Suffolk firm's proposal to change use of Cleethorpes hotel sparks objections from neighbours

New use proposed for former hotel

A PROPOSAL  to convert a Cleethorpes hotel into two Houses in Multiple Occupation could be determined next week

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

However, his plan has meet with a flurry of objections from nearby residents plus householders in  Lindsey Rise, Wigmore Court, Orion Way, The Crofts,  Heron Close, North Sea Lane, Hardys Road, Alberry Way, Minshull Road,  Cuttleby, Cambridge Road, Lichfield Road, Brian Avenue,  Albert Road and Weekes Road.          

According to North East Lincolnshire Council, the opposition is based broadly on the proximity of the property to St Peter's School and the potential for:

* Parking issues

* Immigration changing the area's demographic

* Overcrowding 

* Impact on amenities

* Antisocial behaviour and crime

* Lack of local employment

The application is due to be determined  at a meeting on the morning of Wednesday January 7 with a recommendation from NELC planners that it should be approved. 

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

Dame Andrea Jenkyns keen to recruit two ambitious high-fliers to "turn vision into reality"

                                                             

Dame Andrea Jenkyns speaking in Grimsby after her triumph in last year's mayoral elelction 

THE Reform Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire is looking to ease her workload by recruiting two senior (and well-paid) officers.

Dame Andrea Jenkyns wants to appoint a chief executive on an annual salary of £130,000 with the added carrot  of a possible £10,000 performance-related bonus.

Says the job description: "This is a rare and career-defining opportunity to be at the forefront of a bold new chapter in regional leadership - one that turns vision into reality and lays the foundations for long-term success."

Meanwhile, a vacancy also exisits for a director of strategy and operations who will be paid £90,000 per annum with the added inducement of a £5,000 per annum performance bonus.

The closing date for applications for the first post is Sunday January 4, while applicants for the second position have until Friday January 12.

Both jobs will be based in Lincoln.

Planning green light for bookmaking firm to change use of vacant shop on St Peter's Avenue

                                            

Betting firm keen to take over this empty Cleethorpes shop 

BOOKMAKING giants Betfred are set to relocate from their existing premises in Cleethorpes to a vacant shop nearby.

The firm has secured the planning thumbs-up  from North East Lincolnshire Council to change the use of The Works which closed early last year.

In simple terms, it is moving from 37 St Peters Avenue to 31.

A statement from Betfred's representatives reads: "The property has been vacant following the departure of The Works in early 2024.

"The marketing agents robustly marketed the property for 18 months to seek a retail user but received only  limited and only tentative approaches.

"Betfred therefore made an approach with a view to relocating their existing store a few doors down."

The statement continues: "Betfred is the world’s biggest privately owned betting company and one of the UK’s biggest privately-owned retail outlets. 

"Licensed betting shops are regarded as being main town centre uses and are seen to maintain the vitality and viability in local town and district centres by complementing the main retail and commercial function. 

"The focusing of Betfred’s business within the town centre area will bring a unit back into use which supports economic growth and will free up an additional unit for other retailers." 

Granting consent, NELC planning officer Becca Soulsby comments: "The proposal is for the change of use from a vacant retail unit to a betting shop. 

"This includes some minor alterations within the shopfront to include a replacement entrance door and painting of the existing framework.

"The application site is currently vacant and brings an empty unit within the town centre back into a viable use.

"The proposal does not present any adverse impacts having regard to the retail hierarchy, visual amenity, local amenity, flood risk, drainage, highways or ecology considerations."

It is not known what will happen to Betfred's existing premises on St Peter's Avenue once it has completed its move.

Compliments of the festive season to our readers and correspondents from all at the Grimsby News

                     

                                               

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers 

Police raid on empty shop in Grimsby's Freeman Street reveals hoard of illicit smoking products

                                                       

The illicit products seized in the raid 

                                                        

A TOTAL of 313 pouches of illicit tobacco, 348 vapes and 93,120 illegal cigarettes have been seized from storage in a vacant shop in Grimsby.

The premises have not been identified but are said to be in Freeman Street.

The discovery came following a raid by police and council trading standards officers.

No one has been arrested  and investigations are continuing. 

