Clearance of seafront maze has opened up views of estuary - but where have all the songbirds gone?

 

Removal of the maze has opened up a spacious view of the Humber Estuary - but at what cost to nature? 

The clearance of a long-established hedge maze on Cleethorpes seafront has prompted anger among some residents.

Although it had become dated as a leisure attraction, the privet maze was still popular with young children.

On social media, there have also been protests that, for songbirds such as robins, wrens and blackbirds, the hedge has long been a precious all-year roosting habitat because it is cool on hot nights and provides shelter on cold nights.

These birds have now been displaced as might also be the case with certain privet-loving  pollinating insects (and, if any still survive on the foreshore, possibly hedgehogs, too).

North East Lincolnshire Council has not said  if the hedges, which were taken out by their roots, will be accommodated elsewhere.

The controversial action  marks an   early phase of a project to revamp the whole length of Pier Gardens.

It is thought the space will be paved over to provide a viewing rostrum for organisers of air shows and other seafront events - and for their VIP guests.

It is not known if objections were raised by any of the three Croft Baker ward councillors or by any members of NELC's tourism scrutiny panel.

The maze as it always was - until the start of this week 

Countdown to the July 4, 2024, General Election - the full list of candidates for two local constituencies

                                                           

Grimsby Auditorium where the counts will be held and the results will be announced

SEVEN candidates have thrown their hats into the ring for the Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes constituency in next month's General Election.

In alphabetical order, they are:

* Ed Fraser - Green Party

* Oliver Freeston - Reform UK

* Mark Gee - Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition 

* John Lawson - Liberal Democrats

* Lia Nici - Conservative Party

* Melanie Onn - Labour Party

* Chris Stephenson - Social Democratic Party (SDP)

Meanwhile, the five candidates for the Brigg and Immingham seat are: 

* Najmul Hussain - Labour Party

* Paul Ladlow - Reform UK

* Eleanor Rylance - Liberal Democrats

* Martin Vickers - Conservative Party

* Amie Watson - Green Party

Both constituencies are newly created in the wake of boundary changes.

Campaigning is in full swing, and household letter boxes have seldom been busier.

Polling is on July 4, with the counts for both seats due to take place at the Grimsby Auditorium on the same night.

Mammoth housing development would swell population of Immingham - but will it be approved?

A new 'community' for Immingham?  Beal Homes Chief Executive Richard Beal, left, and Land Director Chris Murphy 

MORE details have emerged of a proposed new housing development on the outskirts of Immingham.

Hessle-based Beal Homes already have outline planning permission, dating back to 2019, to build more than 500 homes on a 57-acre farmland site at Highfield House, off Stallingborough Road.

The firm has now said that the properties will comprise 525 in total as follows:

* 170 two-bedroom houses

* 304 three-bedroom houses 

* 51 four bedroom-houses

But there is one last hurdle to clear.

At a meeting next Wednesday, June 12, the £1-5-million project still need  to be rubber-stamped  by North East Lincolnshire Council planning meeting.

It is being recommended for approval by the planning case officer, but committee members have also been asked to give due to consideration to numerous objections from residents in

* Talbot Road

* Pilgrims Way

* Mull Way

* Paddock Court

* Tummel Court

* Jasmine Way

* Holbeck Place

* Princess Street

* Bluestone Lane

* Spinney Close

* Thornton Place

* Stallingborough Road

* Lundy Court

* Margaret Street

They have objected on the following grounds:

* Lack of infrastructure (such as dentists and doctors)i

* Traffic generation and highway safety

* Impact on drainage and flood risk

* Impact on ecology

* Impact on public rights of way;

* Impact on the overall character of Immingham

There has also been a call from a Boston-based conservationist  for the installation in some of the properties of  nestbricks for swifts - a bird in  decline in North East Lincolnshire, partly through loss of nesting habitat.

Writes campaigner Barry Hancock: "Swifts are in trouble. The UK has seen numbers plummeting with steep declines since the 1990s.

"Anything you can do to encourage developers and applicants to incorporate swift bricks into building plans could be precious."

Richard Beal, Chief Executive of East Yorkshire-based Beal, comments: "This application sets out our plans to bring hundreds of much-needed, high-quality new homes to Immingham.

