Category Archive 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.

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.