It's high time the national media stopped 'trashing' Grimsby's East Marsh ward, say senior councillors

                                                      

The mayor - miffed by adverse publicity about his ward

STOP trashing Grimsby - and, in particular, the East Marsh ward!

That was the plea from two senior councillors at this week's full meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council.

In his regular progress update, council leader Cllr Philip Jackson (Con) said: "I am annoyed at the way Grimsby and the East Marsh have recently been portrayed in the national media."

He said Press reports did not reflect the "renewed optimism" and "real momentum" that were now prevailing in the borough - for instance, within the Freshney Place shopping centre, the west end of which is currently being refurbished.

The leader's sentiments were echoed by the mayor, Cllr Steve Beasant (Lib-Dem), who is one of three East Marsh councillors.

"I am fed up with my ward being trashed in national media," he declared. "Deprivation doubtless exists in every part of the country including the Royal Borough of Chelsea and Kensington."

This week, in a speech in the Commons, the Labour MP for Grimsby and Cleethorpes, Melanie Onn, also criticised recent media coverage of parts of the constituency. 

 

London here we come! Rail company bids to launch new direct service from Cleethorpes to capital

All aboard for London? Hopes grow for direct link from Cleethorpes

RAILWAY company Grand Central has today launched an application process for direct services between  Cleethorpes, Grimsby, Habrough, Scunthorpe and London.

The proposal will require rubber-stamping by the Office of the Railway Regulator, but, assuming there are no hitches, the service could launch by December next year.

Says Grand Central: "The application will  be welcomed by all those who have been campaigning for the reintroduction of direct rail links to London for the first time since 1992.

"If approved, the extended route will provide additional capacity and improved connectivity with four new return services per day and over 775,000 additional seats annually made available between Cleethorpes, Grimsby and London’s Kings Cross."

The company's managing director is Paul Hutchings who enthuses: "We are really  excited about this opportunity .

"If approved, these services will play a pivotal role in driving regional growth by linking underserved communities to key commercial opportunities, benefiting both local businesses and passengers."

The news has been welcomed by Brigg and Immingham MP Martin Vickers and Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn who have both campaigned vigorously for the direct link to be restored.

Says the latter: " A direct rail service between Cleethorpes and London would significantly boost our local economy.

"It has been an ongoing project for many years to try and re-establish the direct service and one that is backed by business, local leaders and the community as a whole."                                            

Busier times ahead? Grimsby Town railway station

Sharon to take hot seat as next chief executive of North East Lincolnshire Council

 

Sharon Root - 'vision and commitment'

SHARON Root will be next chief executive of North East Lincolnshire.

Currently the deputy chief executive, she will take the hot seat on June 1 in place of Rob Walsh who will step down from the post the previous day after 11 years at the helm.

Her appointment was confirmed at tonight's meeting of the full council.

"I have every confidence in her," said council leader Cllr Philip Jackson (Con, Waltham).

"Over the years she has proved herself as being a committed member of our senior team,  helping to guide the authority with both vision and commitment to ensure we can grow in a measured and sustainable way. 

"Her leadership will allow us to take stock, to continue our work and importantly give us time to look at the very best long-term future for North East Lincolnshire."

However, Ms Root's tenure of the role will be interim only and subject to review after 12 months.

This is because proposed re-organisation of local government within the next two to three years is expected to lead to the demise of NELC.

Ms Wroot, a qualified accountant, enjoyed a successful career in the private sector before joining North East Lincolnshire Council in 2010.

She has since fulfilled a number of senior roles including chief finance officer, executive director of place and resources and deputy chief executive.

Says Ms Wroot: "I take great pride in the work of everyone within this authority who, along with partners and stakeholders across business and the community, have a true focus on the transformation of our area while at the same time improving opportunities for all our residents.

"There is much work to do, and it is only by continuing this path that we will achieve lasting positive change.

"I should also like to take this opportunity to thank our present chief executive for his vision and his leadership. 

"Rob has set a path that I, along with my colleagues, will continue to follow."

At the meeting, a  note of dissent was sounded by Cllr Paul Henderson (Ind, Yarborough) who, while not opposing Ms Root, argued that other candidates should have been given the opportunity to apply for the post.

His comment was described as "perverse" by the council leader who said he was "disappointed" that it had been made.    

Council leader confirms continuing support for Ukraine in three-year conflict with Russia

 

To Ukraine with love - NELC standing firm

CONTINUING support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia was tonight sounded by North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson.

“I am proud that we continue to fly the flag over Grimsby Town Hall,” he told a full meeting of the council.

Since Russia’s invasion three years ago, a total of 122 Ukrainians have found refuge in 86 households.

Of these individuals, 37 have now left the area - and possibly the country - leaving 85 in 62 households.

There have been no new arrivals since December last year.

TV broadcaster Ashley John-Baptise in town to inspire all those who work with vulnerable children

                                            

Plaudits to all those people in  North East Lincolnshire who support vulnerable children across the borough. They are pictured in  Grimsby Town Hall earlier this week to hear an inspirational talk by TV broadcaster Ashley John-Baptise to coincide with World Social Work Day. During his childhood, the guest himself  spent a period in care.

The golden age of rail travel? Nikita's superb mural is an impressive addition to Cleethorpes Railway Station

 

Trains aplenty - the mural now adorning the inside of the ticket office at Cleethorpes Railway Station

Plaudits to former Franklin College pupil Nikita Spires for one of her latest murals - the one that adorns the inside of the ticket office at Cleethorpes Railway Station. Still only 25, Louth-based Nikita is one of the country's foremost wall painters.                                                   

Top talent - Nikita Spires

                                     

Police name North Sea collision ship skipper and say he will appear before magistrates tomorrow

                                                               

Schematic of last Monday's accident (photo: Fortuna imperatrix  mundi via Wikimedia Commons)

THE captain of the cargo ship that earlier this week crashed into a stationary oil tanker has been named.

He is Vladimir Motin (59), of Primorsky, St Petersburg, in Russia.

Humberside police say he has been charged with Gross Negligence Manslaughter and is due to appear before Hull magistrates tomorrow.

One of his crew - Filipino national Mark Angelo Pernia (38) - was lost and is feared to be dead following the collision in foggy conditions between the cargo ship, MV Solong, and the tanker, the MV Stena Immaculate, shortly before 11am on Monday.

The defendant's court appearance is likely to be brief, and it is not known if he will enter a plea.

He remains in police custody pending further investigations both by police and other agencies into the circumstances both leading up to the the collision and thereafter.

The  MV Solong - or what remains of the vessel - has been towed away from the scene of the accident off Withernsea in Yorkshire and is now moored four miles off the coast of Mablethorpe while the authorities and salvage personnel consider how next to proceed.