Yearly Archive 18 July 2023

The next phase of work around supporting creativity in North East Lincolnshire has been secured this week with the awarding of a £450,000 Place Partnership grant from Arts Council England.

The money will be used to build on the legacy of the Grimsby Creates to deliver work over the next last three years strengthening support for local creatives to deliver new experiences and festivals happening in the borough, experimenting with new ideas, schools and community engagement work by providing advice, building strong networks and providing opportunities for newly commissioned projects.

Over the next three years, with the new Place Partnership grant, supported by UK Shared Prosperity Funds, the Council will lead a programme to grow ambitious creative activity across North East Lincolnshire capturing that renewed confidence, celebrating the borough’s collective history and green future.

The programme will grow Grimsby Creates’ work across the whole borough helping to deliver the recently adopted Creativity Strategy and action plan, and focus on participation and engagement, strengthening partnerships and realising the Council and Arts Council England’s aims as a Priority Place.

Cllr Hayden Dawkins, Cabinet member for Culture, said: “This is fantastic news, and means that we can continue the great work and momentum we’ve seen in the last three years. People engaged in arts, culture and creative occupations are really leading a change in confidence in the borough and in local activities.”

Pete Massey, Director, North, Arts Council England said: “Congratulations to North East Lincolnshire on their Place Partnership Fund award. Place Partnership Funding is designed to help places make a step-change in the cultural and creative lives of the community and that’s exactly what this project will do. As a priority place we have already begun to see the transformational impact our investment has had in the region and this further funding will help to support and build on that work. There are exciting times ahead for culture and creativity in North East Lincolnshire.”  

Through the Grimsby Creates programme:

• 120 creatives have received advice and guidance, helping secure in excess of £4m of grants, funds, sponsorship, contracts and investments.
• St James’ Square’ regeneration has been completed including new artwork from Annabel McCourt and Adrian Riley highlighting Grimsby’s heritage and people.
• Events including Festival of the Sea, #MyFishGY and Edible Grimsby attracted an audience of 64,624 and increased footfall on event days by an average of 7% in Grimsby town centre.
• 4 large scale murals in key locations have brightened up brick walls providing opportunity for celebration of our heritage leading to increased pride across our borough
• 55 networking events were offered throughout the programme creating a culture of collaboration and partnership working strengthening the local creative sector and building the foundations for growth.

Activities outlined in the new programme include everything from micro, large scale and digital commissions (including more murals throughout the borough) especially focused on promoting our heritage and green future, to development and continuation of events such as “Our Future Starts Here” and “Edible Grimsby”, alongside working with children and young people to encourage interest in creative activities and developing strong creative networks across the North East Lincolnshire.

A full work programme is being drawn up, and opportunities for creative individuals and organisations will be promoted as they arise.

Article from NELC.

Small businesses across Northern Lincolnshire are being invited to have their say on the future of the high street, by taking part in a UK-wide survey by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) on issues such as business rate relief, public transport and parking, access to cash and street cleaning.

The findings will be analysed, and recommendations then submitted to the UK National government, local authorities, and politicians to help the regions high streets to flourish into the future.

The survey will run from 13 July to the 27 July and can be found at https://www.fsbbigvoice.co.uk/FSBHighStreetsSurvey- external site 

Paula Gouldthorpe, FSB Development Manager for South Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and the Humber said: “I encourage all small businesses across Northern Lincolnshire, from its city centre, towns, villages and coastal communities to spare just a few minutes to take part in the FSB Future of the High Street survey.

High streets are essential for small businesses, providing a platform for commerce and a sense of community pride, as well as opportunities for social interaction, events, and cultural activities. Sustainable high streets are key to flourishing urban and rural areas and for the success of our seaside towns. The more responses we get from businesses in communities across Northern Lincolnshire, the better their specific views can underpin recommendations.”

