Monthly Archive 28 July 2025

On Monday, 4 August, 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
• Plans for Neighbourhoods scheme looks to help improve and build upon our communities

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 4 August 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.

Coun Hayden Dawkins, the portfolio holder for culture, heritage and visitor economy at North East Lincolnshire Council, spoke at the recent full council meeting at Grimsby Town Hall on the issue of the area’s libraries. Accepting a public petition, here is his speech in full:

When I first started in this role, it was apparent that library services have been declining for a few years so I wanted to find out what we could do better to encourage people to use the library services and the library buildings, hence the public consultation which has just finished.

It is fair to say that the Grimsby Central Library has not been properly maintained for probably the last 25 years. In every interview I have undertaken regarding the Central Library, I have given an assurance that the building will remain a council asset and nothing has changed. That is still the case. I am committed to North East Lincolnshire having library services but I want to enhance them. I do not want to see them decline any further.

In view of the current situation with Grimsby Central Library, we had no choice but to look for a temporary location – and that is happening. We cannot sit back and just wait for the Central Library building to be repaired. This approach was agreed at Scrutiny two weeks ago. I wish to repeat what I said at that meeting: this is a temporary solution to enable us to offer library facilities in Grimsby town centre.

Therefore, I move the following. This administration is fully aware of its statutory responsibilities in relation to library service provision. The strength of feeling generated by this issue is fully understood and the level of public engagement is welcomed. Subject to an urgent and comprehensive analysis of the results of the recent Library & Archive Review Phase Two public consultation, and in recognition of this petition, it is recommended to Cabinet that:

• Cleethorpes Library remains open and initiatives to utilise the available space and facilities are pursued.

• Waltham Library remains open and initiatives to better utilise the available space and facilities are pursued.

• In principle, the current Grimsby Central Library is reopened, subject to confirmation of the options and cost for refurbishment, on which there will be a full and transparent public engagement.

• During the temporary closure of Grimsby Central Library, a pop-up facility be provided in Freshney Place to ensure the council provides an alternative service location in Grimsby for residents within this period.

Read the Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council Coun Philip Jackson’s update to full council at the recent meeting held in Grimsby Town Hall:

Much has been happening in and around North East Lincolnshire since my last Leader’s statement back in March.  I can only cover a cross section this evening.

It was bad news earlier this week when the Government confirmed that no acceptable offer had been submitted to the official receivers dealing with Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery (LOR) and that it is expected to close in the autumn. Though the plant is geographically in North Lincolnshire, 65% of the workforce live in North East Lincolnshire. It is clearly a very worrying time for those affected, and we are already actively working with North Lincolnshire’s Council’s Economic Growth Team, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Work and Pensions to develop an action plan, as well as with our local MPs. Clearly, there will also be a major effect on supply chains in the region. The Government has pledged to continue paying staff until October and, apparently, there are buyers potentially interested in parts of the site. However, the Government must recognise that LOR is arguably critical national infrastructure; consider the effect on fuel resilience if it closes permanently. The Government must redouble efforts to find a buyer for the whole site by October.

On a more positive note for the local economy, early June saw Animal Equality UK’s legal challenge to overturn the Planning Committee’s approval for an onshore salmon farm at New Clee Sidings dismissed.  After an 18-month delay, AquaCultured are now free to proceed with the £120 million development, creating about 100 new, well-paid jobs and providing local sustainably sourced salmon for our thriving seafood processing sector. The court verdict was a vindication of our planning processes, including the decision that an Environmental Impact Assessment was not necessary. The delay could easily have resulted in the loss of the project, and it is very disappointing that one of the Independent members of the Planning Committee was an interested party in the judicial review. So much for acting in the best interests of North East Lincolnshire!

Earlier this month, RWE officially opened its Grimsby Hub on the Port of Grimsby. This is its operations and maintenance base for the Triton Knoll and Sofia wind farms in the North Sea. The former has 90 operational wind turbines and the latter will have 100 when completed next year. This is a great vote of confidence for Grimsby and further evidence of the importance of the growing offshore wind sector to the local economy.

