Future of historic Grimsby buildings to be considered
An in-depth report into future options for three historic buildings along Grimsby’s Eleanor Street has been received by North East Lincolnshire Council.
The authority is now considering the ‘options appraisal’ into the possible future of Numbers 5, 7 and 9. Numbers 7 and 9, the latter being the former Art College, are Grade II Listed and the whole site sits within the Holme Hill Conservation area.
Despite the properties being privately owned the appraisal was commissioned in the summer of 2022 by North East Lincolnshire Council and Historic England as dialogue continues with the buildings’ owner about a way forward. It followed well publicised issues with vandalism, intruders, and arson attacks.
The authority is now starting the process of examining the major report, which was carried out by Property Regeneration experts Aspinall Verdi along with a team including architects, engineers, and cost consultants.
The council will engage with the owner and stakeholders, a lead body being Historic England, to examine the recommended options and seeks to reach a conclusion as to the best way to progress, stressing that “doing nothing is not an option” for the landowner.
The report looks at what could be achieved with regards to grant awards, along with examining the financial implications surrounding the buildings’ future use. It does reference demolition, but due to the structures’ historic importance, it adds that Historic England would be highly unlikely to consider this option without much greater consideration of potential uses for the preserved structures.
It is also confirmed that a further security study of the site has been commissioned and received by Historic England, in conjunction with North East Lincolnshire Council, and shared with the landowner. Recommendations around urgent safety works to secure the site, protect the buildings and reduce risk to people are set out within it.
North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “It is important that we work with the appropriate organisations to look at our options thoroughly and make the right decisions. This will be done over the coming months in the hope that we can reach a conclusion and move forward.
“This is what we want for the residents around Eleanor Street who we know have suffered in the wake of issues created by these buildings and their worsening state of repair. Whilst these buildings are privately owned, the council will do all it can to work with the relevant parties to find solutions. We need to be clear that doing nothing is not an option,” he added.
Skegness Pier gets free energy to light up the attraction
Free energy will illuminate Skegness Pier and Spalding-based FreshLinc will get the same to support its business in a UK first which sees the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership facilitate installation of two innovative and cost-effective mini wind turbines.
The Spalding turbine has an on-grid power generator system, while the turbine on Skegness Pier is off-grid and will light up the historic seaside attraction at night. The Partnership was able to bring together Ventum Dynamics with FreshLinc and Mellors Group, which is said to have the potential to start ofrevolutionising how electricity is generated, particularly for businesses with net zero carbon targets and to support clients wanting a greener supply chain. Throughout the pilot, there will be regular updates on the energy generated and how this is information is being used to inform future design tweaks. The space efficient wind turbines are quiet in operation, produce minimal vibration and can be easily mounted on rooftops. The turbines are able to capture wind from all directions without turning, making them low maintenance.
The Partnership’s Economic Development team works collaboratively with businesses and partner organisations, including the ukFPN, to find solutions to any barriers to help them succeed.
DSR Energy and Ventum Dynamics have been impressed with the SELCP, the forward thinking approach and attitude to collaborative working with a commitment to achieving a circular economy. They have brought Norwegian technology to Lincolnshire for a three-month pilot to start generating green energy, with a view to the sub region leading the way to roll out these cutting edge turbines.
Cllr Nigel Welton, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development at Boston Borough Council, saw both of Lincolnshire turbines being installed.He said: “There have been many people working hard behind the scenes to bring this to our region and it is fantastic to see them now up and running.
“Businesses are wanting solutions to be more energy efficient and reduce costs so it’s fantastic we have collectively been able to make this happen. I am looking forward to seeing what green projects this will lead to in the future to drive investment, support businesses and growth.”
Cllr Nick Worth, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for the Economy at South Holland District Council, said: “This truly is fantastic technology which will revolutionise green energy, particularly for businesses. They can go up easily on a building, produce a lot of electricity and are far less intrusive than traditional wind turbines.
“I think they will be seen everywhere around the UK in the next few years, having started here in Lincolnshire.”
Ravi Rayarel, Founding Director of DSR Group, said: “These are the first two turbines to be delivered outside Norway – it is super exciting to have these in Lincolnshire as the first UK pilots.
“It is a different way of capturing wind energy. The aim is to use these to power homes and industry and have a significant impact on the cost of energy.”
James Parker, Director of Operations for Skegness Pier said: “This is a pioneering step in terms of power production.
“Power is obviously becoming more and more important for businesses like ours as it is a huge part of our expenditure. Hopefully this trial will show this technology is going to be efficient for us and pave the way for the future.
“New technology is always exciting and the hope is we get to power at least the outer deck just as a demonstration of the power it is producing.”
