Monthly Archive 30 May 2025

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.

North East Lincolnshire is embarking on an exciting new journey to transform speech and language therapy for children and young people.

Chatterbug, a trusted provider of innovative speech and language services, has been commissioned to bring tailored, high-quality therapy to the community—ensuring every child has the support they need to thrive.

On Thursday 22 May families and professionals will gather at the launch event to explore the wealth of services now available. From evidence-based speech therapy to engaging drop-in sessions and dynamic training opportunities, Chatterbug is creating a comprehensive framework that fosters confidence and communication.

Chatterbug are committed to:

• Creating communication-rich environments that nurture every child’s development.
• Strengthening referral pathways, ensuring timely and effective care.
• Elevating staff and parent confidence, equipping them with the tools to support young learners.

Asma Khanum, Chatterbug CEO, said:
 “Communication is a basic right that should be available to all. Being skilled in this area can liberate us and allow us to achieve our hopes and aspirations. It is the key to academic success and social mobility — and this is our vision for North East Lincolnshire.

“Our groundbreaking partnership with North East Lincolnshire marks a bold commitment to ensuring no child is left behind. Together, we celebrate the unique ways children communicate and learn, recognising that all minds bring invaluable perspectives to our world.

“Our approach is brave, innovative, and unapologetically ambitious for all children — as well as the staff and parents — and this partnership with NEL isn’t just about support; it’s about transformation.

Transforming lives by empowering children to reach their full potential in North East Lincolnshire!’’

Chatterbug will continue to complement the hospital team and service and be working with children, young people, Family Hubs and educational settings from 1^st April 2025.

Referral information and further information about the Chatterbug offer is available on the Chatterbug website www.chatter-bug.com/nel- external site – external site .

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education said: “This new partnership marks the beginning of a stronger, more connected approach to speech and language therapy in North East Lincolnshire. Together, we are laying the foundation for a future where every child finds their voice, flourishes in school, and thrives in life.”

To register your place at the launch event visit: Chatterbug │ North East Lincolnshire Launch Event Tickets, Thu, May 22, 2025 at 5:30 PM | Eventbrite- external site – external site 

You can also learn more about their offer at upcoming information sessions. These will be published on the SEND Local Offer website at https://sendlocaloffer.nelincs.gov.uk- external site .

Article and image from NELC.

North East Lincolnshire Council and its delivery partner, Equans, are scheduled to carry out civil works and full carriageway reconstruction on Moody Lane between Novartis exit (near Woad Lane) and Gilbey Road, Grimsby.

Works will begin on Monday 2 June 2025 and are due to be completed on Saturday 26 July 2025.

The works will be carried out in 2 phases, as detailed below:

Phase 1 – Carriageway reconstruction (Monday 2 June – Monday 21 July)

The first phase of the works will include the replacement of existing damaged drainage gullies and connections and full depth carriageway reconstruction.

These works will be carried out under a full road closure and split into sections, to maintain access to businesses. 

For each section the road closure will be in place 24 hours a day for the duration detailed below.

The sections are listed in order of programme:

Section 1 – 7 am on Monday 2 June to 6pm on Wednesday 11 June
Section 7 – 7pm on Friday 6 June to 5am on Monday 9 June
Section 2 – 7am on Thursday 12 June to 6pm on Tuesday 17 June
Section 8 – 7pm on Friday 13 June to 5am on Monday 16 June
Section 3 – 7am on Wednesday 18 June to 6pm on Monday 30 June
Section 9 – 7pm on Friday 20 June to 5am on Monday 23 June
Section 4 – 7am on Tuesday 1 July to 6pm on Monday 7 July
Section 5 – 7am on Tuesday 8 July to 6pm on Monday 14 July
Section 6 – 7am on Tuesday 15 July to 6pm on Monday 21 July

Phase 2 – Carriageway final surfacing and road markings (Tuesday 22 July – Saturday 26 July)

The second phase of the project includes the final surfacing of the carriageway and road marking work. These will start on Tuesday 22 July and is scheduled to be completed on Saturday 26 July.

