Yearly Archive 5 July 2025

Op Mastery, CCTV and PSPO may not mean anything immediately to residents of North East Lincolnshire, but they are all key in combatting Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB).

The Council, Humberside Police and other organisations are dedicated to making the borough a safer place however they can. During Anti-Social Behaviour week, Monday, 30 June to Sunday, 6 July, they’re highlighting some of the fantastic work that has been done to help make North East Lincolnshire a better place.

Working in unison with Humberside Police, With You, WISE and other organisations, the Days of Action across Grimsby town centre, Grant Thorold Park and Immingham have proved invaluable. Under the title of Op Mastery, Op Agility and Op Mandala respectively, the initiatives have looked at tackling ASB and other crime in certain areas with great success.

Under Op mastery, crime in Grimsby town centre has reduced by 5% with ASB reducing by 14% and alcohol related ASB BY 51% over the course of the last 12 months. However, these Days of Actions aren’t the only explanation for this.

The Council’s state of the art CCTV system has almost 140 static and 37 rapid deployment cameras covering the borough, with operators linking into Police officers who are on the ground. This joined up approach means crime can be spotted and dealt with quicker than before.

For example, over the course of three months, October to December 2024, Council cameras aided in 555 separate emergency services incidents ranging from missing people to those committing ASB.

However, it isn’t all about enforcement. Elsewhere in Grimsby, through the Greening Up Our Town Centre grant, the Council have worked alongside Grimsby in Bloom and Dogma Art to provide an attractive aesthetic to those shopping or working in the town centre.

With numerous flowerbeds, living walls and vibrant street art, there is plenty to welcome people into Grimsby, deterring individuals from committing ASB.

Other operations, such as Op Snap, have helped to tackle specific ASB issues in Cleethorpes by following this model. Reports from residents and businesses highlighted key locations where nuisance driving was a regularly occurring issue.

Dedicated CCTV support and police patrols in these areas over the course of several months last Summer led to vehicles being seized with numerous drivers given cautions and warnings about their behaviour.

Members of the public are being encouraged to send in dashcam footage of poor driving as part of Op Snap to help discourage further ASB regarding driving.

Another key element of tackling ASB are the Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) around the borough. These are intended to deal with persistent anti-social behaviour in a local area that is detrimental to the community’s quality of life. They do so by imposing conditions on the use of that area to ensure everyone can use and enjoy public spaces without experiencing nuisance and annoyance.

For example, PSPOs are in place along Victoria Street, Grimsby, to prevent people from cycling. The necessity of this particular PSPO was outlined in May 2024 when Grimsby resident Susan Godfrey was left scarred by someone not adhering to the rules.

Ultimately, Susan was left with a scar along her arm, a lasting reminder of why these PSPOs are essential for ensuring the public’s safety. Working in conjunction with these measures are the Town Centre Marshals who are solely stationed in Grimsby Town Centre, ensuring the PSPOs are being adhered to. A deterrent in the campaign against ASB, these individuals are there to help, but also to enforce and issue fines to those who do not follow the rules.

Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “This is a very important week for the Council and our partners.

“Officers work tirelessly to ensure the public feel safe and welcomed across North East Lincolnshire and the recent results show that what we are doing is working.

“We are a zero tolerance Council and will take appropriate action against this small minority of people who are causing ASB. Although it is ASB week, I want to make it abundantly clear that this is something we focus on everyday and will continue to do so to make sure North East Lincolnshire is welcoming for those who live, work and visit the borough.”

Humberside Police Area Commander, Paul French, added: “We’ve been working hard to tackle anti-social behaviour across North East Lincolnshire by collaborating closely with local partners. Each month, we hold dedicated days of action focused on addressing the key issues impacting town centres in the area.”

“Listening to our communities plays a vital role in what we do, it helps us understand your concerns and take the right steps to deal with any emerging problems. Our goal is to help make our neighbourhoods safer places to live.”

“None of this would be possible without the ongoing support of our local communities. By working with you, we’re able to build strong relationships that help us better understand your needs and priorities.”

How to report ASB?

