Can Humber Wild women - and their woodland - survive the upheavals at Lindsey Oil Refinery?

 

Humber Wild women and (male) judges at the award ceremony on Saturday

AN uncertain future beckons for a women-managed woodland that sits alongside the troubled Lindsey Oil Refinery in North Killingholme.

For the past two years, the woodland has been developed and nurtured by an organisation called Humber Wild whose female volunteers have done stupendous work, planting hundreds of broadleaved trees and installing nestboxes not just for songbirds but also for Tawny Owls.

They diligently register all the notable wildlife that occurs on site and fire off their data to the Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre. 

They also run a range of craft courses not just for themselves and other women but also for children of all ages.

So admirable have been their efforts that they reached last weekend's  final of the 2025 Lincolnshire Environmental Awards held at Whisby near Lincoln, narrowly being pipped for the top prize by the group,  Sutton-on-Sea Beach Care.

However, the Humber Wild operations are under a shadow because the future of land occupied by Lindsey Oil Refinery - including the woodland -  is up in the air after its owners, the Prax Group went into administraion.

The women are hopeful that they can continue and are eagerly awaiting clarification.

* In another development, it emerged today that 125 staff - a third of the workforce - at the refinery were to be made redundant.  

Proposal for new children's home in Grimsby turned down by North East Lincolnshire Council

                                                    

                                                         

The three-bedroomed property in Westhill Road

A PROPOSAL to convert 4 Westhill Road, Grimsby, from residential use to  to a children's home has today been refused by North East Lincolnshire Council.

The application - submitted by a resident of Dolphin Road, Cleethorpes - did not go before the planning committee but was determined under delegated powers by a case officer.

In her decision notice, she expresses doubts whether the three-bedroomed semi-detached property would "provide suitable accommodation to meet the  identified needs required for a children's home."

She continues: "Additionally, the location of the home has not  been demonstrated to be suitable."

The decision will be welcomed by the occupants of at least three other houses in Westhill Road. They had expressed concerns about the potential for anitisocial behaviour.

However, there is always a chance that the applicant might appeal to the planning inspectorate for the NELC decision to be overturned.

Planning inspector rules that proposed fried chicken takeaway shop is too close to school to be permitted

                                              

The Havelock Academy which is within walking distance of the property earmarked to be a fast food takeaway shop

THERE has been a serious setback for a fast food entrepreneur who wanted to establish a fried chicken meals takeaway shop on the corner of Wellington Street and Stanley Street in Grimsby.

When his application for planning consent was refused by North East Lincolnshire Council, Sanjeeth Manotheesan lodged an appeal with the independent planning inspectorate.

But Graham Wraight, the planning inspector, has come down in favour of the council by dismissing the appeal.

The crux of the matter appears to have been the proximity of the building to Havelock Academy for some of whose pupils the takeaway meals might have been an option - and perhaps not a particularly healthy one.

Says the inspector in his report published earlier this month:  "National planning policy states that local planning authorities should refuse applications for hot food takeaways and fast food outlets within walking distance of schools and other places where children and young people congregate unless the location is within a designated town centre.  

"In this instance, there is secondary school provision within 400 metres of the appeal site, and the appeal site does not fall within a designated town centre. 

"There is also a park and youth centre nearby. 

"While it is proposed that there would be one or two tables for customers to sit, the description includes reference to hot food for consumption off the premises, and it is likely that a considerable portion of sales would be the takeaway of hot food."  

The report continues: "The appellant considers that no potential harm to children from the appeal proposal has been demonstrated. 

"However, the harm arises on health grounds in respect of the type of food usually sold by hot food takeaways and the proximity of  the appeal site to the school and other spaces that young people frequent. 

"In their reference to limiting the number of pupils allowed on the premises at any given time, the appellant tacitly accepts that the proposal would be used by children. 

"The link between what is described as being a fried chicken shop and unhealthy eating habits in children is self-apparent."  

* In a separate decision, the same inspector has come down on the side of another appellant by allowing a detached building, understood to be used as a gym, to be retained at 22 The Curve, off Welhome Avenue, Grimsby. He rejected the view of NELC planners who had refused to grant retrospective planning permission on the grounds that the building might be harmful to adjacent trees. 

