NELC unveils images of work-out equipment soon to be installed in new-look Pier Gardens

                                                      

Coming soon to Pier Gardens on Cleethorpes seafront

A GYM doesn't have to have four walls.

That seems to be the message from North East Lincolnshire Council which has today released images of the exercise equipment soon to be installed in Pier Gardens, Cleethorpes.

Says a spokesperson: "Centred on calisthenics, otherwise known as strength training, the structure focuses on people using their body weight as a form of resistance when carrying out their exercise.

"Without the need for expensive or specialist equipment, this accessible gym is something that can be used by anyone and everyone. 

"From pull-ups to press-ups, there is  a range of exercises for all abilities."

Although it will retain the name Pier Gardens, there will be less of a focus on lawns, shrubs and trees, many of which have already been removed.

Instead, there will be more hard surfaces and a skate park plus play and ornamental structures.   

The spokesperson adds: "Residents and visitors will love the new 'gym' coming to the Pier Gardens development. 

"With 10 different workout stations there is plenty to do when you’re visiting the resort.

"The new look Pier Gardens will be a space for people of all ages to play and enjoy."

                                                                                                          

Pier Gardens as it was last summer - the lawns, shrubs and many of the trees have been removed some of them to make way for hardsufacing and exercise equipment

Could change of Prime Minister lead to a belated birthday gift for Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP?

                                             

What might be? Does Government post beckon for local MP

IF the pundits  are correct and Andy Burnham takes over as Prime Minister, could promotion from the Common's Back Benches be on  the cards for Grimsby & Cleethorpes's Labour MP, Melanie Onn?

If she is offered and accepts a post in the Government, it will be a late birthday present for Melanie Onn who was 47 last Friday.

Although she has never served in Government, Ms Onn has Front Bench experience. 

When Jeremy Corbyn was Labour's leader, she served first as shadow deputy leader of the Commons, then as shadow minister for housing.

In those roles, she got to know Sir Keir Starmer who went on to become Prime Minister after the General Election in July two years ago.

He was an admirer, and it was a surprise to some when he appeared to overlook her for his governmental team.

Ms Onn is a very capable political operator - personable, flexible of thought and comfortable in the company of people from all walks of life and with the media, both traditional mainstream and social.

She is a superb communicator and has an engaging sense of humour even if  its sometimes requires a degree of self-deprecation. 

And she has one other priceless political gift - when people turn nasty (as not infrequently happens online), she knows how to ride the punches. 

When the MP, lost her seat to Conservative opponent Lia Nici in the 2019 General Election, she soon landed a new job as deputy chief executive of  windfarm lobby group Renewable UK for whom she worked before stepping down in 2023 to rejoin the political fray.

This experience could stand her in good stead, especially if Mr Burnham chooses to transfer  Ed Miliband to a different Cabinet position from his present role as Environment Secretary.

Failing that, housing is known to be an interest of Ms Onn - not least because, as a teenager, she was a beneficiary of support from the charity, Doorstep, which helps young people who become homeless.

However, Ms Onn may choose to recluse herself from crunch discussions about Britain's future relationship with Europe.

Her heavy defeat in the 2019 General Election is largely attributed for her having been a Remainer when most of her constituents were in favour of leaving the European Union.

Work could start later this year on siting industrial-scale batteries on scenic spot outside Cleethorpes

                   

Leafy but perhaps not for much longer - the development site off  off Hewitts Avenue on the outskirts of Cleethorpes

WORK could start later this year on converting a leafy spot on the banks of the Buck Beck to an industrial site.

Knaresborough-based Harmony Energy  secured planning permission last summer to install heavy duty electricity storage batteries on the plot next to the Northern Powergrid electricity sub-station near the junction of Hewitt's Avenue and Altyre Way. 

But it had to rethink the project when Anglian Water pointed out that, beneath ground, was one of its sewer pipes which would have been rendered less accessible by the presence of industrial batteries.

However, it emerged this week that Harmony has agreed, subject to planning permission, to reduce the size of the development from 0.44ha to 0.37ha  so that it would no longer sit above the sewer.

It says it would partially compensate for having fewer batteries - eight pairs rather than 18 - by increasing their size from 4 metres to 4.3 metres.

In addition these units will now be green rather than white.

The company is set to  procure the batteries from a third party supplier.

