Above and below are examples of two of no fewer than 11 advertisement banners and structures that North East Lincolnshire Council is proposing to install on or near the railings outside the Meridian Centre in Cleethorpes. The hope is that this proliferation of signage will not make this part of the resort look cluttered or tacky.
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| Trespass - outdoor wear specialist |
TWO national retailers have renewed their leases at Freshney Place, signalling their ongoing commitment to Grimsby and local customers.
Trespass and The Perfume Shop have both secured their future position at the shopping centre as it undergoes a £50-million redevelopment scheme.
Says Freshney Place centre manager Elliot Andrews: "We are delighted that Trespass and The Perfume Shop have renewed their leases - as popular, national brands they add significant value to the centre."
Ahead of completion of the regeneration project, which is due next year, shop occupancy sats at 95 per cent.
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| Firm trading has encouraged The Perfume Shop to renew its lease |
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| One of three new artists' impressions images released ahead of a Meet the Buyer day on March 23 |
CONTRACTORS interested in pitching for work on the revamp of Pier Gardens are being invited to attend a Meet the Buyer event in Cleethorpes Town Hall between 11am and 3pm on March 23.
According to North East Lincolnshire Council, the event will give businesses and inviduals "a clear understanding of the work packages, materials, services and skills required for the project over the next 15 months"
Attendees will have the chance to meet the project team, discuss likely procurement needs and explore partnership opportunities.
The session will open with a short introduction from the Maylim team before attendees are invited to visit four themed stalls:
* Stall 1: About Maylim: An overview of the company, its experience delivering public realm projects, and the vision for Pier Gardens.
* Stall 2: Procurement (Local Suppliers): A breakdown of materials and service categories Maylim will be sourcing locally where possible, including general building products, aggregates, concrete, office supplies, plant, site equipment and maintenance, workwear and PPE, tools, printing, transport, accommodation and IT.
* Stall 3: Subcontractors: Information on upcoming subcontracting opportunities including bricklaying, soft maintenance, rendering, carpentry, electrical work, groundworks and paving.
* Stall 4: Work placements & careers: Guidance on skills, training routes and future opportunities across engineering, electrical work and soft landscaping.
Says a spokesperson for the project:: "We are committed to supporting local businesses and ensuring the community benefits from this major investment in Cleethorpes.
"This event is a chance for suppliers and trades to understand what’s coming up, ask questions directly and explore how we can work together as the project progresses."
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| Fun for the kiddies - artist's impression of the proposed play structures |
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| How the proposed water feature might look |
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| Completed in 2009, the Meridian Showground has not yet quite fulfilled its potential |
THE maximum capacity of the Meridian Showground in Cleethorpes could be increased from the present figure of 5,000 to almost 15,000.
North East Lincolnshire Council leisure chiefs think this is essential to "cater to the demands of larger-scale events and unlock its true potential".
A report states: "The site is already a key venue within our resort, playing a vital role in hosting a diverse range of events, from cultural festivals to sports event.
"However, many event organisers are seeking venues capable of accommodating larger audiences, and increasing capacity would give the potential to attract and host these events successfully.
A larger capacity at the Meridian Showground could position the area as a premier destination capable of hosting major gatherings and concerts, thereby attracting more visitors and driving economic growth.
"Major events often require venues with substantial capacity to accommodate attendees, participants, and vendors.
"Expanding the maximum capacity to 15,000 would position the area to attract high-profile events that could significantly boost our resort’s visibility and reputation regionally and even nationally.
"This could increase the revenue potential from hire bookings, concessions, and sponsorships.
"Larger attendances translate to increased spending on accommodation, dining and local attractions, benefiting not only the resort but also the surrounding businesses and community."
The report adds: "Larger events bring people together, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
"Expanding the capacity of the Meridian Showground could create more opportunities for residents and visitors to come together, celebrate and enjoy shared experiences, strengthening the fabric of our community."
Completed in 2009, the showground occupies four acres of mostly grassland.
It has not yet been stated how any increased attendances would be accommodated, and some nearby residents might be fearful of increased traffic and parking congestion, though the authors of the report do not expect this to be an issue.
More details of the proposal are expected in the coming weeks.