NELC trees and woodlands officer lodges 'holding objection' to Pleasure Island redevelopment project

                                                    

Most of the trees on the former theme park are earmarked  for removal to make way for a Lidl supermarket, garden centre, coffee shop  and 270 holiday cabins

THERE has been another setback for the consortium seeking to redevelop the former Pleasure Island theme park in Cleethorpes.

North East Lincolnshire Council's trees and woodlands officer Paul Chaplin has submitted what he describes as a "holding objection".

The officer  says he has no concerns about "the majority of the tree removal plan", but expresses misgivings about the integrity of some aspects of the fencing that is being volunteered by the applicants to protect those trees that are to be retained.

Mr Chaplin is also seeking clarification about the proposed soft landscaping scheme because this will have an inevitable impact on visual amenity, both within the site and outside it.

He says his holding objection stands until more information has been provided.

Freshney Place home found for 'temporary' pop-up library - but still no date for it to open

                                                  

Coming 'shortly' - pop-up library in Freshney Place

A LOCATION has been found for a  pop-up library in Grimsby' Freshney Place.

North East Lincolnshire Council says  it will be on Baxtergate, next to the Community Diagnostic Centre and opposite Costa Coffee.

However, after months of delay, there is still no date for it to open.

Pressed for clarification, a council spokesperson would only say: "It is due to open shortly."

The stated intention is for the new library to be 'temporary' pending a decision being made on the town's central library which has been closed for most of this year as a result of water ingress and potential asbestos contamination within the fabric of the building. 

Says NELC: "A structural survey on the condition of the building is now complete and further surveys are underway to determine the works required."

The spotlight will fall on the future of NELC's library service at  meetings on October 2 and October 8.

In the meantime, the authority's portfolio holder for culture, heritage and the visitor economy, Cllr Hayden Dawkins, insists "We are working hard to ensure that the temporary library can  be open as soon as is practically possible."

Cleethorpes coastal ranger in timely plea to dog-owners: Please spare a thought for our shorebirds

                                                                         

Black on black - dog has designs  on this carrion crow

 

CLEETHORPES coastal ranger Josh Forrester has appealed to dog-owners not to allow their pets to run at the flocks of shorebirds that spend autumn and winter on the beach and saltmarsh.

Says he: "I routinely monitor recreational disturbance along our coast and have unfortunately witnessed recent incidents where scores of birds were being chased."

The Humber Estuary is a Special Protection Area and home to species such as curlew, redshank and knot which are all in decline.

Although they are seldom caught by canines, disturbance reduces their feeding time and depletes their energy.

In fairness, most dog-owners are responsible. They know that  disturbing birds  - preventing them from feeding or roosting, or causing them to take flight - is a criminal offence and can lead to prosecution under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations.

Water-sports enthusiasts, such as jet-skiers and paddleboard-users, are are also urged to stay away from the saltmarsh and sand banks - especially areas accommodating  large congregations of birds.

The memo also applies to birders who sometimes approach too close in their eagerness to snatch close-up photographs.

                                  

Danger beckons - shorebirds know it will soon be their turn to be chased

A handsome beast - but dogs off the lead spell danger for saltmarsh birds such as egrets, redshank and snipe 

                              

Former hotel near Cleethorpes seafront could be converted to two houses in multiple occupation

New use proposed for former hotel

TWO more Houses in Multiple Occupation are in prospect for  Cleethorpes.

Having snapped up The Comat at auction, a Suffolk-based property developer intends to convert the Yarra Road building back to its old status as two separate houses - one to have  eight bedrooms, the other to have six.

The proposal is currently under consideration by North East Lincolnshire Council.

If planning consent is granted, the conservatory at the rear would be demolished to make way for a bin shore and cycle shelter.

Town's fairy tale Carabao Cup run continues with convincing win at Wednesday.

Sheffield Wednesday 0 - Grimsby Town 1

SOME 6,000 travelling Grimsby Town fans last night cheered their side to a deserved win at  struggling Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.

The Mariners were the far more impressive team on the night but had to be thankful for a single goal for their victory.

This came from Jazz Kabia who nodded home from a Reece Staunton corner four minutes after the interval.

Town now progress to the Fourth Round of the competition for the first time in 24 years.

