BRIGG PROGRESS PICTURES OF NEW ALDI STORE PROJECT

Here are some late May progress pictures of the new Aldi store project, off Bridge Street, with the newentrance/exit on the A18 taking shape.
Building work continues on the site, including the store building and customers' car park.
Pedestrian crossing points on Bridge Street have yet to be added.

SENSITIVE CONVERSION PLANNED TO CREATE NEW HOMES NEAR BRIGG

Plans have been submitted to convert old agricultural buildings near Brigg into two dwellings, with access and landscaping.
The crew yard buildings are on land adjacent to Kettleby House, Kettleby Lane, Kettleby.
This is described as a 'sensitive conversion' in a submission made to West Lindsey District Council.
The local authority is now considering a planning application and one seeking listed building consent.
Decisions have yet to be announced.
This council recently granted permission for a replacement garage at Shambles, Clixby Lane, Grasby.

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE IN BRIGG WHILE SHOPPING & EXERCISING

More Brigg businesses will be reopening their doors in June - accompanied by an important Covid-19 message from the authorities.
Red-for-danger warning signs about the need to observe social distancing have gone up across the town centre.
As things get busier, queues outside shops on Wrawby Street will need to form alongside the front of business premises rather than spreading across the pedestrian area, as is often the case at present. The same applies to cashpoints.
This is necessary to ensure that approaching pedestrians do not have to detour their way around queues in order to observe the required distance.

Red warning signs stretch as far as the Monument roundabout.
People are using the public seating on East Park and the Tintab shelter
However, it is going to be some time before there's any chance of folk congregating outside the front of the Britannia Inn or any other licensed premises in Brigg.

It's to be hoped that placing a Covid-19 warning sign in the County Bridge - directly below the one about cyclists needing to dismount in the pedestrian area - results in many more riders complying with the regulations than is currently the case.

Distancing signage is also on display at the town's railway station which, even in normal times, only sees a few passengers using its sparse Saturdays-only service.
Over the weekend we observed several vehicles parked together on paving within the town centre - next to one of the signs about distancing!

FIRST PICTURES BY BRIGG BLOG INSIDE NEW SHOWROOM OPENING NEXT WEEK

Brigg Blog was invited to take a preview look inside a well-known company's new showroom - ahead of its opening next week.
Family firm AF Carpets has relocated from premises on Bridge Street to a purpose-built showroom nearby, off Ancholme Way, with direct access from the A18. It occupies part of a spacious site with the Old River Ancholme behind
In line with government relaxation of Coronavirus emergency measures, customers can be served at the new premises from Monday (June 1) with social distancing measures in place (see picture below).
The former AF Carpets showroom nearby has now closed.
Established in 1986, this business offers carpets, rugs, other types of flooring... and artificial grass.

JOIN BRIGG SUNDAY SERVICE ONLINE

People living in the Brigg area are welcome to join a Sunday service on May 31, led by the Rev Peter Thomas.
It will start at 10.30am, but there's an option to join early - any time after 9.45am, to greet others.
Use the Zoom website and Meeting ID: 978 8891 8428.
For Sunday worship by landline, here’s what’s needed...
Dial one of 4 numbers: 0131 460 1196, or 0203 051 2874,  0203 481 5237, or 0203 481 5240.
It will say that you have connected with ZOOM and ask you to put in the meeting code. Enter the Meeting ID for Sunday worship 978 8891 8428 by tapping in on your telephone keypad, followed by the hash key.
It will then ask for your own ID. Simply press the hash key again. And then you’re in!
Others will see a picture of a phone when you join this way and your telephone number will be displayed in small print.
Traditional church services are suspended because of Coronavirus emergency restrictions.

BRIGG COUNCIL SUGGESTS OLD FEATURES COULD BE USED IN NEW PROPERTY

Brigg Town Council would like to see some parts of an existing building - in a prominent location - incorporated in its replacement which is planned for the site beside the A18 on Bridge Street.
Permission to demolish Pelham House was granted many months ago, and now approval is being sought to erect a dwelling with detached annexe.
Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee - consulted about the application - has no objection to the proposal but feels it would be good if some of the architectural features of the original dwelling can be retained.
The existing property is now fenced off but these pictures, taken on Friday, show the upper floor with window cornishes.
Keigar Homes is the applicant, and North Lincolnshire Council will make a funal decision in due course. It has been furnished with the Brigg authority's views.
The new property, if approved, will have four bedrooms and a detached annexe/garage.