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| Kestrel's eye view of the site which is at the southern end of Cleethorpes |
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| It would take 240,000 trees to soak up the CO2 emissions from Stagecoach's 53-vehicle fleet services in North East Lincolnshire |
A BID to make North East Lincolnshire an all electric bus borough has proved unsuccessful.
The council pitched for funding to the value of £23.59-million to be put towards the purchase of a replacement fleet for the existing 53 buses, operated by Stagecoach, plus associated infrastructure.
But to no avail.
A report on the initiative states: "Electric buses provide bus passengers with a number of benefits (in addition to the green credentials) including a smooth, quieter ride along with all the last technology for customer comfort and accessibility.
"Stagecoach East Midlands is the main provider of local bus services in North East Lincolnshire.
"Currently the fleet strategy involves transferring vehicles from other areas of the Stagecoach Group.
"It is anticipated that this policy will continue in the medium to long term unless the council can make it more attractive to invest in newer, low emission vehicles, including electric buses.
"For example, providing a new bus station may encourage investment in electric buses along with bus-friendly changes to transport strategy.
"Investment in infrastructure including bus priority and parking policies (policies that discourage car use) may enable bus operators to build a strong business case for electric vehicle investment.
"Investment is normally allocated to the strongest routes along with bus routes which benefit from supportive infrastructure measures.
"If journey times increase due to congestion, then routes may become less commercially viable, and, in turn, this makes the business case for investment more challenging."
The report continues: "Should electric buses be provided in North East Lincolnshire in the future, from an operational perspective it is vital they have a sufficient mileage range to ensure vehicles do not need to be changed mid service or charged halfway through a day.
"Should this occur, it could lead to local bus services becoming unreliable, with short notice cancellations and/or services running late.
"It would be important to work with local power providers such as Northern Powergrid to deliver a technical study in order to understand the impact of around 50 buses charging at any one time.
"This would impact on electrical sub-tations, the electrical distribution network including electrical connections into bus depots."
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Humber, Hull is an example where Stagecoach can demonstrate continued supportive infrastructure measures, such as bus priority lanes, which in turn has led to strong passenger levels.
As a result, the company is in the process of investing in electric vehicles in the city.
Once these are in operation, Stagecoach has offered to host a visit for NELC members.
According to one estimate, converting the existing Stagecoach operations in North East Lincolnshire to zero-emission electric buses would save around 4,000,000 kg per year of CO2.
Approximately, 240,000 trees would have to grow in one year to absorb the current bus fleet emissions in the borough.
This impressive rainbow brought colour in mid-afternoon yesterday to the sky over the country park in Cleethorpes.
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| Cornflowers, poppies and daisies used to be common on roadside verges and on the edges of playing fields, but now many, if not most, have fallen victim to NELC's application of Glyphosate |
CONTROVERSY has bubbled up anew over North East Lincolnshire Council's extensive use of a poison that destroys the vegetation that provides habitat for bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects.
As well as in parks and on verges, NELC sprays Glyphosate on pavements and in road gutters in order to eradicate any plants it deems to be 'weeds'.
But some residents fret that, as well as destroying plantlife (that, after all, is its purpose), the poison also poses a health risk to humans and their pets.
At a scrutiny panel meeting this week, the council's portfolio holder for the environment, Cllr Henry Hudson (Con, Wolds), banged the drum for continued use of the controversial chemical.
He said people had been "getting silly" about use of Glyphosate (also known as Roundup).
"There's been too much scaremongering," he declared. "Glyphosate is not dangerous - it is totally safe.
"It is a miracle chemical!"
Support for this view came from cabinet colleague, Cllr Ron Shepherd (Con, Scartho), who runs a popular market garden in Bradley, with produce sold to the public at the gate.
He revealed that, under licence, he buys a more potent version than that available in shops and garden centre.
He insisted it was invaluable in killing the wild plant, horsetail, which otherwise would grow as much as three foot in a single season.
"It is also effective against dandelions, nettles, brambles and, to a lesser exent, thistles."
However, misgivings were sounded by some panel members not just about Glyphosate but also about the adequacy of last year's consultation exercise with the public.
"The process was too complex,"claimed Cllr Kevin Shutt (Lab, Heneage).
