Pier Gardens update: Council has 'refined' designs and hopes to start 'renovation' in autumn

 

NELC keen to see refurbishment start this autumn

AN update on the proposal  to give a comprehensive makeover has today come from North East Lincolnshire Council. In a statement, it says:

An updated tender has been released for the construction work for the Government-funded Pier Gardens project in Cleethorpes.

The first tender exercise, issued earlier this year, was paused in May.

 Lots of questions were received about the scheme, showing a healthy interest from potential tenderers about the project.

As a result, the council took the decision to revise the tender documents and drawings to refine certain elements and make sure that prices received as a result of the new tender could be matched against each other for evaluation.

The designs show an array of different zones in the Gardens - from a small park for the skate community at the northern end, through water and woodland play zones in the middle to a quieter, more serene and contemplative area towards the Armed Forces Remembrance gardens.

Input from local people has helped to shape the designs, and some of the features in the gardens - from the inclusion of open spaces and play equipment to practical things like public foot washes and bicycle repair stations.

The local skate community was also involved in developing the design of the skate park area alongside international specialists, Betong Park, with all sorts of different elements included in the design.

The successful tenderer will be responsible for the overall Pier Gardens renovation works, including the landscaping and planting, as well as creating the different zones across the site and the skate park area at the northern end of the site.

The tender closes on 11 August, and works are expected to start in autumn.

Ports giant ABP in surprise swoop for Grimsby Seafood Village to help support UK food security

                                        

Long lease purchased for undisclosed price - Grimsby Seafood Village

PORTS operator ABP has today revealed a surprise swoop for the four-acre site of the Grimsby Seafood Village - the cluster of  fish processing firms located close to  the Humber Estuary.

The amount paid has not been disclosed but the company describes the purchase of the 125-year lease as a strategic investment aimed at  providing "future security and support for an important hub of UK food production".

The 70,000 square foot site comprises 21 units.

ABP regional director Andrew Dawes says: "The acquisition of the Grimsby Seafood Village strengthens our commitment to Keeping Britain Trading.

"It enhances our property portfolio with a vital hub for the UK’s seafood supply chain - supporting regional jobs, boosting food security, and anchoring long-term supply chain resilience in the heart of the Humber."

Pete Dalton and Gary Cadey, who created the 'village', have welcomed the purchase.

In their statement, they say: "The vision we had 15 years ago was to enable the merchants to remain on the dock area in a close community environment to enable them to work together in a modern facility.

"We feel that we achieved this  successfully and are happy to see our vision thrive in such a way that it should  continue well into the future. 

"We wish ABP and all the tenants our very best wishes as we now take a back seat and slow down a little."

Meanwhile, the chief executive of Grimsby Fish Merchants' Association  Simon Dwyer comments: "We  congratulate Associated British Ports on its acquisition.

"The FMA look forward to working with ABP in continuing to deliver a top-class processing and distribution facility."

In the Humber region, approximately 6,000 people are employed directly in the seafood processing sector which  supports a wider supply chain of more than  10,000 jobs. al and national demand.

Some 70 per cent of the UK’s seafood is said to be processed in Grimsby making it a critical hub for national food security.                                   

The on-site training facility

A place of beauty and enchantment - tiny park in central Grimsby is a secret wildlife reserve

                                                        

Ainslie Park - mini nature reserve in the heart of Grimsby

A LITTLE-known nature reserve in the heart of Grimsby will be in the spotlight on Saturday.

Experts will be recording what is believed to be a rich variety of wetland birds, plants, mammals, amphibians and insects.

It will also offer members of the public the opportunity for visitors to see the site and chat with local environmentalists about the park's importance.

Formerly a cemetery, Ainslie Park has partially flooded giving rise to permanent and temporary standing water which is fed by a blow-well.

This weekend's event has been initiated by The Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and is being promoted by North East Lincolnshire Council which says the findings will be valuable to its small ecology team in future management of the site.

Says NELC ecology manager Rachel Graham: "For the most part we like to leave our wildlife environments as undisturbed as possible to allow them to thrive naturally.

"As custodians of the wildlife and flora and fauna in our parks, however, it is vital that we carry out species recording on a regular basis, which also helps us to identify any areas that may need management.

"We are very happy to be teaming up again with the Lincolnshire Naturalists’ Union whose members will be  available to offer their views on how important sites like this are to the natural environment of the borough."

Saturday's event will take place between 10am and 4pm.

                                          

These trees in the park may be dead but they are likely to provide precious habitat for insects, birds and possible small bats

MP Melanie Onn in Commons challenge over spread of 'dodgy vape shops and unlicensed barbers'

                                                        

Melanie Onn: "My constituents are fed up." 

GRIMSBY and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn has spoken out in the 'Commons about  the proliferation of "dodgy vape shops and unlicensed barbers" in the constituency.

In a challenge to business and trade minister Gareth Thomas, she declared: "My constituents are fed up  with seeing high streets dominated by dodgy vape shops and unlicensed barbers. 