A spokesperson for North East Lincolnshire Council said: "It is thought that, if legitimate, the  value of the tobacco products would  be around £80,814, but their 'street value' is more likely  to be  just over £25,000."

The vapes are believed to have a street value of around £3,500.

Insp Pete Musgrave, of Humberside police, said: "I hope this latest seizure of counterfeit and illicit products demonstrates our determination to pursue every possible avenue to disrupt those who are involved in this type of criminality.

"Operations such as these are often linked to the funding of organised crime groups, with connections to modern-day slavery and human trafficking.

"These are not victimless crimes, and agencies will continue to support one another, acting on information and intelligence that the public provides."

Ruby-red steel security mesh proposed outside two timber sash windows at Cleethorpes Railway Station

                                                   

Rail company keen to enhance security by installing steel mesh protection outside windows

RAIL chiefs at TransPennine Express are hoping North East Lincolnshire Council will give Listed Building consent for steel mesh protection to be installed outside  recently-fitted timber sash windows at Cleethorpes' Grade II  Listed railway station.

Says a report: "The design and appearance of the proposed  mesh protection will match that which already positioned on the window that faces the car park. 

"This approach will ensures a consistent and unified appearance so that all protective elements align and create a coherent visual arrangement.

"The mesh will be powder-coated in ruby red, a colour taken from the original Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway palette. 

"Overall, the works would represent a minimal and fully reversible addition that protects the newly restored heritage windows while maintaining the visual integrity of this important historic structure." 

It is thought likely that NELC will rubber-stamp the proposal early in the New Year.

Pre-Christmas fine for man who dumped refrigerator and worn tyre at roadside in Grimsby

Caught in the act - the scene of the fly-tipping on a Grimsby street

A £300 fine has been imposed on one of two men who discarded  a refrigerator and a tyre on a Werneth Road in Grimsby

The individual, who has not been named,  was spotted by CCTV leaving the items on the side of the road.

Sleuths at North East Lincolnshire Council regularly monitor footage from  the 137 cameras that now survey various parts of the borough.

Police crackdown in Grimsby town centre leads to nine e-scooters being seized and destroyed

                                                                     

The police action focused on pedestrianised Victoria Street where e-scooterists (along with cyclists) have often caused nuisance and sometimes danger

          

A POLICE crackdown has led to nine  e-scooters being seized and crushed over the past two months.

Following increasing public concern about how - and where - these vehicles are being ridden, police decided to get tough.

E-scooters are illegal to drive on cycle paths, roads, pavements or parks. 

Those who do own an E-scooter require a licence, insurance and an MOT to use it on private land.

The initiative took place in Grimsby over three days and was aided by CCTV footage

It also resulted in:

* One car seized under the Road Traffic Act

* Four  arrests for shop theft

* One arrest for drugs-related offences

* Two  arrests for assault of an emergency worker

* One  arrest for breach of bail

The police move has been welcomed by North East Lincolnshire Council's portfolio holder foho enthused: "This is a great result.

"E-scooters can be very dangerous if not used appropriately, and I urge parents to think again if they are contemplating buying one as a Christmas present for children.

"These machines are not road-legal and there are serious repercussions for those who do not abide by the law."

Anyone for after-hours tennis? Council offers assurance to neighbours on floodlighting proposal

 
                                                        

The recreation ground where NELC is keen to extend tennis-playing hours

AN assurance has been given that efforts will be made to "minimise light spill and glare on to surrounding properties" as part of a floodlighting scheme for Barretts Recreation Ground, off Park Avenue in Grimsby.

North East Lincolnshire Council is keen to extend playing hours on the courts  after   daylight has ended.

Its proposal is to erect five  8-metre high columns with floodlights, with the addition of floodlights to an  existing 8-metre high CCTV column.

In total, there will be 12 floodlit luminaries if the project goes ahead.

The authority says potential artificial light nuisance to neighbours  will be achieved through the "careful positioning of the lights".

If need be, it says directional shields will be installed to protect the amenity of neighbouring residences.

NELC adds that "the lighting will be restricted by a timer system to mitigate the impact of the intensified use".

The proposal is currently under consideration by planners.

