge Green, has three completed show home which opened earlier this year and have already seen interest from potential buyers.

Developer Keepmoat is regenerating the 22.9-acre brownfield site with 318 properties, of various sizes, along with affordable housing and care dwellings for vulnerable older residents.

Prices start at £184,995.

The former school site was closed more than a decade ago due to falling numbers and an over-provision of places, with pupils reallocated to other schools in the area.

The total investment, including grant funding, is put at £65-million.

More information about the development is at:  www.keepmoat.com/cambridge-green-grimsby

                                                             

Deadline looms for firms seeking to transform historic Pier Gardens into 'something-for-everyone' park

                                                

A doubtful future beckons for the lawns and shrubs in Pier Gardens

FIRMS wanting to redevelop Pier Gardens in Cleethorpes have until noon on Wednesday September 10 to submit their bids.

The deadline has regularly been put back while the scheme has undergone numerous tweaks, but this could be the last one or the project risks losing its credibility.

A main feature - one certain to be popular with many teenage boys (though perhaps less so with girls)  - will be a skateboard park on the corner of Sea Road and Alexandra Road.

Also likely to figure prominently are an illuminated steel artwork display of the letters  C.L.E.E - so people will be left in no doubt where they are. 

It seems there might also be a "clocktower/pavilion timber-framed structure with steel supports,  and integrated clock mechanisms".

And a water attraction and kiddies' play area are  also being mooted.

But there are many questions - for instance, the extent, if any, to which soil will be removed  to flatten the gardens' existing heavy contours and the destination of any shrubs earmarked for removal.

After scrutinising any bids and awarding the contract - for which the budget is £5.85-million - North East Lincolnshire want works to start on October 20 and to be completed by about the same date next year.

NELC's briefing notes to potential bidders states: "The scheme for this 1.2-hectare linear park  is to  re-develop this area of land in order to improve the space. 

"Once complete, Pier Gardens will provide a range of activities for all age groups, ranging from passive to interactive. 

"These activities are accessible for all abilities and at all times of the year and cater for the needs of the community in addition to attracting visitors."

Controversially, NELC has absolved itself of any need to seek planning permission before proceeding.

Some see this as  regrettable because it has prevented  interested individuals or organisations to express comment on the council planning pages.

It is not known, for instance,  if there has been an ecological impact assessment by an independent consultant or if  English Heritage has made any formal submission on a site with an important historic legacy.

Also missing from the public debate are any comments  by the Environment Agency (about flood risk), by the police (about potential crime and vandalism)  and by the Health and Safety Executive (on water safety).

Once works start, it is likely that the whole of the gardens will be surrounded by hoarding for a year as already exists on the adjacent Sea Road  site earmarked for an amenity building.

* One firm thought to be considering bidding for the works is Hull-based PBS Construction Ltd which is familiar with Cleethorpes having carried out public realms works in the town in previous years. 

                                          

Pier Gardens in the 1960s when the emphasis was on floral colour

MP insists no illegal migrants are being accommodated in local hotels and holiday hotspots

 

Ms Onn: social media statement

Following controversy over illegal immigrants being accommodated in hotels in Essex and elsewhere, Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn has today confirmed that none of these are within her   constituency. She has today published this statement on social media. 

I have seen several rumours circulating about migrants being placed in accommodation at Haven Holiday Park, the Humber Royal Hotel or other hotels in Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes. 

I have spoken directly to the Home Office and to North East Lincolnshire Council tor claification

The truth is that no migrants are being accommodated at any of these sites.

These rumours are being spread online without evidence and are designed to cause unnecessary worry. 

It is important to separate fact from speculation, and to be cautious about claims that only ever seem to come from "a friend of a friend" on social media or through unverified Artificial Intelligence speculation.

Migrants are not being housed in these establishments, nor are there any upcoming plans to house migrants in them. 

What we are seeing is visitors coming to enjoy a holiday in our area and contributing to our local economy. 

Grimsby and Cleethorpes are proud and welcoming towns.

Tourism is a vital part of our local success.

Lets the 'nibbling' begin! Clearance starts on site earmarked for Grimsby Town Centre's new bus station

                                                                   

Cllr Jackson and Cllr Swinburn looked forward to development of new 'transport hub'

DEMOLITION  of buildings has started on the site of a planned new bus station in Grimsby.

According to North East Lincolnshire Council, the first "nibble" has been taken at the Osborne Street buildings where the land will be cleared to make way for the bus station which the authority prefers to refer to as a "transport hub" (which sounds grander).