Worries were also sounded by Cllr Kathryn Wheatley (Lab, West Marsh) who said there were parts of her ward - notably Duke of York Gardens in Grimsby - where she certainly would not wish to see poison applied,
"I don't want chemical run-off entering watercourses which are important for otters and swans," she said.
Following a debate, which was sometimes fractious, the panel voted in favour of a Glyphosate-free six-month pilot exercise in six of the borough's wards to assess both the impact and the response of the public.
Although Glyphosate will not be used, there will be nothing to prevent councillors or the public from removing weeds by hand or tool if, for instance, their growth is deemed to pose a hazard.
"What's the harm in that proposal?" commented panel chairperson Nicola Aisthorpe (Lib-Dem, East Marsh) who went on to remind colleagues: "Some weeds look quite nice".
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| Nowhere for wildlife - the base of trees could provide precious habitat for wildflowers and butterflies but it has been destroyed in favour of sterility in many parts of the borough including this verge on Taylors Avenue (above). |
The Grimsby News says: If Glyphosate is "totally safe" why is is it a requirement for NELC operatives to wear protective clothing when applying it to open spaces? The portfolio holder is too gung-ho in his approach. There have been numerous examples, in previous years, of chemicals being deemed safe - only to be withdrawn later as their danger becomes apparent. And there is the wider question about the impact of the chemical on biodiversity - wildflowers and the bees, butterflies and birds that depend on them. Better for NELC - and for the community - to be safe than sorry.
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| There are reckoned to be 300,000 UK citizens currently working or on holiday in the Gulf states (map: Wikimedia Commons) |
THE flare-up in the Middle East has created worry for dozens of Grimsby-area folk currently working or on holiday in the region.
There are deadly missiles in the sky, and the situation will only get more dangerous if Iran and its allies continue to expand the conflict.
One member of Grimsby and Cleethorpes RSPB Group is on a fortnight’s birding holiday with a wildlife tour company in Oman.
There have only been reports of two drone strikes - both on Oman's commercial port of Duqm - but the UK Foreign Office is urging Britons not to go with 100km of the city of Salalah, the designated location of the last four days of the holiday.
Because airspace has been closed, many Britons wanting to fly home may have to wait longer than intended.
Meanwhile, in North East Lincolnshire as elsewhere, consumers are waiting to ascertain the extent, if any, of the conflict on fuel prices and imported fruit, vegetables and other foodstuffs.
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| The footbridge is said to be little used, especially after dark, except by foreshore dog-walkers. However, it is sometimes helpful to the police for crowd control when they are ushering away fans from Grimsby Town matches to Cleethorpes railway station. |
AN uncertain future beckons for the Fuller Street footbridge in Cleethorpes.
At a North East Lincolnshire Council meeting this week, Cllr Ron Shepherd, told colleagues: "It is in a poor state - it has only ten years left before it falls down."
In February last year, a 15-year-old boy was questioned after a woman claimed she had been raped at the site of the bridge.
It is understood, there was no subsequent prosecution, but media coverage of the allegation prompted calls by Cleethorpes and Grimsby MP Melanie Onn and others for installation of floodlighting and CCTV.
However, following research on prospective costs, this will not happen.
The council has taken the view that it would be money squandered because crime statistics for the bridge are very low and, in any case, it is seldom used because, on its estuary side, access to the walkway is extremely difficult.
Continued Cllr Shepherd: "I am 6ft 2in, and I found it a challenge because access to the walkway is blocked by a wall.
"Particularly after dark, there is also a risk of trips and falls - and the ground sometime resembles a dog loo."
Instead of incurring expense on lighting and CCTV, the council is thus likely to install "advisory" signage, recommending that those seeking to cross the railway track should use the purpose-built Suggits Lane, 560 metres away.
This structure is both illuminated after dark and monitored by CCTV.
* A survey by Equans in April, 2024, noted that the bridge 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.
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| North East Lincolnshire councillor Ron Shepherd at Quantock Park where a swing was damaged |
TWO Grimsby have been damaged by flames after wheelie bins were set alight.
At Barretts Rec, on Scartho Road, flames from three bins caused damage to the Tarmac near the swings and scorched part of an adjacent hedge.