BRIGG SECURITY AND SAFETY MEASURES ADDED

Extra security and safety fencing has been installed in Brigg to complement other metal railings already in place.
Our congratulations go to the railway company employee who opted for Lincoln Green - a very apt colour choice at Brigg station.
A group which campaigns for Brigg railway line improvements is now calling for all the fencing at our station to be replaced with new green fencing or, if retained, repainted using this shade.
Having taken these pictures we walked into the town centre and noted external painting going on at the Angel building, which is being refurbished.

New green fencing near some older metal fencing

WILL NEW BRIGG HOUSING ESTATE INCLUDE A HEDGEHOG HIGHWAY?

Brigg Town Council wants to see a large new housing development making provision to help make life easier for small animals which like to roam freely at night.
Brigg's Planning & Environment Committee has no objections to the housing estate on the former Falcon Cycles site being granted amended planning permission by varying two conditions in the original scheme.
However, it feels this would be a good opportunity "to lead the way on wildlife preservation by installing a signposted hedgehog highway on the development."
Those comments have now been passed to North Lincolnshire Council which will decide the amended application at a future date.
Keigar Homes is seeking approval for 66 dwellings with garages, including change of house types and realignment of the estate road.
House builders across the UK can be asked to include hedgehog highways in new housing developments - small holes in fences which allow these creatures to pass through safely.
Coun Jane Kitching made reference to the inclusion of a hedgehog highway during Brigg's committee meeting held on Tuesday evening.
Committee chairman Coun Brian Parker said only small changes were proposed to the original scheme.
Councillors and staff used the Zoom facility to meet up on the web while in their homes -  traditional gatherings in the Angel building having been sidelined since March by the Coronavirus emergency restrictions.
Pictured: Part of the site off Bridge Street.

REFURBISHMENT WORK AT BRIGG PUB

The downtime during lockdown is being put to good use in Brigg while licensed premises are shut.
The cabanas (wooden shelters) in the beer garden of the Black Bull, on Wrawby Street, have been refurbished - inside and out - to ensure a warm welcome for customers once the Coronavirus emergency ban on pubs and bars is finally lifted.
The cabanas were installed while Dexters operated the historic Bull, which dates back to 1820 and has seen many changes in its time.

BRIGG TO BENEFIT FROM REOPENING HIGH STREETS SAFELY FUND

Brigg is set to benefit from government cash which is being made available to help high streets across North Lincolnshire reopen safely.
Towns across the area will collectively receive up to £150,000, North Lincolnshire Council has revealed.
New signage and public information campaigns will also be used to prevent the potential spread of Coronavirus between customers.
Councils across the country will receive £50 million from the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund.
Brigg's Coun Rob Waltham, the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: "This Government money will be really useful in enabling retailers to prepare for and be ready to open their doors on 15 June.
"The high streets across our towns are key to our communities and we will be talking with retailers across the area to understand what support is needed to get back up and running.
“We know there are still challenges to be overcome as we begin to emerge from the pandemic and we know safety remains incredibly important, however, we also know how critically important it is that we get the economy moving again.
“There are still vulnerable people who are isolating and we need to remember that what we do and how we behave is about protecting those people, not just ourselves and our families.”

SCHOOL OF THOUGHT: BRIGG TERM TIMES AMENDED DUE TO ANOTHER NATIONAL EMERGENCY

Current debate about when school pupils and staff across Britain should resume classes in the Coronavirus emergency reminds us of what happened in Brigg when Britain was facing another crisis.
Brigg Grammar School re-arranged term dates during the Second World War so pupils could play their part in the nation's vital Dig for Victory campaign to put food on tables.
The school was closed  for three weeks in October, allowing pupils to give much-needed assistance on farms in the neighbourhood during the potato harvest.
BGS had 324 boys at this time, and staff are also likely to have chipped in to help lift and bag tons of spuds.
German submarines were sinking many cargo vessels attempting to bring bulk food supplies to the UK from elsewhere in the empire.
Brigg's young harvest helpers were paid for their labour.
Pictured here is Brigg Grammar School as was  around this time.
Vegetables were grown on part of the site during the war - under the supervision of the headmaster and his staff.

