WHO’S GOING OUT TONIGHT? WARNING TO BANK HOLIDAY DRINKERS TO STAY SAFE!

Revellers are being urged to enjoy themselves, BUT stay safe this weekend.

Humberside Police has launched a campaign reminding partygoers of drinking too much.

Adverts will be run on screens in pubs and clubs across North East Lincolnshire as a warning about not overindulging during the Bank Holiday weekend.

Police say that there has been an increase in alcohol-related incidents during August over the past two years.

North East Lincolnshire’s licensing officer, Ken Stone, said: “Most people plan to go out and have good time with friends. However, drinking irresponsibly can result in you getting into any number of situations, some of which may leave you injured, facing a criminal offence, or even worse.

“I work very closely with both licencees at local venues and the door staff operators to make North East Lincolnshire a safe and enjoyable area to enjoy a drink.

“This is not something we can do on our own, however, and I would ask those going out in the area – particularly over the bank holiday weekend – to take some responsibility for their own safety.

“I want people to know their own limits when drinking alcohol on an empty stomach, as this greatly reduces your tolerance to alcohol. Please take note of some of the suggestions and enjoy your nights out.”

As well as adverts in pubs and clubs, images from the campaign – which is titled Who’s Going Out Tonight? - will be featured on posters, beer mats and smoking bins.

The film advert – which will also be shown on television – shows two drinkers who are enjoying some drinks but become volatile and violent when they have had too much alcohol.

Police have also launched a website, www.onetoomany.org.uk, which shows the advert and offers advice.

Councillor Steve Beasant, portfolio holder for community safety and public protection, said: “This campaign shows in stark and convincing terms just what dangers can arise from excessive drinking.

“By working in conjunction with the police’s licensing team and the council’s trading standards and licensing team, the partnership will be educating people that, with care, they can enjoy a bank holiday to remember for all the right reasons.”

SUPPORT THE ‘FAST TRACK TO YORKSHIRE’ CAMPAIGN – A HIGH SPEED RAIL LINK TO YORKSHIRE WOULD BENEFIT NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE

Yesterday, I received a letter from Liberal Democrat MP for Leeds North West, Greg Mulholland MP and Liberal Democrat Councillor and Chairman of the West Yorkshire Integrated Passenger Authority, Ryk Downes asking me for support for the ‘Fast Track to Yorkshire Campaign’ – a campaign I’m pleased say I fully support.

I personally welcome the to introduce a high speed rail network as an environmentally alternative to domestic air travel and car journeys like Greg and Ryk – I would much rather travel on rail, it’s by far safer, and more comfortable.

However, I believe the decision is biased and flawed and as pointed out in the letter that I received: “It is unacceptable that there is no place for Yorkshire in the Government’s planes, the introduction of a high speed rail line on the east of the country would bring huge economic benefits to the whole region.” And, don’t forget North East Lincolnshire would gain massively from those benefits; if the West Coast option went ahead we would lose out.

On 25 April this year Greg Mulholland wrote in the Yorkshire Post: “High-speed rail delivers a benefit to cost ratio of around 2:1 and the potential benefits to Yorkshire will total billions of pounds.”That equates to the combined economies of Leeds and Sheffield, the two economic "drivers" of the region, which in itself surely justifies a direct link to London.

”But the cost of missing out would also be huge. A high-speed line on the other side of the country, without one to Yorkshire, would take away huge amounts of investment as people and companies relocated close to the new express route. We cannot let this happen.

”We have long had a sense of not getting a fair deal for transport spending in Yorkshire. Figures for 2007-8 show that transport spending was a lowly £234 per head in Yorkshire compared with a UK average of £326 and a whopping £641 in London.

”Furthermore, vast amounts of taxpayers' money continue to be ploughed into the West Coast main line. In 2007-8, Virgin received a subsidy of £162m, or 3.8p per passenger kilometre. By contrast, National Express East Coast paid £32m in net terms as part of its franchise agreement, in effect a negative subsidy, equivalent to 2.4p per passenger kilometre.

”No one is saying that people and businesses in the North-West don't deserve good transport links, but so do people in this region.The simple fact is that we are not getting a fair deal in Yorkshire and that must not be extended to high-speed rail.”

I urge everyone to support Greg Mulholland in his campaign.

EAST MARSH INVOLVE WILL RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON THE OLD GRIMSBY TECHNICAL SCHOOL AT ITS MEETING THIS TUESDAY

Tomorrow night (Tuesday, 25 August), is the next meeting of East Marsh Involve; the meeting will take place at the Grimsby Neighbourhood Centre at the corner of Weelsby Street and Wellington Street, and will start at 6pm – all residents will be welcome to attend.

One of the issues that I will be reporting back on is the large derelict building which is situated on Eleanor Street; the old Grimsby Technical School and latterly the Art College.