"While some of those businesses are legitimate, a recent BBC investigative report indicates that many are involved in money laundering and organised crime. 

"Obviously, the minister is aware of the situation, but is he working closely with the Home Office to try to tackle this blight? 

She insisted: "We need a national strategy."

The minister responded: "This is  a concern up and down the country. 

"The National Crime Agency and Home Office colleagues are seeking to take action against illegitimate businesses.

"My hon. Friend will recognise that Wednesday's  spending review announcement of additional police officers will help us with that activity."

In his own latest pronouncement on the subject, North East Lincolnshire Council's  portfolio holder for community safety, Cllr Ron Shepherd,  pinpointed Freeman Street as a  location for these pop-up businesses, but he noted that activity had "migrated": to St Peter's Avenue, Cleethorpes, The Willows, Waltham and beyond.

He expressed particular concern that single-use vapes were still being sold locally despite a ban hat came into force on June 1 this year.

However, there was nothing in planning regulations to prevent vacant shops from being converted to these new uses and nor was there a licensing system for vape shops.

However, he said NELC was working closely with the police and partner agents.

"We are exploring every avenue to tackle the issue,"he insisted."Where tough measures are available, we are determined to take them."

Portfolio holder: I will not resign - nor play 'blame game' - over Corporation Road Bridge fiasco

                                          

The good old days - the bridge before its closure more than two years ago 

'I WILL will not resign over the Corporation Road Bridge fiasco . . .

These are the defiant words of senior North East Lincolnshire Council cabinet member Stewart Swinburn.

"Resignation won’t solve the issues," declared the portfolio holder for transport and highways. "I will not walk away from a challenge."

When work started on the repairs in February 2023, the project was expected to be completed by 12 months later.

But last month the main contractor, Spencer Group, was fired and, as yet no firm has been appointed to complete the works.

Cllr Swinburn said he relied on the technical expertise of specialists  to guide his decisions. "It’s right to trust the experts," he insisted.

But the portfolio holder insisted he would not play the name game. 

"Pointing fingers doesn’t repair bridges," he continued. "I was elected to serve the community - not to sidestep challenges."

Without going into detail, Cllr Swinburn revealed that the decision to fire the main contractor had been  prompted after the authority "inside information".

The NELC administration’s position was defended by its leader, Cllr Philip Jackson.

"On the initial independent survey it had been impossible to detect the extent of  corrosion and degeneration in the structure," he declared.

He said the decision to axe the Hull-based main contractor been made when the council  heard word that not only was there likely to be an "escalation of costs" but also that the project would continue "well into next year".

Both councillors apologised for the delays and expressed frustration about what has happened.

They said the search to find a new contractor would continue "at pace".

In the meantime, sub-contractors are being kept up to speed and scaffolding and security remain in place.

NELC launches investigation following scary Cleethorpes incident involving chemical spray buggie

Bark Street - where the incident occurred

AN investigation is underway after a disturbing  early-morning incident on a Cleethorpes street.

As she was stepping out of the front door of her home on Bark Street with her eight-year-old daughter, a mum says she was almost struck by a buggie whose North East Lincolnshire Council operative had been spraying the pavement with a herbicide.

The woman describes the incident thus: "My daughter and I narrowly avoided being hit by a mobile sprayer while exiting our home. 

"Our front door opens directly onto the street, and the vehicle was travelling far too fast and in very close proximity to residential doorways. 

"I attempted to signal to the operator to stop, but it appears I was either not seen or ignored. 

"The speed at which the vehicle was travelling was significantly above walking pace and highly inappropriate for such a close, residential setting.

"Had we stepped out seconds earlier, there could have been a tragic accident."

The 44-year-old continues: "I am also concerned about potential exposure to the chemical, which I assume to be Glyphosate.

"This incident was extremely distressing, and I hope immediate steps will be taken to review safety procedures and operator training."

It is understood NELC has contacted the resident, expressing regret for the incident.

A spokesperson commented: "We should  like to assure everyone that the council  is looking into the matter thoroughly."

Bid to regenerate former Cleethorpes police station site could be scuppered by flooding concerns

Attractive property - the old police station dates back almost 100 years

A CRUNCH decision on the future of the former police station on Princes Road, Cleethorpes, could be made at a North East Lincolnshire Council planning meeting tomorrow, Wednesday June 10.

A consortium of builders - Land Developers (Lincs) Ltd - is keen to regenerate the property  and adjacent buildings - with an ambitious refurbishment  project.

This would involve partial demolition of the attractive-looking station, which dates back to 1932, and rejigging what remains so as to incorporate 10 apartments, then to build 11 houses on the rest of the 0.44-hectare site.

However, there have been many objections from nearby residents fearful of intense pressure on street parking spaces.

At the planning meeting, councillors will be recommended to refuse the application.

They have received an officer's  report which states: "While it is considered that the proposed development does provide regeneration benefits and housing in a sustainable urban location, the proposal is not acceptable in regard to flood risk as it would not be safe in a flood event." 

Land and buildings behind the police station