Monthly Archive 23 April 2026

We are pleased to introduce our candidates for the 2026 elections, bringing a strong record of community commitment and a clear determination to deliver for local residents.

Together, they represent a blend of experience, fresh perspective and practical ambition, shaped by years of service across neighbourhoods, charities, businesses and volunteer groups.

Their priorities reflect the issues raised most often on the doorstep: safer streets, thriving town centres, reliable local services and opportunities for every generation. As a team, they are ready to work hard, listen closely and champion the needs of the communities they hope to serve or continue to serve.

Croft Baker – Bob Tutass

Freshney – David Christie

Haverstoe – Margaret Cracknell

Heneage – Mark Smith

Humberston & New Waltham – Stephen Harness

Immingham – Stewart Swinburn

Park – Paul Silvester

Scartho – Ron Shepherd

Sidney Sussex – Joanne Christie

South – Lottie Crofts

Waltham – Nick Pettigrew

West Marsh – Daniel Westcott

Yarborough – James Cairns

Follow www.facebook.com/nelconservatives for the latest campaign news.

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

Further information is available below about the detail of the works.

Detailed programme

From 13 April, CR Reynolds will be initially undertaking temporary works to set up the site and build new crossover sections so that traffic will be able to cross from one side of the bridge to the other at various points.

The crossovers will be constructed during the day-time, and involve lane closures during that first week to provide a safety area for site staff to work in.

During this week, eastbound traffic will be filtered in advance of the Shell roundabout (on the Gilbey Bridge section), and westbound traffic will be filtered from before Cleethorpe Road Bridge. Traffic travelling along Westgate and over Alexandra Dock bridge will be in a single lane in each direction. After the first week, and completion of the temporary crossovers, the roadworks will be reduced to the minimum required to undertake repair works to the bridge.

Full traffic management for the refurbishment scheme, to install contraflows, will be put in place overnight on 20-21 April from 8pm. This work will require a full closure of Westgate, including Alexandra Dock Bridge, overnight, both ways, and traffic will be diverted through Grimsby. Traffic management will also be installed on Victoria Street at the northern end, next to Lockhill roundabout to help filter traffic into the new contraflow.

Once the bridge closure is removed (in the early hours of 21 April), a short contraflow will come into force (on a section of Alexandra Dock Bridge) and westbound traffic will be filtered to the opposite carriageway for approximately 200m. It will then revert to the westbound carriageway and have two lanes of contraflow traffic for the majority of the stretch between the roundabouts.

The main refurbishment works will begin on 21 April on the westbound carriageway and will take approximately 10 weeks. During the 10 weeks, the contraflow arrangements will be altered to allow for full resurfacing works to the whole section to be completed. Dates for this will be released as the work progresses.

Once the westbound works are complete, a full overnight closure will then be required to reverse the traffic management and switch the eastbound traffic management to the opposite carriageway.

Works will then take place on the eastbound carriageway, and again, take approximately 10 weeks, following the same pattern as the westbound works.

There will be free local recovery provided within the contraflow sections for any cars that breakdown or if there are accidents during the works.

The main diversion route will be through the centre of Grimsby to avoid the works. Abnormal load carriers and local businesses have been advised of the works. 

Article and image from NELC.

Nando’s, the much-loved restaurant chain which specialises in flame grilled peri peri chicken, has confirmed it will open at Freshney Place in Grimsby in 2027. 

With over 400 branches in the UK, the popular food chain will be located in the newly developed section of Freshney Place, as the centre moves towards its vision of a modern mix use destination combining retail, leisure, healthcare and community space. 

Nando’s has committed to a restaurant in Freshney Place’s new leisure extension – bringing its popular chicken dishes to North East Lincolnshire. 

Jason Sargent, Senior Asset Manager at Queensberry, commented: “Nando’s is one of the UK’s strongest restaurant brands and this is a significant moment for Freshney Place.  Nando’s commitment to the town signals growing confidence and investment into the area.”

Located in the heart of Grimsby, Freshney Place’s development is an important part of a broader strategy to revitalise the area and spark long-term economic and social renewal.

Elliott Andrews, Centre Manager, Freshney Place added: “Our ambition at Freshney Place is to create a destination that combines retail, leisure and entertainment – and this letting is a significant step in delivering on that. 

“It’s extremely positive news, and we have no doubt Nando’s will add considerable value to our offering, and visitor experience.”

Article from NELC.

