Thursday, April 29, 2010

FARMERS' MARKET CELEBRATIONS


10th anniversary celebrations are to be held on Saturday, July 24 for Brigg Farmers' Market. North Lincolnshire Council, which manages the very popular monthly event, has informed Brigg Town Council of its intentions to mark the milestone.
Brigg Town Clerk Jeanette Woollard said North Lincolnshire's planning for the event was in the early stages.
Coun Jane Kitching suggested a display should be mounted on the day to outline to the public what the Town Council had done, and would be doing, for Brigg, such as pictures of May's town centre and riverside clean-up.
Coun Penny Smith said the Town Council ought to be involved in the celebrations, as the farmers' markets had proved "fabulous" and helped "bring Brigg to life."
Coun Ann Eardley suggested an open busking competition - an idea welcomed by Town Mayor Coun James Truepenny, who pointed out such an event would not be held this year as part of the Fiddle Fest.
However, it was decided to delegate what Brigg Town Council should do for the 10th anniversary celebrations to a future meeting of the policy committee.
Coun John Berry, of North Lincolnshire Council, who attended Monday's Brigg Town Council meeting, revealed quotes were now being sought to put new canopies on all the market stalls.

POLICING PANEL CONCERNS


Concerns about the future of the quarterly meetings of Brigg's Neighbourhood Policing Panel, held in the Angel Suite have been voiced to Brigg Town Council by Coun Tom Glossop.
Coun Glossop, who chairs the policing meetings covering Brigg and surrounding towns and villages, said at a time when Humberside Police was looking to make savings, a cost of £16 per head had been quoted for the policing get-togethers in the Angel. The suggestion he'd heard was things could be done more cheaply by contacting members of the public for their comments.
Coun Glossop said the panel meetings were very important forums. "The message I'm giving you is I am very concerned that there's a possibility these panels may not exist," he told fellow councillors at their monthly meeting.
At this stage, he stressed he was "just flagging it up" as an issue.
The policing meetings are attended by Insp Brett Rutty, senior officer for the Brigg area, and by Pete Scott, head of safer roads, North Lincolnshire Council, as traffic and highway issues often arise.
Members of the public attend from a wide area, the last meeting drawing a sizeable contingent from Croxton, where speeding traffic is an issue they want addressing.

NF adds: I attend the neighbourhood policing panel meetings at the Angel Suite. Humberside Police would be advised to leave well alone. For these public forums were actually set up across the county as a way of saving police money. Their argument was it was too costly and wasteful in manpower to send officers to a host of local parish and town council meetings every month; the quarterly policing panels were to be the forum for public debate. If the police decide to save a couple of hundred pounds every quarter in this way (hardly a fortune), it will certainly find the cost of sending officers to many parish and town councils is considerably more. If, however, the policing powers-that-be decide not to sent officers to local parish and town councils there will be very noisy protests and objections from the elected representatives of the community.

TATTOO AND PIERCING

Planning permission to change the use of 50 Wrawby Street, Brigg, from a retail shop to a tattoo and piercing studio is being sought from North Lincolnshire Council.
Other applications going through the system as present include:
4 Garden Cottages, Garden Street, permission to erect a single storey extension.
Comely Bank, Bigby Road, notice of intention of crown reduction to Lawson Cypress situated in a Conservation Area.
Land to the rear of 6 Albert Street, retain siting of steel container for storage on a temporary basis.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

HOPEFULLY NOT OFFSIDE WITH PLANNERS

What must be the most unusual and unexpected Brigg planning application to arise for some time is currently going through the process to be determined by North Lincolnshire Council.
For at least 10 years there's been a stretch of netting behind one of the goals at Brigg Town Football Club's ground, to stop balls going over the fence into nearby gardens.
However, someone, it seems, has twigged official permission was never granted and the Zebras have now submitted an application for "a lawful development certificate for the erection of an existing net and pole structure on the West boundary of the pitch."
Brigg Town FC explains: "As our common law duty of care, the club erected telegraph poles and netting behind the goal at the Hawthorn Avenue end of the ground, as it was forseeable that footballs could go into the gardens of tenants and owners of property, resulting in damage to property."
Brigg Town Councillors were asked to comment during this week's planning and environment committee meeting in the Angel Suite and seemed a bit surprised at the application. It was pointed out the netting had been there for many years.
A helpful photo was on display at the meeting, alongside the plans, maps and diagrams, showing one of Brigg Town's junior teams infront of the netting.
Two planning officers have been down to the ground to have a look.
Brigg Town FC is one of the world's oldest clubs, but we can only guess what the founding fathers in the 1860s would have made of "lawful development certificates" and "common law duty of care."
As Jimmy Greaves used to say on ITV: "Football's a funny old game!"

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

FUN AT KUMON OPEN DAY



By Craig Cook

There was great fun to be had at the Kumon Open Day held at St. Mary’s Church Hall in Brigg on Saturday. Students and their friends enjoyed the fun competitions and prizes and showed particular interest in the Mathathon, working against the clock to see how many maths questions they could do in ten minutes. Parents attending the event were surprised at how many sums their children could do in just ten minutes. The new Kumon Instructor, Craig Cook said: “The concentration and effort shown by these children is amazing. They really have risen to the challenge. It just goes to demonstrate that learning can be fun.”
The event, held to celebrate the re-launch of the Brigg Kumon Centre, was opened by the Deputy Mayor of Brigg, Coun Ben Nobbs and the Deputy Mayoress, Barbara Morris (pictured above), who cut the cake and shared a cup of tea with students, parents and friends. A good time was had by all, not least the new families who came along to find out more about how Kumon maths and English can help their children’s learning.
For more information about how Kumon’s maths and English programmes can help your child, call Craig on 01652 653345 or email brigg@kumoncentre.co.uk. Alternatively, visit kumon.co.uk.

DEMETER HOUSE OFFICIALLY OPENS


By Alec Depledge

Friday 23rd April saw the official opening of Demeter House, at the former
Brigg Preparatory School site.
Dr & Mrs R Wardlaw, Principal & Head-teacher, along with the school's staff & pupils, welcomed parents and guests to the event.
After a conducted tour of the premises the school was declared officially open
by Ian Cawsey MP for Brigg & Goole in the last Parliament.
Demeter House is an independent school offering a high level of care and education for vulnerable boys aged 5-16, with emotional, behavioural and associated learning difficulties - particularly those with autistic spectrum disorders. The aim is to equip these students with the skills they need to experience success in all areas of their lives, ensuring for them a brighter future

TURBINE PASSES FIRST HURDLE

The application to build industrial units and Brigg's first wind turbine (on a 25m high mast) passed the first stage of the planning process last night with flying colours.
Brigg Town Council's planning and environment committee made no reference to the proposed turbine on Europa Way (off Atherton Way) when members studied the plans.
A final decision will now be made by North Lincolnshire Council - the local planning authority.
Coun Ann Eardley expressed some reservations about possible flooding in the area of the development, but committee chairman Coun Ben Nobbs (Deputy Town Mayor) said it was planned to build up the height of land and to improve drainage. He pointed to a full flood risk assessment.
Coun Eardley replied that raising the land could still mean the water having to go somewhere else, to which Coun Nobbs said he was sure North Lincolnshire Council would take a very close look at things.
Coun Penny Smith was worried about additional traffic in the area, pointing out Brigg Primary School had been sited adjoining an industrial estate. "Traffic should be looked at and monitored," she urged.