At Quantock Park, in Scartho, a basket swing was destroyed after a bin was placed underneath it was ignited.
It is thought repairs will cost about £10,000.
Anyone with information is urged to phone Humberside Police at 101 quoting the crime reference number 26000023827 for Barretts Rec and 26000004863 for Quantock Park.
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A designation as official Local Wildlife Sites could be in prospect for these two locations - bat-friendly Ainslie Park (above) in Grimsby and a wildflower-rich patch of grassland (below) off Kings Road in Cleethorpes. Both sites are regularly surveyed by North East Lincolnshire Council's ecology unit and volunteer naturalists.
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| Artist's impression of how the development (which includes a 'woodland fringe') might look |
A FIELD on the southern edge of Scartho has been earmarked for a new housing estate.
A consortium of builders - Humberside Land Developers - has applied to build up to 250 homes on 13.6-hectares of arable farmland off Louth Road with proposed access via Side Lane which is currently just a gravel path.
Surely, this will lead to loss of precious wildlife?
Not so, says Kevin Johnson, the ecologist commissioned by the applicants to carry out an onsite survey?
In a report, he says no evidence was found of nestings birds, nor amphibians, nor reptiles.
What about mammals such a foxes, deer, badgers, water voles, hares or rabbits?
Again, nothing at all apart from one wood mouse - which was dead.
Nearby residents are being invited to comment on the proposal in advance of the proposal being determined by North East Lincolnshire Council.
Up to 350 homes could be built on field if NELC grants planning consent
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| The footbridge enables pedestrians to cross from Fuller Street to the Humber North Wall |
OUGHT North East Lincolnshire Council to be doing more to make the Fuller Street bridge and North Wall area in Cleethorpes safer?
Yes, according to Independent councillors Steve Holland and Paul Henderson who are pressing for release of
* Updated crime data
* Evidence of community consultation
* Input of police intelligence
There is a proposal for signage to be installed warning people not to cross at night and to use alternative routes, but the two councillors believe this is insufficient.
They are also calling for more steps to "safeguard people using the bridge, beyond advising them not to use it as it is dangerous".
They add: "There needs to a robust plan to avoid the area becoming a no-go part of Cleethorpes."
At a communities scrutiny panel meeting on Thursday afternoon, it is possible that Cllr Henderson will expand further.
Meanwhile, another more controversial option is doing the rounds - that of removing the bridge which is believed to have been installed in 1975.
A report compiled by a NELC officer states: "As it is not a recognised Public Right of Way or Highway Structure, restrictions do not apply - only any historical legal agreement that may exist between the council and Network Rail.
"Of note is the close proximity of the new Suggitts Lane footbridge which could be used by the public as an alternative access to the sea wall area should this option be progressed."
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| Let's get spraying - an NELC operative sets off on his rounds |
IT looks like North East Council will continue to use a controversial poison to 'treat' roads, paths and green spaces during the rest of this year.
But in doing so, will the authority be putting at risk the health of residents, their pets and wildlife - and itself at risk of litigation?
At this week’s meeting of NELC’s communities scrutiny panel, members will be asked to give the nod to continued use of Glyphosate - better known as Roundup - despite concerns that it may be a causative of the disease, non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Last week, its manufacturer, Monsanto/Bayer, again insisted that there was no proof of a link but still agreed to set aside a staggering £5.35-billion to placate litigants (past, present and future) in the United States.
Glyphosate is currently deemed safe by British and European authorities but only to the end of this year pending the outcome of an ongoing review.
There have been calls locally for restrictions on its use, especially in parks, nature reserves and on highway verges.
In a report to meeting, NELC's assistant director of the environment, Kath Jickells, acknowledges that some residents are "passionate" about reducing glyphosate-use.
She also notes that children are "especially concerned about our environment, and it is essential to engage with them on environmental matters".
However, she believes continued poisoning of wild flowers - commonly known as 'weeds' - is essential for the following reasons:
• Appearance - 'weeds' can detract from the overall appearance of an area.
• Safety - 'weed' growth can interfere with visibility for road users and obscure traffic.
