Category Archive News

Immingham Family Hub reopened last week after benefitting from Government funding, and is set to deliver a range of support and activities for local families.

The Hub, based on Margaret Street in Immingham, has been given a makeover and is staffed from Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, delivering parent and toddler activities, along with support for new parents.

Health visitors will use the site as a base for appointments, and new parents will have an opportunity to meet with other mums and dads.

Speaking at a family fun day held at the Hub last weekend, Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:

“The opening of the Immingham Family Hub has been a long awaited event, The facility will be a wonderful resource for the residents of Immingham and the surrounding areas.

“Becoming a family with the birth of a child is one of the happiest times of ones life. Every parent or carer wants the best possible for their child. Sometimes however, the responsibilities it brings seem huge, and the challenges can feel overwhelming for new and existing parents.

“We’ve all heard of the importance of the first 1001 days of the child’s life. And how the impact of those experiences will feature in future life. This is why it’s so important to have the reassurance that we are not alone, that there is someone to share and support when needed. It is natural to need this support and to have a network of friends and professionals to help at any time.

“This family hub will be the heart of the community and be responsive to family need. It will offer a positive service of peer support, health and wellbeing advice and child development to enable carers to have the best experience of raising a child.”

The site hosted a family fun day on Saturday, with face-painting, a tombola and chocolate board, and various stands. Children’s TV character, Bluey, cut the ribbon to the refurbished Hub in front of a crowd of parents and children.

The Hub is the first of seven sites to relaunch, offering an increased level of support to new and expectant parents.

Article and image from NELC.

THE transformation of Grimsby Town Centre into a central hub where people and families can visit and enjoy has received a £20-million funding boost from Government.

Grimsby is one of a number of town centres across the country that were successful in securing this new ‘Long-Term Plan’ money, which was announced over the weekend.

Delighted by the news, North East Lincolnshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson (pictured discussing the new Freshney Place scheme) said how just two weeks ago he had attended the launch of a new ‘Grimsby Town Centre 2025 Group’.

With a mantra to ‘Be Part of the Positive’, the group of people from retail and business, want to focus on creating opportunities to deliver lasting and positive change for the town centre – in line with what the ‘Long-Plan’ money should be invested in.

Cllr Jackson said: “This is hugely welcome news and we will now be able to build on the good work that is already taking place to look at improving our urban heartlands in the decade ahead.

“We have been working extremely hard with partners across both the public and private sector to build relationships especially within Grimsby Town Centre so we can grow the area in the right way. This work has been running alongside our plans to regenerate and transform our place, as has been well reported.

 “For our plans to succeed and be sustainable it is vital that we look at ensuring people can feel and be safe and this announcement will allow us to accelerate schemes and actions to help us realise that ambition as the physical redevelopment takes place.”

The £20-million to be spread across 10 years, would now ensure the financial means were there to really make a difference, added Cllr Jackson. He explained that the authority was now awaiting further details on the administration of the funds before working with its partners to plan its most effective use, in line with the regeneration plans taking place.

Before the announcement of this £20-million, schemes to improve town centre safety and security were already being planned. At the Grimsby Town Centre 2025 Group it was explained how the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner is supporting the opening of a new Youth Hub on Osborne Street that will operate until the Horizon Youth Centre opens, as well as improving business security, graffiti removal and supporting the evening economy and the violence against women and girls’ agenda.

There is also Projekt Renewable now almost ready to open at Fisherman’s Wharf, the new OnSide Horizon Youth Zone which is scheduled to complete in 2025, and the new NHS Community Diagnostic Centre in Freshney Place, all of which will attract more people and families into the town centre.

Meanwhile, the new Freshney Place Leisure and Market Hall Scheme is progressing with major works due to start early next year. Supported by £20-million Government funding – this time from LUF (Levelling Up Funding) – this will see the western end of the council-owned shopping centre transformed with a new cinema, market hall, and leisure, community and family attractions and space.

Announcing the ‘Long-Term Plan’ awards over weekend, the Government’s Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove MP explained his vision to see community leaders, businesspeople and local bodies work together to forge their town centres’ futures.

Cllr Jackson added: “It is clear that, as a council and working with partners we are going in the right direction – this funding award is a reflection of that. Our vision is to build a stronger economy and stronger communities and we can do that by talking, listening and then winning the necessary funding to make a change. This is now happening, and I look forward to seeing just what we can achieve together.”

Article and image from NELC.

The changing face of Grimsby Docks is being showcased to civic heads and business leaders who are visiting North East Lincolnshire and its Port to mark Lincolnshire Day 2023.

The party, including Greater Lincolnshire Council Leaders, MPs, business representatives, and Lincolnshire’s Lord-Lieutenant, are celebrating the day on Friday, 29 September ahead of Lincolnshire Day itself on Sunday 1 October.