The public highly values small businesses on the high street, according to recent research by FSB and Public First; A majority of respondents said that small businesses were more important than large businesses for the following categories: Keeping traditional craft and skills alive (78%), pride in local communities (76%), providing unique services and products (72%), and growing the local economy (57%).

Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “We have a huge number of small businesses in North East Lincolnshire – they are a major part of our economic landscape. Through Government investment, we are now well on the way to delivering key projects in Grimsby and Cleethorpes’ town centres and surrounding areas in the coming years that will benefit businesses small and large. Together we can make our towns stronger and better places.”

Previous policy research by FSB has been central to understanding small business experience and perceptions of high streets and the policies impacting them. An FSB policy report Streets Ahead (March 2020) highlighted small business experiences of the high street before the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey found that at least 32% per cent of businesses in Yorkshire the Humber region were operated on or next to their local high street, representing a significant and important section of the city’s small business sector.

Article from NELC.

North East Lincolnshire Council is one of just 55 Local Authorities to participate in an exciting and forward thinking project funded by the Department for Education dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND in North East Lincolnshire.

Delivering Better Value in SEND (DBV) officially launched in North East Lincolnshire on 12 July at Grimsby Town Hall.

Following a period of consultation, research and engagement North East Lincolnshire Council was granted the funding in March this year.

The launch was well attended by parent carers of children and young people with SEND as well as professionals from education settings, health, and social care.

Prior to the launch Officers at North East Lincolnshire Council highlighted target areas for improvement by collating insight and data from parent carers, children and young people, and professionals in education, health, social care and the third sector.

Janice Spencer, Director of Children’s Services at North East Lincolnshire Council said: “The launch was a great chance to feature our exciting plans for Delivering Better Value in SEND. Those who have given their feedback, insight, and ideas to us were able to see how they’ve shaped the delivery of the project.

“We’re really excited about participating in this programme. We have a wealth of insight and data collated from across the SEND partnership to inform our actions and measure our impact. It’s based on a strong understanding of our local needs, our areas of strength, and how we can bring this together to make long term improvements.

“With the cooperation of schools and partners in health and social care we will see real benefits for children and young people with SEND, and the professionals that work with them.”

“We’re lucky to have parent carers keen to get involved and work with us, as well as dedicated professionals who want to do the best for every child and young person with SEND.

“We are making the most of the opportunity to ensure we execute a robust plan that is implemented well and creates long term change.”

Following a Delivering Better Value in SEND presentation guests heard about Launch Pad, a new social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) setting in our area, expanding the alternative provision offer.

At the event guests gave their feedback on key themes such as transition to adulthood, how children and young people can be more visible in their community, and what additional education offer is needed to expand our alternative provision offer.

Stay up to date with the project’s progress on the SEND Local Offer here.

Article and image from NELC.

STEPPING into the Victorian buildings at Scartho cemetery is like drifting back in time, to an era where ladies in bustling skirts and men with wool jackets and flat caps arrived at the large, wrought iron gates to say a final farewell to their loved ones.

Opened in 1889, the arrival of a funeral cortege, fronted by a horse and cart, would have been commonplace at the Scartho Road site.  While the burial was registered at the nearby lodge, mourners would reflect in the waiting area across the road, warmed by the tiled, cast-iron fireplace during the cold, winter months.

The horse and cart would have waited patiently by the side of the chapel, tethered to a metal bar at the edge of the building.

Fast forward to 2023, the once derelict buildings are undergoing a huge, sympathetic scheme of restoration, managed by Gavin Duffy, senior architectural technologist at North East Lincolnshire Council’s partner Equans.  Gavin has seen the project from its infancy through to the rapidly developing stages of restoration seen in the buildings today.  He commented:

“It has taken 14 years to get to this point, so it is exciting to see it develop each day.  We had to apply for funding, decide what the buildings were going to be used for, and create a schedule of works for the project.

“During the last half century, there has been a lot of poor workmanship across the site and much of this has had to be stripped right back.  Some of the materials used were retaining water and we are having to dry a lot of the brickwork out, particularly in the chapels. The buildings were last used in the Nineties. 