Guests from the Faroe Islands really enjoyed their visit to Grimsby's main fishing heritage attractions

                                                             

The Faroes contingent really enjoyed their visit to the fishing heritage centre and Ross Tiger

OFFICIALS  from the Faroe Islands have this month made a fact-finding trip to Grimsby, the Ross Tiger trawler and the Fishing Heritage Centre. 

In the heyday of Grimsby's trawling industry, crews would fish in  waters near the Faroes where they regularly met fellow-fishermen

Last Wednesday, the delegation was  given a tour of the Ross Tiger by former skipper Bob Mogg and an in-depth look at the museum itself by operations manager David Ornsby who has strong family connections to the fishing industry.

On the visit were Jóhan Christiansen, Fisheries Minister; Elin Mortensen , Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries; Kate Sanderson, Head of Faroese Representation in London; Marita Rasmussen, Director of the Faroe Marine Research Institute; Símun Grønadal, adviser, Ministry of Fisheries and Janet Skarðsá, adviser, Ministry of Fisheries.

The event was set up by Amy Salisbury, Founder of Particular & Co. 

Said she: "I’m all about promoting Grimsby and its fishing heritage. 

"Although fishing may not be what it once was, it’s still huge terms of processing and it’s important that we keep that message alive and well.

"Visits like this are very important to help keep relationships as strong as always. The Faroe Islands and Grimsby have a close history with one another and I don’t want that to change.”

Meanwhile David Ornsby enthused: "It’s lovely to have welcomed our visitors to celebrate our shared heritage - they really did seem to enjoy their visit."

The Fisheries Minister said: "The Ross Tiger was an interesting experience - a lot of what we saw on board reminds me of things we’ve seen on our fishing vessels back in the Faroes.

"It shows how much of a connection there is between us and Grimsby, and the trip itself has been so informative. 

"It is so important we uphold this connection between the two of us for the future."

Trader's application to retain newly-installed shopfront in Top Town turned down by planners

There has been a setback for Mr Mian Altaf who sought retrospective planning consent for the new shop frontage he has installed at mobile phone shop Cellfix on Victoria Street in Grimsby's Top Town. North East Lincolnshire Council planners have turned down his application on the following grounds: "The  replacement shopfront causes adverse harm to Grimsby Central  Conservation Area due to neither preserving or enhancing the conservation area. The proposal  also negatively impacts the setting of the Grade II listed former Barclays building and the Grade  II listed former Savoy Picture House. The replacement shopfront is considered to be of poor  design."

Oh no, not another bridge headache for the council! This time it's the one at at Fuller Street in Cleethorpes

The footbridge enables pedestrians to cross from Fuller Street to the Humber North Wall

WHAT can be done to make the Fuller Street footbridge  in Cleethorpes less scary - especially after dark?

And is money available to install lighting and CCTV?

These are questions Cllr Ron Shepherd, North East Lincolnshire Council's portfolio holder for safer communities, will ponder at a meeting next week.

Back in April, more than 200 residents - thought to include local MP Melanie Onn - signed a petition calling for improvements to the bridge which, in its current form, is believed to have been constructed in 1975.

A recommendation to Cllr Shepherd advises: "Undertaking mitigating action will ensure Fuller Street bridge remains safe to those who use it and provide re-assurance to the petitioners and residents of  Sidney Sussex ward." 

But an accompanying report outlines the challenges: " There is currently no lighting nor CCTV on the bridge. 

"There are three public-facing cameras located at nearby Suggitts Lane bridge which can zoom across to Fuller Street bridge, but  the distance needed on the zoom would distort the view so much so that it would be of limited evidential value. 

"To provide an accurate cost and schedule of works, a full site visit would be required.  

"The estimated cost would be in the region of £20,000 for two public-facing CCTV cameras located either side of the bridge. 

"These  cameras would also need  maintenance which would be a further £1,500 per camera per annum."

The report goes on to reveal the number of 'incidents' recorded in Fuller Street between August 1, 2023 and August 31 this year:

• Arson and Criminal Damage = 8 

• Burglary = 1 

• Drug Offences = 5 

• Miscellaneous crimes against society = 2 

• Public Order = 7 

• Sexual Offences = 5 

• Theft = 1 

• Vehicle Offences = 1 

• Violence Against the Person = 44 

• Total = 74. 

A review  of crimes on the footbridge itself for the same  period records

• Sexual Offences = 2 

• Violence against the person = 1. 