BRIGG GARDEN WASTE BIN EMPTYING TO RESUME

North Lincolnshire Council is to begin emptying brown garden waste bins again, many Brigg residents will be very pleased to hear.
The council announced yesterday through its website: "Garden waste collections across North Lincolnshire will resume from Tuesday 2 June."
As Tuesday is Brigg's collection day, some people assumed the crews would be calling on that date and perhaps making a re-arranged/special collection.
However, a cross-check elsewhere on the council website - under Collection Dates - shows the next brown bin emptying in Brigg will not be carried out until TUESDAY, JUNE 9.
It's still good news because with garden waste collections suspended some weeks ago due to the coronavirus emergency, many Brigg bins are full to overflowing.
The council says those that are too heavy because of compacted waste may not be collected. And it will not take bags of garden waste left in sacks beside bins.
Put your brown bin out by 7am....on the 9th.

BRIGG SPORTSMAN AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME

With much interest being shown in the Brigg Town Cricket Club pictures from the past we posted recently, here's another of note.
It shows all-rounder Adam Dunderdale (right) celebrating in 2002 after a remarkable all-round performance away to South Kelsey, whose Andy Walton is seen with him, having scored a fine 85 for the home team.
Adam made the Lincolnshire League record books by taking eight wickets and then scoring an unbeaten 104.
There have been few all-round displays to match this in any division of the Lincs League since the competition began in 1963.
Kelsey elected to bat first on a good batting track at the former Nettleton Mines ground in Holton-le-Moor.  
They were dismissed for 131 as 'Dundy' toiled through 22 overs to bag eight for 63 from 22 overs on a very hot day.
Kelsey’s total soon began to look at least 100 short of the mark as the same player opened the Brigg innings and proceeded to play some super drives. 
He lost Simon Church - guesting during a brief trip back home from Australia -  and Gary Smith along the way but raced to his undefeated century inside 24 overs, hitting 12 fours and four sixes. 
Recently we shared the Brigg team picture from this game but knew we had taken another. So after a slight delay here it is...with some brief details of this memorable match in division three.
Having done our 'bit' in the field as the sun beat down, it was good to relax and feet up in the pavilion as Adam warmed to his task with the bat, out in the middle.
Having emigrated DownUnder, Simon Church was well-established in the Perth area by  2002 and didn't seem to find the heat of Holton-le-Moor particularly energy sapping.
However, just in case, the Brigg team popped into the nearby Hope Tavern to take on some liquid before returning to town - a visit to licensed premises made easier by the early finish.
Adam later received the league trophy for best all-round performance in a match during 2002. And he's still listed in the official records.
Pictured below: The Brigg Town first team in July 2002.

ANNIVERSARY OF WELL-KNOWN BRIGG PUB'S CLOSURE

 

Today is the anniversary of Brigg losing one of its best-known pubs. So let's raise a glass in its memory.
Back on May 27, 2018 - a Sunday - the Nelthorpe Arms, off Bridge Street, served its final pints before closing for ever on economic grounds.
The familiar hostelry - housed in an 18th century building - was packed that evening (a bank holiday) as people called in to sink a pint or three for the final time.
The pub's best-known 'mine hosts' were Myles and Mary Scanlon, who ran the bar from the mid-1960s until the early years of the current century.
Many Brigg people then continued to call it Scanlon's, despite the fact it changed hands a number of times.
Following closure of the Nelthorpe Arms, North Lincolnshire Council granted planning permission for the building to be converted into residential use - a process which did not take very long to complete.
The pub began life as the Wheatsheaf, later becoming the Greyhound until a final change of name to the Nelthorpe Arms while Queen Victoria was still the reigning monarch.
For many decades it offered residential accommodation and was particularly popular with anglers who came from Yorkshire to relax on the banks of the Old River Ancholme - literally a stone's throw away.
Some of the outbuildings once allied to the pub remain in use, one being used as a kickboxing gym.
The former pub beer garden - overlooking the river - also remains.
These pictures were taken on the final night at the Nelthorpe Arms, Brigg.

 

CARBON NEUTRAL BRIGG FACILITY?

Brigg has several well-known avenues of trees that release oxygen into the atmosphere, including those lining Wrawby Road and Cadney Road.
But let's not forget the Recreation Ground which has 60+ mature poplars on its border with farmland and 11 more near the entry road.
Most are thought to date back to the early 1950s when Brigg Urban District Council created the sportground on part of Woodbine Farm.
The Rec has changing rooms with showers,  floodlights which are used during Saturday hockey matches and for training during autumn and winter, and mechanical mowers cut the grass.
But, with all its trees, is our ground carbon neutral during the warmer months of the year?
The Rec must have a praiseworthy footprint as it appears that a mature tree may use up well over 40 lb of carbon dioxide a year and produce all the oxygen needed to keep two people breathing over the same period.