If you witness any ASB and want to report it, there are a number of effective ways you can do so:

• NELC website – To report ASB, visit the North East Lincolnshire Council website here, https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/keeping-our-area-clean-and-safe/anti-social-behaviour/
• Call 101 – If you feel the police are required, call 101 immediately and ask for help or 999 in an emergency
• Op Snap – If you have footage of people driving in an anti-social manner, you can report it via the website here, https://www.humberside.police.uk/police-forces/humberside-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/operation-snap/- external site

Article and image from NELC.

The award-winning construction company helping to transform Grimsby Town Centre is also working closely with the local community to leave a lasting positive impact on the area.

GMI Construction Group PLC is a national UK Contractor providing specialist design and build projects across the country.

The hugely ambitious £50-million project, commissioned by NELC, is re-imagining the town centre to provide a more sustainable, safe and welcoming environment for visitors and residents. With a new cinema, food and beverage outlets and state-of-the-art market, there will be an abundance of new amenities for the public to enjoy at Freshney Place.

As it works to deliver this project, GMI is also driving social value and outreach projects in the region, supporting, delivering and capturing employment and apprenticeship opportunities.

It is doing this by working closely with North East Lincolnshire Council to ensure support for NELC’s drive for jobs for local residents.

Throughout the build, the company has set itself targets including providing apprenticeships, hiring unemployed people, providing work experience opportunities, and hosting informative visits to the Freshney Place site from schools and colleges.

It has also supported a Parents’ Careers Evening at the Humber Royal Hotel, set up a Just Giving Page for fundraising for Grimsby Horizon Youth Zone, attended a Careers Progression event at Grimsby Institute, hosted a school visit by Littlecoates Primary School to see demolition machinery in operation, delivered a speed networking session as part of Careers Shift sessions run by NELC Adult Skills team, and met the team behind a jobs café which will be taking over a unit in the shopping centre to see where sub-contractors could potentially support with the fit out.

The most recent project involved students from Hibaldstow Academy, who visited Freshney Place to see the ongoing demolition works. Escorted around the site by GMI Project Manager Dave Fish, the students were taught about the importance of every job that goes into creating these developments, as well as being shown some of the equipment used on the project.

They heard how demolition work is now well underway, with units in The Bullring the latest to be knocked down, and construction work is expected to begin later this year. The scheme will secure the long-term future of Freshney Place and the 1,700 jobs it currently supports.

Brendan Tannam, GMI Responsible Business Partner, said:  “We are involved in a wide range of social value projects like giving children a site tour, taking on T-Level students and supporting other local projects, such as the upcoming Horizon Youth Zone.

 “It’s so important to offer these opportunities to local people when we’re right on the doorstep; it allows them to play a part in their own regeneration.”

 North East Lincolnshire Council Leader,  Cllr Philip Jackson, said. “We’re on a hugely ambitious journey, with significant investment of public funds across our towns and borough. We’re investing in one of the largest schemes this council has ever invested in.

“We are enormously grateful to GMI, and its Responsible Business Partner, Brendan Tannam, for the extra lengths the company is going to in order to support educational projects and job creation in Grimsby as it helps us to transform the town centre.

“Local job creation and the involvement of local people in this project not only brings benefits to the economy but also promotes pride and ownership in the scheme.

“The repurposing of the western end of Freshney Place is the largest regeneration scheme in the area and, along with the other projects around the town centre, it  is set to transform the centre of Grimsby, attracting in more people for a range of exciting, new activities.

“As the demolition work continues, residents and visitors to Grimsby can see transformational change taking place.”

A North East Lincolnshire Councillor has praised the rules around cycling in Grimsby town centre following recent fines for those breaching them.

Grimsby town centre is subject to a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which is intended to deal with persistent anti-social behaviour in a local area that is detrimental to the community’s quality of life. These orders do so by imposing conditions on the use of that area to ensure everyone can use and enjoy public spaces without experiencing nuisance and annoyance. 

Recently, two men were fined at Grimsby Magistrates Court for breaching the PSPO around cycling. The pair were both given an initial fine in July 2024, but failed to pay, leading to a court prosecution.

