Nigel Fisher's Brigg Blog: January 2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

NEW LIFE ON PINGLEY CAMP SITE

We stopped off on the way back into Brigg on Saturday and took this interesting picture of the first house on the Bigby High Road development now taking shape on the former site of Pingley Camp - home to scores of German and Italian prisoners of war during the early 1940s. The site is just outside Brigg and North Lincolnshire and as has been approved by West Lindsey District Council. The old POW huts became increasingly derelict and untidy down the decades - so this new use, close to Brigg Garden Centre, will help make the vicinity more attractive.

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN NOW READ MORE INTERESTING NEWS ABOUT BRIGG AND DISTRICT BY VISITING AN EXCITING NEW WEBSITE?

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Sunday, January 30, 2011

LAST SNOW IN BRIGG?

There was still some snow to be viewed in a sheltered spot near Tesco's car park, Brigg, this morning. Is this the last patch surviving from the wintry weather a few weeks ago?

BRIGG DONATIONS PUT TO GOOD USE

By Coun James Truepenny,
Town Mayor of Brigg 2009/10

Last night I attended the Let's Rock Cancer Winter Ball at the Wortley Hotel in Scunthorpe, where cheques were presented to various charities from fund-raising events over the last year. As Let's Rock Cancer was part of my Mayor's Appeal last year I just thought the good people of Brigg might like to know where the money went. As you can see we gave a lot of money out but we raised some to. The raffle on the night and the charity auction (hosted by yours truly) raised over £800 that will go to Cancer Research and support charities, as well as our work raising awareness of the disease.

Brant, Danielle and Sophie worked really hard to develop and produce the event so congratulations to them.

You can find pictures of the whole event here:

VIEW JAMES' PIX

Brigg's Coun Truepenny hosting last night's charity auction.

POLICY MEETING CANCELLED

Members of the public who may have wished to attend should note that the meeting of Brigg Town Council's Policy Committee, planned for Wednesday, February 2, has been cancelled due to lack of business to transact.

HOLOCAUST CEREMONY REMINDER

On Thursday, Brigg Town Mayor Coun Ben Nobbs was instrumental in ensuring townsfolk and visitors from the district remembered the millions of Holocaust victims, with his burning candle in the Market Place Bandstand, on market day.
This afternoon (Sunday) he will be joined by Town Council colleagues in the Angel Courtyard for the annual Holocaust Memorial Service. Members of the public are welcome and asked to arrive by 4pm for the service/ceremony at 4.15pm, led by the Town Mayor's Chaplain.
Our picture shows the Town Council's Holocaust Memorial, in the Courtyard.

ROADWORKS TO BE AVOIDED

Highway contractors are today working on the A18 close to Brigg's main set of traffic lights at the junction of Old Courts Road, Barnard Avenue and Wesley Road. These were taken out of action before 9am and temporary lights installed - one set close to St Mary's Church and the other near the fire station. It's good that North Lincolnshire Council has chosen Sunday, the lightest day for traffic, to do this work. However, to avoid joining the queues, Brigg car drivers in the know might well be able to avoid this stretch of road by taking alternative routes.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

GUSHING PRAISE

We spotted more Anglian Water repairs under way in Brigg, yesterday - this time in Queen Street. Earlier this week we spied a team on Churchill Avenue/Winston Way. All probably connected with the very bad weather and extremly low temperatures.
Keep up the good work!

Friday, January 28, 2011

NETBALL OFFICIAL GAINS AWARD

From Jeanette Woollard, Clerk to Brigg Town Council

At the Brigg Town Council Meeting on Monday, the Policy Committee recommendation that the Joseph J. Magrath O.B.E. Award for Public Voluntary Service to the Community of Brigg, should be given to Mrs. Vanessa McErlain-Naylor, of Scawby Brook, near Brigg, was ratified.
The award is given to Vanessa in recognition of her tireless commitment to the Brigg and District Netball Club, which provides the opportunity for countless children and young people to be involved in a positive activity, access coaching, and compete in netball matches, regardless of their level of ability.
Together with the support of an equally dedicated team of helpers, Vanessa continually strives to deliver her ethos that Brigg and District Netball Club is, and will always remain, a ‘local club for local children’.
The following citation leaves the reader in no doubt why Vanessa has been chosen to receive this award.
We all live very active lives today - some more than others. Holding down a full time job as a key accounts manager for a national company which involves travelling around the country and occasionally staying away overnight, transporting her son (who is a Great Britain Judo International) to training sessions throughout the country, and running a home with all that that entails would, for most people, be considered as ‘fully occupied’.
Not Vanessa, she packs more into the 168 hour week than most people do in a month.
Around 13/14 years ago, Vanessa started coaching netball part time at a local primary school, just to help them out, but the word spread and she was asked to help at other schools within the area. From this Vanessa (with the help of another young lady) started Brigg Junior Netball Club.
The popularity of the club soon grew, and with more and more young girls leaving Secondary School and those starting sixth form wanting to join, so in April 2000 the club changed its name but not its ethos to the present Brigg and District Netball Club.
Any club with more than 80 regular members, that fields 16 teams in local, county and regional leagues does not run itself. It requires a great deal of hard work and commitment, and the success of the Brigg and District Netball Club, therefore, relies heavily upon a small yet dedicated band of helpers. However, they all agree that without Vanessa’s drive, enthusiasm and hard work, the club would not be the success that it is today.
All England affiliation, insurance, organising training venues, fixtures, transport, sourcing and purchasing kit and equipment, are all tasks that Vanessa deals with year on year in order for the club to function. In addition, she is also heavily involved in work for All England Netball, East Midland Netball and Yorkshire Netball in various capacities from talent camps to umpiring and coaching.
Not satisfied with that workload, Vanessa adds to it by arranging for the children to compete on tour in places like Barbados, Malta, the Isle of Man, Wales and Torquay, as well as organising the club’s own annual tournament in Brigg; which started as a single week-end tournament 11 years ago, but is now is spread over three week-ends due to the number of clubs that want to attend.
The club also hosts a number of social evenings through out the year, both for fundraising purposes and to present prizes and awards, and Vanessa is always there at the forefront working for the club and its members.
If you meet Vanessa and talk to her, it will not be long before she steers the conversation around to her beloved netball club; so much so that her husband and her son soon realised that the only way to see her was to become involved in netball. They are now both qualified umpires, and Mark is a qualified coach !
If this was not enough, until August 2010 “in her spare time” she also assisted with the administration duties and pre-training warm ups for the juniors at Glanford Kodakan Judo club once or twice a week !
Vanessa truly believes that the club benefits all of its members, but it is particularly beneficial for young people as it provides them with a healthy and active place to socialise, and build confidence and character.
The Town Mayor and Members of Brigg Town Council are fully aware of Vanessa’s unfailing dedication and commitment to the Brigg and District Netball Club, and the time and effort she gives to ensure that young people can enjoy participating in netball.
The Town Council is, therefore, delighted to be given this opportunity to recognise the work she does for the benefit of others and the Town, and it was unanimously agreed that she is a most worthy recipient of the Joseph J. Magrath O.B.E. Award for Public Voluntary Service 2010, which will be presented at the Town Mayor’s Civic Charity Dinner and Auction, on Saturday 19th March at the Angel Suite, Brigg.