This is the third year that a Greater Lincolnshire authority has hosted Lincolnshire Day celebrations, starting with North Lincolnshire Council at Normanby Hall, in 2021, Lincolnshire County Council at Lincoln Castle in 2022, and North East Lincolnshire Council this year. 

North East Lincolnshire’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Stan Shreeve, welcomed people to the borough. He said: “I am delighted that we can use the opportunity that Lincolnshire Day presents to show our peers and colleagues the work that is happening here, which will benefit both industry and the community. We are extremely proud of the partnership working on a local, regional, and national level that has led to the change we now see happening in and around the Docks.”

The Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Cllr Martin Hill OBE, said: “The Lincolnshire Day Civic Celebration Event is a chance for us to not only celebrate our great county, but to also demonstrate that the invisible lines of local government do not separate us; from the Humber to the Wash we are one Lincolnshire.

“By hosting the event in a different area of the county each year, we’re able to show a diverse range of projects that make our county great. From reaffirming our shared environmental goals, to showcasing our rich heritage and this year, it’s been a pleasure to join other local, civic and political leaders in Grimsby to discover how the Docks area is being regenerated, and the new industries that are thriving in the county.”

And the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Rob Waltham added: “This is the third year we have come together for Lincolnshire Day and I know there are many more to come – it gives us an opportunity to celebrate our history and heritage while also committing to a new future for every community and every resident.

“I was born here, my dad was, and grandparents too – in fact, I’m the seventh generation of my family from Lincolnshire and it means a great deal personally. It is equally important to mark this day in anticipation of the better, brighter future we will all create together.

“From the economic success and opportunity across the whole county, to the many amazing communities and residents, today allows us to celebrate all that is great about Lincolnshire.”

Port owners ABP are extremely proud about what is being achieved in Grimsby. Simon Bird, ABP’s Humber Director, said: “I am delighted the political leaders have chosen to come to the Port of Grimsby as part of their Lincolnshire Day event. There is no better place to see exciting business growth for the future. Whether it is the leading role in offshore wind operations the Port plays, the growth in car handling or the inspiring heritage-led regeneration that is taking place in the Kasbah, the Port of Grimsby is playing a significant role in driving economic growth for the area.”

From one of the town’s most stylish, renovated buildings – The Great Escape – to what is the world’s largest offshore wind maintenance hub at Ørsted, invited guests witnessed the transformational journey underway.

They were touring Ørsted’s multi-million-pound East Coast operations and maintenance (O&M) facility, which supports more than 600 high-skilled jobs, and seeing how the Kasbah Conservation Area, which includes surrounding buildings, is being transformed through the Greater Grimsby Heritage Action Zone project.

The tours started and finished at The Great Escape – the transformed Consolidated Fisheries building, which is now a fantastic base to support people in recovery from addiction. 

Article and image from NELC.

THE future of housing in North East Lincolnshire and the challenges that must be overcome to ensure every person in the borough has access to good and affordable homes are highlighted in a new draft report.

The North East Lincolnshire Housing Strategy is released today in draft form and people are being encouraged to make their views known on its content before it is finalised and confirmed.

Taking an in-depth look at accommodation across the area, it provides detailed analysis of the make-up of local people, where the specific housing gaps are and the way in which those in need should and could be best supported to live independent lives.

Setting the scene, the draft document details how North East Lincolnshire, like the rest of the country, has been affected by world events such as Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic and the situation in Ukraine – all of which have seen an impact upon interest rates, construction costs and problems with supply chains.

However, it says, the borough has still benefited from private and public sector investment. The renewables industries have brought significant developments to the local area, the new Humber Freeport brings opportunity and North East Lincolnshire and its partners have been successful in winning significant Government funding. These are kick-starting major and well reported regeneration schemes in Grimsby, Cleethorpes and the South Humber Bank.

To ensure the borough has the right people with the right skills to meet the needs of these new opportunities, it is vital that good quality homes are available for rent and purchase, adds the report.

It identifies recent population changes, which show how the numbers of young people and those of working age living in North East Lincolnshire have decreased, but the number of actual households has increased.

As well as a continued demand for new housing, which the report says will be needed if the borough it to grasp the opportunities that will exist, there remains a shortage of one and two-bed properties and the rental market for social housing needs to be addressed. It also details factors associated with housing need including physical and mental health and wellbeing, homelessness, and the requirements of people as they grow older.

People are now being asked to give their views on the strategy before it is finalised later this year. The final strategy will then feed into the borough’s Local Plan review, which is currently underway. It is stressed how, when reading and commenting, people understand how this draft strategy and the update of the Local Plan complement each other.