To enable the works to be carried out and to ensure the safety of the contractors, a nighttime road closure will be in place each night between 7pm and 5am. To minimise the impact to businesses this phase of work has been split into three sections.

Section 1 – Tuesday 22 July to Wednesday 23 July
Section 2 – Wednesday 23 July to Thursday 24 July
Section 3 – Thursday 24 July to Friday 25 July

No vehicle access will be permitted within the road closure extents for the duration of the works, however access for emergency vehicles will be maintained throughout. During the works, on street parking and loading will be suspended within the closure extents. Please support the contractor by not parking vehicles on the carriageway or footway in the works location to ensure a safe working area can be maintained and to avoid delaying the works programme. If the works are delayed due to parked vehicles, additional nights of road closures will be required to enable the works to be completed.

All works are weather dependant and are subject to change.

The council, Equans and contractor Specialist Surfacing Ltd would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience and assure that the work will be completed as quickly and safely as possible.

Article and image from NELC.

A group of Grimsby school children were left delighted after being given an exclusive behind the scenes look at the Freshney Place leisure scheme.

The class, from Littlecoates Primary School, witnessed the demolition process of areas such as the former BHS which will be replaced by a state-of-the-art, vibrant food hall and attached complementary market.

Under the £50 million development plans, Grimsby town centre will be reimagined 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 in the town centre.

“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 believe this is right for the town,” said North East Lincolnshire Council Leader Philip Jackson.

The scheme will also secure the long-term future of Freshney Place and the 1,700 jobs it currently supports.

Toured around the site by GMI Project Manager Dave Fish, the group 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.

Organising the visit was GMI’s Responsible Business Partner, Brendan Tannam. As part of their projects, GMI work with local communities to ensure they leave a lasting positive impact on the area.

He said: “We do all sorts like giving children a site tour, taking on T-Level students and supporting other local projects, like 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.”

For the children attending the site, it was an opportunity to get a glimpse at the Grimsby of their future.

Betsy, a student at Littlecoates Primary, is excited at the possibilities of regenerating Grimsby. “I’m really excited to see a new cinema in Grimsby, I think it’ll be great.”

She added: “I’ve really enjoyed the day and my favourite part was seeing the big excavator taking down part of the building.”

Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills, was thrilled to see the younger generation involved in Grimsby’s redevelopment.

“We are on an ambitious journey for North East Lincolnshire, with major public investment, most of it Government grant funding, across the borough.

“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, is set to transform the centre of Grimsby, attracting in more people for a range of exciting, new activities.”

Article and image from NELC.

It is time to have your say on what you love about Immingham and what else you would like to see there.

Immingham Town Council – supported by partner organisations throughout the region, including North East Lincolnshire Council – would like to hear from residents, businesses, and other local organisations to find out what they would like to see in Immingham as part of a brand new Immingham Town Plan.

Taking part in this short survey will help to kick start the conversations that will give focus to moving “Immingham Forward.”

The survey will initially be open for four weeks. The feedback given will then be used to gain further insight from Immingham residents, schools, community groups and local businesses during pop up events and focus groups. You can use the survey to register your interest to take part.

Cllr Karen Swinburn, Town Council Chair and Lady Mayor of Immingham, said: “This is your chance to tell us what you like about Immingham and where you would like to see improvements. We want to know what you think as your views are vital to shaping the future of the town going forward.

“The survey will take just a few minutes to complete but may have an impact on the shape of Immingham to come. Please take the time to fill it in.”

Have your say here https://tell-us.questionpro.eu/loveimmingham- external site

Article and image from NELC.

Footage released this week by GMI, the contractors on site for the Freshney Place regeneration project, reveals work that’s been going on since the hoardings were put up on Victoria Street.

The drone footage, taken before the main demolition started, shows the work underway to demolish the upper floor of the former BHS building, work that isn’t visible from the ground.

Drone footage is being taken regularly, along with site photographs to document the progress of the scheme.