However, before the project gets underway, Harmony will also have to provide safety and access reassurances to two other utilities companies,  Cadent Gas and Fulcrum, as well as to Northern Powergrid which have infrastructure assets in the vicinity. 

                              

An indication of how the site might look once it has been developed

Proposal to convert former children's nursery to hot food takeaway turned down by NELC planners

A proposal that would have led to a former children's nursery in Grimsby being converted to a hot food takeaway has been turned down by North East Lincolnshire Council planners. Although the project would have brought the vacant Rutland Street  unit back into use, North East Lincolnshire Council planners fear "harm" might  have resulted from the location of the proposed use close to premises where young people congregate - namely the Shalom Youth Centre.

Every days brings its dangers - the perils of being a Greylag Goose in London or in Cleethorpes

Greylag Goose - common species in many parks including Cleethorpes boating lake

WHEN, at Cleethorpes Boating Lake in October 2021,  a reckless motorist careered into a goose, killing it, there was public outrage.

But rewind to April 6, 1996, and a goose fatality incident - this time in London -  involving  Roy Hattersley, deputy leader of the Labour Party under Neil Kinnock.

Hattersley was walking Buster, his German Shepherd-Staffordshire bull terrier  cross, in London's St James Park when the off-the-lead canine seized a Greylag Goose in its jaws and killed it.

In those pre-social media days, there was not a whisper of anger from anyone.

But the incident was noted by police, and Hattersley, who died earlier this week aged 93, was subsequently prosecuted and  fined £75 by magistrates.

But later, he made light of the incident, expressing no regret and blaming the goose for not flying away.

Later, the Sheffield-born politician - a regular holiday visitor to Cleethorpes in childhood - made capital of the episode, referring to it in a book called Buster's Diary which sought to present a light-hearted dog's-eye view of life.

The section reads: "I was not alone in the rhododendrons for long.

"Suddenly a goose appeared.

"Geese are supposed to be frightened by dogs and fly away, but this one barely seemed to notice that I was there.

"It just fluttered its wings a bit and went on pecking the ground.

"Naturally, I was offended so I gave it a nip on the back of the neck.

"It waddled off and I went into my stalking mode, but, when it flopped over the fence between the park and the pond, I lost interest."

                                  

The former politician regarded the incident as matter for humour

Cloud over future of two charity shops as result of 'rising operating costs and changing customer habits'

                                   

The shop on St Peter's Avenue in Cleethorpes 

CLARITY is awaited on the future of two charity shops - one in Grimsby, the other in Cleethorpes.

Although it has not yet identified those at risk, the British Heart Foundation has announced proposals to close "around 150" of its  stores over the next two financial years.

It states: "The decision follows a detailed review of our retail estate amid rising operating costs and changing customer habits which mean some of our shops and stores are no longer financially sustainable.

"We have proposed closing around 90 stores by the end of March 2027, and the remainder by March 2028. 

"There is also a proposed reduction in the central teams and functions that support our retail operation. 

"The changes are designed to ensure our retail network remains strong and sustainable, contributing vital funds to power research into cardiovascular disease which causes around one death every three minutes in the UK.

"Our overall financial position remains healthy, with continuing strong performance across fundraising and legacy income."

The statement continues: "We will continue to operate a large national network of shops and online retail channels, including eBay and our website, and will continue to evolve retail operations to reflect changing customer shopping behaviours and donor habits in the years ahead."

Meanwhile, BHF's chief executive, Dr Charmaine Griffiths, comments : "Our shops mean much to our colleagues, volunteers and communities across the UK.  

"They are places where people come together to donate, shop and volunteer, helping to make a real difference to lives affected by cardiovascular disease

"We know this will be a difficult time for them and emphasise our deep appreciation and gratitude for all they have done for BHF and the communities they serve."

Supporters will still be able to shop as normal and donate items while affected shops remain open. 

After closures have taken take place, the charity says it will continue to take donations through , donation points, home collection services in some areas, and online post to donate options.

Locations of the shops and stores earmarked for the axe will be released after staff and volunteers have been personally notified.

Things might be a bit cramped this year but the great Armed Forces Day show must go on

                                        

NORTH  East Lincolnshire Council is urging people to plan their traffic and travel arrangements ahead of the Armed Forces Day celebrations in Cleethorpes at the end of this month.

