TWO VICTORIES IN ONE DAY; I MUST BE ON A ROLE!

Following on from my previous post regarding “A New Library for the East Marsh”; this was not my only success at today’s Planning Committee. Unusually, I was able to claim a second success and this time I was able to persuade the committee to overturn an officer’s recommendation, and that is something that doesn’t happen too often.

The application was for modest housing development – of just 8 houses. But, in many ways it was crucial and very important development for the East Marsh. At present the site “Horseman Motors” (pictured) has fallen into disrepair, and is magnate for anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and is in desperate need of regeneration.

Therefore, as a local councillor I was absolutely “over the moon” when I heard about this potential development, and naturally I thought it would go through on the nod. However, as usual it wasn’t to be, and I had to fight all the way; by taking to committee and arguing my case.

This is naturally great news for the East Marsh and the local residents who live close-by. And, can I personally thank the developers and wish them well with their future plans for the new development.

A NEW LIBRARY FOR THE EAST MARSH

Some time back North East Lincolnshire Council unveiled plans for a new Grant Thorold Branch Library and the plans were originally discussed at the Planning Committee on April 8; however elected member rejected the council’s proposals.

New amended plans were recently submitted by our local council for this much needed facility; which will be in the heart of the East Marsh Ward; as well as serving the needs of the East Marsh many residents from the adjoining wards use the facility.

On Wednesday, as a new member of the Planning Committee I was able to attend the meeting and use my vote wisely – I am pleased to say the plans were approved overwhelmingly.

In the Design and Access statement our council stated that “Grant Thorold Library is the third busiest in the borough. It has annual visits of 79,000 a year, and over the last 5 years has seen an increase of 56% in visits, the highest of all libraries. It serves an area of high deprivation with low literacy and low educational attainment and high levels of anti social behaviour. The library has been successful in engaging the community in activities related to literacy, numeracy, health, informal learning, and digital skills. It has become a popular venue for partners such as health trainers, study support, adult community learning, connexions, and the police. The library has been particularly successful in providing diversionary activities for young people to support reductions in anti social behaviour.

The proposed library has been designed to fit in with the existing park environment and to tackle the issues of anti social behaviour. The green walls, fronting Durban Road and Humberstone Road, are designed to reflect the hedge that will be removed as part of this proposal. There are sufficient differences to ensure the building is noticed and noted, but not too stark a contrast that the building will stand out as a structure that should not be there… There is a mural wall within the design that will be managed and looked after by library services. Evidence shows that by involving young people in the design and implementation of a mural, changing each season that they will come to take pride in the building and help to maintain its appearance.”

At Wednesday’s meeting, I was pleased to move approval of the officer’s recommendation, and said: “This is a much needed facility, a community facility that is in the heart of a deprived community were educational attainment is low. We need to raise the aspirations of our young people and the staff and the Library work hard with young people of the area; they help to motivate the young people, build up their confidence, and assist them in their learning.

“I am sure that this building will become a community hub for all residents - not just young. It will also benefit the wider area; I am naturally speaking up for the East Marsh, but the Library is well used by the residents of the Heneage and the Sidney Sussex Wards. I hope all members will support the recommendations.”

To view the plans in full

>>>>>>CLICK HERE

EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT EAST MARSH INVOLVE: EVEN THE BBC!

Next Tuesday (July 28), East Marsh Involve will meet at the Grimsby Neighbourhood Centre at 6pm – all residents are welcome to attend.

North East Lincolnshire Council’s Communication Team have prepared the following press release which will hopefully appear in the local media, so hopefully East Marsh Involve will be a well attended meeting – look forward to seeing you there:

East Marsh residents are being invited to a meeting about regeneration plans in the area.

The meeting to discuss plans to regenerate Guildford Street and the surrounding area has been called by East Marsh Involve, an action group set up to inform residents.

Speaking at the meeting will be the council’s executive director of regeneration Marc Cole and

Councillor Steve Beasant, portfolio holder for community safety and public protection.

The meeting, which will be held at the Grimsby Neighbourhood Centre, Wellington Street, next Tuesday at 6pm, will give an update on an earlier consultation event held to discuss plans for the area.