"It represents a major vote of confidence in the housing market in the town and the wider area. We see Immingham as a place with strong pent-up demand for new homes as well as potential for further growth, driven by major investment on the south bank of the Humber.

"We propose to deliver this development over coming years, meaning we will be investing millions of pounds into the area year after year, creating new jobs in construction and supporting services.

"The plans are for a wide range of properties, including starter homes that will enable local first-time buyers to take their first step onto the housing ladder."

The development is less than a 10-minute walk into Immingham town centre, which has a wide range of services, including retail, leisure, hospitality and healthcare facilities, with direct access via an existing footpath. It is also within easy walking distance of bus stops, with regular services to Grimsby.

Beal Land Director Chris Murphy said: "We have worked closely with planning officers at North East Lincolnshire Council and other key stakeholders to develop and refine these proposals.

"The development will offer a natural extension to existing housing in Immingham and will enhance the quality, availability and choice of homes in the town."

What about the swifts?

Beal says its policy is to "create the places that enhance and protect the environment", but, alas, there is no provision in the plans for installation of nestbricks.

How the Grimsby area - including Immingham - played vital part in D-Day campaign to liberate Europe

 

How the Grimsby Evening Telegraph reported the momentous events on the front page of its edition of  June 6, 1944

On June 6, 1944, approximately 156,000 Allied soldiers landed on the shores of Normandy to open the campaign to liberate German-occupied north-east Europe. In a thoroughly-researched press release, North East Lincolnshire Council has pieced together information (below) revealing the contribution that was made by local people to this momentous day in history.

From using former Grimsby fishing vessels to personnel from RAF Waltham, the borough played a major role in the events that unfolded on D-Day. 

The trawler, Grimsby Town, was repurposed as an escort vessel on the day of the landings after having been employed  as an anti-submarine vessel earlier in  the war.

In total, 12 ships from Grimsby and Immingham took part in the Allied invasion. 

Loaded with food, medical supplies, ammunition and other materials, the ships sailed to Normandy to help maintain the Allied foothold. 

The ports also received wounded soldiers and prisoners of war from the battlefields following the invasion.

 A number of local bases, including Holton-Le-Clay and Laceby, were used to help train and accommodate soldiers in preparation for the landings. 

Many local aerodromes also played a part in the invasion of Normandy, including Waltham and North Killingholme. 

Indeed, a Lancaster from 550 Squadron at North Killingholme, Bad Penny II, is credited with dropping the first stick of bombs on the Normandy beaches.

Grimsby’s Corporation Bridge was used to prepare some troops for the D-Day landings. 

The bridge was similar in design to the one that spanned the Caen Canal in Normandy which the Allies intended to capture.

The capture of the bridge was vital to the success of D-Day, as its possession would prevent German armoured units attacking the eastern flank of the Allied forces landing at Sword Beach.

The operation proved to be a triumph of planning, and both the bridge over the Caen Canal (subsequently known as Pegasus Bridge) and the nearby bridge over the River Orne were captured.

One of the men who helped to defend Pegasus Bridge from German counter attacks was Frederick Henry Hanslip of the Royal Engineers. He was born in the East Marsh area of Grimsby.

In commemoration of what happened 80 years ago, a moment of reflection will take place on the steps of Grimsby Town Hall at 10:00 am on the morning of Thursday  June 6.

North East Lincolnshire's Mayor, Cllr Steve Beasant, will be hosting a civic service of commemoration at the Church of St Mary on the Sea on Heneage Road, Grimsby. 

The service will be starting at 6pm and the Vice Lord Lieutenant, Andrew Clarke, and the Assistant Naval Regional Commander, Lt Jon Aylett, will also be in attendance.  

Members of the public are more than welcome to attend the service and are asked to be seated by 5:50 pm.

There will also be a display of work from the children of St Mary’s School on display within the church.

In Cleethorpes, the Armed Forces Events Management Team will be  lighting a beacon at 9.15pm on June 6  June at The Knoll, Cleethorpes.

Will proposed car park spell end of free-for-all that has long been a bugbear outside Toll Bar Academy?

Some residents of the new estate are unhappy about having this grassy site earmarked for  a car park so close to their homes

A DECISION is expected next week on a proposed new car park on a busy New Waltham road.