Monday, April 26, 2010

THE GREAT VALVE MYSTERY

Concluding part - hopefully with happy ending

Brigg Blog is reliably informed the leaking water valve on the County Bridge has now been looked at. An Anglian Water workman in a hi-viz jacket was spotted with a big, heavy 'T'-bar. Informed that the faulty valve had been the talk of this site for some months, he said he didn't know what Brigg Blog was!
"When I left the guy, the valve was dripping slightly, but he said the valve may settle down," says our informant.
It has certainly taken a long time to get this problem sorted. Just as well there isn't a water meter attached!
Pictured below, to remind you what it was all about, is Coun Tom Glossop - a few weeks ago - taking a look at the faulty valve when it was in full flow.

MESSAGES FROM BRIGG

Collected by Ken Harrison

On the postbox in Tesco was a message to the postie. Apparently someone has posted a £10 note in the box and the note was asking the postie to return it to the Customers' Service desk.

Outside the Lord Nelson, an 'A'-board announced, 'Brochure available - Book Early for Christmas'.

On the pizza shop's sign, which is attached to its gable end facing Spring's Way, part of the sign indicates 'Chicken Delivery Available'. I wonder whether this relates to egg-laying problems, or if the shop has a few extra Rhode Island Reds for sale.

The public loo in Cary Lane doesn't seem to have proper signs. 'LADIES' and 'GENTS' are chalked on the brickwork near the appropriate convenience. Some scally seems to have reversed the signs - What an inconvenience!

DOUBLE TONIGHT

Brigg Town Council's planning and environment committee meets tonight in the Angel Suite from 6.45pm, with the monthly meeting of the entire Town Council following from 7.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend both.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

ANGEL'S POPULARITY GROWS


Brigg's Angel Suite community venue is enjoying increased bookings since the decision was taken to task manager Karen Deeley (pictured) with the specific job of marketing the town centre venue.
Karen has told councillors she hopes to build on progress made during the last financial year. "We do seem to have a quite full diary for the forthcoming months and, as booking inquiries seem to be coming through at a steady flow, it is quite possible that we will have a very fruitful year," she says in her monthly update.
The Clive Carroll (guitarist) concert showed a small proft, though it clashed with a 'Brigg Amateur Dramatics' event.

BOOST IN TRADE


Today's influx of rowing teams to Brigg for the Ancholme Club's Scrumpy Row will mean added trade for various shops, hostelries and probably the burger van in Lidl's car park. There was a shower about the time the race was due to get under way, but that was probably welcome for the rowers who don't like it too hot. And it's a long way to Brandy Wharf!



Saturday, April 24, 2010

MONDAY AIRING FOR TURBINE PLAN

The first public discussion of a scheme aimed at installing the first wind turbine in Brigg will take place on Monday.
A 15kw wind turbine - on a 25m high mast - is proposed together with the erection of industrial units on land at Europa Way, off Atherton Way. Brigg Town Council's Planning and environment committee will consider the application on Monday when it meets at the Angel Suite (6.45pm). This meeting is open to the public as observers.
Town councillors do not have the power to determine planning applications but they can make their views known to North Lincolnshire Council before the unitary authority decides whether or not to give the go-ahead.

SCRUMPY ROW UPDATE

By Jim Copson, Ancholme Rowing Club

34 boats representing 10 different clubs will contest the Scrumpy Row tomrrow (Sunday). Ancholme Rowing Club has 5 entries - a Novice Eight, 2 Novice single sculls, a Mixed Novice quad and a Mixed Veteran double scull.
The race is held over a seven-mile course from the rowing club in Manley Gardens, Brigg, to the Brandy Wharf Cider Centre. Each boat is assigned a handicap according to the boat class and crew ability. This handicap is then subtracted from the actual time it takes the crew to row the course to produce the overall results.
The fastest crews are expected to complete the course in about 45 minutes. The top five crews receive medals presented by Ancholme Rowing Club together with jars of scrumpy cider presented by Rowdy and Catherine (proprietors of the Cider Centre).
The first boat leaves Brigg at 11:00 a.m. with the last boat to arrive at Brandy Wharf at 1:30 p.m.
The best place to view the race is along Cadney Road, with other vantage points at Cadney Bridge and Hibaldstow Bridge.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

SCRUMPY ROW ON SUNDAY

Ancholme Rowing Club's annual Scrumpy Row is on Sunday (April 25), when clubs from around Yorkshire and the East Midlands will descend on Brigg. Crews will be setting up in Bridge Street from 9am and starting at the Manley Gardens-based club will make their way down to Brandy Wharf.
We hope to have more information to post about this popular event later in the week.

BRIGG IN BLOOM

Hanging baskets outside town centre businesses help make Brigg more colourful during the warmer months. The Town Council was delighted with the response from businesses last year and is now approaching firms to take part in its scheme for 2010. Newcomers are especially welcome to buy a basket from the council which will then arrange for it to be watered regularly. The cost is £27 per basket.
For further details call Town Clerk Jeanette Woollard, tel 01652 659402 or email enquiries@briggmarkettown.co.uk

FITTING NUMBER TO PLAY

There was a healthy turnout for last night's salsa and modern jive dancing beginner classes at Brigg's Angel Suite - judging by the noise we felt down in the lounge, underneath the ex-ballroom, where a meeting was being held of the town council's property and services committee.
It amused me that at a point when councillors were engaged in some number-crunching over Angel Suite income and expenditure, the music filtering down from above was Mambo Number Five!
"The fun way to keep fit ready for summer" dance classes run from 7pm-8pm (salsa) and 8.30pm-9.30pm (modern jive). For further details call Nigel (not me!) on 07921 588728.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

GOOD NEWS FOR MOTORISTS

The deep potholes along Ash Grove, mentioned earlier in Brigg Blog, have now been filled in.

ANGEL SUITE UPDATE

A re-arranged meeting of Brigg Town Council's property and services committee will be held tonight in the Angel Suite Lounge (downstairs) at 7.30pm. This meeting is open to interested members of the public as observers.
There will be the monthly update on bookings and forthcoming events at the Angel Suite from Manager Karen Deeley, plus reports on how things are going on the council-run allotments in Grammar School Road and Redcombe Lane.
Brigg Blog, as usual, intends to be there tonight.

