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."

To spray or not to spray? NELC open to ending use of poisonous chemical in parks and other open spaces

Nowhere for wildlife - the base of trees could provide precious habitat but it has been destroyed in favour of sterility in many parts of the borough including Taylors Avenue (above).

SOME 18 months after Cleethorpes resident Katie Teakle launched a well-supported campaign to halt  the use of poisonous chemical sprays in North East Lincolnshire, the council is ready to respond. 

The authority has this week announced that it is asking residents to nominate parts of their wards to take part in  '‘green space trials'.

Says a spokesperson: "Sites could include roads, streets and areas of open spaces where various options can be considered including complete cessation of spraying."

The poison favoured by NELC is Glyphosate, more commonly known as RoundUp. 

The trouble is that, in killing plants, the chemical also destroys precious feeding habitat for songbirds, especially finches, and beneficial pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies

Launching a petition in summer last year, Ms Teakle said:  "Glyphosate is absorbed into the soil and is harmful to worms and insects.

"It also leaches into our waterways, entering drinking water aquifers  where it is  toxic to a whole spectrum of aquatic species."

She  says that Glyphosate has been identified as a ‘probable carcinogen’ by the World Health Organisation, particularly affecting workers who use it regularly. 

She continues: "Exposure to small amounts is also hazardous to children playing in treated playgrounds, pregnant women and the elderly.

"The chemical has been shown to worsen chronic conditions such as asthma."

Alternatives to poisonous sprays include  preventative mulching,  hand-weeding, hoeing,  mechanical brushes and hot foam devices.

Anyone who would like to nominate potential spray-free zones is urged to contact one or more councillors whose contact details can be found on NELC's website.

They are: 

Croft Baker

• Cllr Oliver Freeston (Reform UK)
• Cllr Malcolm Morland (Labour)
• Cllr Marian Jervis (Labour)

East Marsh

• Cllr Stephen Beasant (Liberal Democrats)
• Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe (Liberal Democrats)
• Cllr Loyd Emmerson (Liberal Democrats)

Freshney

• Cllr Steve Holland (Independent)
• Cllr Lyndsey Downes (Independent)
• Cllr Paul Bright (Independent)

Haverstoe

• Cllr Bill Parkinson (Conservative)
• Cllr Margaret Cracknell (Conservative)
• Cllr Keith C Brookes (Conservative)

Heneage

• Cllr Matthew Patrick (Labour)
• Cllr Kevin Shutt (Labour)
• Cllr Emma Clough (Labour)

Humberston and New Waltham

• Cllr Stan Shreeve (Conservative)
• Cllr Stephen Harness (Conservative)
• Cllr Hayden Dawkins (Conservative)

Immingham

• Cllr Stewart Swinburn (Conservative)
• Cllr Karen Swinburn (Conservative)
• Cllr Trevor Crofts (Conservative)

Park

• Cllr Paul Silvester (Conservative)
• Cllr Marian Boyd (Conservative)
• Cllr Robson Augusta (Labour)

Scartho

• Cllr Ian Lindley (Conservative)
• Cllr Ronald Shepherd (Conservative)
• Cllr Dan Humphrey (Labour)

Sidney Sussex

• Cllr Sophia Farren (Labour)
• Cllr Janet Haggis (Labour)
• Cllr Edward Kaczmarek (Labour)

South

• Cllr Janet Goodwin (Labour)
• Cllr Tim Mickleburgh (Labour)
• Cllr Sheldon Mill (Labour)

Waltham

• Cllr Philip Jackson (Conservative)
• Cllr Nick Pettigrew (Conservative)

West Marsh

• Cllr Karl Wilson (Labour)
• Cllr Kathryn Wheatley (Labour)

Wolds

• Cllr Henry Hudson (Conservative)
• Cllr David Hasthorpe (Conservative)

Yarborough

• Cllr James Cairns (Conservative)
• Cllr Paul Henderson (Independent)
• Cllr Les Bonner (Independent)

                                  

Wildflowers such as these that once graced Weelsby Road In Grimsby  have now been lost to many parts of North East Lincolnshire as a result of the council's widespread application of 'weed'-killing poison

The Grimsby News says: Wildlife needs all the help it can get, so we support restrictions on the application of poison, particularly in parks and open spaces. But residents are busy and it is doubtful whether many will take the time and  trouble to lobby their councillors, especially over the festive period. If NELC is serious about its 'green agenda' it should take the lead by committing to a complete phase-out of  the use opf Glyphosate, starting at  all existing parks and green spaces within the borough   

Is Grimsby's former Conservative MP, Lia Nici, poised for political comeback - with Reform UK?

                                                         

Lia Nici - change of political allegiance

WORD is that Lia Nici - Great Grimsby's Conservative MP until her defeat at last year's General Election - could be back on the political trail.

Although no personal statement has been forthcoming, it is understood she has defected from the Tories to Reform UK whose policies have always seemed aligned to her beliefs.

Before becoming an MP, Ms Nici was a Conservative councillor on North East Lincolnshire Council, representing the Scartho ward.

It is possible the 56-year-old former Grimsby Institute lecturer could be candidate at next year's NELC elections.

Further into the future, she may also fancy throwing her hat into the ring as a Reform UK parliamentary candidate at the next General Election three year's hence.

However, it is unlikely that she would stand in the Grimsby and Cleethorpes constituency, currently held by Labour's Melanie Onn.

This is now the stomping ground of Oliver Freeston, another former Conservative, who is currently Reform UK's only NELC member, representing the Croft Baker ward in Cleethorpes.  

A former pupil at Healing School, Ms Nici's Italian father owned a restaurant in Cleethorpes and her mother was a policewoman.

In parliament, she was a staunch ally of Prime Minister Boris Johnson and, between February and July 2022, was one of his parliamentary private secretaries, later, between September and October in the same year,  serving as a levelling-up minister under Liz Truss.

Since leaving parliament, it understood she has been working as a freelance consultant, specialising in video and media.