Angie Stuart, Head of Fresh Produce at ukFPN Lincolnshire said: “ukFPN Lincolnshire, supported by the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, is delighted to see the first Ventum wind turbines in the UK installed in Spalding and Skegness.
“This is a direct result of partnerships working together to deliver for businesses. We launched this groundbreaking project at our networking event in June last year in collaboration with DSR Group, SELCP and ukFPN members including FreshLinc.
“It’s a significant step forward and we look forward to receiving the data from the pilot and to the role out of these fabulous turbines across the country.”
Equine health experts host free information evenings for Lincolnshire horse owners
Equine welfare charity Bransby Horses, are hosting a series of free-to-attend events aimed at horse owners who would like to hear from experts in nutrition, farriery and grassland management.
Their ‘Make A Difference’ equine health and wellbeing events will feature experts in weight management, laminitis, farriery, rural crime and track systems who will share their experiences and offer advice.
Bransby Horses’ Welfare Campaigns Officer, Rachel Dixon said: “Through these series of talks we are hoping to raise awareness of the early signs of some common horse health issues, as well as offering preventative management tips for owners to ultimately help keep their animals healthy and happy.”
The first weight management information evening will take place on April 20 at the charity’s main site in Bransby near Lincoln.
Keeping horses at a healthy weight can be an uphill struggle for owners during the summer and an issue Bransby Horses are well rehearsed in.
Speaking at the event will be Anna Welch, Veterinary Nutrition Director at TopSpec Equine, who will be discussing the health implications of an obese horse and providing information on prevention and restricting a horse’s diet safely.
Anna said: “I look forward to being able to offer practical advice with problem-solving solutions for managing overweight and obese horses and ponies.”
Following on from this on May 18, registered farrier Scott Sykes DipWCF, will present a talk about laminitis. Scott is very experienced with laminitic horses and those at risk and he will talk in detail about the effects of this extremely painful and debilitating foot condition.
This will be followed by a talk on track grazing systems on July 13. Bransby Horses have had great success with this form of grazing management and the charity’s ‘track ambassadors’ will explain what they are, how to use them and how they can aid weight loss in equines.
The final talk will feature special guests from Lincolnshire’s Rural Crimes team.
Taking place on September 20, this event will provide an opportunity to meet the team and Bransby Horses’ field officers who will be able to offer advice and support regarding legislation related to horse owners and rural crime.
Although the events are free with free parking, booking is essential as places are limited. Please call 01427 788 464, email mail@bransbyhorses.co.uk or visit BransbyHorses.co.uk/MADE to secure your place per event.
Each event takes place on a Thursday evening at 6.30pm, held in the Clifford Marshall Building. Light refreshments and free parking will be available.
For more information visit BransbyHorses.co.uk/MADE
Marshall’s Yard hits 100% retail occupancy
As we continue to settle into a post pandemic era the resilience of bricks and mortar retail is evident as Marshall’s Yard in Gainsborough demonstrates.
The impact of COVID-19 was felt deeply at the 15-year-old shopping centre, with a number of large retailers closing down including Laura Ashley, Halfords, New Look and DW Fitness.
The centre bounced back with a stronger food and beverage offer, with the opening of Caldero Lounge, and attracted more homeware and essential stores such as JYSK and The Range to the line-up creating strong footfall to the centre and appealing to changing consumer needs.
Towards the back end of 2022 the centre has seen its popular opticians, Specsavers, take the former Seasalt unit allowing them the space to expand their range of vital healthcare services and team of employees into 2023. The company is fitting out now aiming to open in March.
Neighbouring store, Fatface, stopped trading shortly after Christmas and is now being transformed into a trendy coffee bar which will be operated independently but offering 200 Degrees Coffee.
Estates Director for Dransfield Properties, James Shepherd, said: “A combination of Covid and company voluntary arrangements (CVAs) saw a spike in store closures, however we’ve been pleased with the centre’s performance and its ability to attract well-known national brands as well as high-quality independent businesses, which has always contributed towards the centre’s diversity and popularity.”
The centre’s independent department store, Browns, celebrated its 10th year at Marshall’s Yard last year and have been quick to soak up brands leaving the centre over the years ensuring they stock popular labels such as Joules and Seasalt following their departure. This has kept the Yard shopper happy and allowed Browns to continue to evolve keeping things fresh and interesting.
Footfall has strongly returned and even exceeded pre-pandemic levels at Marshall’s Yard, particularly over the recent Christmas season highlighting the shopper’s desire to shop in physical stores and not just online.
