Category Archive News

North East Lincolnshire Council is asking residents to nominate parts of their wards to take part in  ‘green space trials’.

In 2024, a petition was brought to Full Council regarding the use of Glyphosate as a treatment for weed control. Following on from this, councillors agreed to look at the phasing out of the chemical and investigate possible alternatives.

Now, the Council is asking residents for spaces they think may be appropriate and benefit from the trial. This would include roads, streets and areas of open spaces where various options can be considered such as more suitable weed killers or completely stopping spraying weed killer altogether.

The various trials include a range of methods used by other councils around the country that have also explored stopping the use of Glyphosate.

Suggestions include using no weed control measures – which can be applied to open spaces, but not footpaths and highways – using a weedkiller with a lower percentage of Glyphosate or carrying out a programme of manual weeding.

During the trial, the areas will be monitored and the findings reported back to the Community Scrutiny panel for a recommendation to be given to cabinet.

If you believe there is an area in your ward that would benefit from the trial, please contact your ward councillor by Monday, 5 January. To find out who your ward councillor is, please visit Find Councillors by name and party | NELC

Article and image from NELC.

A CROSS-PARTY committee of North East Lincolnshire councillors has been formed, as work continues to support a bright and thriving future for our libraries.

The Library Services Select Committee met for the first time in November and held its second meeting this week, (Monday 1 December).

Made up of elected councillors, it will examine the findings of the recent public consultation, consider current service arrangements, look at the future of Grimsby Central Library and contribute to an over-arching strategy to shape how the council develops library services into the future.

As it looks towards future meetings, the committee is inviting interested parties or individuals to share information that they think is relevant. The committee is particularly interested in how libraries can become community hubs, providing a wider range of services.

Committee Chair, Cllr Steve Holland (Independent), said: “As fellow committee members and I re-examine all the evidence and work that has already taken place to look at our libraries and their future, we are keen to make sure that we don’t miss any opportunities for improvement that will ensure our libraries have a secure and exciting future. We are particularly keen to hear ideas that would offer a wider range of services.

“The consultations that were carried out indicate that most people want to have thriving public libraries and see them as very important. What we need to do now as a cross-party group, with the help of the whole community, is to suggest practical ideas that will contribute positively to creating a service that can grow and thrive,” he added.

The two-phase public consultation, held over the last two years, focused on Grimsby Central Library and those in Cleethorpes and Waltham and attracted more than 2,300 responses. The results are online here: Past consultations | NELC There was also a petition presented to Full Council.

A decision was then made and approved by the council’s Cabinet. North East Lincolnshire Council Leader Cllr Philip Jackson, and Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy Cllr Hayden Dawkins, said after taking in peoples’ views, Cleethorpes Library would stay in its present location, and there would be no change at Waltham. 

They also explained how their desire was to keep Grimsby Central Library in its Top Town building, but full repair costs were needed. As work continues to assess the full renovation, there is a pop-up library in Freshney Place.

Following the consultation and a Full Council debate, it was also agreed to set up the Select Committee.

Supporting the aims of the committee, Cllr Dawkins said: “As a Cabinet, we have always said that we need to look at how we grow our libraries into vibrant multi-use spaces that can entertain, engage, and inspire people of all ages. We cannot stand still and the views of people who took part in the public consultation reflect that vision.  What we now need to do is build a strategy that supports that, and I look forward to seeing how the work of the new Select Committee progresses.”

People who wish to make representations to the Select Committee, should email Democracy@nelincs.gov.uk providing their contact details and – in no more than 150 words – outlining the organisation they represent (if that is the case), the main points they wish to raise and whether they would be interested in addressing the Select Committee in person.

Article and image from NELC.

North East Lincolnshire Council has secured a £236,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to expand the successful work the Cleethorpes Townscape Heritage Programme as part of the Heritage Place initiative to boost pride and connection across North East Lincolnshire.

In 2026, the Council will work with a heritage building surveyor and a heritage consultant to establish an evidence base which will identify options to conserve and enhance historic buildings centred within the Cleethorpes Central Seafront Conservation Area. This will form the basis for further bids to The National Lottery Heritage Fund to enable work to be carried out.

There will be an opportunity for businesses, property owners, and the wider community to learn more about this project at an event set to be held early in the New Year. 

The funding will also support the return of the Heritage Skills event in summer 2026 which will once again see local school children have the opportunity to learn vital heritage crafts.

This project follows the success of the £3.8m Cleethorpes Townscape Heritage Programme which has seen buildings and balconies restored in the Victorian heart of Cleethorpes. 

This investment from local businesses, alongside grants from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and North East Lincolnshire Council has seen restoration of buildings such as the Mermaid, Dolphin Hotel, the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) club and balconies of many properties on Alexandra Road.

Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of the Council, said: “Thanks to both The National Lottery Heritage Fund with their Heritage Places initiative, and to building owners, the first round of works have seen some significant changes to buildings, such as the refurbished cast-iron balconies on Alexandra Road, as well as exterior work to buildings like The Mermaid and The Dolphin.