BEST JUMP TRACK

The many people in and around Brigg who pay regulars visits to Market Rasen racecourse, or who place bets with Brigg bookies on what's going on at our local Lincolnshire course, will be interested to learn that it was among the big winners when the results of the 2010 Neil Wyatt Racecourse Groundstaff Awards were announced.
Salisbury was the winner in the Best Flat Racecourse Category, whilst the Dual Purpose award went to Ayr Racecourse and Market Rasen Racecourse received the award for best Jump track.
Judging of the awards took place on January 20 and the panel comprised representatives of the National Trainers' Federation and Professional Jockeys’ Association, with support from the BHA Inspectors of Courses. The Awards, organised by the Racecourse Association and sponsored by Pitchcare.com in association with ALS and Fornells, are in their fifteenth year and recognise the achievements of racecourse groundstaff.
Richard Linley, Senior BHA Inspector of Courses, said: “The vagaries of the British climate have yet again challenged Groundsmen around the country during 2010, the huge effort and commitment demonstrated by those Groundsmen to their Racecourses never ceases to amaze me. It must never be forgotten that it can be just as difficult to manage sports turf in the height of summer as well as in the depths of winter, swapping frost covers for irrigation equipment and in each case trying to manage the expectations of all the participants and customers. There are only three Official winners, but there are many winners in my eyes, and appropriate this year that the All Weather Courses are recognised for their significant contribution to the industry during 2010 with special Merit Awards.”
Rupert Arnold, of the National Trainers Federation, said: “Reading the nominations I was struck by the amount of good work going on around the racecourses by very dedicated teams of groundstaff. Much of this is unseen by those outside racecourses and the great value of the Neil Wyatt Groundstaff Awards is they bring the outstanding examples to a wider audience”
Dale Gibson from the Professional Jockeys’ Association said “We have all appreciated the hard work and commitment that Groundstaff put in day in, day out. Recently the severe weather has made their job harder. The PJA recognize that, and in our eyes the majority of courses are all winners. The four safety officers submitted their nominations to those tracks that they thought were outstanding, which all received recognition”
Sulekha Varma (pictured below), Clerk of the Course at Market Rasen Racecourse, said: “The small team at Market Rasen have worked tirelessly in recent years to improve the racing surface, under the guidance of Head Groundsman, Steve Bakin. This has been especially noticeable in the rise of the racecourse to one of the country's leading Summer Jumping venues. The quality of horses running Market Rasen and their subsequent achievements is testament to the ongoing improvements, instigated while Nick Patton was Clerk of the Course and continued in the past year. Being awarded the Neil Wyatt Groundstaff Award for the Best Jump Racecourse in 2010 is a huge honour and thoroughly deserved by the entire team.”
John Richards, Operations Director of Pitchcare commented, “The freezing weather conditions at the beginning and end of 2010 put an unusual and exceptional strain on the racing industry. The outstanding work of the groundstaff teams at the four All Weather Tracks enabled racing to continue against overwhelming odds. For this reason, it was agreed that the teams at these courses deserve thanks and recognition for their outstanding efforts. Each course will be receiving a special Merit Award.”

SUFFERING OF MILLIONS REMEMBERED

Brigg Town Mayor Coun Ben Nobbs, left, with Coun John Berry, one of the Brigg area's elected representatives on North Lincolnshire Council, in the Market Place Bandstand yesterday, where a candle was kept burning in memory of the millions of Holocaust victims, on the day when, each year, Europe remembers these tragic events.

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN NOW READ MORE NEWS ABOUT BRIGG AND DISTRICT BY VISITING AN EXCITING NEW WEBSITE?

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“YOURS TRULY” IS THE COMMUNITY PUBLISHER. YOU CAN REGISTER WITH THE SITE AND THEN UPLOAD YOUR OWN NEWS, SPORT AND VIEWS.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

SURFACE WATER SUGGESTION

Brigg Town Council is putting forward an observation about a planning application for permission to turn a back garden into what is described as "tarmac hard standing for vehicles" at Glanford House, Bridge Street.
When the application was discussed at the council's monthly meeting in the Angel Suite, Coun Tom Glossop said he understood that surfaces used in these circumstances now needed to be permeable, to help disperse surface water.
Coun Penny Smith pointed out that the proposed development would help take some of the parking pressure off nearby Mill Lane (a residential street).
Glanford House is the base for an accounting firm, whose application now progresses to North Lincolnshire Council planners for a final decision.

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN NOW READ MORE ABOUT BRIGG AND DISTRICT BY VISITING AN EXCITING NEW WEBSITE?

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“YOURS TRULY” IS THE COMMUNITY PUBLISHER. YOU CAN REGISTER WITH THE SITE AND THEN UPLOAD YOUR OWN NEWS, SPORT AND VIEWS.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

CHARITY CYCLE RIDE

Well-known Brigg town councillor Andrew Markham is to undertake a Halifax-Brigg charity cycle ride on March 4 and 5, via Dewsbury and Doncaster, to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.
The bike he will be using is most kindly sponsored by Sherwood Cycles, of Bridge Street, Brigg, while Coun Markham’s employers in Scunthorpe, Bibby, are going to generously double what he raises.
For further details or to pledge sponsorship, contact him on 01652 652026, 07920221829 or drop him an email to sassmo1957@talktalk.net
There’s also a direct payment link set up through the new JustGiving page -
CYCLE RIDE

HAVE THEY A RIGHT TO CARP?

An update on Manley Gardens fishing pond saga was given to Monday night's Brigg Town Council meeting by Coun Tom Glossop. North Lincolnshire Council seems determined to sell off this facility. Coun Glossop indicated the amount having to be paid by the fishing syndicate was on the increase, the suggestion being that extending the membership would help keep down the cost to individuals. However, according to Coun Glossop, some residents living nearby in Manley Gardens do not want to see the increased traffic likely to result from more people having rights to use the leisure facility.

Monday, January 24, 2011

YANKEE DOODLE!

Could it be the Town Mayor of Brigg, Coun Ben Nobbs, is a follower of American football (gridiron)? During a complicated debate tonight while he and the Town Clerk were considering how to deal with proposals, amendments and counter-proposals, I'm sure I saw His Worship make the "time out" signal (one hand on top of the other to form a "T"). This is used in gridiron to stop the match while a team gets together to consider how it wishes to proceed.

SPEND A PENNY: CASH WELL SPENT

Speaking to a couple of out-of-town visitors to Brigg the other Sunday morning - both pensioners - they were very impressed to find the Cary Lane toilets open for business, so to speak. A pleasant surprise. To some visitors to Brigg, this must be an obvious relief. I explained Brigg Town Council paid for them to be opened specially on Sundays and bank holidays, even though they are owned and operated by the bigger North Lincolnshire Council authority.
If Brigg wants to encourage day-trippers, tourists and shoppers to come here, this is something that's a basic human need.

PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED

North Lincolnshire planners have now given the go-ahead for the following:
16 Woodbine Avenue, Brigg, planning permission to erect a rear extension (by North Lincolnshire Homes).
5 St James Road, Brigg, planning permission to erect a single storey rear extension (Mr and Mrs A Brook).

BRIGG PARISH NURSING SCHEME LAUNCHED

By Alec Depledge

The churches of Brigg gathered yesterday (Sunday 23rd) at St Mary’s Church, in the context of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, for the launch of a new community initiative.
Mrs. Tracey Ingram (Hull), regional co-ordinator for Parish Nursing Ministries UK, presented an overview of the history, ethos and work of PNUK, before Brigg’s new Parish Nurse – Mrs. Sue Depledge RN (pictured) – shared her aspirations for the ministry here in the local area. A regular clinic will commence on Thursday 27th January between 10am and midday, at Brigg Methodist Church, where the Parish Nurse will be available to those who may wish to access the service.
Church leaders commissioned Mrs Depledge by laying on hands & prayer, asking God’s favour on her work.
For further information about PNUK visit the website:

PARISH NURSING

Or for details of the local scheme contact Sue on: 07922 669353.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

BABY BLOOMER?