However, the report notes that Fuller Street has recorded fewer crimes than nearby Manchester Street, Neville Street and Harrington Street.

The report further notes the following: "The bridge is used by Humberside police during Grimsby Town Football Club home games for crowd control as a means to direct the attending fans to and from Cleethorpes railway station."

What about the structural condition of the bridge?

A survey by Equans in April last year noted that it is "not showing signs of stress, nor fractures, and is in fair condition though there is  surface rusting and moderate pitting due to its location and age".

Any remedial work - at an estimated cost of £40,000 - would be centred around removing the paintwork, blast-cleaning  all rust and providing a suitable coating to all areas. 

In addition to the cost estimate, a  structural engineer advises that once rail possessions, scaffolding, encapsulation, structural calculations to check if steel repairs are required, and undertaking works at night (that Network Rail would almost certainly mandate) might bring the cost closer to £250,000.

And nor would the costs end here.

Because of power supply complications, installing lighting could cost as much as £1-million!

The situation has put the council's management - particularly the portfolio holder - in an unenviable position.

Unless funds can be secured from external sources, it may be that the petitioners may not get the reassurances they seek.

     

Another view of the bridge

The CCTV cameras at Suggitts Lane

Controversial plan for 3,600 homes - yes, 3,600! - will focus councillors' minds at meeting next week

This report will be scrutinised at the September 16 meeting 

                                                            

THE spotlight will next week again fall on a controversial plan to build 3,600 homes and a roads network on farmland and in countryside to the west of Grimsby.

The project is being spearheaded by local property development company M.F. Strawson Ltd and Yorkshire-based regeneration company Harworth Group plc.

Their venture  is understood to have the strong support of the current North East Lincolnshire Council leadership which sees the potential for creation of many new jobs and a huge economic uplift to the area.

However, opponents are fearful of serious harm to a green and pleasant part of the borough along with intense new pressure on health services and other infrastructure.  

If it goes ahead, the development will effectively create a small town, though it is being described, somewhat clumsily, as a "sustainable urban extension". 

An updated 'masterplan'  has been published in advance of a meeting of  NELC's Transport, Infrastructure and Strategic Housing Scrutiny Panel which is due to be held between 6.30pm and 8.30pm on Tuesday (September 16).  

The meeting is open to the public.                                                              

This map shows the proposed new road development if the project proceeds

Council warns that "some elements will be noisy" during next week's renewal of road markings

                                 

Line-painting in progress - photo:NELC 

ROAD markings will be 'refreshed' on a series of roads in  North East Lincolnshire Council between Monday and Thursday next week.

The work will be carried out from 7.00pm each evening and will involve temporary road closures to ensure safety for both contractor and the public.

Traffic will be diverted around the closures using alternative signed routes.

Details of the closures are:

Monday 15th September: Carr Lane (Clee Crescent to Runswick Road)

Tuesday 16th September: B1203 Waltham Road, Brigsley (Normans Corner)

Tuesday 16th September:  Carr Lane (Runswick Road to Fiveways Roundabout)

Tuesday 16th September: Durban Road (Roberts Street to Fiveways Roundabout)

Wednesday 17th September: Waltham Road, Grimsby (Scartho Fork to Springfield Road)

Wednesday 17th September: Gate Lane, Grimsby (Waltham Road to Pinfold Lane)

Wednesday 17th September: Louth Road (Scartho Fork to Westkirke Avenue)

Thursday 18th September: Cromwell Road, Grimsby (Finchley Court to Market Hotel Roundabout)

Thursday 18th September: Brighowgate, Grimsby (Grosvenor Street to Wellowgate)

Although every effort will be made to minimise disruption throughout the works, the council warns: "Some elements will be noisy."

A fresh chapter opens for former NELC supremo Rob Walsh as he lands new job with consultancy

                                                              

Rob Walsh left NELC quietly after 11 years at the helm of the authority

FORMER North East Lincolnshire Council chief executive Rob Walsh has landed a new job.

Mr Walsh, who left the authority in spring, has become an associate director with a consultancy, Impower.

According to Impower, he will "work on local government reorganisation, financial sustainability, whole council transformation and at the interface between local authorities and  partners.

Says the consultancy's chief executive, Sean Hanson: "I am delighted that Rob has chosen to join us.