The weekend will start with a 'community day' on Friday 26 June but most of the activities will be spread over the following two days. 

For instance, there will be the following:

* Armed Forces parade through town, from Knoll St to Brighton Slipway then returning up Central Prom on Saturday.

* Flying activity centred on Ross Castle, the service village and displays of military vehicles in Meridian Showground.

* Community Stage at  the Boating Lake to be  active across the weekend

* Big Wheel, will be in the leisure centre car park. 

* Traders will have their pitches on Kingsway, at the Boating Lake and within the Meridian Showground.

Road closures will be as follows: 

* Central Promenade will be closed to all traffic, except emergency vehicles, from Saturday 27 June to Sunday 28 June inclusive. Business access for loading and unloading will be permitted up to 10am, and RNLI / Coastguard access will be maintained at all times from the Brighton Street end.

* North Promenade - bays between Sea Road and Station Approach will be suspended from 0600hrs – 1400hrs on Saturday 27 June. There will be no access to the car park between 1030hrs – 1330hrs on Saturday 27 June.

* Civic Offices car parks will be closed all weekend (from Saturday 27 June to Sunday 28 June inclusive)

* Cleethorpes Town Hall car park will be closed on Saturday 27 June only

* Sea View Street plaza car park will be closed all weekend (from Saturday 27 June to Sunday 28 June inclusive)

* Cleethorpes Leisure Centre - parking will be by  Lincs Inspire permit and Blue badge holders only from Wednesday 24 June to Sunday 28 June.

* Cleethorpes Boating Lake car park will be closed fromFriday 26 June to Sunday 28 June

* Thrunscoe Land car park outside Oriental Express will be open open as normal, but all other areas (including motorhome parking) will be closed between Thursday 25 June and Sunday 28 June.

* Meridian Crafts car park will be closed between Friday 26 June and  Sunday 28 June.

* Marine Walk  will be cosed between 1000hrs – 1400hrs on Saturday 27 June.

All other car parks in and around the resort will be open as usual.

Road closures from  Saturday 27 June (0001hrs) to Sunday 28 June (2359hrs) will be as follows:

* Alexandra Road / High Cliff Road/Kingsway between the junction with Knoll St and the junction with Rowston St.

* Seaview Street – Alexandra Road to Cambridge Street (including New Road).

* No traffic exit from Humber Street or North Street to High Cliff Road for the weekend.

* No access to High Cliff Road/ Kingsway from North North Street, Brighton Street and Humber Street.

* High Cliff Road/ Kingsway from High Cliff Road/ Kingsway from North Street, Brighton Street and Humber Street. 

* Additional closures for the military veterans and vehicles parades between 10.30am and 1.30pm on Saturday June 27.

In addition, NELC says: 

* KNOLL STREET between CAMBRIDGE STREET and ALEXANDRA ROAD will be closed between 1145hrs and 1330hrs 

* SEA ROAD between ALEXANDRA ROAD and CENTRAL PROMENADE will be closed between 1030hrs and 1330hrs 

* NORTH PROMENADE between SEA ROAD and STATION APPROACH - parking will be suspended on both side of the road between 0600hrs and 1430hrs.  In addition, there will be no vehicle access to all of NORTH PROMENADE between 1030hrs and 1330hrs.

* ALEXANDRA ROAD between YARRA ROAD and KNOLL STREET will be closed between 1030hrs and 1330hrs.  Parking will be suspended on both sides of the road between 0600hrs and 1400hrs.

* KINGSWAY between ROWSTON STREET and KINGS ROAD will be closed between 1045hrs and 1245hrs.

* KINGS ROAD between KINGSWAY and CHICHESTER ROAD will be closed between 1045hrs and 1245hrs. 

During the Military vehicle parade there will be no access onto the route from QUEENS PARADE, BRADFORD AVENUE and CROMWELL ROAD between approximately 1045hrs and 1200hrs. Roads will re-open to traffic as soon as it is safe to do so. 

There will be tow away zones in operation over the weekend which will be clearly advertised.

Any vehicle left in the zone, which will be marked by yellow ‘TOW AWAY ZONE’ signs, is liable to be removed by a specialist towing company.

