Category Archive News

A CALL has gone out for Grimsby to ‘get together’ and look at how a £20m investment into the town can make a positive difference.  

On Monday 30 June, the Grimsby Together project officially relaunches, bringing together community leaders, local organisations and people already working to build a thriving future for the town to help shape how the Plan for Neighbourhoods investment is used.

The money was secured for Grimsby earlier this year, following the Government’s rescoping of the Long-Term Plan for Towns. 

Under the new Plan for Neighbourhoods scheme, the Government has asked successful areas to work with citizens to ensure that ‘together’ we decide where the funds should be spent.

Our Future, has worked extensively with North East Lincolnshire communities, and is leading the next stage of its ‘Grimsby Together’ work

Our Future is asking those Grimsby people who are involved in any way in making their town a better place to join Monday’s launch, at Grimsby Town Hall, to hear more about the funding, how the project will work, and how they can play their part.

Those who have previously been involved in the project have been invited and Our Future is keen to see new voices contribute to the plan too. 

North East Lincolnshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “This is about all the people of Grimsby and how they can work together to look at what is happening around the town and who and where would most benefit from funding – whether it is supporting an existing scheme or project, or a completely new idea. We are delighted that the Our Future team has come on board again and look forward to seeing some really good schemes come forward.”

To attend please go to https://linktr.ee/OurFutureNorthEastLincolnshire- external site.  You have until 3pm on Friday to register your interest.

Article and image from NELC.

An updated tender has been released for the construction work for the Government-funded Pier Gardens project in Cleethorpes.

The first tender exercise, issued earlier this year, was paused in May. Lots of questions were received about the scheme, showing a healthy interest from potential tenderers about the project.

As a result, the Council took the decision to revise the tender documents and drawings to refine certain elements and make sure that prices received as a result of the new tender could be matched against each other for evaluation.

The designs show an array of different zones in the Gardens – from a small park for the skate community at the northern end, through water and woodland play zones in the middle to a quieter, more serene and contemplative area towards the Armed Forces Remembrance gardens.

Input from local people has helped to shape the designs and some of the features in the gardens – from the inclusion of open spaces and play equipment to practical things like public foot washes and bicycle repair stations!

The local skate community were also involved in developing the design of the skate park area alongside international specialists, Betong Park, with all sorts of different elements included in the design.

The successful tenderer will be responsible for the overall Pier Gardens renovation works, including the landscaping and planting, as well as creating the different zones across the site and the skate park area at the northern end of the site.

The tender is available on YorTender (yortender.eu-supply.com) reference 99987, title “Pier Gardens Principal Contractor”.

The tender closes on 11 August, and works are expected to start in the Autumn.

Article and image from NELC.

THE future of the last remaining hydrotherapy pool in North East Lincolnshire has been secured thanks to Public Health funding from North East Lincolnshire Council.

Situated at Humberston Park School in Grimsby, the pool provides relief to students with conditions and symptoms that cause chronic pain, relieving pain, relaxing and strengthening muscles, and increasing circulation.

A public appeal for funding to secure the future of the facility had been issued in April this year after trustees said that their funding was running out.

Now, thanks to funding from North East Lincolnshire Council’s Public Health team, the future of the pool has been secured.

Councillor Stan Shreeve, deputy leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care, said:

“After a recent visit to the school with our Director for Public Health, it was clear that this hydrotherapy pool is a fantastic resource, and one that we cannot afford to lose.

“It’s not often that we are able to step-in in this way to support things like this, but we agreed that the benefit to the community from this pool, and in particular to the children in our area who struggle with very complex needs, means that this is much needed.

“I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to secure its immediate future.”

Gemma Rylatt, Trustee of The Pool, said: “I am amazed by the over whelming support we have received from the local community and to be able to partner with Public Health is something that we have always wanted to do. For them to support our fundraising campaign is fantastic.

“We are also grateful for Councillor Shreeve who brought our campaign to the attention Public Health. The fundraising efforts will continue as we need the pool to be a sustainable resource for the community for many years to come. 

“To be able to reach our target in 8 weeks is astonishing.  We thank The Telegraph for the platform their campaign afforded us.”

The pool is open to bookings from members of the public, organisations and community groups. To find out more about booking the facility, call 01472 590 645 or email office@hpark.org.uk

Article and image from NELC.

Alongside the large regeneration schemes happening in Grimsby town centre, you’ll have seen lots of different things happening on the high street.

New planters have appeared, with seating, so that there are places to sit down while you’re out shopping. The town’s first “living wall” has been installed soon to be followed by artwork above it with more living walls planned for the future.

Anti-social behaviour in the town centre has reduced by over 10% with initiatives like the Tannoy system deployed to deter cycling along Victoria Street, the Safer Street Ambassadors helping those in need and Days of Action making the town centre a more welcoming and safer place to be.