The Grimsby News says: Nearby residents may have reservations about this scheme. They would be more reassured if the application sought not just to "minimise" glare but to eliminate it altogether. There is also the question of noise. Neighbours, especially those with young children, may not welcome the sound of tennis action until late in the evening.  

12-week demolition job on Grimsby's Abbey Walk car park due to start early in New Year

                                              

The doomed car park - although of historical interest, it is not a thing of beauty

IT will soon be farewell to Grimsby's  Abbey Walk car park.

The car park has been closed since May last year  following the discovery of  defects caused by water ingress into key structural supports.

In its place, there will be a ground-level car park, though further levels may be added in future years if there is demand.

Contractor GBM UK, has been appointed to undertake the demolition works which are expected to start on January 5 and last for 12 weeks.

The car park is believed to have been built in 1969.

Rare shorebird visitor to North Promenade groyne put in peril by carelessly-discarded fishing line

It is well-camouflaged but the tiny sandpiper (about the size of a starling) - and the fishing line - can clearly be seen

A STRETCH of fishing line thoughtlessly discarded by an angler put a rare shorebird at risk off the North Promenade in Cleethorpes this week.

Purple sandpipers breed in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions in summer, but they migrate south in winter.

In most years in Cleethorpes, one or two (or occasionally three) can sometimes be seen, when the tide is high,  pecking for insect prey on the wooden groynes, especially those north of the pier.

The well-camouflaged bird pictured above was hopping about, perilously close to fishing line. One hop in the wrong direction could have seen one or both legs being snagged - with unhappy consequences.

But the sandpiper avoided mishap and later flew to another groyne  to continue its quest for food

The fishing line has since been removed and disposed of in a safe place.

                              

The fishing line has now been removed and safely disposed of 

Former Grimsby Town manager leaves new job abruptly in wake of 2009 court conviction backlash

 

Ex-Mariner Michael Jolley - conviction has come back to haunt him

FORMER Grimsby Town manager Michael Jolley (48) has stepped down - after just two days - from his similar role at non-league Bury FC.

The parting of the ways comes by mutual consent after some fans, plus others connected with the club, objected to the appointment because Jolley has a 2009 conviction for having sex with a 15-year-old girl.

His defence was that he thought the girl was 19, but this was not  sufficient to save him from the conviction - nor, 16 years later, from the backlash in Bury.

In a statement on social media earlier this week, he said: "After a period of reflection over the weekend, it has become apparent that my appointment at Bury FC has become a distraction for the club and so I have decided to relinquish the opportunity to become first team manager.

"In summary, I do not wish my presence to deter the board from its mission of returning the club to its rightful place in the English Football League, and, on this basis I will stand aside to allow the club to move forward with all stakeholders aligned behind the club's board."

"I would like to wish the board, the players and the supporters, the very best for the future, and hope the club can continue its journey back to where it belongs."  

In its statement, Bury FC said: "The club can confirm that Michael Jolley has today been relieved of his duties as first-team manager by mutual consent.

"The board recognises the strength of feeling expressed in recent days by supporters, staff, partners and players,plus  the very real impact the board’s decision to appoint Michael has had on individuals connected to the club.

"We believe this step is necessary to help restore confidence, create space for reflection and allow Bury FC to move forward in a way that reflects our values and responsibilities."

The conviction did not cast any shadow over Jolley while he was in charge, between March 2018 and November 2019, at Blundell Park, nor during his subsequent spell at Barrow AFC. 

But times were different then. Rightly or wrongly, today's society is less forgiving of past transgressions.

A Cambridge University graduate with a degree in Economics, Jolley once worked as a City trader on the global money markets.

Before coming to Grimsby, his football experience extended to having worked at  the academies at Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest before taking a coaching role at Falkirk.

Subsequently he had coaching roles at Lincoln City, Crewe Alexandra, Burnley and Swedish club AFC Eskilstuna. 

Pedestrianisation project for Cleethorpes Market Place due to be rubber-stamped later this week

                                                         

Parking will no longer be permitted in Cleethorpes Market Place

THE last hurdle in the proposed revamp of Cleethorpes Market Place is expected to be cleared this week.

At a meeting on Thursday, North East Lincolnshire Council's portfolio holder for transport, Cllr Stewart Swinburn will rubber-stamp traffic restrictions that will lead to pedestrianisation of the Market Place.