To support the safe passage of the parades and the movement of buses and general traffic around the area over the weekend the following areas of on street parking will be suspended between 0600hrs on Saturday 27 June until 2359hrs on Sunday 28 June:

* ST PETERS AVENUE (western kerb line, entire length between its junction with HIGHGATE and its junction with HIGH STREET)

* ST PETERS AVENUE (eastern kerb line between its junction with ALBERT ROAD and its junction with HIGHGATE)

* KNOLL STREET (northern kerb line between with junction with CAMBRIDGE STREET and its junction with ALEXANDRA ROAD)

* HIGHGATE (northern kerb line between its junction with THRUNSCOE ROAD and its junction with ST PETERS AVENUE)

* TRINITY ROAD (western kerb line between its junction with TAYLORS AVENUE and its junction with SANDRINGHAM ROAD)

* CHICHESTER ROAD (northern kerb line between its junction with ALDRICH ROAD and its junction with BISHOPTHORPE ROAD)

* KINGSWAY (both sides between its junction with CENTRAL PROMENADE and its junction with ROWSTON STREET)

* BRIGHTON STREET (between its junction with HIGH CLIFF ROAD and its junction with SOUTH STREET)

* HUMBER STREET (between its junction with HIGH CLIFF ROAD and its junction with NORTH STREET)

With so many road closures and parking restrictions, use of public transport - or walking - is being highly recommended.

Facelift on the cards for the 'grand old lady' of Grimsby town centre

                                                             

Work expected to start on proposed renovations at Grimsby Town Hall

A NEW roof is in prospect for Grimsby Town Hall.

This a part of a huge renovation project which will also include repairing or replacing drainpipes and guttering plus repointing of brickwork and stone masonry.

A report states: "The proposed works are intended to enhance, restore and maintain the original features of the building by carrying out repairs where possible and replacements of materials beyond repair.  

"The building is currently used as a base for the mayor and for most council meetings. 

"It is also available for special occasions and public events and can accommodate 300 people."  

The document continues: "Access to the roof will be improved as part of this works through the installation of external walkways, ladder systems and guardrail/edge protection systems.

"This will ensure that safe access can be maintained for future inspections or survey works at the rear of the building."

Before the work can start, North East Lincolnshire Council will need to grant itself Listed Building consent, but this is expected to be a formality.

It is hoped the contract will be awarded to a Grimsby-area firm assuming the work is not too specialised.

BBC-TV presenter startles viewers with unflattering remarks about Red Arrows and the King's fingers

                                                                   

The Red Arrows over Cleethorpes in June last year

WOULD it be reasonable to describe the Red Arrows as "a vanity project"?

This was the term used by the presenter, Pete Levy, on BBC TV's regional news programme, Look North on Friday evening.

His controversial assessment came during coverage of where financial cuts might need to made to free up funds for increased spending on defence of the nation.

The presenter must have been in a mood to be controversial that evening because, later in the show, he described the fingers of King Charles, who had visited Grimsby the previous day, as being "sausagey".                                                          

Courting controversy - Peter Levy

Royal Family takes to social media to showcase King Charles' happy visit to Grimsby on Thursday

These photographs are among those posted this week on the Facebook page of the Royal Family in the wake  of the King's visit to Grimsby and Cleethorpes on Thursday. They show how much he enjoyed meeting local people.

                                                                     

                                                          

                                                                       

Planning thumbs-up for redevelopment of former Jungle Zoo site to become padel courts

  

Until it closed, The Jungle Zoo was habitat of parrots, macaws and other colourful creatures

THE planning green light has been given for the site of the former Jungle Zoo site in Cleethorpes to be redeveloped as padel courts.

The zoo closed several years ago since when the buildings have been destroyed by a fire.

Padel is a fast-growing racquet sport sometimes compared to a cross between tennis and squash and usually played in doubles.

As well as outdoor courts, plus a rain canopy, there may be a clubhouse.

Agents for the applicants, Newcastle-based East Coast Padel Ltd, say: "Overall, the proposed development represents a positive and beneficial reuse of the site for leisure purposes.

"It would reinstate an active recreational use, delivering modern, accessible, and much needed sports facilities for the local community, to be delivered by a padel operator with a proven track record. 

"It will make a valuable contribution to the health and wellbeing of residents while enhancing the recreational offer of Cleethorpes and more widely."  