• Drainage - 'weeds' in kerbs or around drains can prevent or slow down surface water drainage.
• Damage - 'weed' growth can affect paved surfaces and force kerbs apart, increasing maintenance costs and impacting on pedestrian safety.
With up to three applications per annum, the council treats approximately 1200km of the highway network and numerous public open spaces including its nature reserves.
The communities scrutiny panel meeting is due to be held this Thursday afternoon in Grimsby Town Hall.
The Grimsby News says: NELC is too relaxed - not to say casual - in its continued use of a chemical, the whole purpose of which is to be poisonous. The authority acknowledges the risk by requiring those of its operatives who apply it to safeguard themselves with protective clothing and with face masks. However, these employees go about their business in places where members of the public are unprotected and probably mostly unaware of the extent to which their wellbeing is being compromised. Far better to be safe than sorry. NELC should pause its use of glyphosate at least until the outcome of a wide-ranging and soon-to-be-published review of its impact on humans, pets and wildlife. Failing that, the council should, at the very least, publish public notices indicating when individual roads, paths and parks are to be sprayed so that concerned residents are made aware of when they need to make themselves scarce.
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| Mindful of his own personal safety, the operative is fully protected - not so any individuals unfortunate enough to be nearby |
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| Devonshire House - refurbishment in the pipeline |
HOPES are rising of a new and brighter future for the long-unloved Devonshire House building in Grimsby's Top Town.
Subject to planning consent being granted by North East Lincolnshire Council, a London-based company, Romano International Ltd, intends to carry out improvements to the empty office block to make it more attractive to prospective tenants.
These would include:
* The replacement and upgrading of all existing windows.
* The installation of a new glazed entrance serving the upper floors fronting Bull Ring Lane
* The installation of new double doors.
* The creation of a new internal bin store with access provided from the rear
Assuming it proceeds, the project will dovetail well with the ongoing redevelopment of this part of town.
When a survey of the property was carried out in March ten years ago, it revealed the presence of potentially harmful asbestos.
It is not known if this has since been removed.
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| The handsome building requires some skilled attention |
* Replacement works to failed flat roof leadwork and cornicing leadwork
* Repairs to existing slate roofing
* Masonry repairs to parapet coping stones and chimney structures
* Renewal of failed or undersized rainwater goods
* Modification of existing protective greenhouse structure currently providing protection to the leaded light roof dome.
Before a contractor is appointed, listed building consent will be needed from North East Lincolnshire Council, but it is thought that this will be a formality.
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| Cllr Jackson - 'sensible' |
It is expected that this will be confirmed at the meeting this evening (Thursday) of the full council.
Originally, the proposal was for the increase to be 4.99 per cent - the maximum permissible - but, with local elections looming in May, the cabinet seems to have decided that a lower rise would be more politically expedient.
However, this is not how the change-of-heart is being presented.
Refusing to boast, NELC leader Cllr Phillip Jackson says: "I am pleased to say that this council has reported a solid and stable financial position over the last 12 months
"We end the year with one of the most positive performances for some considerable time.
"This must be applauded.
"In the face of continued challenges for all local authorities in the country, here in North East Lincolnshire we have, and continue to, transform services, lead regeneration and drive change whilst being prudent and sensible in how we achieve all of this."
All smiles from North East Lincolnshire Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson and Tom Taylor of paving specialists Maylim as they set to work on removing the first of the lawns in Pier Gardens as part of what is described as a 'regeneration' project. During the course of this week, a mile of fencing has been installed around the whole perimeter of the parkland to block access to all but contractors. Residents and visitors will be able to watch progress because, instead of unsightly hoarding (as at Sea Road), activity will be clearly visible through the wire fencing. The works are due to be completed by spring next year.
A WORRYING note has been sounded on the presence of tuberculosis (TB) in parts of North East Lincolnshire.
A recently-published report states: "A range of factors associated with complex lives in white British people living in the most deprived neighbourhoods in the borough have been associated with a much greater than expected number of TB related deaths.
"Some of these deaths were linked to networks of individuals who drank together in certain pubs.
"TB diagnosis frequently came very late and was often not suspected as a cause of the person’s symptoms.
"Following this, awareness-raising presentations were made at a number of GP practice related forums."