NEW BEER GARDEN COMING TO BRIGG

A new beer garden is taking shape in Brigg.
It is being constructed to next to Brigg Town FC's licensed clubhouse at the Hawthorns.
The outdoor area is part of a close season development programme at the ground which includes a new training area behind one of the stands, as we explained in a recent post.
More improvements are to come, the club says.
Last season came to a premature end for the Zebras due to the Coronavirus emergency which has also meant closure of the bar for the time being.

DRY BANK HOLIDAY FOR BRIGG IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE

In glorious weather and without a drop of rain, Brigg pubs would have been very busy on Spring bank holiday Monday, but instead they were still under enforced lockdown.
The biggest sun trap, to the rear of Wetherspoon's White Horse, is pictured above yesterday, without a drinker or diner in sight.
After a walk into town with the sun beating down and the temperature in the 70s we could have done with a refreshing pint before heading home!
Let's hope things have returned to normal for licensed premises before the next bank holiday in late August.
Within the pedestrian area during a 20-minute period yesterday afternoon we saw a dozen riders who had ignored the Cyclists Dismount signs.
On the Old River Ancholme a few paddle-borders were enjoying themselves, leaving the water near the Ancholme Way bridge.

WELL-KNOWN BRIGG SHOP PREMISES BEING REFURBISHED

On-going internal refurbishment work began some weeks at well-known shop premises on Wrawby Street - directly opposite the entrance to Grammar School Road South.
Previous users of the ground floor over various decades include George Mason (grocer), a sports equipment supplier and (latterly) a vehicle accessories business.
On the front of the building is a unique survivor from the 1970s - a sign declaring Keep Brigg On The Map.
This campaign involved local traders who feared the Brigg by-pass (M180) would cost them a lot of trade, particularly of the passing variety, once the A18 was no longer the main Scunthorpe-Grimsby-Immingham route.
East-bound traffic passed the front of this shop until the A18 was re-routed alongvVarnard Avenue in the early 1990s.

WELCOME BACK, BRIGG BUSINESSES

Among Brigg businesses to reopen recently are the Hidden Garden florist's near the main car park and the Fur Do's pet grooming parlour in the Market Place. Book appointments at the latter.
The China Royal Restaurant, on Bridge Street,  is now offering a takeaway service.
Comments made on social media suggest some local people are concerned about being unable to return books to Brigg Library that are overdue.
North Lincolnshire Council says any  penalties will be waived.
Picture of Brigg by Neil Stapleton.

ROADWORKS AHEAD: BRIGG DRIVERS TO EXPERIENCE DELAYS AT TWO LOCATIONS

Brigg drivers should note that delays are likely to be encountered due to two sets of roadworks this week.
On Thursday (May 28) and Friday (May 29) temporary traffic controls will operate on the A18 at Scawby Road, Scawby Brook, because of drainage repairs by North Lincolnshire Council.
There will be Anglian Water-related roadworks on Wrawby Road, Brigg, from Thursday (May 28) to Monday, June 1 with temporary lights controlling traffic.
Many motorists from the Brigg area will also be affected by A18 Mortal Ash Hill roadworks near Scunthorpe between May 23 and June 6.
There will be eastbound and westbound lane closures at various times.
These measures are required to facilitate gas-pipe excavation works, the highway authority says.

RIVERSIDE REFLECTIONS ON SPRING BANK HOLIDAY IN BRIGG

Spring bank holiday in Brigg usually sees plenty of activity on the River Ancholme, but these are not normal times because of the Cornavirus emergency  restrictions and the uncertainty prevailing in late May 2020.
Pictured above we see Glanford Boat Club yesterday (Sunday) with craft that would normally be back on the water by now still on dry land, rather than undertaking pleasurable trips up and down the river.

We also failed to find any river-related activity going on at Ancholme Rowing Club, again pictured yesterday morning.
Near The Point we did spot a solitary canoe heading along the 'New' river in the direction of the leisure centre but it was too distant to photograph.

The absence of people on the Millennium Green made possible this view of the Old River Ancholme, with tree-lined Cadney Road to the left.
Past years have seen some late Spring riverside festivals and a regatta or two held  in Brigg.

NEW HOME FOR BRIGG LINE SURVIVOR

An old diesel train which has operated passenger services calling at Brigg station has been spared a final trip to the scrapyard and will instead enjoy a new lease of life.
'Rail bus' Pacer unit No. 144006 has found a home in preservation on the Cambrian Railway in Wales alongside classmate No. 144007, Brigg Blog has been informed.
No. 144006 is pictured here passing Brigg signal box when the old wooden level crossing was still operating.
Pacers have been phased out on the Brigg line in favour of more modern units, we understand.
However, our Saturday-only passenger train service has been suspended in recent weeks.