“Our contractors, UK Restoration Services, are specialists in this type of restoration, and complete historic projects, such as this, across the country.

“The work is progressing well, although there are always some surprises, but we are on target to start the second phase of works by autumn, 2023.”

One of those surprises was the discovery of bats at the lodge.  The team had to ‘down tools’ and apply for a mitigation licence from Natural England, resulting in a new home for the bats, in the eaves of the former waiting room.  The whole process set the lodge project back for four months, but the team is now firmly back on schedule.

The two chapels, dramatically situated at the centre of a roundabout, are surprisingly spacious, and have had extensive work completed since 2018.   The colourful windows have been beautifully restored, repointing has taken place on the brickwork, and new doors have been installed.  In time, one chapel will be used for storage while the other will be used to hold funeral services.

The former waiting room, with its seating area resembling that of a Victorian railway station, will become an area for viewing and purchasing headstones, while a nearby, much smaller building would be ideal for a floristry business.  This building was added to the site in the 1950s.

All the building work has benefited from suitable, environmentally friendly materials, such as sheep wool for the insulation, and hemp for the plaster.  The ceilings in the lodge are undergoing the restoration of the 135-year-old lath and plaster.  All materials used have longevity, reducing the risk of replacement or fixing in the short-term future.

The lodge will be a further home for bereavement services and a single-story extension is planned for the rear of the building, although this will not be completed until late 2024.

Cllr Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for Environment and Transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:

“These buildings are a real asset for the area.  It is wonderful to be able to put them back into use and preserve them for future generations.

“Using sustainable products and materials ensures that the chapels, former waiting room, and lodge are restored to the highest standard, and they are much kinder to our environment.”

Scott Dewhurst, Contracts Manager for UK Restoration Services, finished:

“The restoration has been challenging overall but we are really pleased with how things are coming along.

“It is a privilege to resurrect and work on these historic, Victorian buildings and in doing so, the team and I have also become a part of their rich and interesting history.”

Article and images from NELC.

“Our intention was always to listen, to understand and to make decisions based upon evidence and the views of everyone.”

The words of North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, Councillor Margaret Cracknell as she announced an immediate end to the current consultation around the future of Great Coates and Scartho nurseries, and the Reynolds Day Care facilities. The settings will therefore remain open as normal with parents encouraged to enrol for the new term in September.

Instead, the council will now take time to work with staff, governors, and parents. Together they will fully assess the situation, taking account of the hundreds of views already gathered. They include positive approaches from organisations already working in local childcare, as well as parents, governors, and residents.

Once that is done, the future of the nurseries will be decided in collaboration with those responsible for their governance and management.

Councillor Cracknell said:

“As a Cabinet , taking into account the strength and breadth of feedback and representations received, we feel that continuing the consultation at this stage is not an appropriate course of action. Instead, we want to have productive and pragmatic conversations with each setting to understand what the options are. To that end, the 3 meetings that have been organised with invited representatives later this month will still take place as continued engagement and dialogue is vitally important.”

Councillor Cracknell also stressed the importance of the Council reflecting on the lessons of this process to date. “In view of the strong feedback we have received about how parents and staff were made aware of the consultation, the Leader of the council has asked the chief executive to instigate a review of this process to ensure that lessons are learned and any necessary improvements to how the Council engages and consults with key stakeholders are implemented.”

Article from NELC.

Why is the Council consulting on the future of two nurseries and a day care setting?

We’re consulting with the public on the future of two nurseries and a day care setting in North East Lincolnshire based on a lack of use of these facilities, making them non-viable.

There are not enough children using these settings to make them viable.

In the 2021-2022 academic year, occupancy rates were as follows:

Great Coates Village Nursery: 67%

Scartho Nursery: 49%

Reynolds Day Care: 72%

In the 2022-23 academic year, occupancy rates were as follows:

Great Coates Village Nursery: 60%

Scartho Nursery: 48%

Reynolds Day Care: 67%

The settings are also operating at a deficit. Financial information for Great Coates Village Nursery and Scartho Nursery is publicly available to view at: Schools Financial Benchmarking – GOV.UK (schools-financial-benchmarking.service.gov.uk)- external site .