Centre Manager at Marshall’s Yard, Jodie Pacey, said: “Marshall’s Yard has always been more than a place to carry out shopping for people. It’s an oasis for families, couples, friends and all other parts of the community to come together, enjoy the outdoors and connect with people.
“Our need for products and services is everchanging but the drive to interact with people and experience social landscapes is consistent, if not more important to people than ever.”
Marshall’s Yard continues to give back to the community by holding free family events and by carrying its ongoing work with local charities.
Councillor shares £3,000 amongst youth organisations
Three organisations involving young people have benefitted from funding donated to them by a West Lindsey district councillor.
The 6th Gainsborough Sea Scouts; 203 Gainsborough Sqn RAF Air Cadets; and Gainsborough Rugby Club’s Mini Wasps have each received £1,000 thanks to donations from Cllr Jessie Milne.
The money comes from Cllr Milne’s Councillor Initiative Fund, which provides financial support for a wide range of community projects and activities.
The Mini Wasps are the junior arm of Gainsborough Rugby Club, and their director Nathan Mitchell says the money will be used for essential training equipment for the youngsters “They’re just now training to learn how to tackle, and we need some training aids to get them used to doing this and at the same time make it safe for them.”
Jonathan Swatton, Group Scout Leader at 6th Gainsborough Sea Scouts, is using the funding to purchase tarpaulin and special hammocks, which the group will use for shelter on expeditions. “We’ll be able to use this equipment when we get out to places in Derbyshire and areas like The Wolds. The youngsters really get involved in the planning of these expeditions, helping to decide where we go.”
The group is continually organising and taking part in fundraising events, which has included helping at water stations at the Morton 10k, community events and fashion shows.
Flight Lieutenant Lee Chapman of the Gainsborough Air Cadets said their £1,000 will go towards purchase of a new minibus to replace one stolen in February last year. “Transport allows us to get young people out to activities that may not otherwise be available to them.”
Cllr Milne said she was delighted to be able to provide the funding to such worthwhile groups. “The people that run these groups and organisations give up so much of their time to provide these opportunities for youngsters, so it was good to be able to support them.
“These groups allow young people to enjoy themselves while developing lifelong skills they can use in their future careers.”
Underused Grimsby car park spaces to be transformed into new urban orchard and community garden
Community groups are taking a grassroots approach to bring fresh produce to a Grimsby neighbourhood in the drive against rapidly rising food prices.
Groups in the town’s East Marsh community are coming together and are set to create a new urban orchard and garden that will feed and educate local people as well as serving as a new communal green space.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities gave North East Lincolnshire Council an £85,000 grant to create new urban green space or refurbish existing parks.
Thanks to the funding, the Council will plant trees at the Albion Street Playground and community groups are set to create the new community garden on part of the underused Garibaldi Street car park.
Mary Vickers, Community Food Co-ordinator in North East Lincolnshire, is working with The Salvation Army, St Andrew’s Church, the Rock Foundation, the Fisherman’s Mission and other local community groups to set up the new garden.
Planting areas, raised beds, pathways and fencing will be in place by the end of March.
North East Lincolnshire Council is planting 35 fruit trees in the community garden and a selection of other trees on land next to Albion Street playground.
As well as fruit trees, the community garden team plan on planting bushes for soft fruits, potatoes, carrots, salad, herbs and brassicas, such as cauliflower and cabbage.
Encouraging people to grow, prepare and cook their own food is one of the main drivers behind the project.
The Salvation Army building, opposite the car park, has a new community training kitchen where there are facilities to teach people cooking skills.
Food grown in the community garden will provide a steady supply of produce for the local community and the kitchen as well as local food banks and other community food providers.
This will give people the opportunity to plant, grow, pick, and cook their own food all within a few metres of the garden – and maybe occasionally eat together too.
Cllr Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, added: “By transforming part of this underused car park into a vibrant, community garden, the groups involved can create a new, much-needed green space.
“This project was earmarked for funding by the government because of the lack of greenery in the area and the levels of deprivation.
“From improving physical and mental wellbeing to providing an educational activity and a source of fresh produce, the new community garden is hugely beneficial for people in the area.”
Mary Vickers, Community Food Co-ordinator in North East Lincolnshire, explains: “Part of my work as Community Food Co-ordinator is to help our variety of local community food providers (food banks and hot food kitchens) to work together and collaborate as often as they can. Another important aspect of my role is to encourage and support projects which help individuals and communities to move away from reliance on free food parcels. This exciting project works with both aims at the same time.
“Providing an opportunity for people to learn to grow at least some of their own food is immensely valuable. Simply working together in the open air is known to increase wellbeing. Adding this to the provision of practical growing and cooking skills can greatly increase both individual and community resilience. It can also be fun!