Mike Walker, who taught English at Brigg Grammar School in the 1960s and 1970s, really knew his stuff when it came to constructing a sentence. I was reminded of him this morning while walking past this sign close to the Tin Tabs and Brigg Monument.
Clearly this company is not offering a nearly new baby for sale. Yet that seems to be what it implies until you take in the smaller print further down the poster.
Mr Walker - nicknamed Dazzler because of his prominent forehead - once put all our class in detention for being late for one of his lessons. Actually, we were on time - but he had advanced the start by 10 minutes to coincide with the beginning of a BBC radio broadcast about poetry. We didn't think he had the power to pinch some of our break time. We were wrong - and at BGS there was no court of appeal, never mind one to consider the human rights of minors.
It took headmaster H B Williams a long time to read out the identities of all the detention-bound pupils in assembly - an early example of name and shame.
Mike's lessons on English comprehension, punctuation and syntax seemed very tedious at the time. But they proved very valuable in later life. Not that you'd have dared to start a sentence with a preposition in an English essay if it was going to be marked by Mr Walker.
But it's not. And that's all we have to say on the matter. So there!

And finally...a helpful rule-of-thumb for our good friend Ken to consider: It's acceptable for a sentence to begin with "but," like the conjunctive adverb "however." But try to keep it to a minimum.

POP ALONG TODAY

Don't forget today sees the monthly Brigg Farmers' Market, running until about 3pm. Lots of goodies to be had (cheese, meat, etc) fresh from the producers. This event always brings lots of folk and associated spending power into the town centre.

PLANNING AHEAD FOR COMMUNITY

Here’s Coun Tom Glossop with the “Planning for Real Toolkit” specially designed to help and instruct towns and villages working towards compiling a Community-Led Plan.
Tom is chairman of the Brigg committee now doing the spadework for ours.
Once finished, the plan will outline what the community of Brigg wants to see in the future.
The group is some way from drawing up a wish-list at the moment, but dozens of Brigg organisations are about to be contacted to let them know what’s planned and how they might get involved.
This “initial approach” will be undertaken by the Humber and Wolds Rural Community Council.
Presentations will be made to explain things more fully to groups and their representatives. These could be in the Angel Suite, or other venues in Brigg.
The Community-Led team also intends contacting a businessman to seek permission to post publicity material in the front windows of vacant premises occupying “a prime position” on Wrawby Street.
Brigg’s Community-Led Plan was launched last year with an open day/exhibition in the Angel Suite, when visitors were invited to state what they liked and disliked about Brigg, and what they wanted to see developed in the future.
For example, people might feel the Recreation Ground needs major investment, or that the River Ancholme should have greater leisure use.

Friday, January 21, 2011

FERGIE ON COURSE

Sir Alex Ferguson could score twice at Market Rasen Racecourse on Sunday (Jan 23)
The Manchester United manager has two horses entered for the first fixture of 2011 at the Lincolnshire racetrack, which is popular with many Brigg area race fans.
And with the Red Devils in action the previous afternoon, he might make an appearance to watch his equine charges which are both trained by George Baker.
Sinbad The Sailor, who has run just once over obstacles when he finished in third place, is entered in the opening Watch Racing UK On Sky Channel 432 Novices' Hurdle at 1.20pm.
The Scot's second hope is If I Had Him, which won for the first time over obstacles in November and is entered to run in the marketrasenraces.co.uk Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle. The horse is also engaged in the Middle Rasen Handicap Hurdle later in the afternoon. Trainers decide today, Friday, which horses will take part in the races.
At the meeting, a new Sunday Roast package is on offer - £55 per person to include use of a private hospitality box overlooking the track, two-course Sunday lunch, County Enclosure admission (worth £19 alone) and the racecourse's new-look raceday guide.
The Sunday Roast package will also be available at the fixtures on 20 February, 13 March and 3 April.
Pip Kirkby, the racecourse's managing director, said: "It's great that the wintry weather has finally relented and we can get racing again for the first time since November. And it would be wonderful if Sir Alex Ferguson were to join us for an afternoon at the races!"
Gates open at 11.20am. The first race is at 1.20pm, with the finale at 3.55pm.
General admission: Premier Members £26; County Enclosure £19; Tattersalls £14; Family Enclosure £9; Picnic Car Park £5 per car + Family Enclosure admission per adult. Accompanied children 18 admitted free of charge. Senior citizens and students - £4 off admission into County and Tattersalls (identification required). More information at RASEN COURSE

BIN ON ITS WAY

A new litter bin to be sited between Birch Avenue and Atherton Way, Brigg, had not yet been installed by North Lincolnshire Council due to the prolonged spell of wintry weather, town councillors heard. Brigg Town Council is paying for the bin and hopes passers-by will make use of it, including those returning home to Newlands estate from the town centre with fast food wrappers. Likely cost is about £70.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

GHOSTLY TALES OF THE TIMES

I enjoyed delivering a talk on the History of the Lincolnshire Times (1867-1985) last night to St Hybald's Ladies' Guild, which meets at Scawby Village Hall. With the old weekly paper having its editorial offices at 57 Wrawby Street, Brigg, there were many references to our town. Among the audience were a couple of former residents of Brigg's Woodbine Grove prefabs during the early 1960s, plus Ann Campion, ex-Mayoress of Brigg and former teacher at Brigg County Primary. As some of the ladies had heard my usual Lincs Times talk before (delivered to BASH meetings in Brigg) I changed the format slightly. Following a shortened history of the paper and a few anecdotes, we looked at many old pictures from the past. As always, the tale of Wally, the office ghost, went down well. I even found a piece written about him by the late, great news editor Edward Dodd (about 30 years ago) and read that out to the gathering.
Doddy and Wally spent more time in the Brigg office than anyone!

PS We are available to deliver talks on this and other subjects if your group is seeking a speaker any time. Reasonable expenses fee charged. Call 01652 655134 (message service) or email scoopfisher@aol.com

SUPPORT FOR COURTHOUSE PLAN

A scheme to change the use of Brigg’s former courthouse building on Wrawby Street to provide five dwellings, including alterations and rear extensions, has been supported by Brigg Town Council.
“Welcome it!” Coun Mike Campion suggested to his colleagues at a meeting in the Angel Suite.
North Lincolnshire Council will now consider the planning application and decide whether to give the green light.
Brigg Town Council has raised no objections to the following planning applications which now progress to North Lincolnshire planners for final consideration:
Erect rear extension, 16 Woodbine Avenue.
Erect rear extension, 4 St James’ Road.
Make minor material amendment to increase roof pitch angle and redesign housing plot, 22A Market Place.
Erect warehouse, 9 Atherton Way.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

MILKING THE MOMENT

By Gary Smith, long-serving Brigg Town Cricket Club opening batsman

Can you remember when several stray cows were seen running up and down the lane above the playing field at Haxey when Brigg Town CC were playing there? During play two rather large Friesians came charging across the outfield chased by a local farmer towards the car park where Mr and Mrs Willerton were watching ‘our Martin'. Mrs Willerton made a hasty retreat to the car and didn’t emerge from there for the rest of the game.