Anyone who has recently ventured into Grimsby town centre will have seen the biggest change in the skyline in a generation with the demolition of the former Bullring and Flottergate retail units, to make way for the new leisure scheme at the western end of Freshney Place. The occupier market has responded enthusiastically to the news that the scheme is happening and principal terms for two further lets, over and above Parkway Cinema and Starbucks, were agreed at July’s Freshney Place Cabinet Sub-committee. At the same meeting, terms were also agreed for a national retail chain to take most the ground floor of the former House of Fraser store. This is all great news for the renaissance of Grimsby town centre.  

Of course, all the grant funding that is contributing to this town centre regeneration came from the previous Conservative government, supporting the bold decisions taken by this Conservative administration to purchase both Freshney Place and the former House of Fraser store. I would also remind members that at last December’s Full Council meeting, both Labour and the Independents opposed the Freshney Place regeneration project without offering an alternative. This Conservative administration is transforming Grimsby town centre, attracting private sector investment and jobs, while the other two main parties offer nothing.

Moving now to Children’s Services, we are in the closing stages of our ILACS – Inspection of Local Authority Children’s Services – by Ofsted. Over the past couple of years, our Children’s Services have improved at pace and I thank officers and the Portfolio Holder for their dedicated hard work, as well as the extensive preparation for this Ofsted inspection. Members will be informed of the outcome as soon as it can be announced.

Inspections seem to be rather like buses at the moment, with our Adult Social Care CQC assessment current underway too. This will finish on August 6, by which time CQC inspectors will have spoken to more than 100 people, including those with lived experience of adult social care in North East Lincolnshire, elected members, professionals, providers, and voluntary and community sector organisations. We know our structures and arrangements in the adult social care space in North East Lincolnshire are unusual and complex, and we await the outcome of the assessment.  Once again, many thanks to officers and the Portfolio Holder for all their preparatory work.

At the start of July, we welcomed about 270 Equans staff back into the NELC fold as the 15-year outsourcing contract ended, and we brought the various services back in-house. Hopefully, this will make service delivery more seamless for the public but also for us, as elected members. Clearly, there will be a period of consolidation, and then we can assess what is needed to maximise the quality and efficiency of service delivery. Returning these services to council control has been a mammoth project handled very efficiently and I sincerely thank all those involved in the process.

June 28 saw Cleethorpes host the premiere East Coast event of the year – National Armed Forces Day. It was an honour to welcome the Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon John Healey MP, to the resort.  As usual, crowds descended on Cleethorpes – and the weather was perfect.  We were on parade on the national stage and, as well as proudly honouring our Armed Forces, the event was a huge boost to the local economy. Well done, and thanks to everyone involved in the organisation and running of the weekend, particularly the Armed Forces Major Events Team. Members will have seen the letter of thanks from the Secretary of State.

Congratulations to Dame Andrea Jenkyns on being elected the first Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire on May 1.  I think it is fair to say that both Dame Andrea and the Combined County Authority (CCA) are still finding their feet. Coin Shreeve and I are the two North East Lincolnshire representatives on the CCA, where I also chair the Business and Infrastructure Board. We will ensure that North East Lincolnshire is well-represented within the context of the wider county. As I have said on the record many times, it is also essential that the Humber economic landscape works. The governance arrangements for effective pan-Humber collaboration, incorporating the two mayors, local authority leaders and business representatives, are currently on the drawing board.

A by-election for a seat on Immingham Town Council, Central Ward will be held on Thursday 14 August 2025, there are two candidates contesting the seat.

What does Immingham Town Council do?

The Town Council has a variety of responsibilities aimed at serving the local community and ensuring the smooth operation of the town. Here are some of the key duties and activities they are involved in:

• The council manages recreation grounds, the cemetery, allotments, grass cutting, litter picking, and other facilities within the parish. They look after community buildings, ensuring they are maintained and available for public use.
• They review and comment on planning applications within the parish to ensure that developments align with the community’s needs and standards.
• The town council liaises with relevant authorities and partners regarding infrastructure, policing, and community issues to represent the views of the local area and secure the best outcomes for residents.
• They engage with various other organisations about the current and future shape of life in the local area, ensuring that the community’s voice is heard in decision-making processes.

How can I vote?

