Every drop counts - Anglian Water chief's go-steady-on-use-of- water plea to customers

                                     

Nothing drastic (so far) Water levels have been falling at Covenham Reservoir between Cleethorpes and Louth 

DOES a hosepipe ban (and/or  other restrictions on water use) beckon in North East Lincolnshire?

Despite yesterday's rainfall in many parts of the borough, Anglian Water said controls could yet be enforced not just here but throughout its regions which covers much of eastern England.

According to the company, this week's rain did boost reservoir levels but "uncertainty over the future forecast means a hosepipe ban could still be needed this summer".

Says AW's director of water services Ian Rule: "The East of England is the driest part of the country, so we’re used to seeing a lack of rainfall in our region and we plan accordingly. 

"Our focus on leakage, and the investment we’ve put in place to give us resilience in the face of climate change has helped to delay the need for restrictions.

"However, the last few months have been exceptionally dry, even by our standards." 

He continues: "River levels had been looking very low following the historically dry spring - the driest for 100 years -  but they have responded better than expected to recent rainfall. 

"There is also some rain in the forecast over the coming weeks which, if it materialises, could provide further welcome respite.

"However, the forecast is far from certain, so we are closely monitoring the situation.

"If the exceptionally dry weather does continue, then restrictions might still be needed this summer."

Mr Rule goes on: "We don’t want to put restrictions in place unnecessarily, but protecting the environment and the vital agricultural sector in the region in the face of such unusually dry conditions means leaving as much water in the environment as possible.

"We have to strike a careful balance." 

What is the state of play on leaks? 

Anglian claims it has the lowest level of leakage in the industry, but, because water pipes are at greater risk of shifting and rupturing in dry ground, there has been an increase in incidents.

According to Mr Rule, the company has  been working round the clock to fix leaks and bursts, with more than 250 people dedicated to managing and reducing leakage. 

He says: "We aim to out £10-million into reducing leakage this year.

"Over the next five years, we will be renewing more than1,000 km of pipes in our network - 170km of which will be renewed this year." 

The water chief concludes: "We are really grateful to everyone who has played their part by using a little less water.

"We are asking customers to continue to do their bit - even small changes can make a big difference." 

NELC issues appeal to drone enthusiasts: 'Don't get too close to roosting or feeding shorebirds'

 

Irresponsible use of a drone over the rock armour off North Promenade, Cleethorpes, a favourite roosting spot for gulls and other birds

DRONE enthusiasts are being urged not to fly the devices over areas of Cleethorpes and Humberston  beach and saltmarsh where they may disturb wildlife - particularly birds.

Between next month and March, our stretch of the northern Lincolnshire coastline will be feeding and roosting habitat for scores of thousands of  shorebirds, such as godwits, plovers and wild geese.

But they can be spooked by drones which they probably deem to be predators. 

North East Lincolnshire Council has today issued a statement which reads: "Forcing birds to take flight while  they are resting or  feeding is very disruptive - it can even affect breeding in the following season.

"Indeed, excessive disturbance can lead to exhaustion and death." 

Says NELC's portfolio holder for the environment, Cllr Henry Hudson: "Drones are becoming more and more popular as a means of getting literally a bird’s eye view of an event or a location.

"We have no objection to licensed drone use, but we do urge people to make sure they refrain from causing any unnecessary disturbance to our birds and wildlife., or accidents because of them."

NELC has published an advice leaflet at:  NELC-Use-of-Drones.docx

                                                        

Drone being flown over the fringes of the pools at Humberston Fitties 

Disused church in Humberston could be converted to a house if NELC planners give their blessing

           

A new future beckons for the former Wesleyan church on Humberston Avenue in Humberston. On behalf of a client, architect David Ettridge has submitted proposals to convert the attractive 1907-built property to a dwelling. As many of the original features as possible would be retained but the project would also include installation of solar panels and rooflights. Ahead of a decision by North East Lincolnshire Council on whether to grant planning consent, the village council has expressed support for the application subject to it being used by a single family and not as a house in multiple occupation. The property is understood to be in "very good" condition. (Photos: David Ettridge)                          

To spray or not to spray (with poisonous chemical Glyphosate)? That is the question for NELC's cabinet

Spraying in progress in Pier Gardens - the operator is wearing protective equipment, but not the members of the public 

                                                         

THE widespread but controversial use of a toxic herbicide within many North East Lincolnshire open spaces will come under the spotlight at this week's meeting of the council's cabinet.