"His experience, insight and values are a great fit with our business, and how we deliver for our clients. 

"My colleagues and I are looking forward to working with him  over the coming months."

Consent granted for Grimsby's Freshney Place hoardings to be brightened up with 'vibrant' graphics

 

Advertisement  consent has been granted for safety hoardings around Grimsby's Freshney Place development site to be adorned with these graphics highlighting what the future should bring - namely a five-screen cinema, restaurants, a market and a food hall. Says North East Lincolnshire Council: "The graphics will add vibrancy to the perimeter, improve the site aesthetics  and  provide key  information to the public."

NELC: 'We are determined to get Corporation Road Bridge project over line - and that's what we will do'

                                        

The historic Grimsby bridge - no  target date yet for its re-opening 

IS an end in sight to the long-running Corporation Road Bridge fiasco?

That's the hope of North East Lincolnshire Council portfolio holder Cllr Stewart Swinburn who said today: "We are determined to get this project over the line, and that is what we will do." 

The reason for the optimism?

An experienced contractor, Lancashire-based Taziker, has agreed to complete the repairs following NELC's sacking earlier this year of the previous contractor, the Hull-based Spencer Group.

In addition, Historic England has agreed to chip in with £495,000 to help towards the sky-rocketing costs.

It is not as much as the council would have liked, but every penny counts.

It is thought that Taziker may have been one of the companies that missed out to Spencer when the original contract was awarded.

With more than 50 years’ experience, it has  successfully completed repair and restoration work across the country - from a National Trust Grade B listed bridge in Scotland to the Grade I listed Royal Albert Bridge in Cornwall.

One of its most famous contracts was a major conservation project on the iconic 1779 Iron Bridge in Shropshire - the world’s first iron bridge.

It has not been revealed how much NELC is paying for Taziker's expertise and services, nor if there is a target date for completion.

Also unclear is whether NELC and Spencer are involved in litigation.

Hospital trust pledges to 'do better for communities' after lowly rating in newly-launched league table

                           

Hospital trust pledges to 'tackle immediate problems'

           

A NOTE of disappointment has been sounded by  Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust following its lowly rating in a newly-launched hospitals league table.

Out of 134, it was placed joint 125th with its counterpart trust in Blackpool.

Said a spokesperson: "We are disappointed with our position - there are areas  where we must do better for the communities we serve.

"We know that getting good NHS services is the most important thing to more than 1.5 million patients, carers and families in the Humber region and beyond who depend on them. 

"It is also the most important thing to everyone who works at the Humber Health Partnership.

"We are therefore  working to strengthen and improve our services by empowering our doctors, nurses and other clinical professionals to deliver and shape the care our communities receive .

"Our plan is to  focus on tackling immediate problems, strengthening services and supporting our clinicians to deliver safe, effective and compassionate care now and for the future.

"Actions speak louder than words so we will  provide updates on our progress, allowing  our patients and communities to see what we are doing and hold us to account."

Meanwhile Health Secretary Wes Streeting comments: "Anyone who follows football knows league tables don’t lie. 

"They expose success, failure - fans know exactly where their team stands.

"For too long, the NHS has had no such clarity. 

"Patients and taxpayers have been left in the dark about whether local services are delivering or failing. With no accountability, success has gone unrewarded and there have been no consequences for failure."

Refusals to be honest about the state of the NHS partly explains the appalling state it was left in by the previous government.

Mr Streeting says underperforming hospital trusts  will receive greater support and targeted interventions to up their game. 

"Trusts with the greatest challenges must accept more scrutiny and targeted support to identify weaknesses and strengthen their game."

It is understood the table will be updated in three months' time

The Table 

1 Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

2 Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust 

3 The Christie NHS Foundation Trust (Specialist) 

4 Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Specialist) 

5 Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Specialist) 

6 The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust (Specialist) 

7 The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust (Specialist) 

8 The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust (Specialist)

9 Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Large) 

10 University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

11 Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (Teaching) 

12 Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (Large)

13 University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

14 The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Specialist)

15 Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

16 Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust (Specialist) 

17 Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Large) 

18 Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (Large) 

19 East & North Hertfordshire NHS Trust (Large) 

20 Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (Multi-service) 