It states: "The old units  are being taken down piece by piece in a similar way to the work at Freshney Place. 

"The plan is ultimately to use this 1.6-acre site to deliver a transport hub which connects with the railway station, encouraging public transport use and supporting the wider Grimsby Town Centre regeneration ambitions."

Says NELC leader Cllr Philip Jackson: "Having bus stops dispersed around the town centre, as they have been for many years now, does not work well.

"It makes life more difficult for public transport users -  proving a barrier for people visiting our town centre. 

"From the comments I hear, there is no doubt that local people want a proper bus station in Grimsby Town Centre. 

"About three years ago, we were far-sighted and purchased this site which is ideally located for a new transport hub. 

"Now we have some funding to make a start on the project, we are able to demolish the ugly, empty retail premises on Osborne Street and kick off this exciting development."

Agrees cabinet colleague Cllr Stewart Swinburn: "It’s great to see this project start on the ground."

"The view around here will really be opened up."

The council is welcoming the public's thought on the project at:

https://tell-us.questionpro.eu/PublicTravel2025

if you’d like to give your views, visit https://tell-us.questionpro.eu/PublicTravel2025- external site .

Plea to public for information after yet another incident of vandalism at Cleethorpes seafront WCs

AN appeal for information has been sounded after the temporary loos in Dolphin Gardens were vandalised.

It is the third such incident since Easter when they were installed.

Says North East Lincolnshire Council: "If anyone knows anything about the incident, please call the police on 101, referencing crime number 25000113406."

The damage was perpetrated over the weekend of  August 9-10 when  a group was seen to break into the compound at around 3am on Sunday morning.

They knocked over a toilet, displacing all the contents, ripped out four sinks and did more damage to several other units.

Later, they left the compound on cycles and headed in the direction of St Peter’s Avenue..

The cost to repair and replace the loos will be upwards of £3,000. 

Fines imposed for illegal stopping outside local schools reaches almost 1,000 in less than a year

                                                             

The signage could scarcely be clearer - but it is one often ignored by some drivers 

THE number of fines imposed on drivers for stopping illegally outside schools in North East Lincolnshire  had reached almost 1,000 by the end of the summer term.

NELC revealed today that it had issued no fewer 924 Penalty Charge Notices since the  start of 2025.

A total of 12 schools that have signed up to a CCTV  to curb the problem - Great Coates Primary and Reynolds Academy being the two latest additions.

The scheme began in 2022 when CCTV cameras were installed outside Signhills Academy in Cleethorpes. 

Old Clee Primary Academy welcomed similar cameras a few months later.

To ensure all parents are reliably informed, there is a three-step process: 

1) Prior warning is given before cameras go live with parents being informed of what is to come. 

2) Those deemed to be illegally parking for the next two weeks are issued with a warning letter, but not fined. 

3) Thereafter, penalty notices are issued by enforcement teams.

Drivers caught stopping on the yellow zig zag lines receive a £70 penalty charge notice. This is reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days. 

The aim of the scheme is to enforce the keep-clear markings restriction more effectively and help change behaviour long-term. 

Ultimately, it helps to ensure children are arriving and leaving school safely by minimising risk

Since the start of the year, the 12 schools have issued  fines as follows:

* Great Coates Primary School – 52

* Lisle Marsden Church of England Primary Academy – 134

* Macaulay Primary Academy – 79

* Old Clee Primary Academy – 51

* Ormiston South Parade School – 119

* Queen Mary Avenue Infant and Nursery School – 75

* Reynolds Academy – 123

* Scartho Junior Academy – 40

* Signhills Academy – 45

* Stanford Junior and Infant School – 16

* Waltham Leas Primary Academy – 72

* Welholme Academy – 118

"All children have the right to get to school safely and this is just one approach the council are using to make sure this is the case,” says Cllr Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities.

"Some may see this as purely a means to make money, but that is not the case. 

"Parking illegally endangers children and other pedestrians in the area.

"We will robustly continue to enforce in school areas and work in consultation with schools to ensure the restrictions are adhered to."

Stunning seafront apartment boasts outstanding views of Humber Estuary (plus its own sauna)

FRONTLINE estate agent Bettles Miles Holland has published these photographs (above and below) of a stunning Cleethorpes seafront property that has come on to the market.

The penthouse apartment at 7 Eastshore  has panoramic views across the Humber Estuary and, on a clear day, along the Lincolnshire coastline as far south as Donna Nook.

Not only that but it even boasts its own sauna.