‘AMBITION’, the inspiring poem written by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage for Grimsby’s Horizon Onside Youth Zone, headlines the GY28 Town of Culture expression of interest to Government.

‘Step Forward, the Future starts at your feet’ is the last line of the poem, which is proudly displayed at the entrance of Horizon. The Horizon Onside Youth Zone is leading the town’s bid alongside North East Lincolnshire Council.

And to celebrate the Town of Culture‘ expression of interest’, you can hear the poem read by Horizon Chief Executive Lucy Ottewell-Key and Volunteer Co-ordinator Helena Gollings on NELC’s social media and website GY28 – UK Town of Culture | NELC

The poem shapes the GY28 submission, which details how Grimsby is a town on the edge where the ‘strongest stories begin’. It was sent to Government to meet yesterday’s (Tuesday 31 March) deadline.

“From the legend of Grim, the Danish fisherman who is said to have founded the town, to generations of dock workers who faced the sea’s harsh rhythms with courage and humour, Grimsby’s story is one of grit, innovation, and an unbreakable spirit,” says the submission.

It goes on to detail this town and its peoples’ ability to embrace ‘togetherness, determination and creativity ’ – harnessing challenge and turning it into opportunity.

Government will assess initial submissions from across the country before shortlisting by late Spring.  Final bids are due Autumn 2026, and the winner will be announced in early 2027, receiving £3m to deliver a year-long cultural programme in 2028. Two runners-up will each receive £250,000.

If you want to continue to show your support please use #GY28 and complete our short survey here: GY28 – UK Town of Culture | NELC

North East Lincolnshire Council’s Strategic Lead for Culture & Heritage, James Trowsdale, thanked everyone who had supported GY28 so far.

“ From participation in workshops, conversations at Create NEL drop ins and engagement on social media, the voices of support from so many different people within our communities has been absolutely brilliant – watching the videos it’s clear that so many people care about Grimsby and its future and want to grab this GY28 opportunity with both hands,” he said.

Horizon Chief Executive, Lucy Ottewell-Key, added: “Our young people are leading the charge, they are creative, fearless and ready to show the nation exactly what this town can do. This opportunity gives them a platform to step into the spotlight and shape the future they want to see. And as Simon Armitage, Poet Laureate, wrote in the specially commissioned poem to celebrate our opening, ‘step forward, the future starts at your feet.’”

Ambition

 by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage

They say the horizon doesn’t exist

That it’s nothing more than a fuzzy smear

Where land and sky pretend to kiss

But this town is all about edge, isn’t it

That sickle of coast to the east; quick sunlight

That sharpens on wet roofs, the bladed wind

When grim sailed in from beyond the brink

He carried tomorrow – a child – on his back

You kids are the kids of his kids of his kids

Your dreams are made of fiery stuff

A flame burns when the dock tower fishes the dawn

Out of the oggin and lifts up its catch

The horizon opens its burning gates

Step forward the future starts at your feet

(Commissioned to celebrate the recent opening of Horizon Onside Youth Zone, Grimsby)

Article and image from NELC.

Did you know, there are 97 polling stations in North East Lincolnshire, from portacabins, school classrooms and even a beautifully restored cemetery lodge.

Polling cards are currently being delivered by Royal Mail across North East Lincolnshire, and you may notice a change to your normal polling station.

Most of them are where they have been for some time, but this year, there’s a few changes in four wards.

If you want to vote in person this year,

Scartho: the former polling station (portacabin) at Scartho Hall has been moved to Scartho Gateway Academy school.

Heneage: the fire station on Peaks Lane is no longer in use. This polling station has been combined with an existing polling station at St Christopher’s Methodist Church on the Convamore / Welholme Road junction.

Humberston and New Waltham: Wendover Hall is now Queen Elizabeth Hall – the polling station is in the same location, just using the correct name!

Sidney Sussex: The polling station in the nursery at Queen Mary Infant School will now be in a portacabin in the school grounds rather than in the nursery itself.

If you want to find out where you can vote in the elections, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/elections for a full list.

Separately, we’re carrying out a survey to look at whether there are any barriers to people choosing to vote in person or by post. If you’ve voted before, we want to hear from you! If you can spare a few minutes to feedback your experiences of voting either at one of our polling stations, or by post, visit https://tell-us.questionpro.eu/VotingAccessibility- external site . Survey open until 26 April. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on 7 May, with the ballots counted overnight. Follow North East Lincolnshire council social media to hear results as they happen.

Article and image from NELC.