NF adds: Yes, I remember this incident well. It went down in Brigg Town CC folklore.

COUNCIL CONSIDERS STORE PLANS

From Jeanette Woollard, Clerk to Brigg Town Council

The Full Council Meeting on Monday, January 24 will consider planning applications from Lidl and Tesco and any others received. Representatives from Lidl will be in attendance to receive and respond to questions from the public prior to the formal meeting. Proceedings start at 7.15pm in the ballroom at the Angel Suite. The Planning & Environment Committee meeting has been cancelled.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

WHY FOOTIE FANS CAME TO TOWN

From Insp Brett Rutty, Humberside Police

It appears that at least one of the coach companies used by the Barnsley supporters has previously run trips to the races at Market Rasen and used Brigg as a stop off point. On Saturday the coaches stopped at Brigg to allow supporters a refreshment/comfort break. Police officers attended at Brigg to assess the situation and then provide an escort to Hull City's ground (as is usual with visiting supporters using the motorway - to ensure unscheduled stops are not made at locations that may lead to confrontational situations).
There were no reports of any trouble in Brigg whatsoever - as you say, the visiting fans were in good spirits and well behaved - not even rowdy.
As far as I am aware, the fans returned to the Barnsley area directly after the match and did not return to Brigg.

PS Brigg Blog was also a coach trip, Sunday and Monday. Back home now after our short break - normal service resumed.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

BARNSLEY BOYS IN BRIGG

Half-a-dozen manned police vehicles - cars, dog vans and motorycycles - could be observed in Cary Lane, Brigg, at 1.30pm today. Fortunately they weren't there to deal with a serious crime, but were keeping a watching brief on Barnsley football fans en route to Hull for the Yorkshire derby.
The supporters we saw heading back to the line of coaches outside Wilkinson's store seemed good humoured. Many were eating fish and chips and other footstuffs purchased in Brigg - so a bit of unexpected trade came our town's way. Doutbless a few had worked up a thirst on the warm buses and found themselves in need of a drink.
What Brigg Blog can't work out, though, is why the coaches from Barnsley didn't just use the perfectly adquate Yorkshire motorway network to get to Hull. Why come all the way round to Brigg and then head over the Humber Bridge (paying the toll)?
We have just pinged off an email to Humberside Police and put that very question, thinking they might know the answer. We've also asked whether the Barnsley boys are taking the same route home tonight and whether Brigg is a stop-off point.
We've just checked on the AA's excellent online route planning system and the recommended route from Barnsley to Hull is along the Yorkshire motorways and NOT coming across to Brigg and using the Humber Bridge.

BARGAINS ON OFFER TODAY

The Ambience gift shop in Wrawby Street, Brigg, is holding the last day of its closing down sale today, with 75 per cent off everything. Leaflets advertising the fact are being handed out to town centre shoppers as they pass by.

FREE SPACES AT PREMIUM

Calling all town centre visitors and shoppers: Where are the best places to park in Brigg to avoid paying and displaying for the benefit of North Lincolnshire Council's coffers? That's not counting the free, short term facilities furnished by Lidl (Spring's Parade) and Tesco (off Barnard Avenue).
There's a handful of very desirable spaces on Bigby Street, opposite Mason's solicitors' office. Especially handy for a quick nip to Dave Dent's Nisa Local shop or to pick up a parcel from the old post office. However, after Humberside Police last year decided to say bollards to those of us who used to park our cars on the bit of waste ground on Cary Lane, a very welcome free facility disappeared. You can't blame the police for putting up the bollards to keep out the cars - it's their land. But, months later, this still remains waste ground. Whereas before it was helping to meet a public need, although unofficially.
There's a bit of onroad parking available in Grammar School Road South, near the White Horse; plus a few spaces outside the Cedars, Bigby Road, close to the Monument, if you are visiting businesses in that area. Nearer the town centre, have a look at Cadney Road/Elwes Street. That doesn't leave you with much of a walk.
This topic was inspired yesterday by a drive to Lincoln for a business appointment right in the centre of the city. You can't find a side street anywhere near which isn't covered by double-yellow lines or signs saying Residents' Parking Only. I hate multi-storey car parks yet had no choice but to use one. As my stay was more than four hours it cost £7.
There's absolutely no doubt that car parking charges deter the general day-to-day shopper. Especially in today's economic climate, our small businesses could do with every bit of help going. However, North Lincolnshire Council is also feeling the squeeze and if it could be persuaded to remove the car parking charges in Old Courts Road and behind the Angel there would be a loss of revenue to the public purse. If you are making a special shopping trip to a big city, like Hull, Lincoln or Leeds, paying a few quid to pay and display is something most people would expect to cough up, as part of what amounts to a day out. Sadly, precious few folk come from afar to visit Brigg shops and make a day of it. If you only plan to spend a fiver or a tenner on a few household items, the cost of a car parking ticket suddenly becomes a major factor. And that accounts for a good proportion of customers to our range of speciality shops.
If you know any other on-street parking places close to Brigg town centre - generally available 9am-5pm, Monday to Saturday - please share the information with the rest of us.
Our picture recalls the days when you could park free on the waste ground off Cary Lane, near the police station.

LIDL WELCOMES PUBLIC FEEDBACK

The executive leading Lidl’s new store development project in Brigg has written to a number of people in the area to confirm that the retailer's planning application for the new building in Atherton Way has now been lodged with North Lincolnshire Council.
Philip Atkinson, Development Executive, assures them: “Your feedback will play an important role in helping to achieve a high quality design which benefits the wider Brigg community and I would urge you to become involved if you possibly can. I will endeavour to keep you informed of the progress of our application, but do not hesitate to contact me directly should you have any questions.”
His address is Lidl, 2nd Floor, Marian House, 3 Colton Mill, Bullerthorpe Lane, Leeds, LS15 9JN.
Your can view the application – reference PA/2010/1430 - and leave comments about it online by visiting North Lincolnshire Council’s website www.northlincs.gov.uk
Or send written comments to William Hill, North Lincolnshire Council, Church Square House, PO Box 42, Scunthorpe, DN15 6XQ.
Our picture shows Philip Atkinson in Brigg's Angel Suite, when the firm announced its plans last year at a public consultation forum. There's a display is the current Lidl store, on Spring's Way (near the checkout) if you want a short and snappy look without ploughing through the masses of very necessary documentation contained in the online application put in the public domain through North Lincolnshire Council planners.

Friday, January 14, 2011

HELLO SINGAPORE AND SLOVENIA

Countries of origin of Brigg Blog visitors during the past week - in ranking order:
1: UK
2: United States
3: Netherlands
4: France
5: Spain
6: Germany
7: Latvia
8: Saudi Arabia
9: Singapore
10: Slovenia

Source: Google.

JOB DONE!

The repair work at the junction of St Helen's Road and Yarborough Road has been completed and the traffic lights removed.

'MOGGY' MAN

Thanks to those who've been in touch to say it was John Pridmore who had the firm on Engine Street dealing with Morris Minor 1000 cars. He lived on Churchill Avenue. Our earlier post interested quite a few Brigg Blog followers, including Coun Nigel Sherwood. Not surprisingly, as his family firm is but a stone's throw away from Engine Street.