“What we have learned from the Townscape Heritage project is that working with the property owners is really the key to delivering successful changes. This first stage of work, will help us to identify eligible properties and interested parties, so that our officers can shape the next phase of the project.”

Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re thrilled to be awarding this grant for North East Lincolnshire Council to expand on the fantastic work that has already taken place through the Cleethorpes Townscape Heritage Programme.

“We know that when our investments contribute to the long-term vision for a place, the benefits can be profound and long-lasting for its local community, visitors, and economy, and we can see this having impact in the work across North East Lincolnshire.

“Working with the Council has allowed us to understand their long-term heritage ambitions for the area. North East Lincolnshire remains a priority for the Heritage Fund through our Heritage Places initiative, which will leave a legacy for all to enjoy.”

The tenders for the two opportunities are now live. Heritage Building Surveyor 

Heritage Consultant – https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/edittransaction.asp?TID=105362- external site 

Tenders close on 15 December.

Article from NELC.

A Cleethorpes charity has taken on a once popular attraction in the centre of a Grimsby park.

The Floral Hall, situated in People’s Park, has been leased to Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue who are planning on turning it into their new home.

Previously, the hall has been used for a range of educational purposes such as helping teach young adults new skills and housing a range of plants, flowers and birds.

Now, it will be taken on by Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue who are transforming it into their new base of operations. Set up in 2022, the charity has grown and grown, helping all sorts of injured animals from pigeons to foxes.

For Chair of the charity, Aaron Goss, it’s a dream come true. He said: “We wanted to take on the site because we’ve just grown so much. We were looking at a few places, but this just felt right. It has a lot of what we need already with the aviary for example, it’s also just such a beautiful site that deserves to be open.”

Looking ahead, he and the other trustees are hoping to provide more than just a home for the animals. “The ultimate dream is to make it a thriving wildlife hub and a place for the public to come and enjoy too.

“We’re also hoping to provide an educational offer where learners can get a better understanding of plants and flowers and even give some experience to young or trainee vets.”

Having got the keys, Aaron and the team are thrilled to have made a start on what is a major step forward for the charity. “It’s such a relief to be in here and I can’t wait for it to be up and running.”

Councillor Stephen Harness, Portfolio Holder for Assets and Finance, said: “We’re glad to be helping a local charity find a new home, but also to be able to reopen an important part of Grimsby’s history.

“The Floral Hall has been enjoyed by so many and we can’t wait to see more people make memories in there in times to come.”

He added: “What this charity do is essential to the wildlife in the borough and I wish them all the best going forward.”

Article and image from NELC.

The proposal to Government outlining North East Lincolnshire’s case to remain as a unitary authority within its existing boundaries has received unanimous members’ support.

The council’s Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Proposal, ‘Building a Stronger Economy & Stronger Communities’, was put before the authority’s Cabinet for discussion and approval, before going onto Full Council this evening for endorsement.

At both meetings there was full support for the document and the content within it, which lays out the financial, economic, and community reasons why North East Lincolnshire Council should remain.

Authorities across the country have been asked to submit their proposals to Government in response to plans to re-organise local government. It thinks bigger could be better with large unitary authorities (one council doing everything) serving more people across wider areas being simpler, more efficient, and financially stronger.

It has launched LGR to deliver that possible change by 2028 and if that happens, North East Lincolnshire could be replaced by a larger unitary authority serving more people.

All the councils in the Greater Lincolnshire area have been asked to submit their preferred options for a way forward by Friday 28 November.

North East Lincolnshire’s proposal says there is a ‘compelling argument’ for keeping the current borough boundaries – and more than 1,000 people who took part in an engagement survey back this view.

Leader of the council, Cllr Philip Jackson (Conservative), said after the council meetings: “Whatever the political make-up of the council now and in the future, it is the ability to take advantage of our size and close links to our communities that is important here.  This has been recognised by us all here tonight, and I applaud the way we have come together to embark on our ambition to see North East Lincolnshire remain as a place where we can continue our work to build a stronger economy and stronger communities.”

Cllr Jackson’s fellow political leaders – Cllr Emma Clough (Labour), Cllr Steve Holland (NEL Independents), and Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe (Liberal-Democrats) agree and joined him in writing a foreword for the proposal, which says:

“Momentum is growing in our place as we look at regeneration, economic activity and improving lives for all. We sit on the cusp of real change, and we ask for longevity as a unitary authority to complete that change – providing security, stability, and growth across the borough. We propose that we remain as an existing high performing unitary council, within our existing borough boundaries.”

Comments and letters received from local people supporting this view have also been included in the proposal.

These include: “We (Lincolnshire) are a large county, our town’s location is fairly isolated, yet unique, as we are also a resort. We need local knowledge and understanding. I am concerned we would not benefit from becoming part of a much larger demographic. Our uniqueness is our strength.”

Another said: “I am concerned we would not benefit from becoming part of a much larger demographic. Our uniqueness is our strength.” 

The authority’s close links with partners, including public sector bodies such as the police and health services, and the business and voluntary sectors are all outlined in detail in the document.