CIVIC CHANGES PROPOSED

When Brigg Town Council holds its monthly meeting in the Angel Suite on Monday (26th) proposals to change some of the civic award presentations will be considered.
The council's policy committee is proposing the Civic Award (for new buildings and renovations) should now be presented at the same time as the Joseph J Magrath OBE Award for Public Service - at March's Town Mayor's Civic Charity Banquet.
It is also proposed the Prize Allotment and Best-Kept Garden Competition winners should no longer be invited to receive their prizes at a monthly council meeting. Instead, a Town Mayor's coffee morning will be organised to coincide with September's Farmers' Market, to which all finalists will be invited to hear the winners announced.
Monday's Town Council meeting starts at 7.30pm. As usual a 15-minute period will be set aside prior for public question time, should any residents wish to go along and have their say.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

NEW LIFE, NEW HOME


Sunday saw the first meeting of Brigg New Life Church in its new 'home' at Demeter School (former Brigg Prep School).
A congregation of 50 heard of the 'new chapter' opening up to the church. Thanks were expressed to the Principal and Headteacher for making the move possible, and an address by New Life's Senior Pastor, Stuart Bell (Lincoln) focused on opportunities for influence which lay ahead.
Local pastor, Alec Depledge, reminded us that the meeting on Sunday was a small, though significant, part of New Life's week, with members involved in many walks of life, including education, healthcare, industry, business and local government administration. Small groups also meet midweek for mutual support, and there are projects into the community, such as Care Home visits, school's work and a kids' club (KRASH).
Visiting clergy concluded the service with prayer for New Life.

WIND TURBINE PLANNED FOR BRIGG

CLS are seeking planning permission to erect industrial units (Business Office/General Industrial/Storage or Distribution categories) "with associated external works and drainage" - plus a 15KW wind turbine on a 25m high mast - on Europa Way, Brigg (off Atherton Way).
A statement from the agents which accompanies the application says: "The developer, CLS Civil Engineering, intend to involve the nearby Brigg Primary School with the wind turbine and provide opportunities for site visits for children, aiding them in their studies."
The applicants also state: "The M180 motorway runs past the rear of the site. All parking and vehicle manoeuvring areas are located to the front of the building accessed via a new entrance off Atherton Way. The wind turbine will be located along the north east side of the building between the building and boundary fence."
The first stage in the process will be for Brigg Town Council to comment on the application, which then goes to North Lincolnshire planners for a final decision.
A lengthy document about the proposed wind turbine, containing much useful information, can be viewed in the planning application section of North Lincolnshire Council's website.

Monday, April 19, 2010

NEW INSTRUCTOR WELCOMED

Brigg’s long-running Kumon maths and English study centre says it is delighted to welcome its new instructor, Craig Cook, and would like to invite all families in the area to an Open Day and re-launch on Saturday, 24th April (2pm-4pm). Craig took over the centre at the beginning of March from Sue Macdonald, who retired after running the Kumon maths and English programmes and serving Brigg for 12 years. Former primary school teacher Craig says: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be taking the reins of our Brigg Kumon study centre. Sue has given so much to it over the last 12 years, and I would like to pay tribute to all she has done for local families. The Kumon maths and English programmes have the potential to help so many children of all ages and abilities, and I am really looking forward to working with lots of people in the neighbourhood.”
Kumon is a unique method of learning which aims to provide each child with strong study skills, boost their confidence and ensure that they progress. Students attend the study centre once or twice a week for around half an hour, and have worksheets to take away so they can keep up with their studies at home. As well as building speed and accuracy, Kumon’s maths and English programmes develop concentration and independent learning abilities which prepare students for the future. Through working at their own pace over a period of time, children are given the self-assurance to reach their potential both at school and in later life.
To find out more and meet the new Instructor, come along to the Kumon centre Open Day at St Mary’s Church Hall, Barnard Avenue, between 2pm and 4pm. Students and non-students, parents, siblings and friends – all are welcome!
For more information about how Kumon’s maths and English programmes can help your child, call Craig on 01652 653345 or email brigg@kumoncentre.co.uk. Alternatively, visit kumon.co.uk

THREE SCHEMES APPROVED

North Lincolnshire planners have given approval for the felling of a a Holly tree within Brigg's conservation area at Eastfield, on the corner of Albert Street and Bigby Road.
They have also granted permission to erect an extension to offices (with associated car parking) at the Carers' Centre, on Redcombe Lane, and approval for the building of a single storey rear conservatory at 8 Horstead Avenue.

GOOD NEWS ON ACCIDENT FRONT

A heartening absence of serious and fatal road accidents on North Lincolnshire roads in March was reported by Pete Scott, head of safer roads, when he gave his quarterly update at the Brigg Neighbourhood Policing Public Meeting in the town's Angel Suite.
There was not a single case of a person being killed or seriously injured (KSI) last month. "And long was that continue," said Pete.
Official figures for 2009 were also revealed - 100 KSIs across North Lincs (8 fatalitie, 92 seriously injured), a reduction of 22 on 2008.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

CHARITY "DO"

A Charity Race Night, Quiz, Bingo & St George's Day Celebration will be held on Friday, April 23 at 9pm at the Black Bull, Wrawby Street, Brigg. All welcome.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

DANCE CLASSES

How do you fancy learning Salsa or Modern Jive - or both? Classes are starting at the Angel Suite, Brigg, on Wednesday 21st April; Salsa 7-8pm; Modern Jive 8.30-9.30; £4 per class or both classes for £7. To book a place contact Nigel on 07921 588728.
NF adds: No, it's not me - I've got two left feet when it comes to dancing!

RELIEF ROAD PLEA

Another public plea for a relief road to be built across the fields from the Wrawby Road/Churchill Avenue junction to South View/Horstead Avenue has been made by Coun Tom Glossop.
His appeal came at the Neighbourhood Policing Meeting in the Angel Suite as further concerns about Grammar School Road congestion were voiced.
Brigg Town Council has long called on the highway authority (North Lincolnshire) to install this short relief road to greatly improve the flow of traffic to and from Springbank estate, which currently has only one route - Grammar School Road.
Pete Scott, North Lincolnshire Council's head of safer roads, explained the difficulties presented by Grammar School Road, where many of the homes are terraced and without drives for parking. He stressed the council had to balance the requirements of local residents with those of motorists using the road, especially as the heaviest traffic flows were confined to short periods in the early morning and late afternoon, only on school days.
NF adds: Perhaps North Lincolnshire Council is waiting for the Brigg North Development Scheme, in which some sort of second entrance/exit to the Spring Bank estate has been suggested. It's not long since the council gave temporary permission for an access road to be laid from Wrawby Road/Churchill Avenue, alongside Day Bros' fields, to Horstead Avenue, where lorries were delivering materials to a new housing development under construction. Unfortunately, once the buildings were completed, the temporary road was removed and returned to agriculture (see picture).