Reynold’s Day Care is a corporate day care setting. Its outturn for 2022/23 was -£55,000. It is projecting another deficit this year of circa -£50,000.

When were staff notified about these proposals?

We’ve been working with leadership figures at each of the settings for about two years to support them to bring forward business cases to help make the settings more viable. Support offered includes: regular contact with the Assistant Director for Education, Business Support, frequent support from NELC Finance Team, and business case templates.

We notified staff at the nurseries of the intention to consult on proposals on Thursday 8^th June 2023. We then sent letters to parents on Friday 9^th June.

After the decision to extend the consultation was made, staff were notified of the extension on Monday 3^rd July via email. Head teachers were then phoned to make them aware of the update before a press release was issued.

Who has the Council engaged with about these proposals?

Since launching the consultation, we have held engagement sessions with nursery and day care staff and Councillors. We have also published a press release and some social media posts to encourage people to have their say by completing the consultation.

We have also shared the consultation via our consultation mailing list, which has over 5,000 subscribers. 

Council Cabinet members have also attended a community meeting.

We are planning further engagement with interested parties.

The information on the consultation mentions the nursery finances. Where can we see this information?

The financial information for the nurseries and day care settings is publicly accessible via Schools Financial Benchmarking – GOV.UK (schools-financial-benchmarking.service.gov.uk)- external site .

Reynold’s Day Care is a corporate day care setting. Its outturn for 2022/23 was -£55,000. It is projecting another deficit this year of circa -£50,000.

Why has the consultation been extended?

Since the consultation first opened, we have had over 1,500 responses. It’s clear that residents are passionate about this issue and we felt it was important to give people more time to put their views forward to the consultation process.

The extended period also gives residents and stakeholders more time to suggest suitable alternatives. The Council has been clear that change is needed, and this is an important opportunity for residents and stakeholders to come forward with possible alternatives.

The public consultation has now been extended to 8-weeks in length, closing on Friday 4^th August 2023.

Under these proposals, what are the timelines for any change to take place?

Under the latest timelines, any final decisions will be implemented by the end of the autumn term (December 2023).

Will house building in the area mean there will be an increased demand for places in the future?

We’ve seen a number of new houses built in recent years in these areas, though anecdotal feedback from parents suggest that those living around these settings are actively choosing to place their children in other settings – often close by their place of work rather than their home.

For example, in the summer term of 2022, only 64% of all children living in Great Coates accessed their funded place within the local ward.

Similarly, only 58% of all children resident in Scartho accessed their funded place within the local ward.

I’ve emailed a question about the consultation but I’ve not had a response.

We’ve received a lot of questions from residents, staff at the settings, and Ward Councillors. We’re diligently working through these and formulating responses. We’ll respond to your question as soon as we’re able.

Those questions that are being asked most frequently are being added to this thread.

You’ve claimed that the buildings need £1.5m of improvement works. Where has this come from?

The Department for Education’s own guidance for early years settings outlines a standard for modern learning environments.

The Council currently maintains these buildings to a set standard. However, upgrades are required to really transform them into a place where children can learn, be inspired, and thrive. 

Assets professionals have assessed these buildings and produced an estimate of costs to bring them to a level that we would want for our children.

Currently, the Government does not provide any funding to upgrade the learning environment.

Is it possible that some of the settings will not be affected by the outcome of this consultation?

We are seeking views from members of the public and suggestions of possible alternative solutions. It might be that suggestions come forward for one or more of the settings that could make them viable.

Why hasn’t anything been done before to try to make these settings viable?

We’ve been working with the heads of these settings for two years to seek a business case to make them viable.