At a meeting next Wednesday June 12, councillors are due to determine whether to grant planning consent for the  54-vehicle development opposite Toll Bar Academy on Station Road.

If approved, it is hoped the new parking site might reduce the sometimes dangerous  parking mayhem that currently exists on this road.

It is hoped the scheme might  also discourage those wily parents who - to the dismay of residents - have been making use of the new Barratts housing estate, known as Wigmore Park, as a drop-off and pick-up point for their children.

The new car park would be  illuminated and accommodate EV charging points and space for motorcycles.

There could also be some modest landscaping in the form of hedge planting.

If the scheme is approved, a traffic regulation order will be introduced to make it unlawful for motorists to park on Station Road in the vicinity of the school.

According to a report, the new car park would  be managed and maintained by North East Lincolnshire Council - to include including cleansing, monitoring and inspection. 

Hours of operation would be from 07:00hrs to 18:00hrs which would prevent longer stays especially overnight. 

The drop-off area - to be separate from the car park -  would be restricted and only used between 08:00hrs to 09:00hrs and pick up between 15:00hrs to 16:00hrs.

These restrictions would be managed by civil enforcement officers. 

The report states: "The area would be restricted for use after the closing time by means of restrictive safety barriers at the access points to prevent unauthorised use, potential anti-social behaviour and resultant noise and disturbance. 

"The final details of the barriers, pay and display machines and height restrictors are to be provided prior to installation."

However, some Wigmore Park residents are unhappy with the proposal.

Concerns have been expressed about management and responsibility, potential anti-social behaviour, impact on biodiversity requirements, increased traffic congestion, exhaust fume pollution and safety.

The application is being recommended for approval by the planning case officer.

Will proposed new car park end the build-up of parked cars on Station Road

                                             

Proposal for children's care home in quiet Waltham-area village likely to be given planning thumbs-up

                                                 

The five-bedroomed house is set to become a children's care home

IT looks like the planning green light will be given for a two-storey semi-detached house  to be converted to a children's care home  in  Barnoldby-le-Beck.

Other householders in Beck Farm Mews have objected on the grounds firstly of loss of parking and secondly that the property has only a small back garden for children to play in.

There has also been concern about the potential for antisocial behaviour.

But when North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee meets on Wednesday of next week (June 12), members will be recommended to approve the application.

Says case officer Owen Toop: "The proposal seeks to maintain a residential use in a residential area albeit of a different use class. 

"The overall intensity of the use of the site would not significantly change to what may reasonably be expected at a dwelling house. 

"It is not considered that there would be any significant impacts on the neighbouring properties' residential amenities or additional harm to highway safety, amenity or crime. 

"The general appearance of the property would not be altered and so the visual character of the area would not be harmed. 

"Finally the safety of the children has been considered acceptable by the police."

The change-of-use application has been submitted by the firm, Gravity Red Inspires, which describes itself as a "residential children's home and adult supported living provider".

"We are dedicated to providing a nurturing and safe environment  where individuals can grow and thrive," they say.

"Our staff are passionate about supporting all individuals and providing them with respect, and love. 

"They strive to make a positive difference in the lives of the people they serve."

Their Barnoldby-le-Beck project would accommodate three resident children, aged 10 to 17, with two non-resident care staff working on a duty rota of 8am to 10.30pm.

Bank's unusual request to council planners - please phone first if you're planning a site visit

 

External changes planned outside bank's Victoria Street premises

HSBC Bank has warned North East Lincolnshire planners that they must secure "advance approval" if they want to carry out a site visit of its premises on Victoria Street, Grimsby.

The bank is currently applying for external alterations  and is aware that planners might want to view the premises before making their decision.

Their message states: "Please note that advance approval is required before a site visit - even if the visit is only to the outside of the branch. 

"Due to heightened awareness of criminality around bank branches, staff will spot and report incidents of suspicious activity to the local constabulary.

"To avoid any undue interaction with the police please call us to arrange a visit. 

"Three working days’ notice is required to ensure the visit can be arranged with all internal parties."

The alterations sought by the bank include 

* Installation of a replacement cash machine

* Replacement signage

* Installation of a new external Panasonic CCTV camera

HSBC says the appearance of the property will "not be negatively affected by this application".

It is likely that the application will be determined later this summer by a single planning case officer without the need for consideration by the council's planning committee - or a site visit.