A draft of the updated version of the borough’s Local Plan will be going out for public comment early next year as part of the process towards its approval by Government and then adoption. Following analysis and public involvement, every Local Authority must have a Local Plan which they update every five years. It shapes where future development is most likely and suitable areas – not only for housing, but industry and public buildings such as schools, and infrastructure.

The draft strategy that is launched this week does not look at the suitability of areas for development, nor does it determine the amount of homes that are needed. Instead, it uses the most up-to-date data on people who need homes between now and 2028 and where priorities should lie to grow a stronger economy and stronger communities across the whole borough.

North East Lincolnshire Council Leader Cllr Philip Jackson, whose regeneration portfolio includes housing, said: “It is important that we all understand and make a positive contribution to the journey we need to undertake to ensure we have sufficient, good quality homes for our residents in the years ahead. This is vital if we are to continue to improve the communities in which we live and work.

“Development, be it brown or greenfield, sparks much debate and rightly so but in having that debate there must be a recognition that a balance can be met between meeting our future needs and enhancing and protecting our borough for us all to enjoy. I firmly believe that with the right discussions and work we can achieve that,” he added.

To take part in the survey go to Have your say | NELC (nelincs.gov.uk

Article and image from NELC.

North East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet listening event is back and residents are invited to join their Cabinet members to discuss issues and ideas for the borough.

People are invited to Grimsby Town Hall on Thursday 5 October, between 4pm and 6pm, on a first-come-first-served basis to meet the leading councillors.

Previous listening events have discussed topics ranging from regeneration, culture, the arts and tourism, to highways, littering and traffic issues.

Council leader, Councillor Philip Jackson, encourages people to come along and have their say on subjects that matter to them.

“As with the other sessions, this won’t be any sort of decision-making forum, but we’re keen to make sure we’re accessible to the public and we hope people will continue to take the opportunity to come and discuss some of the key things either already going on or planned for the area.”

Cllr Jackson emphasised the events would not replace or impact on ward surgeries currently held by councillors from across all the area’s political parties.

“Ward surgeries are very important for allowing residents to talk directly and raise specific issues with their local councillor to take up on their behalf and are a key part of a councillor’s work,’’ he said.

“These listening events are more of an opportunity for the public to come and talk to us about borough-wide matters – and also share some of their ideas with us if they want – so we can continue to work with them to realise the ambition and aspirations we all have for North East Lincolnshire.’’

Cabinet members to attend:

Cllr Philip Jackson – Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Net Zero, Skills and Housing:

• Economic strategy
• Regeneration, inward investment and growth
• Business support and local enterprise
• All aspects of housing
• Net Zero, decarbonisation, the NEL Carbon Roadmap and the Green agenda
• Strategic economic collaboration
• Skills and employability

Cllr Stan Shreeve – Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care:

• Adult social care
• Health and adult social care commissioning and provision
• Public health and health inequality
• Health and care partnership, collaboration and integration

Cllr Stephen Harness – Portfolio Holder for Finance, Resources and Assets:

• Financial strategy and corporate governance
• Revenue budget and capital programme
• Digital strategy, inclusion and development
• Shared services and commercial development
• Financial inclusion
• Assets (corporate, commercial, community) and estate management

Cllr Margaret Cracknell – Portfolio Holder for Children and Education:

• Statutory Lead Member for children’s services
• Safeguarding of children and young people
• Corporate parenting, care leavers and family support
• Early help
• SEND
• School improvement and education

Cllr Stewart Swinburn – Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport:

• Planning, development control, highways and transportation
• Traffic management, parking and regulation
• Waste, recycling and environmental management
• Neighbourhood services, street scene, parks, open spaces
• Climate Change related policy implementation affecting the natural environment

Cllr Ron Shepherd – Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities:

• All aspects of local authority enforcement and regulatory services
• Environmental health, port health, food safety, pollution control, trading standards and licensing
• Community safety and anti-social behaviour
• Voluntary and community sector
• Emergency planning and civil contingencies

Cllr Hayden Dawkins – Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy:

• Tourism and the visitor economy
• Leisure, sport and recreation, including the playing pitch strategy
• Culture, Borough heritage, museums and the arts
• Equalities, diversity and inclusion

Article from NELC.

THE future of North East Lincolnshire Parish Councils – their make-up, boundary sizes and structures – will be decided following a second round of public consultation, which is open now.

Borough residents are being asked to take part in what is the final part of North East Lincolnshire Council’s Parish Council Community Governance Review.

During the first part of the process, which took place earlier this year, residents were asked to give their views on any changes that they felt should take place – looking at the size and shape of Parish/Town Councils, how many there are and their electoral processes and governance. These councils represent the first tier of local government across the country and play a vital role in the services provided for local people, and communities. 