COLD WEATHER HITS ANGEL

The cost of damage outside and inside Brigg’s Angel Suite community venue - caused by severe sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow last month - is still being totted up.
A full report was given to town councillors attending January’s meeting of the Property and Services Committee. After radiators burst, water leaked across the floor of the main room in the Suite (the former pub ballroom) and dripped down to the lower floor, which houses a meeting room and administrative offices.
An emergency plumber was summoned, while staff were soon on the scene to assess the situation and take action. A dehumidifier was brought in to help the drying process and the plumber’s isolation of the damaged radiators allowed heating to be restored within the building.
Town Clerk Jeanette Woollard said many gallons of water had been pumped out of the downstairs corridor alone, although the glued-down carpet had not lifted from the floor. Water had been running down the walls, but “the swift response” had helped. Fortunately, office computers were not damaged.
Mrs Woollard said the council’s insurers had been informed. Committee chairman Coun John Kitwood, who went down to view the mopping up, said he had been impressed by the response and extended his “vote of thanks.”
Meanwhile, metal guttering outside the Angel Suite suffered damage during the worst of the snow and will need the attentions of a contractor on North Lincolnshire Council’s official list.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

MAJOR IDEA ON RIGHT LINES

For the past three days there's been a big hole in the tarmac close to the junction of St Helen's Road and Yarborough Road. Traffic lights have been installed, as the resulting roadworks are on a blind corner. Fair enough. But whose hole is it, if you'll pardon the phrase? I've driven past half-a-dozen times, in both directions, early morning and after tea, without seeing any signs to explain whether it's water, electricity, gas, telephone, council bosses (or someone else), whose ordered in the workers. Or what they are seeking to repair.
Only a couple of years ago, much the same thing happened only a few yards away, further along Yarborough Road. Essential work, no doubt. But if someone needed to get in touch with the folk behind it, how would they know who to ring?
John Major was an often-maligned Prime Minister, and there were many cheap jibes about his so-called Cones Hotline, under which members of the public could complain about lengthy roadworks. The idea was dropped, but it seems to me that he was on the right track. At that time, if I remember correctly, you had to put up signs indicating the firm carrying out the work. Which meant you could ring if you wanted information about how long it was going to take or wanted to moan.
The current repairs are no big deal but it would be appreciated by those drivers who use St Helen's Road regularly if we had some idea who's working and how long it's all going to take.
GIVE US A SIGN!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

THIN BLUE SIGN - CONFIRMATION

Our weekend story suggesting the old blue sign outside Brigg police station was being taken down proved correct. The metal sign is no longer loitering close to the A18 on Barnard Avenue. The sentence of death passed on it was carried out in accordance with the law.

CAR PARKING PLAN

Planning permission to turn a back garden into tarmac hard standing for vehicles is being sought at Glanford House, Bridge Street, Brigg.

ANGLING AFTER AN UPDATE

As a topical issue the suggested sale of Manley Garden fishing pond and surrounding greenery is certainly not one that’s got away from Brigg Town Council.
Cash-conscious North Lincolnshire Council’s announcement that it intended to sell the leisure facility to raise funds resulted in concerns in the town over the future of this leisure facility last year – and not just from interested anglers.
But Brigg town councillors have heard nothing for some time, prompting Coun Carl Sherwood to tell January’s council meeting: “I’ll endeavour to make some inquiries.”

Monday, January 10, 2011

PETER BELL - A TRIBUTE

Brigg Blog is very sorry to report the death of Peter Bell - former Brigg Town footballer (when they played behind the Brocklesby Ox), ex-long-serving player with Brigg Men's Hockey Club and stalwart supporter of Brigg Amateur Operatic Society. He was 83.
The funeral service will be at Woodlands Crematorium, Scunthorpe, on Friday (January 14) at 2pm, followed by refreshments at the Black Horse, Wrawby, from 3pm. Family flowers only - donations can be made in memory of Peter to St John's Church, Brigg. Cheques should be made payable to Brigg PCC. Donations may be sent c/o Richard Morris, 2 Daylesford Close, Benhall, Cheltenham, Glos, GL52 6DH, or given to him on the day.
Peter was a fine footballer with Brigg Town until, one day in the 1950s, Brigg Hockey Club persuaded him to try the other winter sport. It proved a worthwhile switch and he turned into a very good player. Gradually he dropped down the teams until, in the mid-1980s, he finally hung up his stick, when he was in his late 50s. A memorable farewell evening followed in the Queen's Arms, Wrawby Street, which was then the club's social base.
Brigg Amateur Operatic Society was a very important social interest for him and he eventually produced an excellent, lavishly-illustrated book looking back on 100 years of shows in the town - the vast majority at the old Corn Exchange (now demolished). It proved very popular and sold widely.
Peter worked as an advertisement representative on the staff of the Hull Daily Mail, which ran the weekly Lincolnshire and South Humberside Times with editorial offices at 57 Wrawby Street, Brigg. After retirement he worked hard among the local business community, ahead of each autumn show, drumming up support advertising to help the society.
In latter years he enjoyed indoor short-mat bowls at Brigg's Angel Suite.
A widower since 2005, Peter lived in the Bigby High Road area of Brigg for some years and was later in Riverside Mews.

Sunday, January 09, 2011

ROCKING GOOD NIGHT

Organiser Pete Boston has thanked everbody who supported last night's "Rocknroll" event at the Ancholme Inn, Grammar School Road, describing it as a brilliant turn-out. He hopes to see everyone again at the next function.

BRIGG FESTIVAL APPEAL

The Brigg-based North Lincolnshire Music and Drama Festival Society has approached Brigg Town Council for a grant to support the staging of March's annual event. Accounts have been forwarded to the council - a stipulation required for all funding applications. The request will be considered by councillors on the Policy Committee at their meeting on Wednesday (Jan 12) in the Lounge at the Angel Suite (7.30pm). The public are welcome to attend.
Tomorrow (Monday, Jan 11) sees a meeting of the Brigg Community-Led Plan Committee in the Angel Suite (noon), which is open to the public.

'SF = SNOWY FOAM

By Ken Harrison

Litter attracts litter......in the same way graffiti attracts more graffiti.
Before Christmas some scally painted 'SF' on the windows of the extant Ian Cawsey's constituency office (7 Market Place) and on the brown shutters of the amusement arcade.
Walk through the Market Place, the graffiti, combined with the paint spill near the Tourist Information Office, it gives the impression that no-one cares.
The dog-eared impression could be the incentive for dubious others to assume a bit more area despoiling does no really matter. Graffiti is an offence, but does anyone, apart from me, realise that 'SF' has been sprayed in festive foam spray - the type one creates a frosty impression on a window? Rub the lettering with a finger and the 'paint' is very easily removed. Is is a case of 'look but don't touch'? Ironically, the graffiti could be removed within minutes - and it wouldn't warrant a lot of elbow grease.
NF adds: Reference has been made within Brigg Town Council to the ugly paint spill near the Tourist Information Centre. However, its removal should be organised by North Lincolnshire Council - responsible for footpaths and highways.