However, at least for the time being, these orders will no longer include Osborne Street which is subject to a continuing traffic assessment.

A report states: "The introduction of appropriate on-street restrictions are proposed to support the regeneration and pedestrianisation of the area.

"The initiative forms part of the broader Cleethorpes Masterplan and aims to deliver a high-quality pedestrianised public square. 

"A key objective of the project is to enhance connectivity between the town centre and the seafront, creating a more cohesive and accessible urban environment that supports both community use and economic activity.

"Better connectivity encourages footfall and strengthens the high street’s role as a community hub." 

The authority says its vision is for  "a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment that doubles as a flexible event space". 

The report continues: "This transformation will enhance the town’s appeal, attract visitors, and support local businesses. 

"The scheme provides scope for landscaping, seating, and cultural features, making the area a destination for leisure and events, not just a thoroughfare." 

It adds: "Lower traffic volumes and improved walking and cycling infrastructure will contribute to reduced emissions and better air quality, supporting sustainability goals."

                                            

Osborne Street - subject to ongoing traffic assessment 

Who fly-tipped wooden chairs and ride-on toy car outside Grimsby's community recycling centre?

                                                           

NORTH East Lincolnshire Council is calling for the public’s help in identifying two individuals filmed on CCTV in the process of fly-tipping.

The incident, on Gilbey Road, Grimsby, outside the Community Recycling Centre, shows two individuals dumping a variety of items, such as a child’s car seat, a ride-on toy car and wooden chairs, from what is thought to be a Mercedes Vito van.

Having taken place on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, at 8:08pm, the council is now asking the public to help identify the individuals and vehicle concerned.

NELC contact details are 01472 326299 (Option 1) or email communityprotection@nelincs.gov.uk and quote PR202512-42164.

The Grimsby News says: Fly-tipping is highly antisocial, but this is far from being the worst example. The cuprits would probably like to have taken the items into the recycling centre but were frustrated to find that it was closed. It is curious that NELC has seen fit to launch an appeal for information. Although it has been blurred in the press release, the registration number on the vehicle is available to its officers. Would it not be simpler for the council to contact the licensing authority?

                                                                           

It's destination Immingham for shrubs uprooted from Pier Gardens to make way for timber play structures

Say farewell to the lavender - this is just one of the shrubby plants that is being transferred from Cleethorpes to Grimsby 

PIER Gardens in Cleethorpe is losing many ofits  shrubs so that they can bring beauty to the centre of Immingham instead.

Many of the plants are no longer wanted at the Pier Gardens ahead of transformation next year which will see much of the site become a plaza and play parks.

The 'robbing-Peter-to pay-Paul' plants initiative will dismay some traditionalists who would prefer Cleethorpes to remain as a green and leafy place of tranquillity.

Only last year, there was outrage when a bird-rich hedge maze was removed without any public consultation. 

But North East Lincolnshire Council insists that the new-look Pier Gardens will "benefit residents and visitors alike".

In a statement, it says: "Within the project, more plants and trees will be added to the various sections of the regenerated Pier Gardens and the biodiversity improved with existing trees.

"The council is fortunate to have large, healthy mature specimens to incorporate within this design to offer scale, setting and excitement to larger proposed elements such as the play structures."

Previously, NELC pledged not to remove any trees, but it now says that some will be "removed in key areas to, facilitate elements of the design".

The authority says replacement planting will include  "hardy grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs that support numerous bird species and insects and  provide a playful, dynamic that moves and changes with the seasons".

The statement continues: "Habitats for local wildlife such as insect hotels and bird nest boxes will be nestled within the proposed planting schemes.

"Visitors will be given the chance to further explore the enriched biodiversity and species of plants and trees on offer."

NELC leader Cllr Philip Jackson is upbeat about the £5-million Pier Gardens revamp.

"This is a great opportunity and the council is thrilled," he enthuses. "This regeneration scheme marks huge positive change for Cleethorpes." 

Former specialist baby care nurse and mother-of-three set to become new Bishop of Grimsby

                                                       

Heading for Grimsby - the Venerable Jean Burgess  

A FORMER nurse is to become the next Bishop of Grimsby.