Residents will have an opportunity to have their say on what they want to see in the area, which is set to undergo a 10-year transformation worth nearly £8m. The first phase of the work involves substantial work on Guildford Street which will see properties renovated or removed.

For more information contact Councillor Steve Beasant on (01472) 314183.

I am pleased that media release appears to be working; we have already made it onto the BBC website with the article below:

Regeneration meeting in Grimsby

“Residents in Grimsby are being asked for their views on an £8m project to regenerate housing in the town.

A public meeting will be held on Tuesday to discuss the proposals by North East Lincolnshire Council.

The authority plans to renovate or remove a number of properties in the Guildford Street and East Marsh areas as part of the 10-year project.

The meeting at the Grimsby Neighbourhood Centre has been arranged by action group East Marsh Involve.

It was set up to inform residents about the regeneration plans.”

‘STOP THE SNEAK THIEF’ CAMPAIGN

Humberside Police has launched a campaign which provides you with some precautions that can help deter a burglar from breaking into your home.

Did you know that most burglars are not master criminals - they’re opportunists. In nearly a third of all burglaries the residents had left windows or a door open when they went out.

Please download this leaflet which provides guidance on the many ways in which you can take positive action to prevent yourself becoming a victim of burglary. There are many ways you can deter a burglar from breaking into your home. The more you have the safer you are.

Take the challenge

You can also take the interactive security challenge and test your knowledge on home security issues. Please visit

www.homesecuritychallenge.co.uk

North East Lincolnshire Council’s Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership are working closely with the police with the aim of cracking down on opportunist burglars within our local communities.
Police will pretend to be opportunist thieves in a crack down on burglary.

Officers will be on the streets of North East Lincolnshire looking for signs that may attract opportunist thieves – whether windows have been left open or doors unlocked.

If such a sign is spotted, police will put an arm-shaped leaflet through the window or door, showing how easily a burglar could get in. It is the first time that such tactics have been used in the area.

Supt Lauren Poultney, who heads up operations in North East Lincolnshire, said: “In the past, we have tried a number of different approaches to get the message out to reduce the number of insecure burglaries the area suffers.

“It is to be hoped the use of the leaflets will catch the attention of residents who will receive one when they least expect it.

“Almost a third of all our burglaries could have been prevented by simply ensuring any easy access points are not left insecure, even if you are only in your back garden.

“Burglary tends to be an opportunist’s crime and we are urging residents to help us. A relatively small action such as shutting a downstairs window or not leaving a valuable item on show could stop an unwanted visitor entering your home.”

Councillor Steve Beasant, portfolio holder for community safety and public protection, said: “There are a number of ways to get smart and beat the burglars so we can remember this hot spell for all the right reasons.

“Always remember to lock your doors if you go out in the garden because most burglars simply open the door and walk in, they don’t use force. It only takes a second to stop a thief, but if you don’t take action they can do untold damage.”

Don’t make it easy for a burglar. The simple tips given in this leaflet are a step in the right direction.

CLICK HERE>>>> Stop the sneak thief

WILLIAMS: THOUSANDS OF GRADUATES ARE GOING TO BE CARRYING A HUGE DEBT BURDEN FOR MANY YEARS TO COME

Half the university students who graduated since tuition fees were introduced are too poor to pay back their student loans.

Of the 1.4 million graduates who started university after 1998, 702,000 are earning too little to pay back debt accrued whilst studying.

Repayments are triggered when graduates start earning at least £15,000 per year; over half a million graduates have never reached this threshold.

One in ten students were unemployed after leaving university last year, it has emerged, with an increasing number working in low-paid jobs such as bar-staff, labourers, cleaners, shelf-stackers, and parking attendants.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Innovation, Universities and Skills Secretary, Stephen Williams said: “It’s depressing that so many graduates are earning far below what would usually be considered a graduate salary.”

“Thousands of them are going to be carrying a huge debt burden for many years to come.”

A government spokesperson said a degree stands graduates “in good stead for a long a successful career”.

The number of people applying for university increased 7.8% this year.