Monthly Archive 30 March 2026

The national head of OFSTED, Sir Martyn Oliver, has visited North East Lincolnshire this week to discuss the rapid improvement in services for children and families in the area.

During a busy visit to the Council’s children’s services offices in Grimsby, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector at the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills, Sir Martyn got to see firsthand some of the improvements identified in last summer’s Ofsted inspection.

Sir Martyn praised the work of senior leaders and officers in pushing forward with significant changes to how children, young people and families receive support.

Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services in North East Lincolnshire, said the visit was recognition of the impressive turnaround seen on the ground.

“It was a pleasure to host a visit by Sir Martyn Oliver following our Ofsted inspection last year.

“Sir Martyn was keen to see for himself the improvement work that has taken place here over the last two years, and in particular, how social work recruitment and practice has changed to support our families.

“Officers are now laser-focused on keeping this momentum going and continuing to improve our services so our children and families always receive the best possible support at the right time.”

The Council’s children’s services was rated ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ Leadership by Ofsted last year following a full inspection in June 2025.

Article and image from NELC.

“The central Grimsby skyline continues to radically change as the various regeneration projects progress and we revitalise our town centre,” said Coun Philip Jackson, in his Leader’s Statement at this week’s full meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council.

“The redevelopment of the western end of Freshney Place continues apace. It is on budget and on schedule. Parkway Cinema and Starbucks are already signed up. We have been in discussions with a much-loved restaurant chain to be part of the development; Queensbury, our professional adviser, has now confirmed that we have agreed a deal with Nando’s to become one of the anchor tenants, and they will take one of the prime spots next to the cinema entrance in 2027.

“Abbey Walk car park has been demolished, with plans drawn up for a surface-level car park in its place. As promised, we were able to save one each of the four Harold Gosney reliefs during the demolition process. These are now in safe storage for future use.

“Plans progress for a new transport hub off Osbourne Street to bring together all the town centre bus stops. We are in discussion with the GLMCCA for grant funding to progress the project.

“Horizon Onside Youth Zone opened a few weeks ago and is already spectacularly popular with young people. Membership is already above 2500, with frequent queues at opening times. It is another great asset for the revitalised town centre, too. Building of the new housing on the brownfield Alexandra Dock has also commenced.

“Most Grimsby town centre projects, complete or ongoing, have only been made possible with substantial grant funding from the previous Conservative government – Future High Streets Fund, Towns Fund and Levelling Up Fund.

“On the same theme, Conservative LUF is delivering three projects in Cleethorpes.  Clear progress in being made on the reimagining of Pier Gardens: contractors are now working on site at the new build on Sea Road, and the Market Place regeneration will commence on site in May. These projects will be game-changers for the resort.

“The DfE has given approval for us to progress with the new special school for children with emotional and mental health needs on the site of the former high-rise flats. This is great news for local children and their families and will also bring about regeneration within the East Marsh.

“We were recently notified about £270,000 of government Playground Funding for North East Lincolnshire. Plans are being drawn up for how best to use this for the benefit of our children within the given grant parameters.

“The Pride in Place Plan for Grimsby has been endorsed by MHCLG and recognised as best practice notionally. This provides us with £20 million over 10 years for projects to be steered by the community. Thanks go to Our Future and the Great Grimsby Board for their sterling work on this project.

“Our Town of Culture application is rapidly gaining momentum. Local creatives, businesses, organisations, community groups, residents and GTFC are all enthusiastically supporting our expression of interest. This is really galvanising the community!

“Turning now to the Humber. The Humber Economic Strategy has been published and endorsed the four local authorities around the Humber and well as the Mayoral Combined Authorities north and south of the river. It is a prospectus for maximising growth in clean energy, manufacturing and ports and logistics around the estuary, and enjoys full private sector support.  The Mayoral Humber Growth Board has also recently been established and will be a single voice championing the HES with government and overseeing its delivery.

“Less positive is the Government’s recently published Northern Growth Plan. The Humber barely features with no mention of the South Humber Bank, even in the context of clean energy. This is very disappointing, and a local response to government is being formulated.

“More bad news was the announcement from the Government that the investment will not be made in the foreseeable future for the return of the through train from London King’s Cross to Cleethorpes despite massive local business and political pressure over many years and several false starts. It seems ironic that we have a nationalised rail infrastructure provider – Network Rail – and a nationalised train operator – LNER – which seem to be putting any and every obstacle in the way of us getting this much needed boost for the borough. But then we have a private sector open access operator – Arriva Grand Central – which is keen to operate a through service via Doncaster and Scunthorpe, but which is struggling to make any headway with its application. We need to keep the pressure on!