Collectively, the pair were ordered to pay £1,128 in fines, a victim surcharge and costs with payment to be made in full within 28 days. However, neither appeared at court:

• Colin Mussell, 49, of Wootton Road, Grimsby, was ordered to pay an £80 fine, £32 victim surcharge and £200 in costs after indicating a guilty plea
• Adam Southwell, 33, of Patrick Street, Grimsby, was ordered to pay a £440 fine, £176 victim surcharge and £200 in costs

“Whilst some suggest these measures are too harsh, there are clear examples of why these PSPOs are in place”, said Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities.

In May 2024, Susan Godfrey was scarred for life by a cyclist who was not abiding by the rules. Speaking about the PSPO after recovering from her injuries, Susan said: “I’m the living proof of why these PSPOs are in place. If that happened to a child or someone older, they could’ve been killed.

“I just hope people will think more about what they’re doing. My arm shows how important it is to not cycle down there, please, just do the right thing.”

In addition, the Council have recently installed a number of planters and living walls to help brighten up Victoria Street as part of the Levelling Up Funding awarded to Grimsby in May last year aimed at greening up town centres.

Councillor Shepherd added: “These planters and living walls ensure that we’re making Grimsby town centre a safer, more welcoming and inviting space for residents and visitors.

“They are also a further example of why the PSPO around cycling is so important. Their installation means the public pathways are slightly narrower than before.

“Whilst there is still ample space for emergency vehicles and other business related vehicles down Victoria Street, it is essential that people respect the PSPO to prevent any other injuries such as the one sustained by Susan.

“We will continue to enforce this alongside our Days of Action and ever improving CCTV system that has aided in a multitude of incidents across the town centre, all of which has paid in to reducing crime by 5% over the past two years.”

Article and image from NELC.

A CALL has gone out for Grimsby to ‘get together’ and look at how a £20m investment into the town can make a positive difference.  

On Monday 30 June, the Grimsby Together project officially relaunches, bringing together community leaders, local organisations and people already working to build a thriving future for the town to help shape how the Plan for Neighbourhoods investment is used.

The money was secured for Grimsby earlier this year, following the Government’s rescoping of the Long-Term Plan for Towns. 

Under the new Plan for Neighbourhoods scheme, the Government has asked successful areas to work with citizens to ensure that ‘together’ we decide where the funds should be spent.

Our Future, has worked extensively with North East Lincolnshire communities, and is leading the next stage of its ‘Grimsby Together’ work

Our Future is asking those Grimsby people who are involved in any way in making their town a better place to join Monday’s launch, at Grimsby Town Hall, to hear more about the funding, how the project will work, and how they can play their part.

Those who have previously been involved in the project have been invited and Our Future is keen to see new voices contribute to the plan too. 

North East Lincolnshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “This is about all the people of Grimsby and how they can work together to look at what is happening around the town and who and where would most benefit from funding – whether it is supporting an existing scheme or project, or a completely new idea. We are delighted that the Our Future team has come on board again and look forward to seeing some really good schemes come forward.”

To attend please go to https://linktr.ee/OurFutureNorthEastLincolnshire- external site.  You have until 3pm on Friday to register your interest.

Article and image from NELC.

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 were 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 is available on YorTender (yortender.eu-supply.com) reference 99987, title “Pier Gardens Principal Contractor”.

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

Article and image from NELC.

THE future of the last remaining hydrotherapy pool in North East Lincolnshire has been secured thanks to Public Health funding from North East Lincolnshire Council.

Situated at Humberston Park School in Grimsby, the pool provides relief to students with conditions and symptoms that cause chronic pain, relieving pain, relaxing and strengthening muscles, and increasing circulation.

A public appeal for funding to secure the future of the facility had been issued in April this year after trustees said that their funding was running out.

Now, thanks to funding from North East Lincolnshire Council’s Public Health team, the future of the pool has been secured.

Councillor Stan Shreeve, deputy leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care, said:

“After a recent visit to the school with our Director for Public Health, it was clear that this hydrotherapy pool is a fantastic resource, and one that we cannot afford to lose.

“It’s not often that we are able to step-in in this way to support things like this, but we agreed that the benefit to the community from this pool, and in particular to the children in our area who struggle with very complex needs, means that this is much needed.

“I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to secure its immediate future.”