Before her ordination, the Venerable Jean Burgess spent more than 20 years in district, practice and special care baby nursing.

Currently Archdeacon of Bournemouth, she will succeed the Rt Revd Dr David Court following his retirement.

Previously she served at churches in Derby and Salford.

Jean, who will be moving to Grimsby with her husband, Graham, says she is looking forward "with excitement"  to the challenges ahead.

Away from her pastoral work, she loves walking, painting, travel and time in the company of family and friends.

Her nomination as next Bishop of Grimsby has been approved by the King in his capacity as Head of the Church of England.

Grimsby crematorium's pre-Christmas cash boost for Macmillan Cancer Support and Alzheimer's Society

Anne and Sheila of Macmillan Cancer Support with Lisa Logan and Cllr Henry Hudson of NELC, plus Creamtorium Technician Damo Feasby

THE Grimsby branches of two charities have each received £5,000 thanks to a metal recycling scheme run by the town's crematorium.

The beneficiaries are MacMillan Cancer Support and the Alzheimer’s Society.

The money was raised through the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management  Metals Recycling Scheme which has been in operation since 2014.

This works through the collecting of recyclable metals such as replacement implants or joints that can be salvaged following a cremation. 

Proceeds from the sale of the metal go into a charity fund which makes donations twice a year. 

Locally, Bereavement Services at North East Lincolnshire Council have donated more than £150,000 to local charities.

All of this is only possible thanks to the families of loved ones.

While the crematorium facilitate the scheme, it is the bereaved who give permission for the metal to be collected and donated.

* To volunteer with MacMillan, visit https://www.macmillan.org.uk/volunteering

** To volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Society, visit https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering

 Kerry and Kelly from the Alzheimer’s Society with Lisa Logan and Cllr Henry Hudson (second and third from left) of NELC plus Crematorium Technician Damo Feasby

                                          

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Woman held on suspicion of attempted murder after incident involving vehicle on Cleethorpes street

                                                                              

St Peter's Avenue - scene of the incident

POLICE  are appealing for witnesses and video footage following a road traffic collision on St Peters Avenue in Cleethorpes yesterday evening (Tuesday, 9 December).

At around 7.05pm, information was received that a white Jeep swerved on to the pavement before colliding with pedestrians, then with a woman on a mobility scooter.

Emergency services attended, and those involved in the collision were assessed at the scene for what are described as "minor injuries".

Says Det InspTom Kelly: "I understand an incident of this nature will cause concern amongst the local community.

"While we are in the early stages of our investigation, at this time we do believe some of the people involved in the collision are known to each other."

He added: "A 26-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder - she remains in custody while inquiries continue."

Anyone who witnessed the collision and perhaps has a photograph, video or dashcam footage is urged to contact the police, quoting crime reference 25*170891.

Work resumes - at last - on Sea Road site of Cleethorpes' proposed new amenity building

All systems go - the development site opposite the pier

FRESH from completing work on the extension to Grimsby's Franklin College, the Lincoln-based Lindum Group has now turned its attention to Cleethorpes.

This week, it has a team on the site of the proposed amenity building off Sea Road and almost opposite the pier.

The project stalled after the previous contractor, Jem Build, hit turbulence and had to withdraw.

Also present on site is another Lincoln company, Evolve Geo-Environmental, which is understood to be carrying out tests on the stability and integrity of the land where the building is due to be constructed.

It is not known when the new building - which is expected to consist of food and drink outlets, plus WCs - is scheduled for completion.

Meanwhile, at the adjacent Pier Gardens, there is no sign of work having started yet on the proposed refurbishment scheme.

North East Lincolnshire Council has not named the firm to which it has awarded the revamp contract, but the authority had hoped works would start last month.     

It is not known when the proposed building will open - nor who its occupants might be
                                    

How the building might look after dark

 

   

 

Danish wind energy giant Ørsted proud to be employing almost 700 staff in Grimsby area

   

A windfarm support ships sails past Cleethorpes 

As the UK marks 25 years of electricity generated by offshore wind, the Danish energy giant, Ørsted,  has chosen to shine a  spotlight on Grimsby which it describes as "one of the most important offshore wind hubs in the world".