“Finally, elected members and local residents are concerned and frustrated about the number of speculative housing development plans that are being submitted on greenfield sites around the suburban southern arc of North East Lincolnshire, where the infrastructure is inadequate. These applications are on the back of the Government’s unreasonable and undeliverable housing target of 622 homes per annum for this borough. At a Full Council meeting last year, it was unanimously agreed to write to government suggesting a more deliverable target of 400 homes per year – 200 market homes and 200 social homes. Unfortunately, this was dismissed by government. We are starting to lose control of housing development in North East Lincolnshire and also losing vital green space – when our focus should be on development nearer the south Humber bank employment zones and on urban brownfield sites.”

THE appointment of Sharon Wroot as the permanent Chief Executive of North East Lincolnshire Council has been approved by members of the authority’s Full Council.

At a meeting of Council tonight (Thursday 26 March), members supported the recommendation from the Appointments Committee that Ms Wroot move from her present interim role to that of full-time Chief Executive.

As previously reported, the appointment follows a national recruitment campaign. This attracted credible candidates and was followed by a robust selection process by the committee, which was made up of members from the council’s four main political groups.

Ms Wroot has held the position of Interim Chief Executive since June 2025, following the early retirement of the former authority chief Rob Walsh. Prior to that appointment, Ms Wroot – a qualified accountant from North East Lincolnshire – held the role as the council’s Executive Director of Environment, Economy and Resources, and Deputy Chief Executive. Her career with the authority began in 2010 when she joined as Finance Director.

Following this evening’s vote, Ms Wroot said: “I would like to thank all concerned for their support. Guided by my predecessor, Rob Walsh, for more than a decade, my journey has taken me from a career in local authority finance to one of total investment in North East Lincolnshire as a place.

“We have a borough that has heritage, pride, a sense of value – and most importantly, we have people and organisations with a true commitment to making a difference and effecting positive and lasting change. I am extremely proud, as Chief Executive, to continue our united work to see that change realised.”

Article and image from NELC.

Refurbishment works to Alexandra Dock flyover between Moody Lane / Westgate roundabout and Lockhill roundabout will be starting next month, from 13 April.

Previous works have seen the Gilbey Road bridge and Cleethorpe Road bridge refurbished and re-waterproofed. This is the same type of work to secure the future of the middle bridge over Alexandra Dock (the section between Lockhill roundabout at the junction with Victoria Street, and Westgate roundabout).

Cllr Stewart Swinburn, Portfolio Holder for highways, said: “The A180 bridge repair programme is incredibly important to our borough.

“The Government recognised this, and gave us money to sort out the waterproofing on the key bridges that thousands of people use, day in, day out, and fix the bridges for another 20 years or so.

“It’s important we do this and protect one of the major routes in and out of our borough for the future: The sooner we start this, the sooner the work will be done.”

In the first part of the scheme, contractors working on behalf of NELC repaired the outer two bridges, which required more immediate maintenance measures than the centre bridge over the water. 

CR Reynolds have now been contracted to undertake the second section of the scheme – the work to Alexandra Dock. The work to repair and waterproof the final A180 bridge requires mild weather conditions, so the decision has been made to start these works in April to take advantage of the improving weather. 

As with the previous works, traffic will need to be put in contraflow so that one carriageway of the bridge can be worked on in full at any one time. Work to create the crossovers between the carriageways will start in the week of 13 April, with the contraflow being put into place after that.

The programme below is subject to weather conditions and progress on site, but is currently expected to be a 24 week programme. This will include a full resurfacing of the A180 carriageway between Westgate roundabout and Lockhill roundabout as part of the works.

Cllr Swinburn continued: “We want to reduce any impact on local people and businesses as much as possible, as well as tourists visiting the borough. By starting in April, the majority of the works requiring contraflow arrangements should be complete before the height of the summer season.

“If you can plan your journey to avoid using the bridge, please do. We know these works are likely to be disruptive to people’s journeys, and we’re sorry for that. However, we need to make sure that the bridge, like the others, is protected for years to come.

“The traffic has increased phenomenally since the three bridges were originally built, and we need to make sure that they’re able to serve our local economy and local people.”

If anyone has any queries about the works, please contact ProjectManagementTeam@nelincs.gov.uk.

For more information about the project, visit: https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/business-and-investment/investment-and-regeneration/roads-and-transport/a180-bridges/

Article and image from NELC.