OPEN AND SHUT CASE

From Ken Harrison

The signs have all gone and traffic is now moving freely through Wrawby on the A18. The repairs to the Wrawby rail bridge are now complete.
But a reminder: The Bigby High Road, Brigg, level crossing will be closed during Wednesday, April 21st, from 6am to 2pm, to allow essential rail track maintenance work to be undertaken. During the closure period, Kettleby Lane's weight restriction, via Wrawby, will be suspended.

Friday, April 16, 2010

PARKING CONCERNS

Residents of Grammar School Road South - that's the top section nearest Wrawby Street - came to this week's Neighbourhood Policing Panel Public Meeting in the Angel Suite to again complain about uncaring motorists parking vehicles on the footpath near their homes.
Their comments were addressed to Insp Brett Rutty and Pete Scott, head of safer roads at North Lincolnshire Council.
Many aspects of "policing" minor traffic-related issues have just been taken away from the boys (and girls) in blue by the Government and given to local councils.
However, having been presented with pictures of badly-parked vehicles by the residents, Insp Rutty gave a legal definition of obstruction which he suggested might apply in such cases.
Perhaps the police (through its PCSOs) and the council (through its new wardens) will be taking a look in the coming weeks - or it's a safe bet the Grammar School Road South folk will be back again voicing the same protests at the next Panel meeting in July.

GRAB YOUR TICKETS

There are still some tickets left for Brigg Amateur Social Historians' VE day/1940s night - entitled "Wish Me Luck" - on Friday, 7th May at Brigg & District Servicemen's Club, Coney Court.
The event features Paula Baldwin’s Shiny Stockings swing band, vocalists Sarah Blair-Manning, Christine Scott, Marty Wilson and the Jump Jive Alive dancers. Plus buffet and raffle; 1940s dress/uniform welcome. Admission by ticket only - £15 from Tourist Information, The Buttercross, Brigg, Tel: 01652 657053.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

CHARITY FOOTBALL ON SATURDAY

From Mark Cawkwell

We are having another charity match at the Hawthorns this Saturday (17th April), kick-off 6pm. The game is Brigg Town Junior Managers and Ex-Junior Players v Barnetby Old Boys (Leeroy Fielden organising).
I have organised a race night in the club after that and eight local businesses have already donated over £3OO to sponsor the races. All money raised on the night will go to Brigg And District Breast Cancer Group. Admission is free and anyone who fancies coming down to either is welcome.

BRIGG'S BIG SPRING CLEAN

Jeanette Woollard, Clerk to Brigg Town Council, is contacting volunteers with an update on progress, as follows:

Following your generous offer to assist with the Brigg Big Spring Clean, I am pleased to invite you to a further briefing meeting to bring you up to date with progress to date, and will be held at 8pm on Thursday 29th April 2010 in the Angel Suite.
Can I also make sure that you have all noted the revised date for the spring clean, which was published in the local press and in the Brigg Matters Newsletter - the dates are now Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd May and, hopefully, this will ensure that the riverside and the Town are looking clean and tidy in readiness for the Adventure Challenge the following week-end.
In the event that you are unable to be represented at the briefing meeting, could you please confirm that you are still able to offer your assistance over the week-end of the 22nd/23rd May - and the times that you will be available - which will enable us to prepare a programme of the areas that can be covered.

BIG REDUCTION IN BRIGG AREA CRIME

Insp Brett Rutty reported a 24 per cent reduction in overall crime when he delivered his quarterly report to the Brigg Neighbourhood Policing Panel's public meeting in the Angel Suite. He also gave an update on the town centre Dispersal Zone and issued figures for police action taken against motorists abusing the pedestrian area. His review covers the six months October 2009 to March 2010.

By Insp Brett Rutty

Here in the Brigg and Wolds Neighbourhood, PC Jane Proud and PCSOs Lynsey, Lisa and Craig continue to work with local people and partners across the Neighbourhood.
Issues around driving, parking and cycling in the pedestrian area of Brigg are being addressed. Since action began to focus on this issue, 9 verbal warnings and 21 written warnings have been issued to motorists, 24 fixed penalty notices have been issued and one person has been reported for summons. The message does appear to be getting through and the team has noticed a significant improvement with fewer vehicles using the pedestrian zone inappropriately.
The Dispersal Order covering the centre of Brigg ceased at the end of March but patrols will continue and calls for service monitored closely. Young people will no doubt still continue to congregate and meet their friends in various locations around the town centre but their behaviour does appear to have improved.
The safer Neighbourhoods Team carried out a short perception survey of shoppers in the town asking how much of a problem they thought anti-social behaviour involving young people was. In March 2009 the survey showed an average score of 7.1 out of 10. When the survey was re-run in March 2010 the average score was 2.3.
Crime figures are for the last 6 months, October 2009 to March 2010 compared to the previous 6 months, April to September 2009.
Overall crime has reduced by 24% with Burglary to people's homes down by 28%.
Vehicle crime is also down, Thefts of Vehicle by 71% (8 crimes in the last 6 months against 28 in the previous period) and Thefts from Vehicle down by 27%.
Clearly this is good news but Burglary to people's homes remains a priority for the Division and none of us can afford to become complacent. Keep taking sensible precautions, locking doors and windows at home and ensuring nothing of value is left in vehicles as well as reporting any suspicious activity to the police.
The Neighbourhood Team continue to focus on and investigate Criminal Damage and during the last 6 months there has been a reduction of 12% in this type of crime (21 fewer crimes).
Incidents of Anti-social behaviour cause concern to the community and to the Neighbourhood Team. A lot of effort is being put into identify the minority of teenagers who engage in anti-social behaviour, identifying hot spot locations by monitoring calls for service and through community contact and targeted police patrols to those locations.
We have seen a reduction in calls for service for Anti-social behaviour of 23% over the last 6 months compared to the previous 6 months. This is very encouraging but we are aware there seasonal factors that can influence statistical information so Neighbourhood officers and PCSO's will continue to work with the community to tackle this issue.
Police Surgeries continue to be held across the Neighbourhood – full details can be found on the Humberside Police website and are advertised on posters locally.
Brett also delivered comprehensive reports on the three neighbourhoods outside Brigg which are beyond Brigg Blog's remit. We will be posting more from the meeting, notably public comments and road safety concerns in the near future.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