The three-bedroom apartment is on the market with BMH at a price of £660,000. 

                                

                                                    

Will it be second time lucky for scheme to build eight new houses in green and leafy part of Waltham?

Ecologist thinks nesting bricks should be incorporated into the properties to provide a habitat for swifts such as the bird pictured above

A NEW eight-house development could be on the cards for a plot in Waltham.

North East Lincolnshire Council planners are considering  the scheme for a  grassland plot off  Anita Grove.

When a similar scheme was submitted previously, it was turned down by NELC, then, when the applicants appealed,  by an independent planning inspector.

But with the council under Government pressure to build more homes in the borough, the project has come up for a fresh airing.

Agent Dieter Nelson comments: "There would be an inevitable urbanising effect on the landscape, but  with an appropriate layout and landscaping, and limited to eight two storey dwellings and/or bungalows, the effects could be appropriately mitigated through careful design. 

"The housing would eventually be viewed in the context of the surrounding development along Cheapside and as such would not result in significant harm to the character and appearance of the area."

If the development  is given the green light, consultant ecologist Celia  Commowick has urged the installation of swift-nesting bricks within the higher parts of the properties to provide a nesting habitat for a summer-visiting migrant that is close to breeding extinction in North East Lincolnshire. 

Ms Commowick would also like to see the creation of a wildflower meadow and soft landscaping.

As submitted, the scheme allows for digging of an attenuation pond and the planting of a hedgerow and 15 trees to replace some that are likely to be lost. 

Property report in The Daily Telegraph newspaper identifies Immingham as top town to 'bag a bargain'

With the average price of a home below £200,00, Immingham has been identified as a top town  to  'bag a property bargain' in a report in Saturday's edition of The Daily Telegraph.

 

Bloomin' marvellous! The beautiful front garden floral display that brightens up a Cleethorpes street

Hats off to the occupiers of this property in Thrunscoe Road, Cleethorpes, for this magnificent floral display - all achieved within limited space in the front garden. It really is a stunner!

The future Freshney Place: 'A vibrant space designed for fun, laughter and unforgettable moments'

Subject to North East Lincolnshire Council granting advertisement consent, six hoarding signs in three designs (pictured) could be appearing later this year around the demolition site that  was formerly part of Freshney Place.  The application has been submitted by Leeds-based GMI which seem to be cracking on with clearing the site at good pace.  

 

                             

Uncertain future for Freshney Place accessories retailer as tough trading conditions take their toll

 

A store with sparkle -  Claire's will continue to trade as  administrators seek a buyer 

DOUBTS surround the future of  another of the retailers in Grimsby's Freshney Place shopping centre.

Administrators have been called in at Claire's, a nationwide chain with a workforce of just over 2,000.

As at its 305 other UK shops, the Grimsby branch  provides a colourful and cheerful presence, and its range of accessories has long made it popular with girls and young women.

But its fortunes have faltered in recent year because of inflation and competition from online outlets.  

It is these same pressures which are confronting its wider international empire which is based on the outskirts of Chicago in Illinois.

It is understood that Grimsby staff are being kept updated, and that the store will continue to trade while administrators seek a buyer.

The worrying news come in the wake of news that Claire's Freshney Place neighbour, the River Island fashion outlet, braces itself for closure.                                                 

River Island - another national retailer that has experienced worsening trading conditions  

 

  

 

Destination Blundell Park as Mariners land plum cup tie at home to Manchester United

 

A warm welcome awaits! Grimsby Town look forward to hosting Manchester United at Blundell Park

A DREAM match beckons for Grimsby Town FC in  the second round of the Carabao Cup.

Having beaten Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday night, The Mariners have earned a second round tie at home to mighty Manchester United - six times winner of the competition.

It would have been more financially lucrative for Town to have been drawn away because United's Old Trafford ground has almost seven times the attendance capacity of Blundell Park.

But playing the home match on Cleethorpes turf in front of a crowd consisting mostly of their own fans will boost the chances of a giant-killing  win for Dave Artell's side.

There are already many Man U fans living in and around Grimsby, but there will doubtless be an influx of supporters from Manchester for what is a relatively straightforward journey by rail or road.

Town say ticket sales arrangements will be announced shortly.

A few issues probably need ironing out before NELC planners can determine Garth Lane homes scheme

The intention is for the houses and apartments to be set within green  and leafy grounds

MORE artist's impressions have been released of the proposed 120-home development on Garth Lane in Grimsby. 

They have been prepared by the Newcastle-based IDPartnership on behalf of Keepmoat Homes which is keen to crack on with the scheme.