 As part of this, staff have been offered support from the Council’s finance and business support teams. The budgets for each site are still in deficit, however this consultation is about seeking alternatives to make these settings viable.

Has the Council received any alternatives already?

This process has so far prompted a number of possible alternatives which we are reviewing as part of the public consultation.

Have you taken into account the potential impact of the Government’s new policy around 30-hours of childcare for 2-year-olds?

Currently we do not have any data on the impact of the new 30-hours for 2-year olds.

However it is evident from the work that has been done so far that, irrespective of any future announcements, change is required at these three settings based on the evidence presented to date.

As a Council, it would be irresponsible to make plans based on data that we don’t have around numbers of children.

Where will the children go for those who live in Great Coates – closest nurseries are Healing and Willows?

There are three settings in the immediate surrounding area which currently have vacancies (accurate at the time of writing).

How are parents able to find a suitable replacement for childcare?

There are over 140 childcare providers in North East Lincolnshire, offering places for 0 to 14 year olds. Some are available from early morning, late in the evening, weekends, and overnight care.

Our Families First Information Service has an online directory of childcare options, and offers support to parents seeking childcare solutions.

Visit the Families First Information Service Directory– external site  or call our helpline on 01472 326292 (option 1) or email us at fis@nelincs.gov.uk.

Where have the figures come from on the Consultation on childcare availability in the area? 

We have a statutory duty to conduct audits each term among local providers. The numbers we have quoted are taken directly from our local providers.

How will SEND services be provided if the Nursery closes?

All nursery and Private/Voluntary and Independent settings have to abide by the SEND Code of Practice and must have a nominated staff member responsible for SEND.

How many of the Council’s maintained nursery settings are currently running a budget deficit?

We currently have two nursery settings. Both are running a budget deficit. The financial information for these settings is a matter of public record and can be viewed at: Schools Financial Benchmarking – GOV.UK (schools-financial-benchmarking.service.gov.uk)- external site .

What does the Western Federation have to do with these settings?

Scartho Village Nursery is currently in a federation arrangement with Western School. This arrangement will end on 31^st August 2023. 

We currently have an interim leadership and governance arrangement in place until the end of 2023.

Nursery schools are legally required to install an appropriate leadership and governance arrangement. This would increase the budget deficit at this setting.

If the council authorised more staff to be hired, the nursery could accept more children – essentially the issue of capacity places is due to an issue the authority created?

We are not seeking to reduce staffing. The number of children in these settings must increase to make them viable.

The Department for Education sets out the required ratio of staff to children in settings such as these.

Where is the evidence that parents choose provisions closer to work?

Data suggests that a large proportion of parents living in the immediate vicinity of these nursery sites are not choosing to place their children there.

For example, in the summer term of 2022, only 64% of all children living in Great Coates accessed their funded place within the local ward. The remaining 36% accessed their place at other settings across the borough.

Similarly, only 58% of all children resident in Scartho accessed their funded place within the local ward. The remaining 42% accessed their place at other settings across the borough.

The most likely reason for this is that parents wanted a setting closer to their workplace, or a relative’s home (i.e. parents/grandparents).

We’re keen to gather more information on the reasons why parents are choosing to place their children in settings outside of their ward. 

If you are a parent in one of these wards and do not send your child to one of these wards, please get in touch to let us know why. Email: nurseryconsultation@nelincs.gov.uk

Article from NELC.

“It’s important that everyone across North East Lincolnshire is able to have their say and we want them to. People can help to shape the decisions made to support our young children and families in the future.”

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The next contracting phase for the multi-million redevelopment of Grimsby’s Freshney Place, starts next week with a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event.

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North East Lincolnshire Council’s campaign to fix run-down buildings in the town centre is proving successful as property owners join the rush to make improvements.

Plans to improve the street scene in the area began last October, focusing on the pedestrianised Victoria Street West area and surrounding streets.

Properties to have enjoyed a revamp include the former My Oriental Fusion property, in Town Hall Street, and The Body Shop, My Cigara, Pizza Hut, TSB, and Nationwide Building Society, all in Victoria Street.