Saturday, January 08, 2011

MEATLOAF HITTING RIGHT NOTE

Spell it one way, pronounce it another...haslet is a fine, traditional Lincolnshire pork mealoaf produced by many a Brigg butcher down the centuries to this day. When Turner's were still trading in Queen Street, their recipe was a particular favourite of mine.
What turned this topic into suitable fare for Brigg Blog to chew over?
I watched some posh chef on the telly; there was no real hint of Lincolnshire twang in his accent and he didn't pronounce the word correctly, in my view. However, a quick check on the internet reveals his "hazzlet" to be recognised, although less often used than "Hacelet" or "azelet." Perhaps the latter terms are north-of-the-county favourites and the chef's "hazzlet" is for more southerly areas or even outside Lincs where it's produced.
Is it one of those regional delicacies protected by the European Community burghers (not burgers)? If not, should it be? Stories keep cropping up in the press about foodstuffs and various campaigns to ensure they can only carry a certain name if made in that place (eg Melton Mowbray pork pies).
Ken Harrison is welcome to get his teeth into this topic over the weekend and give us the full rundown on such protected produce.

IT'S BIN GOOD

Having digested many newspaper reports and internet postings and watched much TV footage, Brigg Blog concludes the bin collection service received over the Christmas and New Year period, despite the awful weather, has been well up to the mark.
True, our family - like many others in Brigg - has been forced to drive to the bottle and can bank once, and (yesterday) take a few bags of general rubbish over to the waste site at Wressle.
On various issues, North Lincolnshire Council often comes in for flak (some of it from Brigg Blog), but the powers-that-be have thought much more about serving the public (eg collecting on a bank holiday) than many others in similar authorities across the UK. The bin crews - hardly among top earners on the council payroll - have done their level best in trying circumstances. With most Brigg households paying a grand-plus, and some a lot more, to North Lincolnshire Council, we have a right to expect them to deliver a decent standard of service. And, in terms of refuse collection, it's bin good.

STREET NAMES

Anyone know why Atkinson Avenue is so-called? Its council housing was built post-war by Brigg UDC. Nearby Horstead Avenue was named after a councillor. And many of us will have heard of Joshua Davy (Davy Crescent). So was Atkinson also a "worthy" of the UDC? Nearby Elizabeth Court is presumably a 1950s tribute to Her Majesty. Returning to Atkinson Avenue and turning the clock back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, a central feature was Lilley's shop, while kids on the block used to meet up in, and around, the nearby red phone box. Long before mobiles were invented and social networking arrived.

FA CUP LOSES ITS APPEAL

Today is FA Cup third round day. This fact reminded me of Scunthorpe United's great performance, circa 1969, when they won at Sheffield Wednesday (then in the top division). Someone sneaked a transistor radio (with earpiece) into our lesson on the top floor of Brigg Grammar School's old building (now Upper School) to hear who the Iron had got in the draw. A couple of years later, when one of those power strikes was on, I recall sneaking away from Brigg Grammar to go to the Old Show Ground for a midweek tie - played in the afternoon, as there was no juice for the floodlights. Scunthorpe were well beaten by Newcastle United, who had "Supermac" leading their attack, alongside his trusty sidekick John Tudor. That would have been early 1974.
In about 1980, brother and myself decided to go to watch Liverpool play Grimsby Town in a third round tie at Anfield (The Reds won 5-0, Ken). A special train was being run by British Rail for Grimsby fans - the route being via Cleethopes-Grimsby-Barnetby-Brigg. Someone decided there would be no picking up passengers in Brigg (or Barnetby, for that matter) so we had to drive to Cleethorpes to board the train. Madness!
Several national newspaper footballer writers, including an ex-pro or two, today make the point that the FA Cup has lost much of its glamour. Many of the big clubs play weakened sides in round three (when they join the competition) and don't bother putting out full first teams until the quarter-final stage. This is true, but very sad. You can't MAKE them field full teams, it can only be a strong request. In cricket we have a phrase The Spirit of the Game. Perhaps the FA should adopt it and get member clubs to sign up. Then we might see a return to the good old days.

Friday, January 07, 2011

THE GUTTER PRESS

Hardy's - Brigg's Market Place hostelry - suffered more than most during the very cold temperatures and snowy weather.

THE THIN BLUE SIGN

Journeying down Barnard Avenue today I glimpsed a workman seemingly involved in taking down The Thin Blue Sign outside Brigg police station. If that proves to be the case (and he wasn't embarking on extensive repairs), it is not unexpected, as the new, white nameplate went up last autumn (see picture), in keeping with others erected at Humberside stations. The blue sign went up in 1978 when this police station replaced the old one in Wrawby Street, adjoining the courthouse. The sign is of no architectural merit and well away from Brigg Conservation Area but somehow its design and white-on-deep-blue lettering harks back to the days of Dixon of Dock Green. Remember watching Jack Warner delivering his trademark salute on the highly-popular and very long-running Saturday evening TV series? People mocked Jack for playing the character well into his 70s, pointing out he'd have been pensioned off long ago. Yet Jack Frost (Sir David Jason) reached similar vintage without coming in for the same amount of stick (truncheon?).
The new white signage at our station on Barnard Avenue reflects the 21st century image of Humberside Police; The Thin Blue Sign harks back to an earlier era - gone but certainly not forgotten by many of us.
Evening All

HELPING OUR TROOPS

Brigg folk like me who have family in the forces - and many members of Brigg's British Legion Branch - will, we are sure, applaud an initiative by Market Rasen Racecourse, which today announced its support of the charity Tickets For Troops for the second year running, offering 25 tickets at each of 11 different fixtures during 2011.
Every racecourse in Britain has joined forces to make an incredible donation of over 40,000 free tickets to the races in 2011, so that members of HM Forces from across the country will be able to enjoy a top day out, as a gesture to recognise their continued service for our country.
The Lincolnshire racecourse's managing director Pip Kirkby said: "As accompanied under 18s are admitted free to Market Rasen Racecourse, this offer will allow many of our servicemen and women to have a well-deserved family day out for free."
Tickets For Troops is a charity that supports the work of serving military personnel and veterans by offering them free tickets to events around the country.
Top jockey Richard Johnson, who is a patron of Tickets For Troops alongside other names such as Freddie Flintoff, Steven Gerrard and Dame Kelly Holmes, said: "British racing has been a supporter of Tickets For Troops since the charity was initiated and I'm delighted to see the level of support that is continuing into 2011. It's an incredible charity that aims to go some way to recognising the inspirational job that our country's forces do every day of their lives, and hopefully our being a part of it goes some way to saying thank you."
Lord Marland, chairman of Tickets For Troops, said: "Tickets For Troops are delighted once again to receive such generous support from the British Horseracing Authority. We would like to thank all the racecourses which have wanted to demonstrate their support and show their appreciation for the dedication and commitment of the marvellous men and women of our Armed Forces."
Troops are encouraged to sign up for free tickets at www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk, while more information can be found at www.britishhorseracing.com/tickets-for-troops
Market Rasen Racecourse's first fixture of 2011 is on Sunday 23 January. Gates open at 11.20am for a first race at 1.20pm, with the finale at 3.55pm.
General admission: Premier Members £26; County Enclosure £19; Tattersalls £14; Family Enclosure £9; Picnic Car Park £5 per car + Family Enclosure admission per adult. Accompanied children 18 admitted free of charge. Senior citizens and students - £4 off admission into County and Tattersalls (identification required). More information through this link at RASEN RACES

