Sad end for four-metre long pilot whale that spent its last hours injured and confused in Humber Estuary

Already injured, the pilot whale was effectively doomed when it became stuck in mud beyond the reach of would-be rescuers. Photo: British Divers Marine Life Rescue/Facebook

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue organisation has posted on its Facebook social media page this sad but expected update on a disorientated and injured pilot whale that found itself in Immingham Dock earlier in the week.  There is rarely a happy ending for whales that enter the Humber Estuary.

On  December 18, British Divers Marine Life Rescue received reports of a cetacean swimming near to the docks around Immingham. 

Video footage revealed the mammal  likely to be a pilot whale, with multiple injuries to its head and eyes.   

Marine Mammal Medics on scene were assisted by ABP to search for the mammal which had reportedly stranded and re-floated itself at least twice that morning.  

With nothing found on an extensive search, the rescue was postponed until further sightings came in. 

A few hours later, Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue reported the whale live-stranded a third time and  now trapped on the river bank.  

They provided regular updates on the animal's condition and assisted in risk assessing the situation.

The whale had become stuck in deep, unstable mud a considerable distance out into the Humber. 

The four-metre long whale was, lying on its left side half submerged in the mud.  

Visible injuries were consistent with recent repeated stranding.  

Conducting thorough assessments of any animal's condition is essential to determine suitability for rescue, including information such as any prior stranding and their species.  

Pilot whales notoriously strand in enormous groups, sometimes into the hundreds, a whole school may strand alongside one unwell member. 

Environments such as mud banks and estuaries present significant dangers to volunteers, not to be dismissed especially in deteriorating light.

Despite the diligent efforts of everyone involved to help the stranded mammal - and the exploration of all possible options - the whale sadly passed away.

At least its death was relatively quick.

The incident has been logged with Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme, and vigilance is now being maintained in case of further strandings of the same species along the East Coast.  

British Divers Marine Life Rescue extends its  immense gratitude to the efforts of Cleethorpes Coastguard and Humberside Fire & Rescue Service  for their  support and for providing safety cover to all.

It also thanks Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue and several other organisations, plus members of the public. for their support.

* British Divers Marine Life Rescue is a registered charity operating a national rescue response to stranded marine mammals.  Our phone lines are available 24/7, and can be contacted on; 01825765546. Supporting BDMLR Lincolnshire can be done here via a JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/BDMLRLincolnshire

Former doctors' surgery in Grimsby could become apartments if council gives planning green light

                                              

Could a new chapter open soon for Chantry Lane property?  

A FORMER  doctors' surgery in Grimsby could be converted to flats.

Local firm DEJ Developments has applied for planning permission to carry out both internal and external alterations at  the semi-detached villas which comprise 29-31 Chantry Lane.

Assuming consent is granted  and the work goes ahead, the project is set to create 11 self-contained flats.

There are four mature trees in the gardens but the developer has given an assurance that  these would remain.

It is thought to be at least 10 years since the property was occupied by a medical practice.

It was sold at a Savills auction in September this year, the hammer coming down at £149,000.

Tax driver parked his car on double yellow lines - then went to do his other job at a takeaway

                                                               

A SPOT-CHECK on taxis operating in North East Lincolnshire Council has revealed multiple shortcomings.

The random inspection carried out last Friday evening by Humberside Police and North East Lincolnshire Council officers  covered 38 drivers and 16 vehicles.

Today, NELC has published  the following:

* One driver was immediately suspended for having an illegal tyre

* One  driver was not carrying his badge

* One Hackney bubble was not working

* One unoccupied car was parked on double yellow lines while its driver  was working in a takeaway.

* One car was so dirty that neither door signs nor number plate could be seen

* One car where the plate was attached to the rear of the vehicle so dangerously that it had to be removed by the inspection police officer.

* Three cars  that were dirty and required new door signs.

The council’s licensing team is  responsible for issuing licences to new and continuing taxi drivers, and its officers  carry out extensive checks on the vehicles to ensure that they are roadworthy and meet  required standards.