EXTREMELY WELL-ATTENDED



From Phil Allen, Brigg Amateur Social Historians

The April BASH meeting at Brigg & District Servicemen’s Club was "Yeller-Belly Years Growing up in Lincolnshire 1930-1950" - a talk by John Rhodes.
The talk was about John’s memories of growing up in Brigg in the years 1930 to 1950. He gave us snapshots of his early life as detailed his book "Yeller-Belly Years" (a title relating back the days when the Lincolnshire Regiment wore yellow waistcoats).
He described life in 29 Central Square, where he was born, and the importance of his grandparents, Grandad and Grandma Peck and Grandad Rohdes, in the family life. He also recalled the morning when, strangely, his father had made breakfast - followed by his shock at then being presented with a new baby brother. He remembered the mysterious powers of Mrs Playfoot predicting (the fairly predictable) by reading tea-leaves. And his days of conker collecting and conker fights, fish & chips for 3 old pence and the 2pm matinees at the Grand Cinema for just 2 pence.
John’s talk fascinated everyone for the entire time - and all without a single prop other than his book. This BASH meeting was very enjoyable and was once again an extremely well-attended event.
The next event, on Friday 7th May, is "Wish Me Luck" - A 1940s night to celebrate V.E. Day and (weather permitting) a flypast by a Spitfire over Brigg main car park t 7.20pm (approx)

The photograph shows, left to right, John Rhodes and some of his audience - Val Holland, John Holland and Christine Watkins.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

TONIGHT'S YOUR BIG CHANCE

Tonight sees another of the very useful and informative get-togethers between Brigg Police and our community, as the Brigg Neighbourhood Policing Panel (usually chaired by our own Coun Tom Glossop) meets at the Angel Suite, off Market Place.
Officers from Insp Brett Rutty's team will be there from 6.30pm for a confidential surgery, during which residents can chat to them in private about issues of concern.
That will be followed, from 7.30pm, by a public meeting during which police and councillors/officers can be questioned by anyone with issues relating to policing, crime, licensing and highways/road safety.

There is always a very interesting quarterly update on crime - usually delivered by Insp Rutty (pictured), who's the highest-ranking officer in the town - which includes recorded crimes/trends in various categories (eg burglary, theft from vehicles, anti-social behaviour), plus information about police responses and crime prevention issues.
Pete Scott, head of safer roads with North Lincolnshire Council, generally gives a report on highway issues, such as speeding and speed limits.
Both these senior officers then make themselves available to answer questions. So if you want to raise any issues, here's your big chance.

Monday, April 12, 2010

MEETING AT THE ANGEL

Brigg Town Council's property and services committee meets on Wednesday, 14th April at 7pm in the Angel Suite. This meeting is open to the public.

TURNER'S MILESTONE

How time flies...It's now 10 years since well-known Brigg butcher's shop, C. Turner and Sons, closed its doors in Queen Street for the final time on April 1, 2000. That day also marked the retirement of shop boss Keith Turner.
The family firm was founded by his great-grandmother and operated for more than 100 years, having started in a house in Grammar School Road where she used to do the baking and take it to market on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Many, many folk in the Brigg area have really missed Turner's sausages, haslet, famous pork pies and other delicacies since time was called on one of our most popular town shops.
The sausages were made from great-grandmother's original recipe - closely guarded by all four generations of the family.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

HAVE YOU SEEN SKY?

From Sharon Ladlow

LOST - 18 MONTH-OLD BORDER COLLIE BITCH, ANSWERS TO THE NAME OF SKY.
She slipped her collar near Arties Mill and was last seen going over the motorway bridge towards Scunthorpe. Please Please ring me if you find her on 07858 680280.

DOING THE SPADEWORK


Brigg Town Council continues preparations for the big Brigg Spring Clean on Saturday/Sunday, May 22/23. Volunteers are still needed and if you, or your organisation/business, can pledge a couple of hours on either, or both, of these days you are asked to call 01652 659402 or email enquiries@briggmarkettown.co.uk
The Environment Agency is to carry out an extensive litter-pick along the River Ancholme from the motorway bridge to the railway bridge, as part of its contribution.
Town Council volunteers will be organised into groups to tidy the banks of the river, wearing protective clothing issued by North Lincolnshire Council (eg gloves and goggles). The supervisors of each group will be given vests with the wording "Sponsored by Brigg Town Council" which the authority is to buy. This wording - suggested by Coun Penny Smith - means the vests can be used at other events in the future, such as the Christmas lights switch-on. The Women's Institute will help with refreshments for clean-up volunteers.
As part of the scheme to improve Brigg's main waterway, the Town Council is suggesting the first weed-cut of the River Ancholme by the Environment Agency should be carried out during the first week of July.
Coun Sue Nicholson explained that by the end of June the weed was so thick that boaters could not even "get round the Island" in Brigg. Brigg Town Council has agreed to contribute funding to future weed cuts this year "in case of need." However, Coun Nicholson said as far as she was concerned the Environment Agency should pay for two cuts. She felt it a shame that the Town Council was having to pay.
However, Town Clerk Jeanette Woollard stressed the extent of the work involved for the Environment Agency, which included bringing boats into Brigg by road, plus the necessary manpower.
Coun Nicholson concluded it was a definite case of "well done" by the Town Council, North Lincolnshire Council and the Environment Agency over the joint approach to improving the river.
The two-day clean-up will also involve some town centre streets. However, the Saturday date chosen coincides with the monthly farmers' market. Exactly how, when and where volunteers will be deployed has yet to be decided and will be governed, to a large degree, by the number who come forward.

Friday, April 09, 2010

GRAND NATIONAL TIP

From Ken Harrison?

Has our Town Mayor given us a subliminal prediction of the Grand National winner?
Brigg has a strong connection with the shock 1948 winner, the 50 to 1 outsider Sheila's Cottage, and is it possible that James Truepenny has walked past the Lord Nelson, the owner's pub, so often that he has acquired ESP?
In his annual speech, Brigg Town Mayor described the market town as finding it own niche with a range of successful specialists shops.
In the Grand National runners' line-up, there is a horse called Niche Market.
I think I'll give it a go with a pound each-way....If it wins, I'll buy the Town Mayor a pint or extra bling for his chain, whichever is the cheaper!

HOLIDAY PROMOTION

Appleby's First Choice Travel, of 56 Wrawby Street, Brigg, is holding a coach holiday promotion day on Thursday, April 15 (9.30am-3pm). "Pop in and see us for tea, coffee and biscuits," they advise.
We used this firm for a short break recently and found the staff very helpful and friendly, which probably explains how we've found our way on to their mailing list.