It has this week put out a statement which reads:

"Last year, offshore wind generated a record 17 per cent of the UK’s electricity.

"A significant amount of that power came - and continues to come -  from wind farms operated from Ørsted’s East Coast Hub at Grimsby’s Royal Dock.

"Today, almost 700 people work across Ørsted’s East Coast operations and Humberside Airport - from turbine technicians and marine specialists to data analysts and apprentices. 

"Ørsted’s workforce in the Humber spans 148 different job roles, with almost 50per cent  working as wind turbine technicians carrying out world-class offshore operations and maintenance. 

"Three-quarters of Ørsted’s East Coast team live within an hour of the town, showing just how deeply the industry is rooted in this area."

The statement continues: "Alongside clean energy, jobs and skills, Ørsted continues to invest heavily in local communities. 

"Since 2016, the East Coast Community Fund has awarded more than £4-million to nearly 300 projects across coastal Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

"Each year, up to £75,000 is dedicated to the Skills Fund, helping people gain qualifications and access new careers. More than £600,000 has supported 33 skills and training projects so far.

"Ørsted has also donated £1-million towards the Horizon Youth Zone, due to open in 2026, and has supported the Ørsted Great Grimsby 10k run for a decade."The company is proud that  Hornsea 2 is recognised as the world’s largest offshore windfarm with its 165 turbines capable of producing enough low-cost, renewable electricity to power more than 1.4 million homes in Britain.                        

Exploring the visitors' centre at the East Coast Hub

One of the turbines in the North Sea

Vacant land off Grimsby's Freeman Street earmarked for 150-place school for children with special needs

                                          

The site earmarked for school for children with special educational needs

A NEW 150-place school for children with special needs could be built in Grimsby.

The Department of Education and North East Lincolnshire Council have earmarked scrubland off Freeman Street where residential tower blocks once stood.

The DoE is spearheading the initiative but NELC, which is prepared to make a financial contribution, is backing the  project.

Says portfolio holder for education Cllr Mrs Margaret Cracknell: "This is something that is desperately needed - wer're doing all we can."

The scheme is still at an early stage, and there is a need to check that the land has not been contaminated by anything noxious.

However, there are hopes that a formal planning application might be submitted - and approved - next year. 

"It would help to generate this part of Grimsby,"comments NELC leader Cllr Philip Jackson. 

.

formerly Sgtreet

When one door closes, another opens. Is Grimsby's former MP now the most powerful woman in Hull?

                                         

Opportunity beckons for Lia Nici . . . again

HER  appointment as special advisor to the Mayor of Hull and East Riding represents a remarkable new watershed in the political career of Lia Nici

Before serving a term as Conservative MP for Great Grimsby, Ms Nici was a Scartho ward councillor on North East Lincolnshire Council.

Now a member of Reform UK, she knows not only the whereabouts of the levers of political decision-making - in both national and local government - but also how to pull them.

Hull's mayor  is former champion boxer Luke Campbell whose current experience of political ringcraft is inevitably of limited extent.

So, although she will be wary of overstepping the mark, Ms Nici could show her boss how to land a few knockout blows for the North Bank in battles ahead.

Expanding Beverley-based holiday coach company Acklams set to open new shop in Grimsby

                                            

Expanding coach holiday company Acklams has announced that it will open a shop at Unit 1, 95-103 Convamore Road in Grimsby tomorrow, Wednesday December 10. Fast-growing Acklams, which is based in Beverley, runs an extensive range of day trips to UK destinations plus holidays all over Britain and continental Europe. More information at www.acklamsholidays.co.uk

New exhibition at Fishing Heritage Centre will showcase photographs of all things coastal

                                                                       

A new exhibition at Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre's Muriel Baker Gallery will celebrate all things coastal with a range of captivating photographs. These showcase the talent of  Steve Dixey, son of a trawlerman, who likes to spend time a-wandering Lincolnshire beaches with his camera. The exhibition runs from December 13 to March 15.

Modest hammer price at York auction for historic hand-coloured sea chart depicting River Humber

                                             

This late 17th Century sea chart with hand colouring sold for £55 at an auction conducted by  Duggleby Stephenson at their York saleroom on Wednesday. It is the work of Captain Greenville Collins (1643-94).