Unique arrangements in place to support adults in North East Lincolnshire, the transformation of Children’s Services, the economic powerhouse of the South Humber Bank, and the continuing regeneration projects, are all at risk if this Local Government Reorganisation goes ahead, it adds.

The financial cost of any reorganisation is a major concern outlined, with expert analysis putting it at between £35-£47 million, taking years to execute and threatening to disrupt council services and working practices.

The proposal will now be taken forward to be submitted to Government.

For more information: Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) | NELC

Article and image from NELC.

Top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat- external site , has outlined plans to transform Alexandra Dock and create 120 new homes in Grimsby.

The regeneration scheme, which received planning approval from North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) on Friday, represents an investment of more than £20 million from the housebuilder.

Working in collaboration with NELC, Keepmoat will deliver high-quality, all electric multi-tenure homes, vibrant green spaces and maintain an area for retail investment.

The development will feature 54 affordable homes, offered through social rent in partnership with a local housing association.

Richard Gough, Operations Director at Keepmoat, Yorkshire East said: “We’re thrilled to secure planning to breathe new life into Alexandra Dock. This project represents a significant investment in the area and we’re looking forward to working alongside our partners to bring forward a brownfield piece of land set for regeneration.

“At Keepmoat, we are proud to build communities and transform lives. Grimsby is a fantastic location, offering a range of amenities and strong transport links. ”

Councillor Stewart Swinburn, Cabinet member for Housing at North East Lincolnshire Council, added: I’m pleased this has taken the next step towards becoming a reality. This housing development, right in the town centre, will help to transform Grimsby’s future in the coming years.

“Through investment, and working with other organisations, like Keepmoat and Homes England, we are helping to build stronger communities across our borough.”

Keepmoat already has a strong presence across North East Lincolnshire, with its Cambridge Green development at the former Western School site where the housebuilder is delivering 318 new homes, including affordable and retirement properties to create sustainable communities across East Yorkshire.

Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality homes in regions across the UK. To date, Keepmoat has built over 35,000 homes, transforming brownfield sites into thriving new communities.

For more information, please visit www.keepmoat.com

Article and image from NELC.

A temporary pop-up library will open in Freshney Place, Grimsby, next Tuesday November 4.

The library is based in a unit on Baxtergate, opposite Costa Coffee, and will open from Tuesdays to Fridays between 8.30am and 5.30pm, and on Saturdays from 9am-1pm. It will be closed on Sundays, Mondays and Bank Holidays.

The library will offer a range of services, including:

• Books – issue, return and reservation collection. Adult fiction and non-fiction
• Large print
• Audio Books
• Children’s books, including picture books, board books, junior fiction and non-fiction
• Health and Wellbeing and Send Collection.

There will also be two public network computers, two study spaces, document scanning for Local Taxation and benefits assistance, photocopying and printing.

Events such as Story Times for Toddlers and Shake Rattle and Read will also take place – but places will be limited.

Grimsby Central Library building remains closed at this time following water damage earlier in the year that created risk of asbestos disturbance. A structural survey on the condition of the building is complete and further surveys are underway to determine the works required.

NELC Cabinet members have approved, in principle, the reopening of Grimsby Central Library building, subject to confirmation of the options and costs for refurbishment. These options will be subject to full and transparent engagement.

Cllr Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, said: “I am very pleased that we now have an accessible temporary library service within Grimsby Town Centre. I hope that people will take advantage of this service while we continue to investigate the works that are needed at the Central Library building.”

Article and image from NELC.

The public are being invited to find out exactly how £20 million could be spent on Grimsby as part of the Grimsby Together project.

The project is shaping the town for the better – led by those who live here, work here and believe in listening to the community.

Aided by Our Future – an organisation that invests itself in supporting communities to effect long-term change – working in partnership with the Greater Grimsby Board and North East Lincolnshire Council, Grimsby Together will look at how to best invest the Plan for Neighbourhoods grant funding.

The Government’s Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) last year changed the focus of the Long-Term Plan for Towns funding scheme.

Now called Plan for Neighbourhoods, 75 areas – one being Grimsby – were awarded a total funding pot of £1.5-billion (up to £20m for each area over 10 years) with a focus on involving communities in decision making of how and where the money should go.

Recently, the project concluded the latest round of working groups, focusing on key topics like business and housing.

With a range of opinions from 80 local leaders, teams have now fed these insights into the plan that will be submitted to Government in November, detailing what is to be done with some of the £20 million.

To find out more about the plan, recognise the work that’s taken place over the Summer and get involved in the next steps, make sure to sign up to the next public event.

For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-the-grimsby-together-update-event-tickets-1813842966139?aff=oddtdtcreator- external site 

Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills, said: “This project is a great opportunity for our town. We are already undertaking one of the biggest transformations in the area’s history with the redevelopment of Freshney Place, and this can only be a positive addition to that.

“Grimsby Together will help shape the future of our town and it is great that investment will be led by the ideas of local organisations and people who are dedicated to improving the lives of residents and visitors.”

Article and image from NELC.