All of these initiatives have come following suggestions made to the 2025 Group, a small group, being run by the Grimsby Retailers in Partnership (GRiP) set up to consider what could improve the look and feel of Victoria Street and help attract new businesses to the town.

The next target is to try to reduce the number of empty shops in the town centre. The High Street Revival Scheme will be rolled out as a partnership scheme between North East Lincolnshire Council, Grimsby Retailers in Partnership (GRIP) and the 2025 Group initiative, property agents/owners, e-factor, and Sector Support NEL.

The scheme offers the following.

• An opportunity to apply for Capital funding through the Activation and Community Engagement fund to assist with bringing the property back into use.
• Where property owners benefit from building enhancements which make the property more attractive for occupiers, a time limited reduced or escalator rental period could be offered.
• New occupants benefit from the above, plus free dedicated business support package to assist them to be a sustainable business.
• Property agents match potential premises based on the needs of the tenants, saving time and energy researching.

“If you’re looking for a high street presence, this is an ideal scheme,” commented Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council. “The work done so far has really started to change the feel of the town centre, and we now want to reduce the number of empty properties on the high street. Freshney Place has around 95% occupancy levels, but we want to improve the occupancy of other units too.”

Article and image from NELC.

May 2025 has seen lots of changes across Grimsby, particularly. Alongside the regeneration projects there’s a drive to make the town centre a more welcoming place.

If you’ve taken a walk down Victoria Street, you’ll have seen lots of different things happening.

New planters have appeared, with seating, so that there are places to sit down while you’re out shopping, and a “living wall” has been installed soon to be followed by artwork above it.

There has been a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour in the town too with things like the continued use of the tannoy system deployed to deter cycling through the pedestrianised area, and the work of the street marshals. Riverhead Square is also the new home for the monthly farmers’ market complementing Top Town Market next door.

All of these initiatives have come following suggestions made to the 2025 Group, a small group, being run by the Grimsby Retailers in Partnership (GRiP) set up to consider what could improve the look and feel of Victoria Street and help attract new businesses to the town. Watch out for more coming soon!

Project round up: Grimsby

The demolition applications for Abbey Walk Car Park and redundant units on Osborne Street have both been approved. The demolition contracts are close to being awarded, so work should start on these projects in the coming months.

The Top Town Market traders moved into their new home this month at the Riverhead end of Freshney Place. It’s a bright new space for our well-loved traders, and it’s great to see it open to the public. If you’ve not seen it yet, do go along! It’s well worth a visit.

Meanwhile, at the other end of Freshney Place, work is continuing on the demolition of the former market hall.

Refurbishment work to Freshney Place car parks has begun this month, and in mid-May, the team from GMI hosted a visit from Littlecoates Primary School as part of their commitment to give back to the community. Maybe there’s some inspired children as a result!

To keep up to date on what’s happening across all our major projects, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/building-our-future

Article and videos from NELC.

The council and its partner Stagecoach have been named one of the most improved bus services across Yorkshire and Humberside in a recent report.

The National Highways and Transport Network Report details where local services have best improved in every aspect of transport and travel. In respects of North East Lincolnshire, accessing information about transport and the overall bus service have vastly improved.

Other notable areas where North East Lincolnshire are leading the way includes the number of bus stops; reliability of electronic displays; bus fares and how easy it is to get on and off the bus.

However, it’s not only the buses that are on the up, so are passenger numbers. In the past 12 months, there has been almost 200,000 more Concessionary Travel passengers using a bus to get around North East Lincolnshire.

A Concessionary Travel Pass allows those of pensionable age or a certain disability to travel across the borough for free until 11pm and can be applied for by visiting: https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/streets-travel-and-parking/travel-and-public-transport/

It allows greater access to Grimsby Town centre as it undergoes major regeneration. With the new Community Diagnostic Centre and Top Town Market, now is the best time to visit.

These findings build upon a recent study that detailed North East Lincolnshire buses as some of the best in the country, ahead of cities like Manchester and Liverpool.

“We are seeing a positive difference in our buses and public transport,” said Councillor Stewart Swinburn, Portfolio Holder for Transport, Infrastructure and Housing.

He added: “I’m proud of how far we’ve come in all these aspects and this is a statement of intention to ensure we provide our residents with the best service possible.

“With Summer coming up, now is the perfect time to take the bus and go visit as much of North East Lincolnshire as you can.”

Matt Cranwell, Managing Director at Stagecoach East Midlands, added: “It is great to see these results that support the continuous development of our services in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council.

“Our team takes great pride in providing services for the local community and so we are immensely proud that they have been acknowledged for providing one of the most improved bus services across Yorkshire and Humberside. “

Article from NELC.

On Monday, 9 June, at 6.30pm North East Lincolnshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, and his Cabinet colleagues will be live on Facebook – ready to answer your questions.