Members will determine whether to cease applying Glyphosate (often sold under the name, Roundup) to certain green and leafy parts of the borough.

The discussion, scheduled for the meeting on Wednesday, has been prompted by a 21,268-signature  petition from a Cleethorpes resident.

She expressed concern that applications of the poison were not just killing wildflowers but causing loss of foraging habitat both for songbirds, such as Robins and Wrens, and for  bees, butterflies and other important pollinating insects.

The chemical, which has also been linked to cases of cancer in humans, will be banned within all EU countries at the end of this year, but its application will remain permissible in the UK up until December 15 next year.

A report to the meeting states: "It is recommended that cabinet  agrees the principle of carrying out  a range of low-cost or no-cost trials including the cessation of spraying altogether in identified locations in wards across North East Lincolnshire." 

However, this is a much-diluted version of the recommendation of a scrutiny panel which, in February, urged that the council should fully phase out Glyphosate in parks and open spaces but retain use on highways and paths until a cost-effective option is available.

It is understood that some NELC chiefs, both councillors and officers, are nervous about the recommended restrictions on use of poison for fear of public dissatisfaction - and a lot of flak -  about the extent of weed growth and the potential impact both on infrastructure and aesthetically. 

The report to cabinet continues:

"Weeds are controlled 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."

It continues: "At the current time, a change from the methodology for weed control is likely either to  increase costs significantly or reduce the impact of weed control methods. 

"It is envisaged that strimming would require an additional 30 staff at a revenue cost of £1.3-million per year.  

"The capital cost of additional mechanised sweeper vehicles is estimated at £950,000, with additional annual revenue costs of £260,00. 

"Foamstream, which may be suitable for play areas, will require equipment at an annual cost of £17,000 per item of kit.  

"A reduction in the effectiveness of weed control may present other financial challenges such as detrimental impacts on infrastructure." 

However, on the other side of the coin, the report's author notes: "Our environmental strategies aim to improve the environment for the benefit of both current and future generations. 

"Children and young people are especially concerned about our environment, and it is essential to engage with them on these matters."

Spray and go! The bases of the trees on Taylors Avenue, Cleethorpes, would provide habitat for wildflowers and foraging bees and butterflies were it not for the deadly chemical

Those were the days - a roadside verge in Grimsby before the council's spray-team got to work

The Grimsby News says: Chemical spraying is obviously harmful to nature - that’s its purpose after all. But it is understandable why council chiefs are seemingly reluctant to authorise a full ban on the use of Glyphosate. If unwanted flowers, however scarce, beautiful or butterfly-friendly, start sprouting on pavements and in roadside gutters, there will undoubtedly be protests from the public. Angry letters from residents will soon pour into the Grimsby Telegraph and flood social media. But, in the meantime, the practice of spraying under every highways tree or hedgerow should surely cease forthwith. Not only is it ecologically damaging but it is also expensive - not just the cost of the poison but also the wages of the operative who could be more usefully deployed elsewhere.

£800 hammer price for handsome painting by Sheffield-born former Grimsby Town footballer

 

This painting by former Grimsby Town footballer John Trickett  sold for £800 at a sale of British, European and Sporting Art conducted yesterday by Tennants of Leyburn in North Yorkshire. Sheffield-born Trickett (73) may not have hit the high spots as a footballer, but he is held in high regard as an artist. The hammer price was at the bottom end of the pre-sale estimate of £800 to £1,200. 

Big-name retailer poised to sign up for ground-floor of former House of Fraser store in Freshney Place

       

A new future beckons for the former House of Fraser store which closed six years ago

A NATIONALLY-known retailer is poised to take out a lease on most of the ground floor of the former  House of Fraser store in Grimsby's Freshney Place.

At next Wednesday's cabinet meeting, members will be recommended to approve the letting of the NELC-owned building  subject to terms being finalised.

This may involve the council, which acquired the property for £350,000 in 2023, making a hefty "contribution" towards refurbishment of the property.

This could be as much as  £3.8-million - a sum thought to have been diverted from the  Grimsby Library refurbishment scheme which has controversially been scrapped.

And it is likely to be another two years before the ground floor of the former department store reopens for business in its new guise.

Details of the proposed deal - including the identity of the "nationally recognised" retailer - are mostly  being kept under wraps on grounds of confidentiality, but some information is revealed in a report to councillors.