Gemma Rylatt, Trustee of The Pool, said: “I am amazed by the over whelming support we have received from the local community and to be able to partner with Public Health is something that we have always wanted to do. For them to support our fundraising campaign is fantastic.

“We are also grateful for Councillor Shreeve who brought our campaign to the attention Public Health. The fundraising efforts will continue as we need the pool to be a sustainable resource for the community for many years to come. 

“To be able to reach our target in 8 weeks is astonishing.  We thank The Telegraph for the platform their campaign afforded us.”

The pool is open to bookings from members of the public, organisations and community groups. To find out more about booking the facility, call 01472 590 645 or email office@hpark.org.uk

Article and image from NELC.

Alongside the large regeneration schemes happening in Grimsby town centre, you’ll have seen lots of different things happening on the high street.

New planters have appeared, with seating, so that there are places to sit down while you’re out shopping. The town’s first “living wall” has been installed soon to be followed by artwork above it with more living walls planned for the future.

Anti-social behaviour in the town centre has reduced by over 10% with initiatives like the Tannoy system deployed to deter cycling along Victoria Street, the Safer Street Ambassadors helping those in need and Days of Action making the town centre a more welcoming and safer place to be.

All of these initiatives have come following suggestions made to the 2025 Group, a small group, being run by the Grimsby Retailers in Partnership (GRiP) set up to consider what could improve the look and feel of Victoria Street and help attract new businesses to the town.

The next target is to try to reduce the number of empty shops in the town centre. The High Street Revival Scheme will be rolled out as a partnership scheme between North East Lincolnshire Council, Grimsby Retailers in Partnership (GRIP) and the 2025 Group initiative, property agents/owners, e-factor, and Sector Support NEL.

The scheme offers the following.

• An opportunity to apply for Capital funding through the Activation and Community Engagement fund to assist with bringing the property back into use.
• Where property owners benefit from building enhancements which make the property more attractive for occupiers, a time limited reduced or escalator rental period could be offered.
• New occupants benefit from the above, plus free dedicated business support package to assist them to be a sustainable business.
• Property agents match potential premises based on the needs of the tenants, saving time and energy researching.

“If you’re looking for a high street presence, this is an ideal scheme,” commented Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council. “The work done so far has really started to change the feel of the town centre, and we now want to reduce the number of empty properties on the high street. Freshney Place has around 95% occupancy levels, but we want to improve the occupancy of other units too.”

Article and image from NELC.

May 2025 has seen lots of changes across Grimsby, particularly. Alongside the regeneration projects there’s a drive to make the town centre a more welcoming place.

If you’ve taken a walk down Victoria Street, you’ll have seen lots of different things happening.

New planters have appeared, with seating, so that there are places to sit down while you’re out shopping, and a “living wall” has been installed soon to be followed by artwork above it.

There has been a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour in the town too with things like the continued use of the tannoy system deployed to deter cycling through the pedestrianised area, and the work of the street marshals. Riverhead Square is also the new home for the monthly farmers’ market complementing Top Town Market next door.

All of these initiatives have come following suggestions made to the 2025 Group, a small group, being run by the Grimsby Retailers in Partnership (GRiP) set up to consider what could improve the look and feel of Victoria Street and help attract new businesses to the town. Watch out for more coming soon!

Project round up: Grimsby

The demolition applications for Abbey Walk Car Park and redundant units on Osborne Street have both been approved. The demolition contracts are close to being awarded, so work should start on these projects in the coming months.

The Top Town Market traders moved into their new home this month at the Riverhead end of Freshney Place. It’s a bright new space for our well-loved traders, and it’s great to see it open to the public. If you’ve not seen it yet, do go along! It’s well worth a visit.

Meanwhile, at the other end of Freshney Place, work is continuing on the demolition of the former market hall.

Refurbishment work to Freshney Place car parks has begun this month, and in mid-May, the team from GMI hosted a visit from Littlecoates Primary School as part of their commitment to give back to the community. Maybe there’s some inspired children as a result!

To keep up to date on what’s happening across all our major projects, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/building-our-future

Article and videos from NELC.

The council and its partner Stagecoach have been named one of the most improved bus services across Yorkshire and Humberside in a recent report.