The application was determined  by a senior  North East Lincolnshire Council case officer, Lauren Birkwood, without the need for it to be considered by the planning committee. 

Says she: "Although the canopy will be of a large scale, particularly in terms of height, it would be designed reasonably to ensure the impact on the character and appearance of the area would not be harmful. 

"Associated containers to accommodate a pay station and other facilities would be single storey in height and should not appear dominant.

"Residential properties are limited in the area, with the closest residents being on Bolingbroke Road approximately 165 metres away. 

"It is considered that there is a sufficient distance away to ensure issues such as dominance, overlooking and general noise and disturbance would be minimal. 

"There are commercial premises in the immediate vicinity, including the adjacent restaurant, but  this is detached from the site so general noise and disturbance should  be limited."

One of the conditions of consent is that all  activity areas and associated external lighting shall be restricted to the hours of between 06:00 and 23:00 daily.

Padel being played on a court in Hull

Most of the rubble remains of the aviaries and enclosures have  been cleared

Has he become Grimsby Town FC's newest fan? King Charles III makes his debut trip to Blundell Park

Will he wear at Buckingham Palace? His Majesty receives his Mariners shirt

IT must have been a highlight for King Charles on today's visit to Grimsby and Cleethorpes - being presented with a Grimsby Town FC shirt bearing the words, 'King Charles', and the number, '3'.

The king was evidently  well briefed before his arrival because he made a point of commenting on The Mariners' Carabao Cup giant-killing triumph against Manchester United last August.

On a rainy day, it was noted that His Majesty did not have a royal flunky to carry his umbrella - he held it himself.

Throughout his spell here, which took in the Horizon Youth Centre and the CARE hub, the King was applauded and cheered by residents of all ages (including one 106-year-old) who were genuinely inspired and honoured to welcome him.                                                                        

Glad to be in Grimsby - the King prepares to meet residents

                                                                       

The Court Circular as published in the next day's edition of The Daily Telegraph

                                                                             

Frontline supermarket chain in bid to install solar panels on roof of its store in Grimsby

                                       

SAINSBURYS in Grimsby could be the next commercial premises to install solar panels on its roof.

The supermarket chain has submitted a planning application to North East Lincolnshire Council for the installation which would generate renewable energy for the store on Corporation Road.

A note from its agents, Ineco Energy, states: "So far as is practicable, the panels will be sited so as to minimise any effect on the external appearance of the building and the amenity of the area. 

"The proposal would not unacceptably harm the characteristics of the existing building or the character of its surroundings because the area is commercial in its appearance, set within a built-up area. 

"The proposal would not be prominently visible from the street scene as it is a tall building and, with the solar panels set clear from the external edges, it will not harmfully impact the design of the building and the area. 

"The  panels would be visible from certain heights, but they would not be prominently visible from the public realm or street level." 

The application is expected to be determined later this summer.

Five organisations to share in final £3,263 hand-out before NELC pulls plug on its Winsby Lottery

                                                   

Avocet - emblem of the RSPB whose Grimsby-area  group is one of the last beneficiaries of the Winsby Lottery 

 

FIVE  organisations have each been given a share of £3,263.36 from North East Lincolnshire Council's Winsby Lottery.

These are the last awards because the lottery is being wound up.

The awards are as follows: 

* £1500: 32nd Rainbow Guides

* £500: Harbour Place

* £500: Climb4

* £500: Waltham Windmill Preservation Trust

* £263.26: RSPB Grimsby Local Group

Says NELC: "The groups were randomly selected to help with running costs or ongoing projects."

Free short-term parking soon for Cleethorpes shoppers in market place and at two other sites

                                                       

Up to 12 free short-term parking spaces will be restored in Cleethorpes Market Place 

                                                       

IT looks like the controversial pedestrianisation of Cleethorpes Market Place will be watered down to make it less restrictive to motorists.

Following a review, the leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Oliver Freeston (Reform UK, Croft Baker), has issued this statement: "We have taken a common sense approach to a project inherited from the previous administration.

"The contracts had already been signed, and cancelling the scheme would have come at a significant cost to taxpayers - although, for the record, it was not the £5 million figure previously claimed.

"The good news is that, subject to the necessary approvals and amendments to traffic regulations, we intend to move to a semi-pedestrianised scheme. 