There’s lots happening in the years ahead – and the council is playing a pivotal role in most of that change:

• Our towns of Grimsby and Cleethorpes will be transformed with major grant-supported regeneration schemes;
• Freshney Place will continue to be developed under council ownership
• Environmental work continues to protect our SSSI coastline
• 130 new homes will be built, pending planning approval, on the site at Alexandra Dock next to the new OnSide Horizon Youth Zone
• New schools are being constructed

Then there’s the creation of the new Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority, and the work in Children’s Services, Adult Social Care and Public Health – continued investment in these areas is vital to the authority’s ambition for a better place.

Cllr Jackson said: “It is important that people know they have the opportunity to ask myself and my colleagues about the decisions we make that will impact on their lives both now and in the future. We will listen to what they say and try to answer any questions they ask. Others may have issues to raise and points to make that we can take away.”

What does Cabinet mean?

Key decisions, which are those with a significant impact, are made by the Council’s Cabinet. The Cabinet is made up of between three and 10 elected Members appointed by the Leader of the Council.

Each Cabinet Member has responsibility and individual decision-making powers for a range of particular services, collectively known as their ‘portfolio’.

North East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet is made up of eight Members from the Conservative group – the majority party. These members include the Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, and Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Stan Shreeve. The Cabinet is the key decision-making body of the Council, and provides political leadership and direction across the whole range of council services.

Cabinet also votes to accept policies, plans and strategies, including the fixing of the budget and council tax levels. However, the final decision on such important matters rests with Full Council when all members vote.

Who is on the Cabinet?

Every member will be attending the Question Time with Cabinet event to respond to your questions and queries. Those people are:

• Cllr P Jackson – Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills
• Cllr S Shreeve – Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care
• Cllr M Cracknell – Portfolio Holder for Children and Education
• Cllr H Dawkins– Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy
• Cllr S Harness – Portfolio Holder for Finance, Resources and Assets
• Cllr R Shepherd – Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities
• Cllr S Swinburn – Portfolio Holder for Housing, Infrastructure and Transport
• Cllr H Hudson – Portfolio Holder for Environment and Net Zero

Between now and Monday 9 June we will be taking questions in advance to be answered on the night. Please send them to  communications@nelincs.gov.uk with your questions. Cabinet members will endeavour to answer all questions on the night, but will respond to all relevant questions in time.

Article from NELC.

North East Lincolnshire is embarking on an exciting new journey to transform speech and language therapy for children and young people.

Chatterbug, a trusted provider of innovative speech and language services, has been commissioned to bring tailored, high-quality therapy to the community—ensuring every child has the support they need to thrive.

On Thursday 22 May families and professionals will gather at the launch event to explore the wealth of services now available. From evidence-based speech therapy to engaging drop-in sessions and dynamic training opportunities, Chatterbug is creating a comprehensive framework that fosters confidence and communication.

Chatterbug are committed to:

• Creating communication-rich environments that nurture every child’s development.
• Strengthening referral pathways, ensuring timely and effective care.
• Elevating staff and parent confidence, equipping them with the tools to support young learners.

Asma Khanum, Chatterbug CEO, said:
 “Communication is a basic right that should be available to all. Being skilled in this area can liberate us and allow us to achieve our hopes and aspirations. It is the key to academic success and social mobility — and this is our vision for North East Lincolnshire.

“Our groundbreaking partnership with North East Lincolnshire marks a bold commitment to ensuring no child is left behind. Together, we celebrate the unique ways children communicate and learn, recognising that all minds bring invaluable perspectives to our world.

“Our approach is brave, innovative, and unapologetically ambitious for all children — as well as the staff and parents — and this partnership with NEL isn’t just about support; it’s about transformation.

Transforming lives by empowering children to reach their full potential in North East Lincolnshire!’’

Chatterbug will continue to complement the hospital team and service and be working with children, young people, Family Hubs and educational settings from 1^st April 2025.

Referral information and further information about the Chatterbug offer is available on the Chatterbug website www.chatter-bug.com/nel- external site – external site .

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education said: “This new partnership marks the beginning of a stronger, more connected approach to speech and language therapy in North East Lincolnshire. Together, we are laying the foundation for a future where every child finds their voice, flourishes in school, and thrives in life.”

To register your place at the launch event visit: Chatterbug │ North East Lincolnshire Launch Event Tickets, Thu, May 22, 2025 at 5:30 PM | Eventbrite- external site – external site 

You can also learn more about their offer at upcoming information sessions. These will be published on the SEND Local Offer website at https://sendlocaloffer.nelincs.gov.uk- external site .

Article and image from NELC.

North East Lincolnshire Council and its delivery partner, Equans, are scheduled to carry out civil works and full carriageway reconstruction on Moody Lane between Novartis exit (near Woad Lane) and Gilbey Road, Grimsby.