“An added aspect here is the range of different community groups who wish to be involved, all of whom will bring their own dimension to the project, as well as enabling wider involvement into as yet unreached groups within the local area. We have a working title for all the community growing projects in North East Lincolnshire – #CommunityGrowingNEL. This highlights that communities who grow things together also grow together themselves.”
Major Alison Gardner, church leader at Grimsby Salvation Army, said: “This project will provide many things, not only fresh produce for people who are struggling with the cost of living and reliant on food banks, but a peaceful place where people can sit among the trees in East Marsh, enjoy a picnic and view the dock tower.
“As a church and charity, part of our mission is ‘care for creation’, the idea of protecting and caring for our planet. The creation of this garden represents all that is good in our community, encouraging green space and providing a basis on which happiness, health, and friendship can be built and where every person can play a part and contribute. It will be somewhere that children and older people can work and rest together with dignity, where those who plant can harvest, cook and eat their produce.
“The Salvation Army recently reopened its church and community centre in East Marsh where we have a thriving coffee shop and programme of activities. There’s a real energy about the place at the moment and this community garden will only add to that.”
The team behind this project are appealing for volunteers to help prepare and plant the garden. They also need: water butts, chippings, compost, and soil. If you can help, and want further information about the project, please contact Mary Vickers, Community Food Co-ordinator in North East Lincolnshire, by emailing mary@nbforum.org.uk.
Lincoln artist creates giant jeans to educate on the impact of the fashion industry
Giant jeans standing at just over 10 feet tall may be the world’s largest pair of educational jeans made entirely from discarded denim.
They, along with artwork produced by students from across Lincoln, will form a central part of the ‘Unpicking the story of your Clothes’ exhibition coming to Lincoln.
Created by Lincoln-based textile artist and owner of Rethread Denim, Kerry Gibson, the ‘Giant Jeans’ art installation opens at the Project Space Plus gallery on the University of Lincoln, UK campus on Thursday 16th February.
Kerry said: “I see the fashion industry like a giant jigsaw puzzle; every part of the industry has a role to play, and every action has an impact on something else. If we understand the real fashion industry we learn about social, environmental, and ecological issues that affect us all. We can be educated on human rights, gender equality, consumption, and climate change.
“The jeans and Project Fashion Fixed are simply a way of trying to raise awareness around these issues but in a fun and engaging way. I am ‘educating through creativity’ and trying to engage the younger generation and help them see that even the small decisions we make can make a big difference.”
Project Fashion Fixed is an initiative Kerry led last year that inspired University of Lincoln and sixth-form college students to creatively explore topics around sustainable fashion as an extra-curricular endeavor alongside their studies. All the participants Kerry contacted to ask if they would like to participate a second time said yes and some of this art from 2022 will be on display at the exhibition.
Jessica Bunn, a Fashion Fixed participant and President of the E.C.O (Environment, Conservation and Opportunities) Society at the University, said: “By the end of the first session, I was hooked on the project and was shocked into making change. On that day, I took a one year pledge to not buy any new clothes.
“I wanted to amend my consumer behaviour to reflect the truth that Kerry has uncovered for us, previously hidden by the modern world of fast fashion and greenwashing. Project Fashion Fixed is educational in a fun and creative way, with a genuine sense of community, empathy, and passion for our world.
“I am so grateful for the knowledge and expertise Kerry has shared with us and the opportunities to collaborate with students outside of my course. Attendees of the exhibition will come away with a new perspective on consumerism as well as a sense of hope for the future, as slow and sustainable fashion flourishes.”
When describing the process behind the ‘Giant Jeans’, Kerry explained that the art piece was made entirely from discarded denim. She collaborated with the charity St Barnabas, and they kindly donated denim that could not be resold. After washing the denim, Kerry deconstructed the jeans into a new resource onto which she lasered images, weaving the story together using a patchwork technique. Renowned denim designer, Mohsin Sajid helped Kerry to construct the art on his professional machinery in London to complete the collaborative piece.
The story illustrated on the denim tells of the lifecycle of clothes; a topic Kerry explores through many of her projects including her recent TEDx talk at the Brayford Pool titled ‘Change your clothes! Change the world!’. Fellow TEDx speaker and singer-songwriter, Matt Tango Ellerby will also be at the event providing live acoustic music to complement the artwork.
‘Giant Jeans’ has been supported by ‘Lincoln Creates’, a Lincoln BIG initiative, and will be at the Project Space Plus Gallery in the Nicola De La Haye building from Thursday 16th through to Saturday 18th February, open from 10-4pm.