This by-election is for residents in IM4 and IM5 (Central Ward) of the Immingham Town Council area. If you’re not on the electoral register, the deadline to register and still be eligible to vote in this election is Tuesday 29 July 2025. You can register to vote quickly and easily at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote- external site .

If you want to change the way you vote, please be aware of the following deadlines:

Wednesday 30 July 2025 at 5pm – Deadline to apply for new postal and proxy votes or to make changes to an existing one.

Wednesday 6^th August 2025 at 5pm – Deadline to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. You need photo ID to vote in person.  

Wednesday 6th August 2025 at 5pm – Deadline to request a new proxy vote.

For more information, please visit the Councils website or contact the Electoral Services team.

Article from NELC.

“We have listened and we are taking this action as a result.”

The words of the Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, after a meeting of last night’s Full Council voted to approve new recommendations to Cabinet to secure the future of Cleethorpes and Waltham Libraries, and to re-open the main Grimsby Central Library building, subject to options and costs for its refurbishment.

The following four proposals, put forward by the Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy Cllr Hayden Dawkins, will now be discussed and voted on by the next Cabinet meeting of the council. These proposals are also subject to an urgent and comprehensive analysis of the results of the recent Library & Archive Review Phase 2 public consultation:

• Cleethorpes Library remains open and initiatives to better utilise the available space and facilities are pursued;
• Waltham Library remains open and initiatives to better utilise the available space and facilities are pursued;
• In principle, the current Grimsby Central Library is reopened subject to confirmation of the options and costs for refurbishment, on which there will be full and transparent engagement;
• During the temporary closure of Grimsby Central Library, a pop-up facility be provided in Freshney Place to ensure the Council provides an alternative service location in Grimsby for residents within this period.

A petition, supported by more than 4,700 residents was presented to the Council meeting.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Dawkins said this move proved how he and his fellow Cabinet members fully understood the strength of feeling within the community, including those views included in the petition.

Cllr Dawkins echoed the words of Cllr Jackson, saying: “I wish to make it very clear how, throughout the consultation on possible changes to the library service, it was always our intention to be open-minded, and transparent in our drive to improve the services and ensure the libraries become vibrant and well-used community spaces for all ages.

“It has been made very clear that people want to ensure changes are made within the existing library buildings. We are therefore more than happy to look again, and to make these new recommendations. This is about listening to the people and working with our communities to achieve positive change,” he added.

At the Full Council meeting an amendment was also supported, which was to establish a select committee to consider the developments of the library service going forward.

Article, video and image from NELC.

NORTH East Lincolnshire Council will recommend to Government that its existing boundaries remain, as it pledges to continue its partnership working to grow opportunities for its place and people.

Citing the strides that have, and are, being made with regards to the economy and the positive work within communities, a Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), report was discussed and voted on by members at the authority’s Full Council meeting tonight (Thursday).

It was agreed that:

• The preference is for North East Lincolnshire to remain within its current administrative boundaries;
• This option is promoted across Greater Lincolnshire;
• The authority continues to explore opportunities to work closely with North Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire County Councils on any Greater Lincolnshire submissions to government.

Within the report, it states how the preference for existing boundaries to remain does not mean the authority will stand still. There is a commitment to a refresh of arrangements, touching upon governance, democracy, and opportunities. Activity, which has been paused, such as the review to be conducted by the Boundary Commission of England, would be completed.

An LGR Working Group comprising of the four main group leaders, will now continue to work with officers on a full proposal to meet the Government’s November submission deadline.  This group was established to consider LGR and propose the preferred way forward.

All local authorities have been asked to submit proposals for new structures, following the release of the Government’s LGR White Paper. In Greater Lincolnshire the 10 councils – the two unitary authorities in North and North East Lincolnshire, one county council and seven districts – are all working up their preferences. The Government will decide on a way forward after considering all submissions.

North East Lincolnshire’s proposal will be supported by evidence of how, as a smaller unitary, it is able to forge close and positive working relationships to support its Council Plan vision to build a ‘Stronger Economy’ and ‘Stronger Communities’.

It will detail how the borough’s unique south Humber position has seen close partnerships built leading to significant investment in green energy, ports and logistics, and food processing.