However, ahead of a planning decision being made by North East Lincolnshire  Council, a range of consultees have been chipping in with comments.

For instance, Humberside Fire and Rescue are seeking reassurances that there will be sufficient water hydrants and good access to the site.

While not objecting to the project, the council's heritage officer has sounded a note of caution about  how well a residential estate will sit alongside a site of historic maritime and industrial importance. 

Meanwhile, bosses at the fishing heritage centre are concerned that its premises  might be lost to view, obscured by housing, and there are also worries from other sources about pressure on access and parking.

NELC's ecology unit and the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust seem relaxed about the development, and the developer will be relieved that a survey has revealed no presence of water voles, a highly-protected species, on the River Freshney which runs along the site.

The proposed redevelopment is part of wider Grimsby regeneration aspirations,  and NELC's leadership has made no secret of its wish for planning permission to be granted as soon as possible so that works can proceed. 

Note the abundance of trees, shrubs and grass

Some of the  apartments will have grand views of the River Freshney and Freshney Place

Plenty of space to cycle or jog - that's the plan 

There is said to be 'interest' in Welholme Galleries building - but is a deal in the offing?

Welholme Galleries - has a buyer at last been found?

 

A FURTHER update is  awaited on the future of  the Welholme Galleries building in Grimsby.

During a cabinet Q&A session on Facebook, a member of the public sought clarification.

Portfolio holder for assets Cllr Stephen Harness was unable to provide much in the way of detail, but he sounded an upbeat note. 

"There is interest in the property," he said. "It's looking hopeful."

Even if it is soon to be sold, it seems unlikely that the building will again be an art gallery or a museum as many would like.

It is more likely either to become apartments or to be put to commercial use.

In recent years, the asking price has been reduced from £200,000 to £125,000. 

Council planners grant consent for new chalet on vacant Fitties plot despite objections from neighbours

The front of the vacant plot

SHEFFIELD man Robert Ashley has been given the green light to build a chalet on the vacant plot at 105 Humberston Fitties. 

Although there were objections from neighbouring chalet tenants, North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee granted consent at its recent meeting. 

Agents for the proposal are Grimsby-based Ross Davy Associates which submitted these images as part of Mr Ashley's application.

The rear of the site - it is understood the trees and shrubs are to be retained 

Proposed design of the chalet

Is that it, then? Buried Riverhead Centre time capsule contained nothing to set pulses racing

                         

Fancy that! The mayor with the copper capsule and contents 

A TIME capsule dating back to the 1970s  has been found during demolition works at Freshney Place (which was formerly known as the Riverhead Centre).

Unfortunately, the contents of the plastic sealed tube, contained within a copper tube, were somewhat underwhelming.

They consist of :

* A copy of the Grimsby Evening Telegraph from  October 18, 1969

* A copy of the Grimsby News from October 17, 1973

* Two plans, showing ground and first floor, along with tenants

* A metal plate bearing the name Matthew Hall Mechanical Services Ltd 

After contractors GMI located, the capsule, the mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Cllr Janet Goodwin, did the honours by opening it . 

"What an honour it is to have opened the capsule," she enthused.

"I used to work in Freshney Place for 26 years, and to see the things in the time capsule and read what was happening all those years ago has been amazing."

The date when the capsule was buried is not known.

                                       

Those were the days! The Grimsby Evening Telegraph of October 18, 1969 

All is revealed! VIPs  gather for the opening of the capsule - from left, Cllr Philip Jackson, Janine Tanner, Cllr Janet Goodwin, mayor’s consort Mr Barry Goodwin, Pete Milsom, Roger Beard, Alan Nicholson

To pray or not to pray? Cabinet members' regret that prayer no longer said at start of full council meetings

                                                        

North East Lincolnshire's mayor - Cllr Janet Goodwin

SHOULD a prayer be said at the start of full meetings of North East Lincolnshire Council?

The question recently came up in a discussion among the authority's cabinet members.

In the past, there used to be a prayer - sometimes said by the mayor's chaplain - but it seems the current mayor, Cllr Janet Goodwin, has dispensed with the tradition, at least during her term of office.

Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson said it was up to whoever was current mayor to determine whether to start proceedings with this longstanding Christian tradition.  

But he expressed regret that it had been dropped.

Agreement same from Cllr Stewart Swinburn who maintained that for a prayer to be said showed "support for the community".

The chop beckons for five trees in the grounds of Humberston's grand old Wesleyan chapel

Five trees in the grounds of the Wesleyan chapel, which was built in 1907, are due to be felled.