The National Highways and Transport Network Report details where local services have best improved in every aspect of transport and travel. In respects of North East Lincolnshire, accessing information about transport and the overall bus service have vastly improved.

Other notable areas where North East Lincolnshire are leading the way includes the number of bus stops; reliability of electronic displays; bus fares and how easy it is to get on and off the bus.

However, it’s not only the buses that are on the up, so are passenger numbers. In the past 12 months, there has been almost 200,000 more Concessionary Travel passengers using a bus to get around North East Lincolnshire.

A Concessionary Travel Pass allows those of pensionable age or a certain disability to travel across the borough for free until 11pm and can be applied for by visiting: https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/streets-travel-and-parking/travel-and-public-transport/

It allows greater access to Grimsby Town centre as it undergoes major regeneration. With the new Community Diagnostic Centre and Top Town Market, now is the best time to visit.

These findings build upon a recent study that detailed North East Lincolnshire buses as some of the best in the country, ahead of cities like Manchester and Liverpool.

“We are seeing a positive difference in our buses and public transport,” said Councillor Stewart Swinburn, Portfolio Holder for Transport, Infrastructure and Housing.

He added: “I’m proud of how far we’ve come in all these aspects and this is a statement of intention to ensure we provide our residents with the best service possible.

“With Summer coming up, now is the perfect time to take the bus and go visit as much of North East Lincolnshire as you can.”

Matt Cranwell, Managing Director at Stagecoach East Midlands, added: “It is great to see these results that support the continuous development of our services in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council.

“Our team takes great pride in providing services for the local community and so we are immensely proud that they have been acknowledged for providing one of the most improved bus services across Yorkshire and Humberside. “

Article from NELC.

On Monday, 9 June, at 6.30pm North East Lincolnshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, and his Cabinet colleagues will be live on Facebook – ready to answer your questions.

There’s lots happening in the years ahead – and the council is playing a pivotal role in most of that change:

• Our towns of Grimsby and Cleethorpes will be transformed with major grant-supported regeneration schemes;
• Freshney Place will continue to be developed under council ownership
• Environmental work continues to protect our SSSI coastline
• 130 new homes will be built, pending planning approval, on the site at Alexandra Dock next to the new OnSide Horizon Youth Zone
• New schools are being constructed

Then there’s the creation of the new Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority, and the work in Children’s Services, Adult Social Care and Public Health – continued investment in these areas is vital to the authority’s ambition for a better place.

Cllr Jackson said: “It is important that people know they have the opportunity to ask myself and my colleagues about the decisions we make that will impact on their lives both now and in the future. We will listen to what they say and try to answer any questions they ask. Others may have issues to raise and points to make that we can take away.”

What does Cabinet mean?

Key decisions, which are those with a significant impact, are made by the Council’s Cabinet. The Cabinet is made up of between three and 10 elected Members appointed by the Leader of the Council.

Each Cabinet Member has responsibility and individual decision-making powers for a range of particular services, collectively known as their ‘portfolio’.

North East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet is made up of eight Members from the Conservative group – the majority party. These members include the Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, and Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Stan Shreeve. The Cabinet is the key decision-making body of the Council, and provides political leadership and direction across the whole range of council services.

Cabinet also votes to accept policies, plans and strategies, including the fixing of the budget and council tax levels. However, the final decision on such important matters rests with Full Council when all members vote.

Who is on the Cabinet?

Every member will be attending the Question Time with Cabinet event to respond to your questions and queries. Those people are:

• Cllr P Jackson – Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills
• Cllr S Shreeve – Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care
• Cllr M Cracknell – Portfolio Holder for Children and Education
• Cllr H Dawkins– Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy
• Cllr S Harness – Portfolio Holder for Finance, Resources and Assets
• Cllr R Shepherd – Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities
• Cllr S Swinburn – Portfolio Holder for Housing, Infrastructure and Transport
• Cllr H Hudson – Portfolio Holder for Environment and Net Zero

Between now and Monday 9 June we will be taking questions in advance to be answered on the night. Please send them to  communications@nelincs.gov.uk with your questions. Cabinet members will endeavour to answer all questions on the night, but will respond to all relevant questions in time.

Article from NELC.