Not only do improvements like these make a positive difference for businesses, by allowing the potential for attracting new customers, they also instill a sense of pride in the wider community.  Smarter areas also tend to enjoy higher property values, while run-down areas often become beacons for criminality and antisocial behaviour.

The Tivoli Tavern, in Old Market Place, has undergone a schedule of works, making it a stand-out property close to the newly renovated St James’ Square.  Manager Marie Moran, said:

“The tavern was built in the 1800s, although it hasn’t always been a pub.  It’s listed and an important part of the town’s history.  Keeping it in good shape helps to preserve it for future generations.”

Grimsby town centre is currently undergoing a multi-million-pound regeneration project that will see a major refurbishment of the town centre.  A new cinema, market, housing development, youth facility, and revamped Riverhead are all a part of plans to invigorate the area.

Property owners inside of this improvement zone, and those in the surrounding area, are realising the potential these changes could bring, and are keen to follow this example with their own repairs and refurbs.

Cllr Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for Safer and Stronger Communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, commented:

“As we continue our ambitious plans to transform the Top Town and Riverhead areas, it is vital that property owners in the locality strive to improve their buildings to reflect Grimsby being a vibrant place to visit.

“Neglected buildings can spoil attitudes during this time of renewed enthusiasm across the community.  Hopefully, as we see more property owners across the centre taking the opportunity to do repair work it will motivate others to do the same.”

A small number of unkempt and potentially dangerous properties were identified, with several other properties in need of minor works to bring them up to an acceptable standard.

Problems identified included cracked or missing render, rotting woodwork, missing or broken windows, flaking paintwork, shrubs growing in brickwork, missing gutters and drainpipes and vegetation in the gutters and on the roof.

The town centre project follows the success of a similar scheme to improve the street scene on the A180 between Riby Square in Grimsby and Suggitt’s Lane in Cleethorpes.  That scheme, known as Operation Gateway, saw improvements carried out at 130 buildings in the target area.

Grants available to bring properties back into use

There are several grant schemes available to help bring properties back into use and “activate” the town centre, which might cover, for example, temporary art installations to promote space, capital grants for non-essential works to bring alternative uses into buildings, and community led schemes. 

If you’re interested in applying, there’s more information on the council’s website: www.nelincs.gov.uk and search for Activation Fund, or email enquiries@InvestNEL.co.uk for more information.

Article and images from NELC.

A vision to create modern, smart homes on a riverside setting in Grimsby’s town centre are taking a step forward.

Following discussions between North East Lincolnshire Council and Homes England, central Government funding has been agreed to allow investigative work to take place at Alexandra Dock.

This will centre on six-acres of council-owned land behind the new Horizon OnSide Youth Zone and next to the remodelled Garth Lane bridge and walkway alongside the water.

Around two weeks of specialist contract work, which starts on Monday 3 July, will determine the land type and what is beneath the surface – essential investigations ahead of preparing the site further.

This area was earmarked for homes in Grimsby’s Town Centre Masterplan – cited as an ideal location given the water nearby and the improvements that have already taken place.

Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the council with responsibilities for the economy, net zero, skills and housing, said: “The main objective of this work is to create a place that connects the town and its community with its waterside, creating a fantastic urban living environment that’s kind to the planet.

“There’s a long way to go yet, and developments of this scale don’t happen overnight. But we are working to improve the town centre as a whole and this is part of that vision. Step-by-step we want to change how our centre is used and enjoyed as a whole.”

Just last week OnSide celebrated the start of its redevelopment of the redundant West Haven Maltings into a state-of-the art Youth Zone and work continues to redevelop Riverhead Square. This comes on the back of the new Garth Lane bridge and pathways, the multi-million-pound Freshney Place Market Hall and Leisure Scheme, and the redevelopment of St James’ Square and St James’ House – the latter is becoming an E-Factor Business Hub.

Article from NELC.