Craft and food market in Riverhead Square brings warmth and seasonal delight to Grimsby's Top Town

                                                                

Hats off to the craftsfolk who were bringing festive cheer to the centre of Grimsby over the weekend. They were offering a range of goods made with loving care and not to be found in the big stores. Plaudits also to North East Lincolnshire Council for organising the market outside Freshney Place and for local timber manufacturers Platers who made the cabins. 

 

  

                                                                          

    

New direction of travel as Lincoln coach holiday company opens up shop in Cleethorpes

The Lincoln company has wasted no time in installing its own branding outside the Middlethorpe Road office 

THERE has been a warm welcome for holiday and travel company PC Coaches of Lincoln which has this week opened premises in the former Cleethorpes offices of Hough's of  Lincolnshire.

Prior to opening on Monday, there was some understandable apprehension among PC staff that flak might be flying in the wake of the demise of Hough's - especially among passengers whose holiday plans were in tatters. 

But, for the most part, visitors to the Middlethorpe Road offices have been sympathetic and pleased to pick up brochures for PC's  own 2026 day trips and holidays to other parts of the UK and the continent.

It is not clear when and if customers with Hough's might obtain refunds for any payments they had made.  

'Whip the bug***s!' Councillor comes up with controversial idea for punishing Grimsby litter louts

                                                            

Cllr Hudson - keen to take the grim out of Grimsby

A NORTH East Lincolnshire councillor stunned colleagues with his proposal for ending the scourge of  litter in Grimsby.

Portfolio holder for the Environment Cllr Henry Hudson  declared: "If only we could take a leaf out of  Singapore's book and whip the bug***s!

"That would cure the problem overnight, but I can't see it happening any time soon.

"We'd probably need a change of government and a change of law - that would be my advice."

The severity of Cllr Hudson's recommendation - and his terminology - appeared to stun his NELC cabinet colleagues at a meeting in Grimsby Town Hall.

After a brief but embarrassed silence, the council's head of communications, Michelle Lalor, saw the funny side.

"We don't have a beeper," she reminded Cllr Hudson (Con, Wolds).

Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson appeared equally taken aback, but also made light of what had been said.

"That is not official cabinet policy,"he insisted.

'Proud' boss of new Corporation Road Bridge contractor Taziker upbeat about project

That's the way to do it. NELC leader Cllr  Jackson and Cllr Swinburn look on as Taziker crack on with the project

REPAIRS to Grimsby's contentious Corporation Road Bridge have resumed.

Chorley-based firm Taziker formally began work on the Grade II Listed structure after contracts were signed at the start of last month.

It is understood there will sometimes be 24-hour working.

Taziker managing director Neil Harrison was upbeat about his firm's involvement

Said he: "We are proud to be entrusted with the refurbishment of such an iconic bridge, a landmark that holds deep significance for the local and wider communities.

"Our team is committed to delivering the highest standards of engineering, ensuring the bridge is preserved for future generations while meeting today’s safety and sustainability requirements.

"Working in close partnership with the council, we see this project not only as an investment in vital infrastructure, but also as a celebration of heritage and engineering tradition."

* NELC is staying tightlipped about its ongoing legal dispute with the previous contracting firm which was sacked earlier in the year.

Planning green light for taxi firm Uber to establish admin office on site in Humberston

 

McCue House where Uber seeks to establish a local administration centre 

TAXI firm Uber has been granted planning consent by North East Lincolnshire Council to set up an administration base in Suite F02 at McCue House on Humberston's Wilton Road industrial  estate.

Says the council: The proposal is considered to be acceptable in terms of design and wider character of the area, ecology, flood risk and highways.

"It should not result in any adverse effects upon neighbouring occupiers." 

In its application, Uber stated:  "The proposed use is purely to satisfy regulatory requirements to have an office to accommodate visits by the local licensing authority or police to conduct their respective duties. 

"While being classed as a licensed private hire booking office, Uber operates an app-based business model. 

"The app connects drivers and passengers through a digital platform." 

It continues: "The property would not be open to the general public as a traditional walk-in/private hire taxi booking office.

"No vehicles would be based at the property, nor permitted to use it as a lay-over space. 

"The proposed use is purely administrative, and there would be no impact on local amenity or highway."