It's back to school for Great Grimsby MP Lia Nici as she fields questions from sixth-form pupils

 

Some 200 pupils attended the presentation by Grimsby's MP

GREAT Grimsby MP Lici Nici has tweeted this photograph of her giving a presentation to sixth-form pupils at Grimsby's Franklin College yesterday. 

Afterwards, she fielded a range of questions - some of them toughies - on fishing, the economy, adult social care and other subjects.

She said later: "It was great to attend - the young audience was really switched on, and I look forward to returning in future for further sessions."

Ms Nici has a good rapport with teenagers and is a former lecturer at Grimsby Institute.

Bird and badger headaches are driving Pleasure Island redevelopment consortium completely batty

                                                                            

Plenty of homes for bats - to dismay of developers!

THE discovery of bats breeding and roosting in several of the derelict buildings at the former Pleasure Island theme park in Cleethorpes is causing a headache for the consortium that wants to redevelop the site.

Work cannot proceed until the buildings have been removed, but it is illegal to disturb bats which are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

In a preliminary statement of intention, agents for the consortium - led by Lidl supermarket chain - says: "Measures will be put in place to address impacts on bats.

"These will include provision of on-site roosts and dark corridors within a landscaping scheme to provide suitable alternative habitat."

The documents adds: "A Natural England Licence will be obtained to enable demolition of the buildings and limit impacts on bats."

The consortium has plans to redevelop the seafront site with a supermarket, a drive-thru coffee shop, holiday lodges and two hotels.

But it faces other wildlife obstacles - including the presence of a badger sett.

Says the consortium: "It is intended to retain the existing badger sett if possible.

"During construction a 30-metre buffer would be placed around the sett to limit disturbance.

"Foraging opportunities would be retained to allow movement through the site and to provide escape routes from excavation. 

"If required (based on results of further surveys) a Natural England Licence will be obtained." 

Since the theme park ceased operation, Pleasure Island has become what is known an 'accidental' nature reserve, home also to water voles, possibly some reptiles and numerous songbirds, including many species of warbler and cuckoos.

The consortium insists these creatures will also be safeguarded by means of new habitat creation and provision of "nesting oppportunities".

The consortium hopes to submit a formal planning application for redevelopment later this winter.

Residents encouraged to take part in Grimsby town centre walk to highlight violence against women

AN evening walk taking place in Grimsby on Friday will be part  of  a national Reclaim These Streets campaign launched in the wake of the murder of Sarah Everard.

The event, arranged by the Violence against Women and Girls Group, is aimed at empowering those who may feel vulnerable when walking alone.

North East Lincolnshire Council’s Community Safety team is supporting the event and encouraging residents to take part.

The circular walk will start and end at Grimsby Town Hall. The route will follow pavements around the town centre and is approximately two miles long.

Says NELC's portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, Cllr Ron Shepherd: "Nobody should be unsafe when out walking, and we’re supporting this event to encourage more people to have the confidence to feel safer on our streets.

"The short walk will be an opportunity to really show solidarity with women and girls everywhere and to demonstrate that we will not stand for violence in our communities."

The walk starts at 5.30pm on Friday 25 November and will finish at the town hall with a hot drink. 

Proud moment for successful Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme participants as they receive certificates from the Mayor

The Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Cllr Steve Beasant, is pictured earlier this week at Grimsby Town Hall with some of those  young people from across the borough following their success in achieving bronze or silver  Duke of Edinburgh Award certificates as a result of a range of enterprising voluntary feats. Those  who go on to complete their gold awards will be invited to attend a ceremony in London hosted by HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex.

* More reports at https://grimsbynews.blogspot.co.uk

Safety first as steel mesh 'carpeting' is tacked on to footbridge in Cleethorpes country park

 

Pictured is a North East Lincolnshire Council contractor securing a steel mesh 'carpet' to  one of the bridges in Cleethorpes country park. The aim is to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists because the wooden slats can become dangerously slippery, especially after rain or frost.

* More reports at: 

http://www.grimsbynews.blogspot.co.uk/.

Turn down the volume! Is it time for crackdown on town centre buskers and amplified music?

                                                  

A shop of rare heritage and distinction - G.Hewitt & Son

THE proprietor of one of Grimsby's longest established retailers has called for a crackdown on buskers in the town centre - especially those with high-amplification  equipment.

Reflecting on the proposed makeover for the town centre, Jonathan Hewitt, of G.Hewitt & Son jewellery shop on Victoria Street, says: "Is it possible to create a quiet zone in our location where the street is narrow and the buildings tall? 

"Is there legislation that could be enforced to prevent amplified music in the town centre? 

"Over the years, our quiet shop has been plagued by street buskers, the worst offenders with large amplifiers. How loud is too loud?"

The G.Hewitt & Son retail jewellery business has traded in Victoria Street for 151 years, originally at No. 80, but  at No.10 since 1939.

Mr Hewitt says the plans  for  redevelopment of the town centre "look amazing" and hopes the  landlords of empty shops near to his own will spruce up their properties to attract new tenants.

In an email to North East Lincolnshire Council planners, he further says he would welcome improved control of the pedestrianisation area with clearer 'no cycling' signage.

"We understand previously the highways department had not amended the usage during the planning stage of the pedestrianisation, making it not possible to prosecute cyclists."

He further calls for the relevants authorities to address anti-social behaviour which he describes as being "out of control" in the town centre.

* More reports at www.Grimsbynews.blogspot.co.uk