LINK TO FACEBOOK ENTRY

A Brigg Blog follower posted a message yesterdy asking for the link to the Brigg site on Facebook. It's below, sir. Paste that into your browser!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=243035524485&ref=ts

STAYING ON THE FENCE

Brigg Blog is non-political. We just want to make that clear in the run up to the General Election. I know Labour's Ian Cawsey very well - a hard-working constituency MP (Brigg and Goole) with an office in Brigg, and a small majority.
Doubtless we'll get the chance to shake hands with Andrew Percy, the Conservative, at some point before we go to the polls. Many of us will have noticed the pro-Percy signs in the field on Wrawby Road and close to Sherwood Cycles, in Bridge Street. He's also been busy with newsletters, etc, over recent months, extracts from which have been mentioned here on occasions.
We'll have to do a bit of research about the Liberal candidate, from whom we've had no correspondence so far, and also mention the so-called minority parties (as all levels of the press are required to do - even us!). Further posts will advise.
But Brigg Blog will NOT be speaking up in favour of any of the candidates. As regular readers know, we don't have a political agenda, but just report what politicians are doing and the decisions reached as they impact on our town and community.
As a student of history I've long thought this country was best governed during the Second World War when the main parties were forced to put aside their political differences, pool their wisdom and pull together. Winston Churchill (Conservative) was the Prime Minister but with a Labour deputy and a Cabinet comprising the best talent available from all factions. Some of the politicians probably hated it at the time, but it was necessary.
Things soon returned to party political normality once hostilities ended.

GENUINE SURPRISE

Before the start of Wednesday night's Brigg Town Council planning and environment committee meeting in the Angel Suite, word got round that North Lincolnshire Council had just refused permission for Eco2's straw-burning power station on the former sugar factory site at Scawby Brook.
Some of our town councillors seemed genuinely surprised at the decision, which is great news for those Scawby Brook householders who twice came to debates at the Angel Suite to voice their objections, particularly about wind-blown straw and the number of lorries which would be passing their homes.
Brigg Blog thought North Lincs planning committee members would go along with their chief planning officer's recommendation, which was to grant permission. However, as we forecast earlier in the week, refusal would almost certainly result in a speedy appeal to the Government to review the decision and give the go-ahead anyway. This has happened to similar schemes in other parts of the UK.
As transport seems to be one of the main reasons North Lincolnshire planners turned the application down, maybe Eco2 will have to go away and have another look at using rail and river as a way of delivering some, or most, of the straw bales to their site.
We explained how that might work in an earlier post on this subject. It would be good to see the long-disused rail connection (formerly Brigg Sugar Factory sidings) brought back into use, and also pleasing to see commercial barges on the River Ancholme, which hasn't happened since the early 1970s.

Thursday, April 08, 2010

CHANGING FACE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Brigg Town Council needs to expand its presence on the internet, according to Town Mayor Coun James Truepenny. He made his comment during last night's monthly review of the Council's existing website, and flagged up the Facebook social network for consideration. He said previous restrictions on groups and organisations like the Town Council had been removed since they last considered it.
Town Clerk Jeanette Woollard said she was "quite comfortable" with uploading material to Facebook, which was easier than doing it on My Space (where the Town Council is already established).
She pointed out some residents had set up a Brigg site on Facebook, with occasional references to Town Council issues, prompting her to reply to some in a purely personal capacity.
Mrs Woollard thought one way forward might be for a small team of councillors to 'police' the site's content if Brigg Town Council established itself on Facebook.

BUS REQUEST REJECTED

Brigg Town Council has decided not to give cash to the Council in Winterton to help with the cost of running a bus into Brigg on Thursdays.
Although noting that would mean more business for shops in the town, Brigg Councillors did not feel the benefit was sufficient.
Coun Jenny Bell said: "We could spent our money on other things for Brigg people."
She said they should tell Winterton "not this year, as our budget is tight" but suggest another application along similar lines in December, to be considered ahead of the 2011/12 financial year.
Coun Julian Kidd thought any bus project of this type should be run as a partnership between Winterton and Brigg Town Councils. "If we give money we should have more say," he added.

Wednesday, April 07, 2010

CHANGE OF VENUE - ALL WELCOME

From Coun Alec Depledge

New Life Church, Brigg is changing venue for its weekly Sunday service to the newly opened Demeter School (former Brigg Prep. School) on Bigby Street.
The first service there will be on Sunday, 18th April, at the starting time of 3.30pm, when New Life's Senior Pastor, Stuart Bell (Lincoln) will be visiting and speaking.
A warm welcome to any who wish to attend this growing expression of God's
Kingdom in Brigg - for further information contact (01652 652116).

FREE NIGHT FOR CHARITY



This year's Mayor's Ball will be at the Britannia Inn, Wrawby Street, Brigg, on May 5 - a free event raising money through donations and an auction on the night. Any prizes you wish to give, please contact the Town Mayor by email - james-truepenny@tiscali.co.uk
You can read more about this on his Mayoral Blog by following this link now MY SPACE BLOG

Tuesday, April 06, 2010

AT THE DOUBLE

There are two Brigg Town Council committee meetings listed for tomorrow (Wed) in the Angel Suite, and both are open to the public if you wish to go along and listen to the debates.
The Planning and Environment Committee meets at 7pm, with the Policy Committee's get-together following at approximately 7.45pm.
See you there?

SPITFIRE FLY-PAST

The attached poster gives details of a special fly-past by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Spitfire, which will launch the annual night of war-time nostalgia staged by Brigg Amateur Social Historians.
BASH holds its April meeting tonight at Brigg Servicemen's Club, off Coney Court, when author John Rhodes will be turning back the clock to his childhood days growing up in Central Square from the early 1930s. We suggest you get there for 7.30pm. Admission is free - raffle to be held.

CALLING BRIGG LOCAL HISTORIANS...

From Ken Harrison (in the Mastermind chair)


Question in 4 parts

1. HOW MANY BRIDGES CROSS THE NAVIGABLE RIVER ANCHOLME?

2. BONUS POINTS IF YOU CAN NAME OR IDENTIFY THEM.

3. HOW MANY LOCKS ARE ON THE ANCHOLME?

4. WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN HORKSTOW BRIDGE AND A BRIDGE IN ARIZONA, USA?

No prizes, just for fun.