The result has been an improvement in prospects with current ONS data showing that North and North East Lincolnshire are now 7% more productive when compared nationally. And, with a local median earning of £34,614 a year, North East Lincolnshire now has the highest median earning rate in the region, just below the national average – demonstrating the continuing growth in skilled employment in the area.

It will also highlight the vital ties to the borough’s communities and the strides that are being made to improve challenges in health inequalities and housing, to regenerate the town centre and to support the borough’s children, young people and adults.

The Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “I would like to give recognition to my fellow group leaders. Cllrs Clough, Aisthorpe, Holland and I have worked productively with officers to fully examine what we believe to be the best way forward.

“Crucially this is about the future growth and improvement of North East Lincolnshire, its economy and its people, whilst working within the Greater Lincolnshire footprint, to provide support, opportunity and respond positively to challenge.

“We have clearly shown how a smaller unitary with unique characteristics, challenges and geography can attract public and private sector investment that can and is enabling significant positive change. We firmly believe it is our size and drive that has achieved this and we want the opportunity, as a council, to continue this work, which will be of benefit to everyone locally, regionally and nationally,” added Cllr Jackson.

As the full submission is worked on, North East Lincolnshire Council will be asking people to have their say as part of public engagement. More details will be released soon.

Article from NELC.

PLANS have been approved to transform the health of the borough following a recommendation from leading Councillors in the borough.

North East Lincolnshire Council has today confirmed its commitment to becoming a Marmot Place, following Cabinet’s endorsement of the full implementation of the Marmot framework.

The decision marks a milestone in the borough’s ambition to reduce health inequalities and improve the wellbeing of all residents.

The proposals take their name from Professor Sir Michael Marmot, who is widely recognised as a World-leading expert in Public Health, and has championed health-led initiatives to significantly improve the lives of people living in towns and cities across the UK.

The approach, which was developed by Prof Marmot and the UCL Institute of Health Equity, set out a number of principles aimed at tackling the root causes of health inequality and building fairer, healthier places.

In areas that commit to becoming Marmot Places, each and every decision taken by authorities should consider the eight Marmot principles. Examples of places that have adopted the Marmot principles include Greater Manchester, the UK’s first Marmot City Region, and Kent, the first coastal Marmot Place.

Speaking after the vote, Deputy Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care, said:

“I’m proud that my colleagues have committed today to making our area a Marmot Place.

“This is a significant step towards improving the lives of everyone in North East Lincolnshire.

“The authority will put health at the forefront of decision-making, ensuring  that our residents are able to lead long, healthy lives.

“This is about embedding fairness, prevention, and equity into all aspects of local governance and service delivery.

“There are unacceptable health inequalities in our area, and tonight, following the recommendations of a cross party working group, Cabinet has committed to doing all that we can to tackle them.”

Director of Public Health in North East Lincolnshire, Diane Lee, added:

“Right now, the difference in life expectancy between someone living in one part of the borough to the other is up to 18-years. The average healthy life expectancy is 55 years. People living over 55 are likely to have health conditions that might limit their lifestyles.

“The reasons for this are varied. From diet to smoking and lack of exercise, through to environmental factors like pollution, deprivation, access to clean energy and transport infrastructure.

“Areas like ours, that face significant health challenges, can reverse these trends over time by taking very careful, deliberated and directed action in specific areas.

“Things like improved transport infrastructure, help for people to quit smoking, improve their diets and exercise more, and greater support to upgrade poor quality housing.”

Professor Sir Michael Marmot added:

“We are delighted to be working with North East Lincolnshire to tackle the root causes of ill health and to reduce the unfair and unnecessary inequalities in health which blight the lives of too many.

“Our work with other places across the UK has demonstrated what can be done despite significant funding constraints and limited powers.  North East Lincs now joins nearly 60 other places across the UK who are prioritising health equity.”

There is already work going on to tackle some of these challenges. North East Lincolnshire Council have taken steps to improve the outcomes of infants in their early years through improving school readiness, supporting the development of their speech and language, and promoting healthy child development and parent-infant relationships.