The report notes that, six years ago, a pilot TB screening project had to be put on hold because of the Covid pandemic, but, with the appointment a part-time nurse, it went ahead in September 2024 with the intention not just of securing extra screening but also of assisting in the management of any new positive cases.
Among the first 65 tested were individuals engaged in a local homeless charity.
The report continues: "This resulted in a 12.3 per cent positive screen rate - much higher than expected, indicating that there is a significant level of undiagnosed TB in North East Lincolnshire."
The disease can be "latent" rather than "active" but it still requires monitoring, putting pressure on health services.
The project was then put on ice pending a review of a number of emerging issues and concerns.
These have included:
• Capacity in the existing TB team to perform increased screenings
• Capacity in the existing TB team to manage increased cases, including case support, follow-up, treatment plans and adherence
• A bottleneck in the system due to long waits both for hospital test results and for consultant-led clinic appointments for diagnosis confirmation and management/treatment planning.
• Public health risk arising from homelessness with some individuals sofa-hopping, using hostels and street-sleeping.
There has also been a worry about asylum-seekers slipping through the system.
The report states: "The public health risk of this missed screening is of great concern and has the potential to result in additional demands on the TB services and the wider health system if not addressed."
In the wake of the concerns, North East Lincolnshire's Health Protection Team is actively involved in a review of the current TB service in partnership with other healthcare professionals "in the hope that these issues can be addressed".
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| The view from the top level of the car park during the now-completed re-paving works |
SAFETY fencing is to be installed on the top level of the Freshney Place indoor car park.
Says a North East Lincolnshire Council report: "The works will surround the entire perimeter to create a form of enclosure for the safety purposes for the public.
"It will be the form of mesh fencing at a maximum height of approximately 2.4 metres which will sit behind an existing parapet of around 1 metre in height.
"There are some existing railings present which will remain in situ.
"The site falls within Grimsby Central Conservation Area and it is in proximity of St James' Church which is a Grade I listed building.
"However, the proposal has been reviewed by the council's heritage officer who raised no concerns.
" In addition, Historic England have commented to confirm that they have no comments to make and defer to local conservation advice."
The report concludes: "Given the minor nature and scale of the proposal, it is not considered to cause any negative impacts in regard to visual amenity, the conservation area or neighbouring listed buildings in this regard."
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| Fears that pedestrianisation scheme could jeopardise businesses such as Steel's Cornerhouse |
PROPOSED pedestrianisation of Cleethorpes Market Place could cost Steel's Cornerhouse fish restaurant at least £150,000 a year in lost trade.
This alert was sounded by Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn in her contribution to a 'Commons debate on the challenges faced by Britain's fish and chip retailers.
She declared: "North East Lincolnshire council plans to pedestrianise Cleethorpes Market Place which the famous Steel's Cornerhouse fish and chip restaurant says could amount to a £150,000 loss in click-and-collect orders alone.
"Does the hon. Gentleman (John Cooper, Conservative MP for Dumfries and Galloway) agree that local authorities should be doing all that they can to support our favourite fish and chip shops?"
Mr Cooper replied: "The hon. Lady makes an important point.
"We should of course support businesses of all kinds, and pedestrianisation can be a double-edged sword.
"One of the difficulties is the weather in this country, and there is nothing better than pulling up right outside the shop that you want to go to, so decisions have to be balanced."
Later in the debate, Ms Onn's Labour colleague, Peter Prinsley (MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmark) noted : "Fish and chips is a great British food, but fish and chips first came to Britain with Jewish immigrants from Spain in the 16th century.
"Cold fried fish was a staple of many Shabbat lunches, including my own grandma’s.
"The first chippy is credited to Joseph Malin, who added chips in about 1860, in London.
"What a great idea and what a great immigration story!"
Mr Cooper responded: Staying with history, during the war, fish and chips were deemed so vital to the nation’s morale that Prime Minister Winston Churchill insisted they be exempt from rationing.
"If the ingredients were available, fish suppers were on the menu and chip shops got extra cooking fat to keep the home friers burning."