Residents and local stakeholders are being invited to help shape the long‑term future of Immingham and Habrough as part of the Government’s Pride in Place programme, which will see £20-million invested over the next 10 years.

North East Lincolnshire Council is establishing a Neighbourhood Board for the area and is seeking applications from people with strong local connections, who want to play an active role in guiding how this investment is used.

Immingham and Habrough have been selected as one of the areas to benefit from the national Pride in Place programme. The funding will focus on three key objectives:

• Thriving Places
• Stronger Communities
• Taking Back Control

The Neighbourhood Board will help ensure investment decisions reflect local needs and priorities, working collectively to champion the future of the area.

Who Should Apply

This is a voluntary role, ideal for those who want to contribute their experience, local insight and passion for the area.

The Council is keen to ensure the Board reflects the full breadth of the community. Applications are encouraged from individuals, groups and organisations with strong ties to Immingham and Habrough, including (but not limited to):

• Community leaders, organisers and volunteers –  charities, faith groups, neighbourhood forums, youth groups and social clubs
• Public agencies and anchor institutions – schools, colleges, healthcare providers, and representatives from local authorities
• Cultural, arts, heritage and sporting organisations – museums, arts spaces, sports clubs and heritage groups
• Local businesses and social enterprises – key local employers, local Chamber of Commerce or Business Improvement District, registered social housing providers or Co-operatives.

How to Apply

Applicants are asked to submit a CV, and a short cover letter outlining:

• your connection to Immingham & Habrough
• why you are interested in becoming a Board Member
• what you feel you could bring to the Board

Applications should be sent to: Caroline.Cook@nelincs.gov.uk

Closing date: Sunday 12 April 2026. Informal discussions for shortlisted applicants will be held week commencing 27 April 2026.

To learn more about the national programme, visit the Pride in Place Programme prospectus – GOV.UK– external site

For informal enquiries or an initial conversation about the role, please contact: Spencer.Hunt@nelincs.gov.uk

This programme offers a unique opportunity to create meaningful, long‑term change for Immingham and Habrough. Whether you live, work or simply care about the area, your ideas and energy can help strengthen local pride, unlock ambition and shape a thriving future for everyone.

Article from NELC.

A BOLD plan for long-term change in Grimsby has taken an important step forward.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, (MHCLG),  has strongly endorsed Grimsby’s Pride in Place submission.

Grimsby was one of the places selected to receive up to £20 million over 10 years through the Government’s Pride in Place programme, which supports long-term improvements shaped by local priorities.

The plan builds on two years of work through Grimsby Together, a town-wide effort supported by North East Lincolnshire Council, the Greater Grimsby Board and Our Future, an organisation that supports citizens to shape long-term change in their hometown.

In 2024, more than 1,100 people took part in conversations about Grimsby’s future. More than 56,000 votes were cast, and hundreds of ideas were shared through online engagement, public meetings, workshops and open events.

That work helped shape a shared vision for Grimsby and clear priorities for the town’s future, including homes and neighbourhoods, education and opportunity, community life, arts and culture, the local economy, nature, and the quality of the places people share.

In 2025, the work went deeper. Local people from different sectors stepped forward to join working groups, exploring how those priorities connect and how Pride in Place funding could strengthen, connect and complement what is already happening across the town.

At the heart of the submission is the ambition to develop a locally led Grimsby Fund. Rather than treating the £20 million as funding to be spent and moved on from, the aim is to create a vehicle that can support local priorities, steward investment on behalf of the town and help grow additional funding over time. The £20 million is seen as a starting point, not a ceiling.

The fund is intended to back the priorities of local people. By creating a trusted, locally accountable fund, Grimsby aims to attract further public, philanthropic and social investment, while backing the great work already happening in the town – building a legacy beyond the life of the programme.

Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is great news. As you can see, transformation is now happening around our town centre, and this will be truly complemented by this investment in schemes that are shaped by our communities – making a lasting and positive difference.”

The endorsement means Grimsby Together can now move into its next stage, including the further development of the Grimsby Fund and the detail needed to make sure it delivers for the people of Grimsby.

Article from NELC.

Following last year’s successful trial at the southern section of Thrunscoe Land Car Park in Cleethorpes, located beside the much‑loved Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, the dedicated motorhome parking area has now received a fresh new surface in time for the upcoming holiday season. These improvements are designed to enhance comfort and convenience for the many visitors who choose Cleethorpes for their break and will be open for the weekend.