The results of that first consultation were considered and discussed at a Full Council Meeting in September. It was recommended that no electoral or governance changes be made to any existing parish council, except for Immingham Town Council where changes are recommended in relation to the parish boundaries only. No new Parish Councils were recommended. (Immingham Civic Centre is pictured)

North East Lincolnshire Council is now asking for views on those draft recommendations before their final implementation. The survey, which will close on Friday 3 November, includes a map showing the proposed changes to the Immingham Town Council boundary. Please go to Have your say | NELC (nelincs.gov.uk)

If you need to speak to someone to give your views or to ask any questions you can send an email to consultation@nelincs.gov.uk

North East Lincolnshire Council are carrying out topographical and drainage surveys on the Alexandra Dock site in Grimsby next week.

The survey work will take place between 25 September and 29 September and there will be no impact on highways or footpaths.

The purpose of the surveys is to assist with ongoing design work for the housing scheme earmarked for the site as part of the Grimsby Masterplan.

The works will be undertaken by Arcadis, commissioned through the Homes England framework.

Article from NELC.

Our local Family Hubs are set to reopen in the next six months offering vital services to children and families in North East Lincolnshire.

The Hubs, which have been open in a reduced way since the COVID pandemic, will benefit from funding from the Government’s Start for Life and Family Hubs Programme.  The Council is one of 75 Local Authorities that have been chosen to pilot this programme.

The programme aims to make a positive difference to, parents, soon to be parents, carers and their children by joining-up services, making them easier to access and being seen as a ‘one stop shop’ for support.

Immingham Family Hub is set to launch first, with doors opening officially on Monday 25 September to support families. Residents and families can grab a sneak peek of the support on offer, at a family fun day on Saturday 23^rd September from 10am to 2pm.

The launch day will be open to Immingham residents and families, with fun activities including competitions, games, face-painting and a tombola.

“We want all children in North East Lincolnshire to be happy, healthy and successful,” said Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council.

“We know that a child’s experiences in their early years can have a major influence on their later life; so we are thrilled to have been chosen as one of the 75 Local Authorities to benefit from the Government’s Start for Life and Family Hubs Programme.

“An important part of this will be relaunching our 7 Family Hubs to provide a range of activities and help for families, particularly those with babies and young children.

“All of our Hubs are free to attend for any family member, including grandparents and foster carers, and we’re keen to involve parents and carers in the planning of activities at these sites.”

All Family Hubs will offer:

• Child and family health services including for parents to be
• Advice and information for families on things such as childcare or wellbeing
• Access to someone to talk to if you are struggling or need some help as a parent/carer
• Extra support for parents/carers who need it including parenting programmes, 1-1 advice, support and connecting with other services
• Training and employment advice
• Fun early education activities to enjoy as a family

Each Hub will also offer additional services and activities tailored to the needs of the local community, which we will develop with families.  Keep an eye out for these exciting developments and to find your local Family Hub visit: www.nelincs.gov.uk

Article and image from NELC.

TWELVE new specialist primary school places for children with communication and interaction needs have been created in Grimsby for the first time.

Launchpad – the first school specialist provision of its type in North East Lincolnshire – is designed to be a ‘turnaround provision’ for early years children and those in Key Stage 1 (aged 4, 5 and 6).

The new provision is being delivered by Littlecoates Primary Academy, part of Wellspring Academy Trust, and is the result of a partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council.

The provision formally launched on Friday morning, with 12 new students taking up their places at the school.

Speaking ahead of the launch of the provision, Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:

“This provision is the result of some real innovative work between the Council and Wellspring Academy Trust.

“Our priority here is to ensure that children who might need a little extra help, get that help, and are eventually able to return to mainstream schooling.

“This type of support is in real demand here in North East Lincolnshire, so I’m really pleased that we have managed to get this off the ground and running, and it’s going to be great to see students getting started in September.

“I’d like to thank Wellspring Academy Trust for working with us to make this happen, and I’d like to wish those students attending Launchpad the very best of luck for the forthcoming year of their education.”

Neville Wilkinson, Principal at Littlecoates Primary, said:

“Our new Launchpad provision will offer 12 pupils with SEND the specialist support and teaching to enable them to stay in mainstream education and attend school in their local area. At Littlecoates, we pride ourselves on our welcoming, inclusive approach and are incredibly proud to be able to support children with a wide range of needs. By working together with North East Lincolnshire Council, we have been able to create something that will make a huge difference to the lives of 12 children and their families. We’re looking forward to watching the progress of the first pupils to benefit from this important resource over the coming months and years.”

Admissions to the new provision have been managed by North East Lincolnshire SEND team, in line with the SEND Code of Practice (2015) via annual reviews of EHCPs.

Article and image from NELC.

A £29m project to manage the risk of flooding to people and major industry in north-east Lincolnshire is now underway.

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