IRON FILINGS REQUIRED FROM YOUR LOFT

North Lincolnshire Museum is renewing its appeal for Scunthorpe United memorabilia to include in an exciting new exhibition opening in April.
That news, just received from North Lincolnshire Council, is bitter-sweet. For back in April, 1965 my dad took me to watch my very first Scunthorpe United match at the Old Show Ground, in which they just happened to destroy Luton Town by a record 8-1, ace centre-forward Barrie Thomas netting five times. The "bitter" part of the story is I never kept my match programme - or it would have made a great item for the exhibiton, which I'd have been happy to loan for display purposes.
There have been many Iron-Brigg links down the years, including full-back Barry Horstead, who went from Brigg Town to Scunthorpe and played 300-plus games in the 1950s and 1960s, and (in later years) Sir John Nelthorpe School's Matt Sparrow, another long-serving player, now down at Brighton.
A decade ago, while with the Scunthorpe Telegraph, I compiled a popular special publication called Brigg 2000 (remember it?), in which we ran a feature about Barry Horstead's career, photographing him at home in Westrum Lane.
North Lincolnshire Council told Brigg Blog today:
An extensive range of memorabilia has already been put forward for the exhibition following an appeal made by the museum in October. These pieces range from teddy bears and match day programmes to a 1950s badge blazer and a pair of Timmy Bowers’ boots.
Some objects are still needed and these include:
Any SUFC branded memorabilia such as mugs, hats, rattles, scarves, fancy dress wigs, inflatables, car stickers and flags.
A full 1950s SUFC kit, complete with boots
If you have your own piece of Scunthorpe United history you think might be suitable please call Emma Wood at North Lincolnshire Museum on 01724 843533 or email museum@northlincs.gov.uk
The exhibition was due to run from April to September this year but it has now been extended to January 2012. North Lincolnshire Museum has teamed up with Scunthorpe United for the celebratory exhibition, which will tell the history of the club and its importance to the local community.
The club is loaning many important pieces and photos for the exhibition and there will be a considerable emphasis on inspirational footballers that have moved others to take up the sport.
The exhibition will open at North Lincolnshire Museum, Oswald Road, Scunthorpe, on 5 April 2011 and will run until 8 January 2012.
Coun Christine O’Sullivan, cabinet member for Sport, Leisure and Culture at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The response from Iron fans so far has been very good. If you have any memorabilia you would like to loan for the exhibition please do get in touch. This exhibition will tell the story of Scunthorpe United and a large part of that story has to come from the fans.”

Thursday, January 06, 2011

GREAT MEMORIES TO ENJOY

Great memories of events, people and places from the past will be revived by the January edition of the Scunthorpe Telegraph’s ever-popular Nostalgia magazine, on sale from tomorrow (Friday) for just 75p.
With "yours truly" overseeing the content, it's no real surprise there's plenty of interest to Brigg area readers. Many will recognise the local farmer pictured on page one, for example.
Learn about happy days on a village farm’s potato production line and how sprouts beat the big freeze in the 1960s.
Recall how a Government minister travelled north to demolish one of Scunthorpe’s industrial landmarks.
Marvel at the sweet smell of success which came the way of a pipeline project in the Ancholme valley.
Relive the post-Falklands War era when North Lincolnshire families welcomed home their brave servicemen from the South Atlantic.
There’s a look back to a successful first year for Scunthorpe Leisure Centre and Nostalgia recalls the initial spadework getting under way on the Riddings housing estate.
The deep midwinter of 1947 is highlighted through previously unpublished pictures courtesy of former Brigg resident Sylvia Clark (once of the Brocklesby Ox, Bridge Street).
There’s a double dose of match action from the past for Scunthorpe United fans, featuring tussles with Bradford and Chesterfield, and there’s a look at a memorable year for steelworks inter-departmental cricketers.
The popular That Was The Year feature recalls major news events, sporting achievements and favourite records of 1946, when Britain was still enduring rationing.
January’s issue of Nostalgia includes a free four-page Telegraph Trains supplement in which Scunthorpe railway historian Bryan Longbone takes another dip into his wealth of fascinating archive material.

BRIGG FOLK HEADING TO RACES

Many Brigg folk like to enjoy a day at the races at our local course. The snow that claimed the Boxing Day meeting has almost gone - and now Market Rasen Racecourse is preparing for a feast of horse racing all the way through to its new fixture on Easter Monday.
The opening meeting of 2011 - and the first at the Lincolnshire racecourse since November - is on Sunday 23 January when spectators are being invited to don their hats and scarves and warm their cockles with great food and drink.
Into February, and Tuesday 8th sees the traditional "Residents' Day" when anyone living in Lincolnshire is given half price admission on production of proof of their address.
Sunday 20 February is "Circus Sunday" when families will be entertained by clowns, Punch & Judy and balloon modelling.
Three weeks later - on Sunday 13 March - it's a "Festival of Sport", a day designed for boys and their toys, with fast cars and motorbikes.
Another three weeks on, and it's the annual Newcomers' Day - on Mothering Sunday 3 April - when the racecourse offers behind-the-scenes insights into the sport of horse racing, with tours, demonstrations and displays.
Then, for the first time in memory, Market Rasen Racecourse races on Easter Monday - 25 April - which promises to be one of the most popular days of 2011.
On the four Sunday fixtures, a new Sunday Roast package is on offer - £55 per person to include use of a private hospitality box overlooking the track, two-course Sunday lunch, County Enclosure admission (worth £19 alone) and the racecourse's new-look raceday guide.
Pip Kirkby, the racecourse's managing director, said: "We were most disappointed for all our visitors that we had to call off the Boxing Day meeting before Christmas. However, there's nothing we can do about the wintry weather which hit Lincolnshire so hard.
"Now we are preparing for a packed programme of racing all the way through to the next public holiday at Easter time. We are thrilled to be racing on Easter Monday - it's a new venture for us and sure to be a big hit with spectators."
Gates open at the racecourse at 11.20am for the first fixture of the year on Sunday 23 January. The first race is at 1.20pm, with the finale at 3.55pm.
General admission (Sunday 23 January, Tuesday 8 February, Sunday 20 February, Sunday 13 March and Sunday 3 April):
Premier Members £26; County Enclosure £19; Tattersalls £14; Family Enclosure £9; Picnic Car Park £5 per car + Family Enclosure admission per adult. Accompanied children 18 admitted free of charge. Senior citizens and students - £4 off admission into County and Tattersalls (identification required). More information at www.marketrasenraces.co.uk.

TESCO STORE PLANS DEBATED

Some of the interested members of the public listening to the discussions last night in the Angel Suite. Among them is Andrew Percy (centre), the Brigg and Goole MP. DOUBLE CLICK FOR A CLOSER LOOK AT THE PIC.