No booking is required for this free event, with everyone welcome to attend.
Businesses urged to be quick to take part in Louth Food and drink Festival
Lincolnshire food and drink businesses have until the end of the month to join East Lindsey District Council for a celebration of local producers, homeware, crafters and venues at Louth’s Food and Drink Festival this autumn.
Taking place in the town centre on Lincolnshire Day, Sunday 1 October, the festival will showcase some of the great local food and drink on offer in Lincolnshire, as well as enjoying stalls, demonstrations and other entertainment.
The project is part of the Council’s Vital and Viable Market Towns initiative, working with local communities to protect, promote and preserve East Lindsey’s market towns.
Louth’s stakeholders identified that the town’s variety of different food and drink businesses help it to punch above its weight, so a project has been devised to help the town receive recognition for its range of delicious local produce. This will also include an interactive Food and Drink map of Louth, which will be launched in the Spring.
Through the Vital and Viable project the Council is able to provide additional funding and support for the inaugural festival, meaning 10ft stall spaces will be available for just £25 for this year’s event.
Businesses interested in having a stall, or doing a demonstration, at the event, can email samantha.phillips@e-lindsey.gov.uk. Applications must be received by the end of February.
Councillor Adam Grist, Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy, said: “We are rightly proud of the great variety of quality food and drink businesses on offer in Louth, and it will be brilliant to hold a festival that celebrates and shares these with both residents and visitors alike.
“I hope the festival will be a really special event that not only helps puts our independent producers and venues on the map, but also can help to support local businesses across the town centre. I would encourage any business who might be interested to get in touched and get involved with making the festival a fantastic celebration for the whole of Louth.”
Former site manager jailed for fraud after siphoning millions from Lincolnshire company
A former site manager has been jailed after using his position to siphon millions from a Lincolnshire-based metal recycling company.
Garry Killick, 48, of Gleneagles Close in Stamford, appeared at Lincoln Crown Court where he was sentenced to three years and nine months for nine counts of fraud by abuse of position.
From 2014 to July 2017, Killick used his authority as site manager to fraudulently divert funds totalling £2.2 million from the company by creating false customer records on bogus sales of scrap metal, paying others by way of cheque, bank transfer and PDQ (electronic transfer onto bank cards).
During sentencing, Her Honourable Judge Sjolin Knight said: “You played a pivotal role in a £2.2 million fraud which went on for 2-3 years from which you received some direct personal benefit.
“You’d worked your way up to a position of responsibility and abused this trust.”
The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Constable James Norton from the Economic Crime Unit (ECU), said: “Garry Killick was calculated in his offending, using his authority, and abusing the trust he had with the business to benefit financially.”
Specialist Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Jonathan Kelleher, said: “Garry Killick abused his position as a trusted manager to take advantage of and defraud the business he was working for of more than £2.2 million.
“The CPS works closely with police to bring fraudulent offenders like Killick to justice and we will be pursuing his ill-gotten gains through the Proceeds of Crime Act.”
“Violent” man handed seven years for manslaughter
A “violent” man has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty in connection with the death of 33-year-old Andrew Welbourne on Wells Street, Scunthorpe, on Friday 1 October last year.
Daniel Astley (32) of Laurel Way, Scunthorpe was initially charged with Andrew’s murder, however a charge of manslaughter was accepted for which he entered a not guilty plea on Friday 5 November.
Following a three-day trial at Grimsby Crown Court the jury returned a unanimous verdict and Astley was found guilty of Andrew’s manslaughter on Thursday 17 November 2022.
Andrew had been to his local pub in Scunthorpe with his family and friends and was leaving when he was seriously assaulted in the unprovoked attack.
Astley was driving along Wells Street when he came across Andrew, exited his van in a violent rage, pushed Andrew to the floor and repeatedly punched him causing significant injuries to Andrew’s chest and head.
Astley fled the scene leaving Andrew on the kerb side, he was a short while later found by friends and taken to hospital to receive medical treatment for life threatening injuries where he remained for a number of days.
Sadly, despite the efforts of emergency services, Andrew died in hospital from his injuries on Wednesday 6 October 2021.
Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Burnett said: “The violent and unforgiveable actions of Astley that night cost Andrew his life and his future, causing unimaginable heartbreak for his family. Violence is unacceptable and has no place in our communities.
“Our thoughts remain with Andrew’s family and friends today and on behalf of the investigation team, I thank them for their patience and understanding throughout the investigation and court proceedings.
“I know that no outcome can replace the terrible loss that Andrew’s family have suffered, but I hope it brings them a small measure of comfort that justice has been served.”