21 South Tyneside & Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (Large) 

22 North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust (Medium) 

23 London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (Teaching) 

24 North Bristol NHS Trust (Large) 

25 South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

26 The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

27 The Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Specialist)

28 Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching)

=29 Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

=29 Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Specialist)

31 Kingston & Richmond NHS Foundation Trust (Medium) 

32 West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (Teaching) 

33 The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust (Medium) 

34 Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (Large) 

35 Harrogate & District NHS Foundation Trust (Small) 

36 Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust (Small) 

=37 Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

=37 Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust (Large) 

=37 St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

40 Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust (Specialist) 

=41 Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Small)

=41 Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Medium) 

=41 Whittington Health NHS Trust (Multi-service)

=44 Airedale NHS Foundation Trust (Small) 

=44 Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust (Specialist) 

=46 Birmingham Women's & Children's NHS Foundation Trust (Specialist) 

=46 Surrey & Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (Medium) 

=48 Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Small) 

=48 Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Medium) 

=48 University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

51 Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

52 Ashford & St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Medium) 

53 Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust (Multi-service) 

=54 Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching)

=54 Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Large) 

56 Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (Teaching) 

=57 Barking, Havering & Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (Teaching) 

=57 Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust (Small)

=59 Bolton NHS Foundation Trust (Medium)

=59 Tameside & Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (Small) 

=61 Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (Large) 

=61 East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (Large) 

=61 Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust (Teaching)

=64 Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Small) 

=64 Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Medium) 

66 County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (Multi-service) 

67 University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

=68 Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust (Specialist) 

=68 The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust (Small) 

70 Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

=71 Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

=71 Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (Multi-service) 

=73 Isle of Wight NHS Trust (Multi-service) 

=73 Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Small) 

=73 Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

=76 Croydon Health Services NHS Trust (Medium) 

=76 Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Medium) 

=76 Wye Valley NHS Trust (Multi-service)

=79 Barts Health NHS Trust (Teaching) 

=79 King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching)

=79 The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (Large) 

82 South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

=83 Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust (Medium) 

=83 University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching)

=83 University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (Teaching) 

=86 East Suffolk & North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (Large) 

=86 Stockport NHS Foundation Trust (Medium) 

88 Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust (Large) 

89 East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (Large) 

90 West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (Small) 

91 Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust (Large) 

=92 Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

=92 Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh NHS Foundation Trust (Medium) 

94 Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust (Teaching) 

95 Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

=96 Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (Teaching) 

=96 Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Small) 

=96 Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust (Medium) 

99 East Cheshire NHS Trust (Small)

100 Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (Teaching) 

=101 East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

=101 Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Large) 

=101 University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (Teaching) 

104 Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (Large) 

=105 North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (Large) 

=105 The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Small) 

107 Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

108 University Hospitals of Derby & Burton NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

109 University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (Teaching) 

110 Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust (Large) 

111 Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching)

112 Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (Medium) 

113 The Shrewsbury & Telford Hospital NHS Trust (Medium) 

114 Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust (Small) 

115 Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

116 Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

117 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

=118 Warrington & Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

=118 York & Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

120 The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (Small) 

121 George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust (Small)

122 United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (Large)

=123 Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (Teaching) 

=123 Mid & South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (Large) 

=125 Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

=125 Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust (Medium) 

=127 Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

=127 University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

129 James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching) 

=130 Medway NHS Foundation Trust (Medium) 

=130 North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (Medium) 

132 University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust (Teaching) 

133 Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Small) 

134 The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn, NHS Foundation Trust (Small) 

The Grimsby News says: Contrary to the impression given by the lowly status in the table, the hospitals that sit within our local trust are far from being  under-performers. Delayed or cancelled appointments are an oft-heard gripe, but complaints about treatment  and care are relatively few. Many patients  express gratitude about the skill and commitment of staff at all levels from surgeon to floor-cleaner. However, the trust gets a black mark for today's wishy-washy and vague response to the table - with its references to 'communities' but not to 'patients'. There is no detail about the areas where improvements are required, nor how they will be achieved. Worse, the quotes have come from an anonymous 'spokesperson'. If the trust is serious about being 'accountable', why was the statement not issued by chief executive? The buck stops at the top - not with a 'spokesperson'.

Ambitious project for High Street, Cleethorpes, could bring much-needed new hotel to the town

An exciting new future beckons for High Street property

AN ambitious plan to refurbish a long-established Cleethorpes watering hole could bring a new hotel to the resort.