Talks with North Lincolnshire highways officials are now being requested over Tesco's planning application seeking the go-ahead to build a much bigger, brand new store near Brigg town centre, creating 100 new jobs and selling a wider range of items.
Brigg Town Council - first step in the democratic planning process - wants to know what highway experts think. For during a debate in the Angel Suite last night, reservations were voiced about future traffic flows along the A18 (Barnard Avenue) and Cary Lane.
Should North Lincolnshire highways staff agree to such a meeting, it will not be held in public. Brigg Town Council will then reconvene in a few weeks to consider its final response to the Tesco application.
However, it should be stressed that only North Lincolnshire Council, as the planning authority, has the power to say Yes or No to the store giant's multi-million pound scheme.
Couns Jane Kitching and Jenny Bell failed to win sufficient support among fellow town councillors when proposing an objection to the Tesco planning application. Their motion cited, as grounds, highway safety, traffic generation, access, noise and disturbance and "the overbearing nature of the proposal."
Stressing she was "speaking from the heart" about the issue, Coun Bell said: "I think we should reject this straight away."
Coun Mike Campion noted that many people in the town clearly had business concerns, but reminded councillors that, when opposing any planning application, "we have to have proper reasons for doing so."
The voting in favour of meeting highways staff, rather than lodging an objection to the scheme, was 13-3.
Prior to town councillors deciding that course of action, Town Mayor Coun Ben Nobbs chaired a public session during which interested members of the public had the opportunity to make their views known and question Tesco's representative, Matt Magee, Manchester-based regional corporate affairs manager. The Town Mayor stressed: "This is a very, very important application."
Mr Magee said Tesco's new store would be good for Brigg - a major investment which would "claw back leakage in trade" currently lost through local people choosing to shop in Scunthorpe and even Laceby, near Grimsby. Tesco was anticipating attracting thousands of extra customers, of which it was estimated 50 per cent, or more, would go into the town centre while visiting the bigger Brigg store. He forecast: "We will see more people in the high street in Brigg." Replying to concerns about traffic flow, he stressed Tesco had undertaken research and was "confident in highways matters."
The public forum raised a wide range of issues, including suggestions that a big Tesco store, with cafe, would harm some existing small businesses, and a claim that the new store would be "a concrete monstrosity." Neighbouring Riverside Surgery, Barnard Avenue, was represented with questions over parking, access and even flooding.
Electing to sit in the public gallery, Andrew Percy, the Brigg and Goole MP, asked two questions of Tesco's representative, relating to a shopping survey undertaken by the firm and to the proposed cafe.
The Town Mayor was presented with an 800-signature petition "predominantly objecting" to Tesco's expansion plans. The firm, in turn, pointed to hundreds of local supporters for its new store and additional employment, following public consultation.
As Lidl's plans for its new store off Atherton Way were only received by the Town Council a few hours ahead of the public debate, councillors agreed to discuss that firm's application in detail in a few weeks. Spokesman Philip Atkinson, development executive - property, said they were keen to replace the existing store, acquired from Safeway, with a brand new "larger, brighter, fresher" one, built on a long-derelict site. "We are committed to the town," he stressed. On the question of additional jobs, Mr Atkinson said that would depend on store turnover.
The Town Mayor made it clear that anyone interested in viewing the Tesco and Lidl applications can do so online through North Lincolnshire Council's website (planning portal section). Pointing to a cardboard box on a nearby table, he said the Town Council was in possession of a printed set of the papers which the public could make arrangements to view in the office.
Meanwhile, North Lincolnshire Council is now collecting people's comments on both sets of store plans. These can be submitted in writing to the unitary authority or posted online, through the planning section of the website
NORTH LINCS COUNCIL
NF adds: It was a very long and very thorough discussion and well attended. This was not a case when apathy reigned supreme in Brigg. Good points were raised by the public and councillors, and the managers from Tesco and Lidl gave some informative answers. The idea of seeking to gain further information from professional highway experts at North Lincolnshire Council is a sound one, traffic congestion being a concern voiced at various points last night. And finally, just to make it absolutely clear, Brigg Town Council, when it considers the issue again, will NOT have the power to decide the application. That rests with North Lincolnshire Council's planning committee.

Town councillors during the debate.

Town Mayor Coun Ben Nobbs (centre) addressing the public at the beginning of the discussion. Extreme right, making notes, is Lidl's Philip Atkinson; second right, Matt Magee, representing Tesco. Also pictured are, from the left, Couns Nigel Sherwood and John Berry, Brigg area representatives on North Lincolnshire Council; Alison Hannath, Assistant Town Clerk, and Jeanette Woollard, Town Clerk.

Wednesday, January 05, 2011

MINOR MIRACE MEMORIES

Can you help with Brigg Blog's researches into the Morris Minor car? I recall during my time with the Lincolnshire and South Humberside Times (perhaps 1982/3) a female colleague writing a page one story about a firm in the Bridge Street/Forester Street/James Street area of town which refurbished Morris Minors or perhaps their engines. I think the main point of the story was they had orders flooding in from all over, including the Middle East. What was the firm? Who ran it? And for how long did they make money out of people's passion for this reliable runabout?
We are interested because, 50 years ago this week, the millionth "Moggy Thou" rolled off the production line. The national press has used the milestone as an opportunity to write about this iconic vehicle (during a slack New Year for news), so why shouldn't we? Especially in view of the Brigg connection previously mentioned.
We'd also like to hear your memories of owning such a family car in Brigg and district. Lots were about - saloons and estates. We'll leave our man Ken to post comments about the Morris 1000 being the brainchild of (Sir) Alec Issigonis, later to really hit the headlines with the Mini - symbol of the Swinging Sixties.

GET NOMINATING!

From Marie Hughes - Sports, Play and Community Development Officer, Brigg and District

Only 18 days left... To nominate for the North Lincolnshire Leisure and Culture Awards 2011. If you know someone who spends time volunteering in North Lincolnshire or a club or community group who deserve recognition for their work in the local community. Nominate them now before it's too late!
Follow this link to see the full list of awards and and submit your nomination online - it couldn't be easier!

LEISURE AWARDS

IMPORTANT MEETING IN STORE TONIGHT

There's an important meeting tonight about major plans to build two new supermarkets in Brigg. It's an open meeting of Brigg Town Council, at the Angel Suite, off Market Place, and Brigg Blog followers are very welcome to attend.
Town Clerk Jeanette Woollard (pictured) said: "Proceedings will commence at 7.15pm tonight with a period of public question time, and representatives of both Tesco and Lidl will be in attendance at the meeting to answer questions from the floor, following which the formal meeting will be convened."
For the benefit of new readers, Tesco plans to build a much bigger store than its current one. To do so it is taking over the riverside site occupied by Lidl, which, in turn, wants to create a brand new store off Atherton Way, close to the roundabout on the A18.

Tesco's plans, with full supporting documents, are open to public gaze through North Lincolnshire Council's planning website. However, there were delays (not caused by the council) in getting Lidl's application officially lodged (now done). And it was only this morning that Brigg Town Council got all the necessary information passed on by council planners.
It has been suggested the Lidl and Tesco applications might be considered together, as there is clearly common ground (literally!) between them. However, as Lidl's details have only been received today, the Town Clerk will be recommending to councillors that their usual practice is followed: late applications remain "on the table" until the next meeting before the formal response is determined. This will allow time for members of the public to make their views known before a formal response from the Town Council is determined.
It should be noted that Brigg Town Council is the first stage in the democratic process used to determine planning applications. It can make comments and/or recommendations, but the actual power to decide things rests with North Lincolnshire Council.
A spokesman for North Lincolnshire Council says the Lidl application is now online (on the council's planning portal), while site notices for the Tesco application are being posted today (January 5). "So comments will need to be submitted within 21 days of the notice going up."
As Brigg Blog has reported previously, some small businesses in the town are affording customers the opportunity to sign a petition against Tesco's development. Latest information sent to us says: "A great many signatures have been collected from people worried about the effect a twice-the-size Tesco would have on our community."
Meanwhile, Tesco is promising a greater range of goods and services and many new jobs - part-time and full-time - at its new development.
For the benefit of those who might not have been to the Angel Suite before for evening meetings, access is via the Rotunda (conservatory-like building) at the back - NOT through the glass doors on Market Place. There is a car park at the rear of the Angel. The meeting will be in the main part of the suite (the former ballroom) which is up the stairs. There is a lift for those with mobility issues.
Rest assured, Brigg Blog will be attending - notebook and camera in hand. So if you can't make it, or don't want to pop along, you can follow the debate through our reports. This is clearly a very important issue for the town.