I have since found out a little more about the building; it was originally granted a grade II listing by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in 1995. Originally the young people of East Marsh Involve raised concerns about the poor condition of the building which has been empty since the mid 1990s, but it is rapidly deteriorating.

The school was designed by HC Scaping, and it was built by Hewins and Goodhand a well known local builder in 1894. Below the central bay window is a marble foundation plaque for the First Higher Grade School, dated 29 October 1894. To the left is a finely-inscribed C20 slate plaque by Philip Pape of Barton on Humber, a former Art College teacher, recording burials of former members. Above the window there is a 1894 marble plaque in carved ashlar surround naming the building as the Wintringham Higher Grade School, recording the School Board Members, architect and builders. At some point later it obviously became known as the Grimsby Technical School and then the Art College – unfortunately it is left abandon.

Last Friday, Compass FM asked me if I would take part in an interview about the building, which I gladly obliged.

I was able to tell them: “That in many respects if this building had been in a prime
location, it would never have been left to rot and decay – it is shame that someone has been allowed to get away with this, but that is history. If the old school had been in London; it would have been turned into flats before now, and they would be fully occupied.

“However, we are we are with this building, but the good thing is that we are moving on. Some months back young people and children; unbeknown to ourselves were getting into the old school, and placing themselves in danger. But we have now made this building safe – we have made sure that no one can gain access and it is patrolled regularly.

“We now hope sooner rather than later; that the old school will change ownership and this will help with the regeneration of this area. Many individuals have been working on this complex issue of building and land ownership and it is now coming to a conclusion – I would naturally like to thank them all.”

A DATE FOR THE DIARY: NEXT TUESDAY, IS EAST MARSH INVOLVE

Next Tuesday is the monthly meeting of East Marsh Involve, and will be held as usual on the last Tuesday of the month at the Grimsby Neighbourhood Centre - the meeting will start at 6pm on 25 August.

On this occasion the first part of the meeting will be the Annual General Meeting and the Officers and Committee Members will be elected for the forthcoming year.

I am pleased say that at this meeting Ward Councillor’s will be able to report on some very good news on the following issues: empty properties within the East Marsh; the old Art College in Eleanor Street and some important news on planning issues.

The meeting as usual is open to all members of the East Marsh Community and the aim of this community meeting is to discuss community issues; with the purpose of overcoming ongoing problems, improve service and report regularly on all issues raised at previous meetings.

AGENDA FOR EAST MARSH INVOLVE – Tuesday 25 August, 6pm:

• Annual General Meeting and Election of officers
• Councillor’s Ward Funding
• Other Funding Requests
• East Marsh Priority Setting (Crime Issues)
• Neighbourhood Development Worker’s Update
• Councillor’s Report
• Any Other Business

Please be aware that all local residents are eligible to attend this meeting, and have their say about local services - it’s your chance to be listened too

OPERATION BUTTERFLY WILL CRACKDOWN ON EMPTY HOMES IN THE EAST MARSH

North East Lincolnshire Council has launched a new war on empty properties, but this time the issue was highlighted by the local residents. It is the not the usual top down council approach; the residents identified the issue at the Neighbourhood Forum and now NELC are acting on the residents wishes.

North East Lincolnshire Council have pledged to crack down on the owners of derelict and neglected properties in the East Marsh area, but officers have also promised to continue cleaning up the eyesores YOU are sick of seeing.

NELC will be working in partnership with Grimsby Telegraph; the Telegraph launched their Grot Spot campaign earlier this year – informing NELC of numerous dumping grounds – many have been turned into Hot Spots.

However, this week our news team has received a flurry of calls from residents claiming the litter louts are back.

To help fight back, we are relaunching our campaign at the same time the council launches Operation Butterfly – a new drive aimed at forcing property owners to ensure their land does not become a magnet for rubbish and anti-social behaviour.

Among the first houses on its hit list are properties on Rutland Street, Stanley Street and Tunnard Street, which residents have complained are not only “eyesores” but “accidents waiting to happen”.

Jean Nicholson, 72 who attend East Marsh Involve, of Tunnard Street – who lives opposite one of the abandoned homes – said: “Week by week I’ve seen it deteriorate. “You try to keep your own property nice, and then you look out at that eyesore.

“When you open the curtains on a morning you just wish to God it isn’t going to be there. Every night you get people going in there urinating, and children going and playing in it. Bricks get thrown in there. The biggest fear is fire. It’s an accident waiting to happen.”

Under Operation Butterfly, landlords who do not clean up their act, face heavy fines, enforcement notices and ultimately compulsory purchase of their properties.

Jacqui Wells, NELC’s housing renewal manager, said: “We are already in contact with landlords but what we want to do is take a more committed approach.