This states:  "Principal negotiations have now been concluded with a well-known retail tenant for the majority of the ground floor of the former HoF. 

"This includes for the council to undertake works to the property in advance of  July 15, 2027 in readiness for handover to the tenant.  

"The ground floor, which has frontages both to the shopping mall and to Victoria Street, is the key aspect of the building.

"The proposed letting will enhance a hitherto unoccupied building,  contribute to the wider regeneration of the town centre, complement ongoing projects and improve investor confidence."

Meanwhile, elsewhere in Freshney Place, NELC says principal negotiations have now been concluded for two further "well-known" leisure-based anchor tenants.

It says these will complement the previously signed deals with Parkway Cinemas and Starbucks,

Supermarket chain Lidl UK sees a bright future for Pleasure Island site if proposed revamp goes ahead

 

The former theme park for which Lidl UK has high hopes if redevelopment proceeds

DISCOUNT retailer Lidl UK has again banged the drum for its proposed store on part of the site of the former Pleasure Island in Cleethorpes.

Lidl is believed to be heading the three-party consortium  which is seeking to redevelop the long-abandoned former theme park.

In its latest submission to North East Lincolnshire Council planners, it states (through Lichfields, its agents): "The proposed new Lidl and other retail units would have a significant positive impact upon local consumer choice. 

"Currently, the only foodstore of any significant size in Cleethorpes is Tesco Extra superstore at Hewitts Circus.

"Whilst there are some clothing and footwear operators at Meridian Point, the majority of non-food provision in Cleethorpes Town Centre comprises smaller scale, independent stores. 

"The proposed new uses on the Pleasure Island site would therefore enhance the accessibility and availability of food and non-food retailing both to  local residents and to tourists/other visitors to the area - including those staying at the proposed holiday lodges and those at nearby Thorpe Park.

"In doing so, they would therefore help to ‘claw back’ expenditure which is currently leaking out of Cleethorpes to  stores in Grimsby. 

"Such stores include Lidl and Aldi foodstores at Ladysmith Road and Cleethorpes Road, and superstores operated by Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco. 

"In doing so, the proposals would help to relieve the pressure on existing discount foodstores in Grimsby, all of which are performing strongly, at levels significantly above their respective company averages. "

"The proposals would also claw-back spending from stores at Alexandra Dock, Victoria and High Point Retail Parks in Grimsby, and, to a lesser extent, those in Grimsby Town Centre itself."

Would a Lidl at Pleasure Island weaken trade at Cleethorpes Town Centre food outlets such as  the  Co-op and Sainsbury’s on St Peter's Avenue as well as those within local centres  such as those (including Spar stores) at Humberston, New Waltham, Trinity Road, Middlethorpe Road, Sandringham Road and Hardy’s Road?

Lidl doubts this, maintaining that these  shops are focused upon meeting day-to-day top-up and more specialist shopping needs, and would not face direct competition with those at the proposed new retail uses at Pleasure Island.   

It further states that the two  new hotels being proposed at Pleasure Island would enhance the range and choice of visitor accommodation in the Cleethorpes area, which, it states, "is currently focused upon smaller, independent hotels and caravan and chalet-style accommodation on holiday parks". 

Lidl continues: "In doing so, the development - including the proposed conference centre - would help to consolidate and enhance the town’s status 

"The scheme would have a positive impact in terms of enhancing local consumer choice, and the range and choice of retail, leisure and hotel provision accessible to residents of, and tourists/other visitors to, Cleethorpes."

The other three named parties in the consortium are  Liverpool-based YPG FAB 2 Ltd and locally-based Seaside Getaways Ltd and Church Lane Humberston Ltd, but  Lidl seems to be the one calling most of the shots.

It is thought NELC planners could determine the long  drawn-out application  before the end of this year. 

* German-owned Lidl Lidl has been developing stores throughout the UK since 1994 and currently operates almost 1,000 stores nationwide. It says it is able to offer "high-quality products at low prices as a result of cross-European bulk buying power, and an efficient approach to store format, staffing levels and management". A typical Lidl store will offer circa 3,000 product lines and, although this may increase slightly in future (up to about 4,000), this is still significantly lower than the typical range of 20,000-plus lines in a superstore operated by one of the big four convenience retailers. Subject to seasonal variation, Lidl stores dedicate around 20 per cent of retail floorspace to the sale of non-food items. A typical  Lidl store provides up to 40 (full time equivalent) jobs.