Since opening in Spring last year, the council‑managed motorhome site has become a popular stopover for holidaymakers exploring the town. It remains the only council car park in North East Lincolnshire that permits overnight motorhome stays, offering both a welcoming location and essential facilities, including an Elsan disposal point for water access and chemical toilet emptying near the public toilets in the car park.

To keep the site safe and enjoyable for everyone, motorhome owners are reminded to park centrally within marked bays and avoid placing items such as chairs or tables outside their vehicles. Parking fees remain unchanged from last year, with stays priced at £12 for 24 hours or £24 for 48 hours. A maximum stay of two nights ensures fair access for all visitors.

Cllr Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy said:
“Cleethorpes continues to be one of the region’s most loved seaside destinations, and we’re committed to making sure our facilities reflect that. These improvements will give motorhome visitors an even more welcoming and comfortable place to stay, encouraging more people to come and enjoy everything our fantastic resort has to offer. We look forward to seeing the site busy again very soon.”

Article and image from NELC.

Local people are being invited to take part in an annual consultation to tell the authorities in our area about their experiences of crime.  

The consultation, which is held each year, is part of the Joint Strategic Intelligence Assessment (JSIA), and helps the Community Safety Partnership to get a clearer picture of where to direct their resources and which crimes to prioritise.

Local people are being asked how their family have been affected by crime in the last 12 months, whether they feel that the level of crime in their area has increased, decreased, or stayed the same, and how they perceive individual crimes to be a problem.

The responses from local residents are combined with crime data for the local area, giving the Council, Police and other local services a picture of what crime is taking place compared with the public perception of crime and where people feel more resources should be directed.

This consultation is open from Wednesday, 25^th March 2026 to Wednesday, 20^th May 2026. To take part, visit https://tell-us.questionpro.eu/t/AB3uoi9ZB3wBke- external site .

If you need to speak to someone to give your views, ask any questions or you need a copy of the survey posting to you, send an email to nelcsp@nelincs.gov.uk.

Article from NELC.

A revamped arts centre on the Port of Grimsby is nearing completion, thanks to the help of local contractors.

Run by Unseen Arts CIC, the centre will be home to a pottery workshop, dance space and art studio when finished, also offering aerial classes and digital art workshops. The Community Interest Company are a grassroots creative organisation which launched on the Docks in 2022, with an upstairs workshop in the building being transformed into a vibrant performing arts studio delivering a regular programme of well-attended classes.

When the rest of the building became available, they jumped at the chance to bring the entire building back into use, preserving its historic value while creating a bold, inclusive and sustainable future for culture on the docks.

Last year they were awarded funding to improve and reimagine the space from Historic England’s Heritage At Risk Capital Fund (HAR CF) and regional grants programmes. This was matched with a grant from North East Lincolnshire Council’s Partnership Scheme in Conservation Areas (PSiCA).

The funding is supporting the repair and restoration of two connected heritage buildings, which is being undertaken by the team from E.S Rudkin Ltd, who are based in Scartho. The works have been designed by Cleethorpes-based Hodson Architects, and are stabilising the structures, addressing significant rot and water issues, restoring heritage features, and preparing the buildings for long-term community use.

For Natahsa Morley, Co-Founder and Director of Visual Art, and Lynsey Wells, Co-Founder and Director of Performing Arts, this is an historic moment in Unseen Arts’ history.

Natasha said: “This is going to be an incredible development for us and this is going to be a great community space and we can’t wait to hold loads of events here, we’re really excited.

“We’re going to have a great café and stage area as well as the dance studio we previously had upstairs too.” She added: “We’re going to expand this further by incorporating a visual arts studio too and we’ve made everything much more accessible.

“We just want this to be a place the community can come and try something new and explore their creativity.”

Speaking about the location, Lynsey said: “We were really attracted to the heritage and the buildings themselves on the Docks. They’re full of character and hold so many stories.”

However, it isn’t just Grimsby’s heritage the project is helping. With the use of local contractors like builders E.S. Rudkin, it’s also helping businesses based in the area.

Malcolm Rudkin, Director at E.S. Rudkin, said: “This is going to be a really creative area. The Docks itself has got a vision. There’s a dream and it’s wonderful to see that coming to life.

“This will be a wonderful creative, artistic corner that will draw people in from all over the country.”

He added: “On a personal note, I had my first ever job here on Grimsby Docks in 1975 so it’s amazing to come back here at 65 years old and be working on some of these buildings.”

Article and image from NELC.