Contractors are already cracking on with the makeover of High Street premises most recently known as the Tipsy Terrace which closed last year.

Before that, it traded under such names as The Establishment, The Bootlegger, The Limes and, back in 1993, Russell's.

The current project is the initiative of the operators of Racks in Grimsby's Top Town which is home to a sports bar, a pool hall and more.

The aim is not just to replicate the Grimsby success but also, subject to planning permission from North East Lincolnshire Council, to convert the second floor to a hotel.    

   

Work is underway on the ambitious makeover 

                                           

Quite a little nature reserve - but Fitties chalet park owners keen to warn owners and visitors there is risk

Sign installed along one of the roads on the Humberston Fitties chalet park

Given the large gardens of some of the chalets and the surrounding open spaces, it is not surprising that the Humberston Fitties is proving a popular habitat for a range of mammals.

However, these creatures' setts, dens and burrows can provide a trip hazard to unwary pedestrians.

This has prompted site owners Tingdene, mindful of their health and safety responsibilities,  to install precautionary signage.
 

Life on the Fitties - this fox cub seems contented enough

Offices in St Peter's Avenue, Cleethorpes, set to become flats after NELC gives planning green light

                                           

Planning consent has been granted by North East Lincolnshire Council for these offices at 64 St Peter's Avenue in Cleethorpes to be converted to four self-contained flats. The successful applicant is the E-Factor Group.

Lord Stockwood of Grimsby? Political surprise as Mariners co-owner joins the Government Front Bench

 

Entering the corridors of power - Jason Stockwood

IT'S destination Westminster for Grimsby Town co-owner and businessman Jason Stockwood.

In a move that has startled the political world, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has this weekend appointed him  the UK’s Minister for Investment in the Department of Business and Trade.

He is not and MP  and will shortly be conferred with a life peerage by King Charles so that he can be democratically accountable in the House of Lords.

Mr Stockwood missed out on being elected Mayor of Lincolnshire in May this year, but this role will more than compensate, giving him an important role in government.

His business acumen, imaginative and dynamism  has obviously impressed Sir Keir - otherwise he would  not have been preferred to  countless Labour backbench MPs, some of whom must feel nonplussed, not to say aggrieved, at having been overlooked.

One of those who may  be disappointed at missing out on promotion  to the government is Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn who has performed brightly since returning to the Commons in July last year. 

Mr Stockwood's elevation comes as part of the Prime Minister's shake-up of his front  in the wake of the resignation of deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.  

Following the announcement, Grimsby Town FC were quick to issue a statement which reads: 

"To avoid any potential conflict of interest and to ensure the club remains politically neutral, Jason will be stepping back from his day-to-day responsibilities at GTFC while he serves as a Minister in the UK Government. 

"As a result, he will not be attending the fans forum on Friday.

"Jason remains fully committed to Grimsby Town but, in line with the requirements of his new role, will step down from the club’s board with immediate effect. 

"He will also step down as a trustee of the Foundation. 

"Everyone at GTFC congratulates Jason on this important national appointment and thanks him for his continuing  passion, dedication, and service to the Mariners."

After stop-off at Donna Nook, will wandering White-tailed Eagle make the short flight to Cleethorpes?

                                                             

Because of its size - its wingspan can be up to 2.5-metres - the White-tailed eagle is sometimes described as a 'flying barn door' (photo: Christoph Mueller via Wikimedia Commons)

HOPES are high that a wandering White-tailed Eagle could be spotted in or around Cleethorpes and Humberston.

For most of this week, a lone female  has been venturing between Grainthorpe and Donna Nook further south on the Lincolnshire Coast.

A visit to Cleethorpes would be an easy flight given that a ring on her  leg denotes that she  has flown here from the Isle of Wight where she was released in July.

She  is one of several such eagles that has been captively reared  and released as a juvenile on IoW in an initiative aimed at restoring a breeding population in England.

White-tailed Eagles used to be widespread throughout Britain, even at inland sites,  but the species was lost in England as result of decades of persecution - notably from livestock farmers fearful that they  prey on lambs.

There is an ongoing reintroduction programme, with one pair known to have nested in Sussex but most British breeding sites being on Skye, Mull and around rocky  Scottish coastline.