“We want to work with landlords and we will offer them assistance to help them bring the properties back into use, but if that fails we will have to take a more formal approach. However, compulsory purchase would be a very last resort.”

Councillor Peter Burgess, portfolio holder for environment, said: “There is no excuse for landlords to let their properties fall into such blatant disrepair.

“By working in partnership, we are taking a new broom to parts of the borough that need it most and these three streets will benefit from the resources and legislation we can bring to bear.”

Ward Councillor Steve Beasant (Lib Dem, East Marsh) added: “Local residents identified the issue of empty homes as one of their three main priorities at a meeting of East Marsh Involve.

“Some of these properties are shabby and neglected – some have been empty for years.
“By taking action we will improve the residents’ quality of life and make the area look a whole lot better.

“These properties blight local neighbourhoods; and its crying shame that there are people who are on housing waiting who want to live in this area.

“There are many, many, many empty homes in the East Marsh it would be great to see them being renovated by young people who actually want to live in the area; it would also give them the opportunity to gain training opportunities and employment skills”

BROMLEY TORIES SHOW THE PARTY’S PRIORITY IS TO PROTECT THE PRIVILEGED - LAWS

“The Conservatives in Bromley are showing their true colours,” said the Liberal Democrat Shadow Schools Secretary, David Laws.

Commenting on Conservative-run Bromley Council’s proposal to subsidise private school places with taxpayers’ money, David Laws said: “Like Daniel Hannan and Alan Duncan, the Conservatives in Bromley are showing their true colours, despite David Cameron’s attempts to make the party into something it is not.

“As the recession bites, it’s clear that the Tories’ priority is to protect the privileged. With state school budgets being squeezed, the last thing they need is to have their money diverted to the private sector.

“The fact that the Tories are even considering what is essentially a school voucher, shows that for all their glossy PR, they haven’t changed at all.”

MOTOR TRADERS STEER CUSTOMERS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Trading standards officers have put car purchasers in the driving seat by signing up a new car businesses to its Motor Trade Partnership.

Grimsby Cars Ltd, of Humber Street, are the newest members to join the Motor Trade Partnership scheme, run by North East Lincolnshire Council’s trading standards team.

Membership means would-be car customers can have confidence and trust in the businesses they are buying goods from. And Grimsby Cars Ltd, run by Kenny Gilmore and Mike Croft, have signed up to the partnership after a period working with the trading standards team.

Trading standards works closely with the businesses to resolve consumer complaints, to promote the benefits for consumers of shopping with members, to inform them of any changes in the law and to conduct an annual audit to ensure high standards are being maintained.

Councillor Steve Beasant, portfolio holder for community safety and public protection, said: “The excellent customer services offered by members of the Motor Trade Partnership should encourage consumers to shop with confidence.”

Andy Foster, the council’s trading standards manager, said: “A few rogue traders can damage the reputation of many legitimate businesses. The Motor Trade Partnership provides consumers with a means of identifying garages that go the extra mile in attending to their customers’ needs and assurance that Members comply with the spirit and the letter of the law.”

If you are a business and would like further information on the scheme or are a consumer and would like a list of members, go to www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/nelincs or contact Trading Standards through Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

RING IN THE CHANGES TO ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR; JUST CALL NELC ON 01472 326101

Launch of a reporting number for incidents anti-social behaviour; telephone: 01472 326101.

People with concerns about anti-social behaviour can now dial their way towards a safe and stronger community.

North East Lincolnshire Council launched an ASB reporting line number to make it easier for the community to report none urgent incidents of anti-social behaviour.

The line, 01472 326101, has been launched on the eve of the summer school holidays, historically a time that sees a rise in negative behaviour.

It went live on Monday, July 13, at 8am.

Councillor Steve Beasant, NELC’s portfolio holder for community safety and public protection, said: “The launch of the reporting line shows the partnership approach we take within North East Lincolnshire to deal with all forms of anti-social behaviour.

“Residents have told us they like easier ways of reporting anti-social behaviour and the information we receive from the public will help us to target our resources.

“It will combine with the excellent programme of summer events and diversionary activities that will get our young people involved in worthwhile and educational activities.”

The summer programme is linked to £20,000 of Government money given to North East Lincolnshire Council to curb illegal street drinking and the sale of intoxicants to minors either directly or through an adult buying it on their behalf.

People caught are likely to find themselves subject to an acceptable behaviour contract and their parents invited to attend parenting classes.

Andrew Milner, the council’s executive director for community services, said: “This reporting line does not replace any other reporting mechanism open to the public and is designed to provide support where necessary to the victims of anti-social behaviour through the Victim Support Service and a provide a response within 24 hours of the call being received.

“It is another important part of our partnership response to cut anti-social behaviour and effect a safer and stronger North East Lincolnshire.”