FIVE trees are likely to be felled ahead of works to convert Humberston's 118-year-old Wesleyan chapel to private accommodation.

Two of them - an ash and elm - are thought to be dying or already dead, but some villagers will lament the felling of three attractive holly trees, especially two at the front of the property.

So long as they are not causing a danger to the public, it is generally North East Lincolnshire Council's policy to protect mature, healthy trees.

However, the policy appears to have been disregarded in respect of the hollies, even though they are within a conservation area.

NELC's trees officer, Paul Chaplin, says there is "no reason to object" to their removal, noting that either they will be "in conflict with proposed vehicle access" or that they are of "insufficient amenity value" to Humberston Avenue.

Mature, healthy . . and doomed. One of the holly trees (front)

Also to be felled is this fine variegated specimen

Who needs the Serengeti when there's such a wealth of wildlife (admittedly no giraffes) on our doorstep?

 

What's in that net ? Josh Forrester (kneeling) investigates

MORE than 120 people turned up to enjoy sessions of bug-hunting, pond dipping and butterfly counting as part of Love Parks Week celebrations in North East Lincolnshire.

Free events were hosted by the council's coastal ranger, Josh Forrester, who is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Part of the purpose was to showcase w the environmental value of green spaces.

Children were able to capture insects in nets and investigate them close-up under a microscope. 

They included everything from caterpillars to crickets, and Josh and a team of NELC ecologists then gave the children a lesson in how and why these insects are so important to our environment.

                                                   

Josh - enthusing young people

Said Josh said: "Hopefully we’ve enthused people about the wildlife that can be readily found on their doorsteps and maybe even encourage some young wildlife rangers of the future."

An equally upbeat note was sounded by NELC's portfolio holder for the environment, Cllr Henry Hudson: "We are so lucky to have so much natural beauty on our doorstep here in North East Lincolnshire.

"It is not just the wonderful beach and the nature reserve, but also the many fabulous parks that provide outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy."                                  

On insect safari near Cleethorpes leisure centre

In one fell swoop . . . 

It won't bite, and it definitely won't sting . . . 

                          

    

Grimsby's great Corporation Road Bridge fiasco - now it's the lawyers' turn to take their slice of the action

                                                 

The council is hopeful that repairs will resume later this summer 

LAWYERS for both parties are now understood to be sifting through the rubble of the failed Corporation Road Bridge repairs relationship between North East Lincolnshire Council and the main contractors, Spencer Group.

The council’s responsible portfolio holder, Cllr Stewart Swinburn, said this week: "A legal process is underway."

Although he also went on to refer to the prospect of  "litigation", Cllr Swinburn did not go into detail because of the legal sensitivities.

"It's a complex situation," he told a Facebook question-and-answer session with the public.

No replacement contractor has yet been appointed, but the portfolio holder for highways  insisted: "We are well on the way to making an announcement..

"We are working urgently but the council is  mindful of its responsibility to follow the correct procedures in respect of the legal, safety and technical aspects.

"While no date for a restart has yet been set, we are targeting a resumption in late summer."

Proposed Cleethorpes salmon 'farm' could face competition from rival venture in Wiltshire

 

The site earmarked for the proposed Cleethorpes salmon farm. Will it really create 80 'well-paid' jobs?

HOPES of a jobs bonanza from the proposed indoor salmon 'farm' in Cleethorpes may be misplaced.

In presentations about the project, prospective developer Aquacultured Seafood Ltd has indicated that up to 80 posts could be in the offing.

And, at last month's full meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council, leader Cllr Philip Jackson enthused that the operatives would be "well paid".

But now another firm, Coldwater Salmon Ltd,  has emerged as a potential competitor.

It intends to set up a similar venture, then run it with . . . just three staff.

Coldwater has taken over the 25-hectare Barford Fish Farm, near Salisbury, in Wiltshire, which was established some 40 years by the 8th Earl of Radnor.

Historically, the farm bred and reared trout for release into English rivers.

Its water recirculation system is not dissimilar similar to that proposed in Cleethorpes by Aquacultured, but using the River Avon as opposed to the Humber.

However, before it can proceed on the first stage of its proposal to convert from trout to salmon, Coldwater must secure planning consent to install a giant steel canopy over 0.72 hectares of the existing fish farm.

It says this is essential to prevent bacteria and other contamination - notably from bird droppings - entering the ponds and spoiling the taste of the fish.

Wiltshire Council planners are expected to determine the application later this year.