There is also a significant local effort to improve the educational achievements of young people locally, and particularly those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Now approved, Public Health officials will work closely with partner agencies to lead on community interventions, from making sure that Council policies reflect public health outcomes, to ensuring that front-line services are well equipped and informed to best support residents in tackling health-related inequalities.

To find out more about the Marmot Principles, visit https://www.instituteofhealthequity.org/taking-action/marmot-places

Article and image from NELC.

North East Lincolnshire Council have renewed their Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) to help tackle key issues like Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and dog fouling.

Originally implemented in 2019, these orders 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 in various areas to ensure everyone can use and enjoy public spaces without experiencing nuisance and annoyance.

These conditions include the prohibition of cycling in Grimsby town centre, fishing without permits at certain lakes and not picking up after their dog. PSPOs are in place across a number of areas in the borough, including Cleethorpes sea front, Grimsby town centre as well as parks and open spaces.

Following a recent review period, the PSPOs around the borough were renewed in June for another three years until June 2028.

These rules are essential in keeping the public safe, something that was exemplified in May last year when Grimsby resident Susan Godfrey was left scarred by someone who was cycling down Victoria Street.

Ultimately, Susan was left with a scar along her arm, a lasting reminder of why these PSPOs are essential for ensuring safety. Additionally, PSPOs around dog fouling are helping to tackle an issue that affects many areas of North East Lincolnshire.

Between September 2023 and August 2024, 284 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) were issued for dog fouling related offences. These particular PSPO rules ensure pet owners are held responsible should they act irresponsibly.

Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Environment, said: “Renewing these PSPOs are essential to help tackle some of the key issues affecting residents across North East Lincolnshire.

“Dog fouling and cycling may seem like minor issues, but incidents like the one Susan was involved in and the widespread impact dog fouling has to residents shows why they’re so important.

“I’m happy to support their renewal and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to have. Also, we will keep amending and renewing the PSPOs to reflect the changing challenges Anti-Social Behaviour presents across the borough.”

Article and image from NELC.

M Core, one of Europe’s leading property collectives, is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Kennedy Way in Immingham, a 46,001 sq ft well-established community retail centre comprising 20 retail units. This strategic purchase further strengthens M Core’s commitment to revitalising essential local shopping destinations across the UK.

The retail parade, anchored by Tesco, B&M and Home Bargains, is centrally located within Immingham and benefits from a substantial dedicated car park. National and independent retailers alike are represented, reflecting its role as a key hub for the town’s growing population.

At the point of acquisition, five units were vacant, with offers received on three units and discussions with a number of parties on the remaining units ongoing, with unit split options also being explored. 

Refurbishment works have already commenced across the vacant units, with works to include full shell and core refurbishments to vacant units and the installation of new modern shopfronts.  External works are to be undertaken to uplift the parade, which include the upgrading of estate-wide lighting to energy-efficient state-of-the-art LEDs, and comprehensive canopy redecoration. 

James Buchanan, group managing director of LCP, part of M Core, said: “Kennedy Way represents exactly the kind of vibrant, community-focused retail centre that aligns with our investment strategy. We’re excited about the opportunity to reinvigorate this scheme and work closely with existing and future tenants to deliver long-term value for Immingham. The early stages of refurbishment are already in motion, and we are committed to ensuring the town’s central hub realises its full potential.” 

M Core is also deploying intensive asset management strategies across the scheme, with the objective of supporting and strengthening tenant mix and occupancy. Kennedy Way follows similar successful recent acquisitions of like-for-like community retail schemes, such as Greenfern Place in Mastrick, Aberdeen which was acquired in May 2025.  The asset was purchased with seven void units; five have already been let and offers have finalised on the other two.

Coun Stewart Swinburn, Conservative councillor for the Immingham ward, said: “Kennedy Way is a vital shopping centre for the local community, providing everyday convenience in a central location with the added benefit of great car parking and a strong mix of national brands. We’re pleased to see M Core, investing in this important local asset. The refurbishment will make a big difference to the centre and the wider area. Immingham Town Council and the three NELC Ward Councillors are working closely with the new owners, LCP, part of M Core, to bring vacant units back into use for the benefit of all. We look forward to continuing this collaboration to make Kennedy Way a thriving centre for residents and visitors alike.”