The wide-ranging debate, which covered taxation issues as well as fish and energy prices concluded with a summing up from Dame Angela Eagle who is Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs
Said she: "Fish and chip shops may be small in size, but they embody something much bigger: the value of work, community and pride in British produce.
"We are backing the fishers and farmers who supply this great British staple, and we are backing the traders who serve it to millions.
"This Government will always be on the side of the workers who keep our plates full and keep the high streets alive.
"With the right support, these businesses can thrive, and this iconic part of our national life will be there for generations of Friday night fish and chip suppers in the future."
GRIMSBY Town’s FA Cup dreams are over for another season.
Despite a battling performance at a soggy Blundell Park, the Mariners this afternoon succumbed to a 0-1 defeat against their Premier League opponents, Wolves.
The only goal in the Fourth Round fixture came from Santiago Bueno in the 60th minute.
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| Planning officer says trailer would 'clutter' North Prom |
THERE has been a setback for a trader who has been keen to operate a trailer, selling both hot and cold food, on North Promenade in Cleethorpes.
His application to site The Yummy Truck near the railway station has been refused consent after a senior planner at North East Lincolnshire Council deemed that it would "cause harm to the character of the area".
The proposal had sparked several objections, some from other food traders who expressed fears that further competition would put their own livelihoods at risk.
In a submission to NELC, one objector wrote: "The promenade already has an extensive range of food and drink permanent establishments and does not require another unit selling hot food or icecream.
"Visitors to Cleethorpes that arrive by train expect to see the beach and pier, not a line of fast food trailers.
In her report, explaining her decision, NELC case officer Bethany Loring writes: "It is felt that the introduction of another concession space, with a trailer of this nature, would create a cluttered feel along this section of North Promenade especially when viewed in conjunction with the existing operators.
"The site is also close to the Grade II Listed Buildings, associated with the railway station, positioned to the southeast and west.
"This clutter and intrusion on the open aspect of the promenade is considered harmful to the visual amenity of the area.
"Whilst the physical area would be relatively limited, the cumulative impact of the introduction of a further concession within this area would be considered detrimental to the character of the area.
"As such it is not considered that the design of the proposal is acceptable and would cause harm to the character of the area."
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| North Prom on a wet and windy day earlier this week |
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| Grimsby Auditorium - is the management fearful of animal rights activists? |
PRESSURE from an animal rights organisation has prompted the Grimsby Auditorium to agree to withdraw the sale of pork-containing products at a show next month.
The touring production of Peppa Pig is due to be staged at the auditorium on March 3 and March 4.
The organisation, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, maintains it is inappropriate to sell pork snacks at an event where pigs are presented as cute and cuddly.
Perhaps fearing the show might be disrupted by activists, the auditorium management has acceded to the group in the same way as was done last year by organisers of the Chichester Festival.
So far, management at the auditorium and its operators, Lincs Inspire, have been sheepish about commenting on the pork-and Peppa issue, but say they will be taking the requested action because they want to be "considerate".
The letter sent to the Auditorium by PETA
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| A scene from the forthcoming production |
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| Grimsby Town Hall where councillors are likely to approve council tax rise at meeting next week |
HOUSEHOLDERS in North East Lincolnshire face a council tax increase of 2.99 per cent in the forthcoming financial year.
In addition be a two per cent supplementary contribution towards adult social care.
The measures are likely to be rubber-stamped next week at a full council meeting in Grimsby Town Hall.
The increase would have been higher had it not for a pledge from Whitehall that all local authorities will benefit from a 6.1 per cent in grant aid to help pay for services.
A report to the meeting states: "Continued transformation and targeted change are essential to ensure the council achieves the right outcomes and maintains financial sustainability over the medium term, particularly in adult social care where both demand and complexity are increasing."
The document also carries a note on ongoing capital projects such as redevelopment schemes in Grimsby's Top Town and on Cleethorpes seafront of Freshney Place which, despite Whitehall funding, have required substantial NELC investment.
It insists these are being "kept under regular review to ensure alignment with current priorities and ongoing viability, particularly in relation to corporate financing costs".
The report concludes: "Despite a range of social, economic, and demand-related challenges, the administration remains focused on achieving financial sustainability by harnessing the area’s economic potential, expanding the local tax base and delivering efficient, affordable public services."