The Grimsby News says: At least in its first phase, the Wiltshire project is not as expansive as the one proposed locally, but the fact that just three jobs are envisaged inevitably sparks doubts about whether the Cleethorpes venture would really bring as much of an employment windfall as some are claiming. Margins are slim in livestock food production, and there is already an over-supply of salmon to British shops and restaurants. High staff wages would inevitably  weaken profit margins for  Aquacultured's directors. And that is always assuming, of course, that they can raise the £75-million required to get the Cleethorpes facility up and running in the first place.

Portfolio holder has a bit of a downer on Cleethorpes Boating Lake's 'messy' honkers and quackers

                                      

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

A SENIOR member of North East Lincolnshire Council has blamed the  long-established population of ornamental geese for - literally -  making a mess of Cleethorpes Boating Lake.

During a cabinet question-and-answer session on Facebook, the authority's portfolio holder for the environment, Cllr Henry Hudson, claimed: "Each bird deposits 2lb of droppings a night.

"I use the term 'droppings' to be polite - some of them are the size of a small dog."

Cllr Hudson was responding to a question from a member of the public, Diane Roberts, who protested that Lakeside  - the boating lake and its surrounds -   had become "neglected".

In particular, she cited the poor state of the bandstand and areas where concrete has become loose.

But the portfolio chose to target the geese for Lakeside's shortcomings.

He went to offer an assurance that the council was exploring ideas, including part re-wilding, with a view to making Lakeside more "self sufficient".

He expressed optimism for a bright future within the next two or three years for the site where feeding the geese, swans, ducks, gulls  and pigeons has long been a popular activity with all age groups.

The geese  also perform a useful function by grazing the grass so it does not need to be mowed.                                    

Keeping the grass trim - Grey Lag Geese are the commonest bird at Lakeside 

Bill for repairs to Grimsby's Corporation Road Bridge soars to well over £7-million - and still rising

 

Cabinet members likely to be quizzed about Corporation Road Bridge during Facebook Q&A session

THE bill for repairing Grimsby's Corporation Road Bridge has already reached in excess of £7-million with no sign of the structure being complete, let alone re-opened, in the near future.

When work started in summer 2022 , the budget was put at £5.1-million with likely completion by August 2023.

But by April this year, the bill was already £7,301, 921 - with North East Lincolnshire Council being warned that it might soar substantially higher. 

It was this point that the authority bit the bullet and fired the main contractor, the Hull-based Spencer Group.

Since then, it has been working with an experienced consultancy, Pell Frischmann, which has been carrying out its own assessment of what still needs to be done ahead of the appointment of a new contractor. 

NELC's cabinet is likely to be quizzed about the bridge when it holds a live question-and-answer Facebook session at 6.30pm tomorrow evening (Friday).

 Also likely to be raised are questions about repairs to Grimsby

s central library. about the extensive use of  Glyphosate poison across the borough's gardens, roadside verges and other green places and about three stalled Levelling-up projects in Cleethorpes - revamp of the market place, reconfiguration of Pleasure Gardens and construction of an amenity building on Sea Road. 

                                                               

Gull's eye view of a stretch of the impressive  problematical bridge which is currently 'celebrating' a centenary since it was built 

Council cabinet members optimistic about Grimsby leisure scheme after demolition site walkabout

You can almost smell the dust! Contractors welcome council cabinet members to the western end of Freshney Place where former shops are to be replaced with restaurants, coffee shops,  a cinema and more

IT'S full steam ahead on demolition of  the western end of Freshney Place ahead of redevelopment of this part of Grimsby with a cinema, cafes, restaurants, a food hall and an indoor market.

The Bullring shops have now literally bitten the dust as well as most  of the upper floors and frontage of the former BHS store.

With the former market hall having been taken down earlier this year, the site is now being cleared and the rubble being taken off site for crushing. 

According to North East Lincolnshire Council, much of this rubble  will be returned to site to form some of the foundations for the new buildings.

The temporary result of the work is that a view has opened up from the Bullring directly through to Frederick Ward Way and beyond!

Council Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, and cabinet colleagues joined GMI on a visit to the site this week, and are said to have been "delighted" with  progress so far.

"It’s a massive project for us and for the town," beamed Cllr Jackson. "The work that GMI are doing on site is fantastic. 

"We know there is still a lot to do, but the Freshney Place leisure scheme will transform this end of Grimsby."

"There is a way to go yet, but we have anchor tenants signed up  and have agreed to progress legal work to secure leases with others whose identities will be announced in due course."