Works will begin on Monday 2 June 2025 and are due to be completed on Saturday 26 July 2025.

The works will be carried out in 2 phases, as detailed below:

Phase 1 – Carriageway reconstruction (Monday 2 June – Monday 21 July)

The first phase of the works will include the replacement of existing damaged drainage gullies and connections and full depth carriageway reconstruction.

These works will be carried out under a full road closure and split into sections, to maintain access to businesses. 

For each section the road closure will be in place 24 hours a day for the duration detailed below.

The sections are listed in order of programme:

Section 1 – 7 am on Monday 2 June to 6pm on Wednesday 11 June
Section 7 – 7pm on Friday 6 June to 5am on Monday 9 June
Section 2 – 7am on Thursday 12 June to 6pm on Tuesday 17 June
Section 8 – 7pm on Friday 13 June to 5am on Monday 16 June
Section 3 – 7am on Wednesday 18 June to 6pm on Monday 30 June
Section 9 – 7pm on Friday 20 June to 5am on Monday 23 June
Section 4 – 7am on Tuesday 1 July to 6pm on Monday 7 July
Section 5 – 7am on Tuesday 8 July to 6pm on Monday 14 July
Section 6 – 7am on Tuesday 15 July to 6pm on Monday 21 July

Phase 2 – Carriageway final surfacing and road markings (Tuesday 22 July – Saturday 26 July)

The second phase of the project includes the final surfacing of the carriageway and road marking work. These will start on Tuesday 22 July and is scheduled to be completed on Saturday 26 July.

To enable the works to be carried out and to ensure the safety of the contractors, a nighttime road closure will be in place each night between 7pm and 5am. To minimise the impact to businesses this phase of work has been split into three sections.

Section 1 – Tuesday 22 July to Wednesday 23 July
Section 2 – Wednesday 23 July to Thursday 24 July
Section 3 – Thursday 24 July to Friday 25 July

No vehicle access will be permitted within the road closure extents for the duration of the works, however access for emergency vehicles will be maintained throughout. During the works, on street parking and loading will be suspended within the closure extents. Please support the contractor by not parking vehicles on the carriageway or footway in the works location to ensure a safe working area can be maintained and to avoid delaying the works programme. If the works are delayed due to parked vehicles, additional nights of road closures will be required to enable the works to be completed.

All works are weather dependant and are subject to change.

The council, Equans and contractor Specialist Surfacing Ltd would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience and assure that the work will be completed as quickly and safely as possible.

Article and image from NELC.

A group of Grimsby school children were left delighted after being given an exclusive behind the scenes look at the Freshney Place leisure scheme.

The class, from Littlecoates Primary School, witnessed the demolition process of areas such as the former BHS which will be replaced by a state-of-the-art, vibrant food hall and attached complementary market.

Under the £50 million development plans, Grimsby town centre will be reimagined to provide a more sustainable, safe and welcoming environment for visitors and residents.

With a new cinema, food and beverage outlets and state-of-the-art market, there will be an abundance of new amenities for the public to enjoy in the town centre.

“We’re on a hugely ambitious journey, with significant investment of public funds across our towns and borough. We’re investing in one of the largest schemes this council has ever invested in. We believe this is right for the town,” said North East Lincolnshire Council Leader Philip Jackson.

The scheme will also secure the long-term future of Freshney Place and the 1,700 jobs it currently supports.

Toured around the site by GMI Project Manager Dave Fish, the group were taught about the importance of every job that goes into creating these developments as well as being shown some of the equipment used on the project.

Organising the visit was GMI’s Responsible Business Partner, Brendan Tannam. As part of their projects, GMI work with local communities to ensure they leave a lasting positive impact on the area.

He said: “We do all sorts like giving children a site tour, taking on T-Level students and supporting other local projects, like the upcoming Horizon Youth Zone.

“It’s so important to offer these opportunities to local people when we’re right on the doorstep; it allows them to play a part in their own regeneration.”

For the children attending the site, it was an opportunity to get a glimpse at the Grimsby of their future.

Betsy, a student at Littlecoates Primary, is excited at the possibilities of regenerating Grimsby. “I’m really excited to see a new cinema in Grimsby, I think it’ll be great.”

She added: “I’ve really enjoyed the day and my favourite part was seeing the big excavator taking down part of the building.”

Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills, was thrilled to see the younger generation involved in Grimsby’s redevelopment.

“We are on an ambitious journey for North East Lincolnshire, with major public investment, most of it Government grant funding, across the borough.

“The repurposing of the western end of Freshney Place is the largest regeneration scheme in the area and, along with the other projects around the town centre, is set to transform the centre of Grimsby, attracting in more people for a range of exciting, new activities.”

Article and image from NELC.