"That means a more flexible approach that works for businesses, residents and visitors, rather than unnecessary restrictions all year round." 

The leader continues: "Our proposal will save 12 short-stay free parking spaces that would otherwise have been lost, ensuring they remain available whenever the road is open to traffic. 

"In addition, we intend to introduce a two-year trial of FREE one-hour parking at both the car park next to Boots and the Old Vic car park, which we intend to introduce within the next few months, subject to the necessary governance arrangements.

"This review has been well worth it. 

"We have listened, applied common sense, and improved a scheme we inherited. 

"My cabinet colleagues and I will continue to monitor progress closely to ensure it is delivered successfully and on time."

Trading Standards officers in surprise swoop on 25 jewellery premises in Grimsby and Cleethorpes

                                   

ONLY eight out of 25 jewellery shops in Grimsby and Clethorpes were found to be fully compliant with legislation when checks were carried out by North East Lincolnshire Council trading standards team.

During the operation, the local officers were joined by representatives of the Assay Office organisation which tests precious metals to ensure the hallmarks they carry are authentic.

During two days of inspections, they examined numerous items including gold chains, bracelets and  rings at 14 businesses in Grimsby and 11 in Cleethorpes. 

The aim of the project  was to determine how many jewellers in the area were following the correct laws and giving the customer a genuine piece of jewellery.

Their findings were as follows:

* 8 businesses not displaying dealer's notice - an official sign that is legally required  to give notice to customers about precious metals including its purity and the hallmarks

* 3 businesses displaying out-of-date dealer notices

*10 businesses displaying non-hallmarked items

* 2 businesses using scales not stamped for business use

Says NELC: "Only eight of the businesses were fully compliant, and a total of nine premises will be re-visited to ensure compliance with the Hallmarking Act 1973. 

"Information on these failures will be shared nationally to assist in building the intelligence picture – known as Operation Tudor Rose."

Graham Mogg, of Sheffield Assay Office, said: "Hallmarking of precious metals is the oldest form of consumer protection and it is vital that businesses selling gold, silver, platinum and palladium jewellery meet their legal obligations. 

"The hallmarking process provides independent verification of the purity, authenticity, and quality of precious metal items and it protects buyers from fraud." 

The council has not named the premises it visited, nor those where "issues" were detected.

It is not thought that any prosecutions will ensue.  

'Preventative' works now underway at Grimsby Central Library aimed at halting further rain damage

                                                                     

Works to repair roof now underway

WELL over a year after it was closed following a leak, works today started with the aim of stopping further rain ingress at Grimsby Central Library.

The contract for "initial preventative works" has been awarded to ABM Roofing.

The following statement has been issued by North East Lincolnshire Council: "Scaffolding is being put up on the pavement next to the rear loading doors of the building to allow the contractors to access the roof areas. 

"This will be protected by hoarding. There will be pavement diversions, but road closures are not anticipated at this time.

"The works will take approximately six weeks, with work happening on week days between approximately 8am to 4pm. 

"There should not be any significant noise."

The library closed in March last year over particular concerns that rain may have disturbed asbestos.

Most of the books  are currently in storage, though some are in the pop-up library in nearby Freshney Place.

Almost 600 toys confiscated from 'numerous' trading premises in Cleethorpes during council swoop

                                                    

Some of the items seized 

ALMOST 600 toys have been removed from "numerous" trading premises in Cleethorpes.

The confiscations came following a two-day swoop by North East Lincolnshire Council's trading standards team who said they were "unsafe and illegal.

In a statement, NELC says: "From potential choking hazards to a lack of trademarks, there were multiple reasons the near 600 toys were removed."

One item was a fake Labubu containing a  pack which secured batteries using gaffer tape.

The council has not identified the premises nor said if any prosecutions will ensue.

All the way from Africa - North East Lincolnshire gardens see population explosion of Painted Ladies

                                                                        

Unprecedented numbers of fast-flying Painted Lady butterflies are being seen in North East Lincolnshire gardens. The pale-coloured insects reach Britain after breeding in North Africa and the Mediterranean. According to the organisation, Butterfly Conservation, numbers this year - particularly along the East Coast - are the highest for 17 years.                                                            

Hearty pat on back for Cleethorpes restaurant that has long been a favourite with residents and visitors

              

It's good to see plaudits for a Cleethorpes fish restaurant in the national press. This enthusiastic write-up featured in the survey of the country's top fish and chips shops that appeared in a recent edition of The Daily Telegraph newspaper.    