As previously reported, the £50m scheme to transform the western end of Freshney Place started earlier this year, with demolition of the former Top Town Market now well underway.

The scheme will see new leisure facilities developed, including a five screen Parkway cinema, and new food and beverage outlets alongside a new market hall and public space.

Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the council, said: “It’s great to see this – much of the work done in these types of projects happens out of sight or behind hoardings, so having this sort of footage available really helps to explain progress.

“We’ll be sharing as much as we can on this project so people can see how things are moving along and how the town centre is changing for the future.”

Article and footage from NELC.

As the first local authority in England to introduce this ground-breaking app, the Council aims to enhance awareness and recruitment efforts of Foster Carers to ensure local children in need of care, remain within the borough.

The new app uses a points-based referral system to recruit more foster carers. This initiative is part of an ongoing campaign that has already seen significant milestones, including the launch of the Foster Friendly business scheme, which now boasts over 130 participating businesses, and a star-studded advert directed by international film director Jack Spring, featuring actor Tommy Turgoose.

The app is currently being piloted by Foster Wales for the same purpose but has been used since 2020 for social worker recruitment and has seen overwhelmingly positive results. Developed by Neil Eastwood, CEO and Founder, the Care Friends app addresses the recruitment and retention crisis in Adult Social Care by making referrals easy, fun, and rewarding. The app has generated 250,000 high-quality candidates through word-of-mouth referrals and is currently used by 2,500 care settings across the UK, Ireland, and Australia. The company received the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation in 2023.

Research suggests that word-of-mouth is the most effective method for recruiting foster carers, as current carers are best positioned to identify suitable candidates. The app places foster carers at the forefront of recruitment, adding value to their contributions and support.

Following the success in Wales, 27 Local Authorities in England have confirmed plans to adopt the app in 2025, with discussions ongoing with an additional 60 authorities.

Margaret Cracknell, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education at North East Lincolnshire Council said of the launch:

“We are incredibly proud to be the first authority in England to launch this innovative app for foster carer recruitment.

“This pioneering approach underscores our commitment to ensuring that local children can remain within our community, supported by dedicated foster carers.

“By placing foster carers at the heart of the recruitment process, we are not only enhancing our efforts but also recognising the invaluable contributions they make every day.”

Neil Eastwood, CEO and Founder of the Care Friends App said: “We are delighted to be partnering with North East Lincolnshire Council in the first English deployment of our app in foster care. As soon as they learned of the pilot results emerging from foster carers in Wales they were confident it would boost their commitment to providing loving families locally for every local child in care who needs them. We can’t wait to see the impact once the app is rolled out across the authority’s foster carer community.”

Article and image from NELC.

Young peoples services have come together to support the opening of a new centre in Grimsby that aims to offer a safe pace for young people to meet, socialise, and access free support and guidance from trusted adults.

The Haven, based on Queen Street in Grimsby town centre, was originally set-up on Osborne Street in Grimsby, to address problems around youth anti-social behaviour in the area.

After enjoying some success, North East Lincolnshire Council have committed to developing this with a new, council-owned building on the edge of the town centre.

The site will offer a safe place for young people to meet up, have fun, and access services including the We Are With You, Young and Safe, staff from the Journey Enrichment Fulfilment and Friendship project, Not in Education or Employment (NEET) or Training practitioners and a sexual health nurse. This multi-disciplinary team can offer support and advice across a range of areas such as, substance misuse, sexual health and careers.

Speaking after the launch, Ann-Marie Matson, director of children’s services at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:

“I’m really pleased to see this offer being developed further in our town centre, making sure that our young people have somewhere to go when they feel lost or are struggling. 

“It’s important that these services are accessible to our young people, and that they feel that they can access them in a really easy way, whenever they need them, without fear of being judged.”

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:

“The new building is fantastic and has clearly been redeveloped with young people in mind.

“I’m confident that they will make use of this critical resource and take advantage of the valuable information, advice and guidance on offer here.”

The Haven will also offer a community shop, youth group sessions, and quiet rooms.

Article and image from NELC.