Monday, April 05, 2010

D-DAY LOOMS FOR BRIGG PLANT

North Lincolnshire Council's planning committee is shortly to meet and decide whether Eco2's long-proposed Brigg straw-burning renewable energy power station gets the go-ahead, with new jobs for the area pledged by the company.
It's on the former Brigg Sugar Factory site but actually in Scawby Brook (Scawby parish). If councillors go along with their planning experts' recommendation, approval will be given.
The planning committee meets in the Council Chamber, Pittwood House, Scunthorpe, from 2pm on Wednesday (April 7) and the session is open to the public.
Under the application, straw-carrying lorries travelling to and from the plant will follow a designated route down the M180/A15 and not through Brigg streets.
Studying the huge volume of reports now accompanying the planning application, it's a shame to see water and rail transport discounted. Perhaps some of the straw could have been delivered by train along the newly revamped Brigg line, as happened with the old sugar factory which had its own sidings/mainline connection. Barges could also have transported much straw direct from farmers' fields, as the New River Ancholme is just a stone's throw from the power station site.
Both ways would have cost more than simply using lorries, of course. But given the green credentials of rail and water transport it's a bit surprising both methods were allowed to fall by the wayside.
The report prepared for North Lincolnshire councillors, who will make the final decision, states: "The agents have been asked to consider rail and canal delivery of straw and have written to explain why neither of these options would be viable."
We expect North Lincolnshire planners to approve the scheme; if they don't, anticipate an appeal to the Government for the green light.
Generating green power is a Government/European Community priority. But this plant could be made even greener through delivery of thousands of tonnes of straw by barge and rail, rather than along the roads of North Lincs.
Regarding barge use, we were told some time ago that the required year-round level of the Ancholme could not be guaranteed for this purpose. Yes, once a year they have to lower the river to carry out essential maintenance - but for that short period a simple switch to road or rail could surely have been introduced.
Indeed, using the same argument, the Highways Agency and local highway authority can't guarantee every road in the district being open 24/7, either. Accidents do happen - all to often - resulting in delays and closures.
Perhaps a mix of barge, railway wagons and lorries would have helped reduce the concerns of Scawby Brook residents over the amount of traffic passing through their hamlet (up to one every seven minutes during weekdays).
Consulted as a 'neighbouring authority' Brigg Town Council is not opposed in principle to the plant but members have concerns regarding the impact the development may have on the lives of those residents of Scawby Brook whose properties are reasonably close to the site, and those that are located on the proposed vehicular route.

Sunday, April 04, 2010

TURNING LEFT OUT OF TESCO

Further to the earlier posting on this topic...Yesterday I had to slow down to avoid a large van pulling out of Tesco, onto Barnard Avenue, whose driver had turned right, rather than left. The motorist did get the front seat passenger to raise a hand to acknowledge my courtesy in letting him out onto the A18
At the Annual Town Public Meeting, Maureen Glossop was quite right to flag this up as an area of concern.
How about installing a CCTV camera, watching the footage and nicking a few errant drivers?
Now the trees are coming back into leaf in the Market Place there will be CCTV cameras whose view of the town centre is restricted. So could a camera be redeployed for a short period over the spring and summer, then put back after the leaves have fallen?

FREE GRASS CUTTING SERVICE

Nip down to the riverside, just off Lidl's car park, to see a bit of private enterprise grass cutting being undertaken at no cost to the Environment Agency or the local authority. A couple of piebald horses have been taken there to graze happily on a stretch of fresh green grass. I can't see any problem with grazing a couple of horses there on a very quiet Sunday, especially as there seems to be a man with them, although we only got a quick look while driving over Ancholme Way bridge.
But in today's era of health and safety there always seems to be some regulation or other to be taken into consideration on most issues. Hopefully the powers-that-be have yet to include a clause about Easter Sunday horse grazing on the banks of the Ancholme. But don't count on it!

CHOCS AWAY!

Great service was demonstrated at Martin's in Wrawby Street, Brigg, today. I popped in for the Sunday papers and presented them at the till, only for the helpful assistant to point out I qualified for a free Easter egg and a free bag of Maltesers through in-paper promotions. She then tracked down both vouchers hidden away inside the relevant 'Sundays', reached for her scissors, snipped them out and presented me with the choccy surprises. Thanks, Elaine!
I'd go there much more often for my papers during the week (rather than visit Tesco) but the North Lincolnshire Council pay-and-display requirement and the delays often experienced at the Old Courts Road traffic lights put me right off, as I'm sure they do many other Brigg residents who can't, or won't, make the journey on foot (or by bike).
Who'd really want to cough up two or even three times the value of a daily newspaper just to park up and buy one?
Coming out of Martin's I was a bit surprised to see Poundstretcher closed, but it's Easter Sunday, of course. You can buy an Easter egg from one shop (as it sells newspapers) but can't buy one next door because that's classed as a purely retail store.
The law is, indeed, an ass!
Folk talk about observing the Lord's Day, especially Easter Sunday, but there seems to be one law for some who are required to keep services going (eg police, fire, ambulance, newsagent's and 'corner shop' staff) and another for the vast majority of UK workers.
It's high time the Government sorted this mess. Little market towns like Brigg could offer a nice place for people from near and far to visit on an Easter Sunday...if all our shops were allowed to open.
Today's visit to Martin's reminded me of the Brigg 2000 special publication produced by 'yours truly' for the Scunthorpe Telegraph a decade ago. We devoted two pages to pictures of town shop assistants and shop owners serving customers - under the banner of old-fashioned personal service. It came out really well and was a fine advertisement for our town and what it has to offer.
But not on Sunday, in the vast majority of cases.

SPRING CONFERENCE


Brigg Town Council has agreed to renewed its £760 annual membership of ERNLLCA - the organisation representing local parish and town authorities across North Lincolnshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Town Mayor Coun James Truepenny said Brigg received great support from the organisation, which did "fantastic work."
At ERNLLCA's Spring Conference, Deputy Town Mayor Coun Ben Nobbs will represent Brigg Town Council, while Coun Tom Glossop will be there as President of the organisation. The conference is on Saturday, April 17 at the Ropewalk Contemporary Art & Craft Centre, Barton.
However, some reservations were expressed by Coun Glossop as Brigg Town Council (at the same time) decided not to renew its membership of the group Action For Market Towns, saving £318 (plus VAT).
He said: "I do find that a little big disappointing as this body does a lot of good work in marketing market towns."
However, Coun Nobbs said there was a "general feeling" nothing much was to be gained by Brigg through membership.
Town Clerk Jeanette Woollard recalled the Council joining as it particularly wished to be represented at a Group event in Skipton one year.
When that happened, that year's Town Mayor represented Brigg at the event and later presented a report on the conference to fellow councillors.

Pictured: Town Clerk and current Town Mayor during the Annual Town Public Meeting.

Saturday, April 03, 2010

BIKING MEMORIES WANTED

The latest issue of the Scunthorpe Telegraph's 36-page Nostalgia magazine went on sale from Thursday and includes FOUR feature articles on Brigg, and another relating to Castlethorpe.
The Brigg ones are about children's games, the cattle market, Brigg Town Band and notable town bowler hat wearers. Copies are now on sale for 75p.
As many will know, I still go back to the Scunthorpe Telegraph on a freelance basis to organise the content for Nostalgia. In addition to that I'm now working on the next edition of Motor Biking Bygones, coming out in mid-May. If you have any old motorcycling pictures, or memories, I'd love to include them in this special publication. Please email scoopfisher@aol.com or give me a ring on 01652 655134.

DRIVERS MUST TURN LEFT


Although Maureen Glossop (nearest the camera) has now stepped down from her extensive work on Brigg Town Council she still went along to make a contribution at the Annual Town Public Meeting in the Angel Suite.
Her point of concern was the number of drivers still turning right onto Barnard Avenue when they exit Tesco's store, despite the fact they are now required to turn left and use the roundabout if they wish to head off back in the direction of the Monument.
Maureen pointed out the same issue had been raised with the police last year.
Pc Jane Proud, representing Brigg police, said she would check with Insp Brett Rutty about the matter.