Says Cllr Ron Shepherd, NELC's portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities: "Hackney Carriage drivers need to be aware of the regulations - and to adhere to them."

Where has the workforce gone? Progress on Cleethorpes homes project seems to have hit buffers

 

Storm clouds overhead? Work seems to have halted on new housing estate

PRE-Christmas uncertainty hangs over the future of the   housing development opposite Tesco Extra in Cleethorpes.

Some of the proposed 68 houses and 18 apartments have now been constructed, but no workmen have been seen on site for several days, prompting speculation that the project has been hit by some sort of glitch.

The developer of the 2.5-acre former farmland site was understood  to be Liverpool-based company YPG Development which secured the planning consent.

However, the extent of its continuing involvement, if any, is uncertain.

YPG's entrepreneurial boss, Ming Yeung, was also part of the consortium hoping to redevelop the former Pleasure Island theme park, though he is no longer listed as a director of YPG Fab2, one of its partners.

It is understood that the housing development has been supported by £18.3-million loan  from a London-based finance company.

                                          

Artist's impression of how the finished scheme might look

Parkway cinema boss: 'There is a lot going on in Freshney Place, and we can't wait to be part of it."

                                                                         

The Parkway Cinema in Cleethorpes aim also to become a 'living, breathing' breathing presence in the heart of Grimsby

AN upbeat note on Parkway Cinema's commitment to a  five-screen venture in Grimsby's Freshney Place has been sounded by owner Richard Parkes.

In a press release issued by North East Lincolnshire Council, Richard Parkes is quoted thus: "We have long discussed options for bringing a cinema to Grimsby.

"Reinventing Freshney Place is precisely the right approach. 

"Town centres are not just about shopping - that does not work anymore. 

"We need to provide more reasons to visit and offer more things to do at more times during the day, and that’s just what we’ve signed up for - to bring that to Grimsby."

Mr Parkes' comments are reassuring, particularly following recent speculation in the Grimsby News that he might be cooling on expanding into a remodelled top town.

His statement continues: "We will be a living, breathing presence right in the heart of the town, with a new cinema open to and accessible to everyone alongside a new market hall and food outlets. 

"It is just part of something that will improve the whole town centre for a new generation, alongside the youth zone and other areas of the town like St James Square and the Riverhead. 

"There is a lot going on, and we can’t wait to be part of it."

The development also includes plans for a new food hall together with an attached complementary market. 

Once the new market hall has been completed - within the old BHS store - prospective traders will be invited to explore what opportunities might be on offer.

Some opposition North East Lincolnshire councillors have expressed disquiet about the slow progress, but the administration says work  is expected to start on site "early in the New Year". 

In an unusual  move, a panel - with cross-party membership - will be set up shortly with a brief to  monitor 'key' regeneration projects in the borough.

Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue volunteer goes to aid of exhausted seabird on Humberston beach

                                                                    

The stricken bird - immobile on the sand and starting to attract the attention of passing dogs

PLAUDITS to the Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue team for going  to the aid of an exhausted seabird - thought to be a juvenile Red-throated Diver - on the Humberston Fitties beach at lunchtime today. 

A volunteer checked that it was not suffering from bird flu, then scooped it up in a net and gave its eyes and wings a quick check.

It was then taken away for tests, further feeding and recuperation pending its proposed release back into its natural home - the wide open seas - in time for Christmas.

All on its lonesome - the bird awaits its fate, good or bad

                                                                                        

Carefully does it - a Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue volunteer come to the bird's aid 

                                                                   

Happily, the wings seem to be OK - but the bird is taken away for further checks (and something to eat)

Fast food chain Nando's in frame for Grimsby launch once Freshney Place has been revamped

                                                                      
                                                             

South African multinational fast food chain Nando's could be one of the first tenants of  Freshney Place once this part of Grimsby has been remodelled. Since its first restaurant was launched in Johannesburg in 1987, the family-owned company has opened more than 1,200 outlets in 30 countries (including three in Hull). Its speciality dish is Portugese flame-grilled peri-peri chicken - hence the logo of a rooster.