                                 

                                                        

Independent inspector backs NELC's decision to refuse consent for 120 new homes in New Waltham

The paddock that had been earmarked for up to 120 homes 

A CONTROVERSIAL proposal for up to 120 homes to be built in New Waltham has been knocked on the head.

When North East Lincolnshire Council planners refused consent for the development off  Station Road, Snape Properties Ltd and Lydia Tyler appealed to the Planning Inspectorate for the decision to be overturned.

But after a hearing, the appeal inspector upheld NELC's decision and dismissed the appeal.

The site is a paddock on New Waltham's boundary with Waltham opposite Newgrove House care home.

In his report on the matter, the appeal inspector, Mr R. Sabu says: "The proposal would include a significant amount of  built development along with  domestic paraphernalia and hard landscaping."

                                        

How the development might have looked had it been granted planning consent

Eyeball to eyeball! Liam's stunning photograph of handsome Oystercatcher unveiled by NELC

 

                              

A STUNNING close-up photograph of an Oystercatcher on Cleethorpes beach is being used by North East Lincolnshire Council to publicise World Environment Day 2026 which is this Friday June 5.

The shot was captured by frontline birder-photographer Liam Smith as he lay on the sand  just inches from the bird.

This borough does not boast any RSPB or Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust reserves but it is home to a range of protected habitats, most notably the south bank of the Humber.

Cleethorpes has its own official coastal ranger, Josh Forrester, who organises regular nature walks.

Says he: "North East Lincolnshire is incredibly fortunate to have such a rich and diverse natural environment."                                        

                      

Cleethorpes saltmarsh is home to many specialist plants and birds

New mayor's priorities will include include helping special needs children and planting more trees

The new mayor can count on plenty of family support

SOME  54 years after first stepping through the council doors as a young employee, Cllr Marian Boyd has been elected new mayor of North East Lincolnshire, a milestone that reflects both a lifetime of public service and a deep-rooted connection to the borough.

The mayor began her career with the authority in 1972 as a clerk in the education department, going on to build a long and varied career in  local government. 

She later moved into finance, gaining professional qualifications and rising through the ranks to lead a team within the borough treasurer’s department. 

Her work then took her into housing where she supported residents facing homelessness, an experience that would shape her enduring commitment to helping those most in need.

Now, five decades later, she has stepped into one of the borough’s most historic civic roles.

While the mayoralty is ceremonial and politically neutral, the mayor will continue to serve as councillor for Grimsby's Park ward alongside her mayoral duties over the coming year, a role she took on after being elected in 2022.

Describing her mayoral appointment as "an honour",” she has already set out her priorities, placing community support and awareness firmly at the centre of her mayoral year.

She will champion, in particular, two charities close to her heart: Bob’s Brainwaves, which supports carers of people living with dementia; and RNLI Cleethorpes.

But she is also highlights other of her priorities including:

*  The need for  increased tree planting

*  The importance of supported housing provision

*  Improvements to bus services.

*  Better outcomes for children with special educational needs and disabilities. 

Says Cllr Mrs Boyd: "It will be exciting to meet new people - it's something I love doing.

"I look forward to opportunities to talk to people in business, in charities, in schools and in churches.

"Anybody in the community can ask for the mayor to come to an event - they only have to contact the civic office in Grimsby Town Hall.

"The calendar is already filling up already.  I have done several events and I think is it going to be a great year."

The new mayor also reflected on her personal life.

"I am very fortunate to have the support of a wonderful family. 

"I have a husband, three healthy children and eight wonderful grandchildren, and we meet often," she continues." 

Of  North East Lincolnshire, the new mayor says: "We are incredibly lucky here. 

"We have affordable housing, the beach on our doorstep and beautiful villages in the Wolds. We are part of a tremendous community, with industry on the Humber Bank, a major port and surrounding farmland. There is a lot to be thankful for."

However, she is clear that challenges remain for many residents and emphasises that her mayoral year will be focused on highlighting those needs.

Cllr Mrs Boyd concludes: "I hope my contribution will help support the council’s wider ambitions and reflect the pride we all share in our borough."