BRIGG PUB 'MOST HAUNTED'

The Ancholme Inn, on Grammar School Road, Brigg, is hosting a psychic evening with Steve Kneeshaw (of Most Haunted Nites) on Wednesday, May 5, from 7.45pm. Tickets cost £10 each. FOLLOW THIS LINK TO FIND OUT MORE

Friday, April 02, 2010

GOING WITH THE FLOW


The first public indication has come as to whether or not Brigg council tax payers will support the idea of improving the County Bridge - and perhaps paying a bit extra to help bring that about.
The Town Council has taken the unusual step of asking residents - through a form in Brigg Matters magazine - whether they wish to see refurbishment of the bridge, possibly resulting in a short-term rise in the parish precept.
Giving an update on progress so far, Coun Tom Glossop told the Annual Town Public Meeting that responses were "quite evenly split at the moment."
A show of hands in the room then showed very clear support for the idea - at least among those public-spirited residents who supported the annual get-together with councillors.
Coun Glossop explained the aim was to get the bridge restored to its former glory. He stressed "funding sources" were available and Brigg people would not be asked for "an extortionate amount" if things went down that route.
Recalling shop front renewals and the pedestrianisation scheme, he said of the County Bridge: "This is a very important part of the regeneration of Brigg which was left undone."
Earlier in the evening, during the Town Council's monthly meeting, Coun Glossop reported on talks held with North Lincolnshire Council officers during which the question had been raised about whether the bridge might be reduced in status from a highway to pedestrian-only.
He sensed "the will was there" to progress the scheme at North Lincolnshire level.
The next stage is likely to be Brigg Town Council considering the responses received from the public about the County Bridge through the Brigg Matters form. Councillors will then need to judge what, if any, mandate they have received and what action they propose to take.
Coun Ann Eardley identified the walkway on the side of the bridge as being in particular need of attention, and Coun Glossop assured her that would form part of any improvement scheme.

Thursday, April 01, 2010

TIME FOR A SPRING CLEAN?

The 'Welcome to Brigg' sign as motorists arrive from the Wrawby direction (not far from Churchill Avenue) has become caked with mud and grime during the bad winter and could do with a spring clean. Whether it's Brigg Town Council or North Lincolnshire Council which needs to arrange/carry out the work were are unsure but doubtless the Town Clerk will make a note for someone to have a look if/when she feels the time is right.

SHORT FILLER STORY

We've been back along Ash Grove, Brigg, and note the numerous potholes are still awaiting the arrival of the highway repair team. They must have a very long list to contend with - but this street is certainly the worst we've seen in the area.

CAMP LANDMARK STILL THERE

Those who use Bigby High Road, on the approach to Brigg from Bigby and Caistor, may have noticed that the water/watchtower of the old Pingley Camp prisoner of war facility is still standing. That's even though all the huts have long gone and building work is now under way to create luxury detached properties, courtesy of a firm with Pingley in its title.
This site, where Second World War German and Italian PoWs were housed, is just outside the Brigg/North Lincolnshire authority boundaries, so it comes under West Lindsey District Council and is outside the area overseen by our community leaders.
But wouldn't it be fitting if the road leading off the A1084 and into the housing development carried a name recording the site's historic past?
Please, no jokes about "Don't menshun ze vor!"... we are being serious.
Doubtless Ken Harrison, Brigg's Blog's comment poster-in-chief, will kick us off with a suggestion or two.

CHANGE IN TAX PAYMENT DATE

From A Brigg Resident
(Name and address supplied but not printed at his request)

As a sharp-eyed journalist, I am sure you will not have missed that North Lincolnshire Council have brought forward the date when instalments of the council tax need to be paid - from 22nd of the month to the 1st day. It is appreciated that this will improve the cash flow to the council by three weeks each month from each tax payer. This change in date was indicated on the front page of the tax demand but, being in the same form as previous years, it may have been missed but all but the most observant resident. Should he or she delay payment by 3 weeks, there is the danger that the whole year's amount will be demanded in one fell swoop. This is the first change in date when payment is required from the inception of North Lincolnshire in 1996.
However, you will recall that in 1989 Glanford Borough Council employed a similar tactic by bringing forward the date for the 2nd of the two instalments from 30th November to 30th September. In this case the change was indicated on the back page of the demand and, I am told that, over 800 residents missed the date which had been fixed for the previous 14 years. They duly received court summons for late payments. When several appealed against this, they were told that the change had been notified widely in The Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph. I do not know how many of them were regular readers. At least this time the change in date is contained in the North Lincolnshire's monthly circular "Direct" so there is no excuse. Or is there?
North Lincolnshire Council has supplied Brigg Blog with a comment in response to A Brigg Resident's concerns.
Their spokeswoman said: “The council publicised this change widely. An article was in the January edition of Direct magazine that is sent to all households. Residents using direct debit that were affected were also written to individually in February. Local media also covered the issue with the council’s taxation and benefits manager responding to any questions. With specific reference to recovery, the council will follow all procedures in accordance with the legislation. This means we will issue a reminder for one instalment missed. If this is not paid or if it is paid and then a subsequent instalment is missed, then the right to pay by instalments is cancelled and full year becomes due the following month. If anyone is struggling to pay and are on low income they should the council to find out information on and apply for council tax benefits.”

MAIDEN TRIP TICKETS ON SALE

BlueDestination, a new local travel firm, has now put tickets on sale for its maiden trip, which will see 50 ticket-holders depart Brigg and spend a full day in the Lincolnshire coastal resort of Skegness.
BlueDestination and passengers will be departing Brigg at 9am on Saturday 26th June, heading directly to Skegness, where ticket holders will be able to enjoy a day by the sea, before heading back to Brigg at 5:30pm. BlueDestination will be offering free light snacks and refreshments on-board the luxury air-conditioned holiday coach.
Currently no other dates or destinations have been confirmed after the initial Skegness Day Trip, but BlueDestination founder James Cammack states: “During this initial trip to Skegness, weʼll be talking to our passengers on the journey about the destinations they want to see us going to in the future, and weʼll be listening carefully to any feedback our passengers give us. With this information, weʼll go on to book a wide variety of other day trips and coach tours, and after our first year of operations, we hope to have at least one coach tour booked every month.”
Mr Cammack also stresses: “Our first initial trip to Skegness is very important to us, we hope to sell all tickets, and receive lots of positive feedback from our passengers. We hope all of our passengers have a splendid day out, and that we can welcome them aboard again in the future.”
Coach Travel is by far more economical now with the rising cost of running a car. Tickets for BlueDestinationʼs Skegness trip are on sale at just £15. Most cars will cost more in fuel to do a return journey to Skegness.
Tickets have now gone on sale online at www.bluedestination.co.uk Alternatively, order tickets over the phone by calling 07858 390013.