THE CURTAIN IS READY TO RISE AT FREEMAN STREET’S ICONIC CINEMA

A cinema that closed in the heart of Freeman Street in November, 2004 is nearly ready to raise the curtains for a new beginning.

New owners at the former Odeon site hope to call lights, camera, action on Friday, and are already advertising their first four films in the Grimsby Telegraph.

The three-screen, 700-seat theatre, which has been unused for nearly five years, will re-open under its original name, The Regal, with a touch of cinemagic from the latest Harry Potter film injecting some fresh hope for the future of what was once Grimsby’s busiest shopping street.

North East Lincolnshire Council has granted Shropshire-based businessman Trevor Harris, 70, and his son Anthony, 42, a licence to thrill movie-goers.

It follows much speculation about the site, which first opened as a cinema in 1937.

Mr Harris said: “We’ve been working behind the scenes for weeks. The building has been extensively refurbished and renovated.

“Both my son and I have been involved in the cinema industry for a long time.

“The ticket prices have been set low at £4 for under 12s and £5 for over 12s, on purpose and we are also going to be selling our sweets at very reasonable prices.“

Unlike many empty cinemas, it was fully equipped, and the work we had to do was simply finishing touches.

And Mr Harris hopes that the new cinema will make a difference to the area, which has suffered in the last two decades, since the loss of High Street chains such as Marks and Spencer and Woolworths.“I certainly think that it will help the area,” he said.

“A cinema is a good focal point and can certainly help to bring people into the area.”

And he is hoping that investment to improve security at the council-run Garibaldi Street car park behind the cinema will help to make it a successful venture.

NELC has installed two CCTV cameras in the public car park, which also benefits from a security attendant.

Mr Harris said: “I’m looking into the parking situation. I understand that this was a problem and I am in touch with the council.“

I want to make sure that our customers can be confident that their vehicle will be safe while they are in the cinema.”

Duncan Willey, a partner at PPH Commercial the agents who are dealing with the site, said: “We are very close to closing a deal on the lease. The cinema will then be able to open as soon as that is complete.”

The 700-seat capacity cinema was formerly called The Regal.

It first opened in 1937 with 1,966-seats, and was renamed the ABC in 1961.

The former stalls were then converted into a supermarket, with the cinema occupying the original balcony area.

By 1980, there were three screens, with 300 seats in Screen One, 225 in Screen Two and 125 in Screen Three, and it went through a number of operators following that, including Cannon, Classic, and MGM, and was then known again as ABC, before becoming an Odeon in 2001, following a £100,000 re-branding scheme.

A NEW CHAPTER IS BEING RE-WRITTEN IN THE HISTORY OF GRANT THOROLD LIBRARY: CHAPTER TWO “THUMBS UP”

A new chapter will begin for book borrowers with the construction of a £2-million library at Grant Thorold Park.

North East Lincolnshire Council planners have approved a revised plan for the new library, at the junction of Humberston Road and Durban Road.

It will replace the existing 40-year-old library at the junction of Durban Road and Roberts Street, described as “dilapidated” and which is subsiding.

But it has continued to attract more visitors and is the third busiest in the borough.

Council planners heard the number of visitors was increasing at six per cent per year, with 79,000 visitors last year.

Revised plans included more CCTV cameras and increased car parking and access to the site.
Councillor Steve Beasant (Liberal Democrat, East Marsh) said: “It is going to be fantastic and raise aspirations in the community.

“This will be more than a library, it will a fabulous community it will benefit the whole the East Marsh and the surrounding wards such as Heneage and Sidney Sussex.

“The council has worked for benefit of the community on this building to overcome many of the problems by including increased CCTV and improvements to the road junction – this is great news.”

The new library will have a meeting room for up to 20 people that can host mother-and-toddler groups, health training and a place for police to give advice to residents.

The single-storey building will have a “living wall” feature and a mural wall.

Friends of Grant Thorold Park chairman Rob Powlesland said: “It will be a well-used facility that will reduce the incidence of anti- social behaviour.”

In April, councillors rejected the plan from the council’s own cultural services department.

They were concerned about the new library becoming a Mecca for troublemakers. But the head of cultural services, Steve Hipkins, said: “We have extended the CCTV scheme to include all points around the building.

“Mural walls have been proved elsewhere to reduce graffiti and promote a sense of ownership and pride among young people.”

New facilities will include high-bandwidth access to the Internet and a study support centre to teach computer skills.

He said: “We will provide a modern environment with face-on book displays, comfortable seating and study space.”

Library supervisor Penny Wood said: “I think it’s going to be brilliant for the area.

“We are the third busiest library in North East Lincolnshire and a lot of children use the library.

“We are really pleased because the current building is quite dated and there are problems with subsidence. The new building will be quite modern-looking building and will blend in quite well with its surroundings.”