HERE ARE BRIGG STORES' SPRING BANK HOLIDAY OPENING HOURS BUT PUB VISITS ARE RULED OUT

With hot weather being forecast for the Spring bank holiday and much of this week, Brigg people will be weighing up their available 'what to do' options - still limited by Coronavirus emergency measures.
Those planning to do some grocery shopping should note the following opening hours for Brigg stores on Sunday, May 24 and Monday, May 25...
TESCO: Sunday 10am to 4pm, Monday 7am to 6pm. Store on Barnard Avenue.
LIDL: Sunday 10am to 4pm, Monday 8am to 8pm. Store on Atherton Way.
B&M: Sunday 10am to 4pm, Monday 9am to 8pm. Store on Riverside, Springs Way.
Many Brigg people would, in normal circumstances, take to town pubs in warm weather over the Spring bank holiday weekend, and especially their beer gardens. But such visits are ruled out this time - with licensed premises closed by order of the government in late March.
Remember to put your burgundy bin out late on Monday to be emptied of cardboard and plastic by the council on Tuesday (May 26), the contents to be recycled.
Looking ahead, Dunham's bakery and cake shop, on Bridge Street, Brigg, will be reopening on Monday, June 1 - with social distancing being observed at the premises.

SOW-SO WHEN IT COMES TO BRIGG PUBLIC PATH, OPEN SPACE & VERGE TIDYING

Some Brigg public footpaths, verges and public open spaces are currently neat and tidy while others show little or no evidence of recent trimming.
In the former category is the public footpath pictured above between St Helens Road and Churchill Avenue - narrow but kept cleared of foliage that might impede walkers.
Adjoining the police station - close to the A18 and Cary Lane - are areas of uncut grass now dotted with wild flowers and/or weeds, depending how people view various types of plants.
Dandelions and daisies are also evident on various grassy areas elsewhere that are normally cut regularly, including the Recreation Ground when we last visited.
Clearly, Humberside Police, local councils and others have much more pressing priorities at the moment than tending green areas.
However, as Brigg Blog made several pre-emergency calls for SOME grassy areas in the town to be sown with wild flowers and left uncut to help insects and birds, we are quite pleased to see that mowers and strimmers have mostly remained locked in their sheds.
The steep grassy bank on the Bigby Road boundary of the Davy Memorial Playing Field used to be a butterfly haven decades ago as Brigg Urban District Council left it to nature, as it did various other public open spaces during a reign which ended in 1974.
Was this a 'green' policy well ahead of its time or a way to save money on grass cutting?
Who's responsible for trimming and tidying what in Brigg today is far from clear cut.
Two councils, social landlord Ongo, the police and a number of property and landowners are on the list.
We hope that our suggestion for some wild flower areas may be considered in the future, once things have returned to normal.

JOIN SUNDAY WORSHIP IN BRIGG TODAY - ONLINE OR BY PHONE

Brigg Blog has been asked to mention that another online church service is being held today  - Sunday, May 24 - with all interested local people invited to take part.
The service - led by The Rev Enid Knowles -starts at 10.30am but you can connect any time after 9.45am.
Use Zoom to connect online and then supply Meeting ID 978 8891 8428.
For Sunday worship by landline, here’s what’s needed...
Dial one of 4 numbers: 0131 460 1196, or 0203 051 2874,  0203 481 5237, or 0203 481 5240.
It will say that you have connected with ZOOM and ask you to put in the meeting code. Enter the Meeting ID for Sunday worship 978 8891 8428 by tapping in on your telephone keypad, followed by the hash key.
It will then ask for your own ID. Simply press the hash key again. And then you’re in!
Others will see a picture of a phone when you join this way and your telephone number will be displayed in small print.

SPRING BANK HOLIDAY BIN COLLECTIONS IN BRIGG & GARDEN WASTE UPDATE

With a bank holiday approaching for Brigg households , are you sure which bin to put out for collection next week and on what day the crews will be calling at your property?
North Lincolnshire Council will be emptying burgundy-coloured wheelie bins, containing cardboard and plastic for recycling, on Tuesday, May 26 in the town.
The council has outlined details of Brigg bin and box collections between now and the end of June, but there's no mention of brown (garden waste) bin emptying being resumed.
Many brown bins across Brigg have been full to overflowing for weeks, and householders have been told not to burn garden waste on bonfires.
Some Brigg households have now signed up to exchange their brown bins for FREE garden composters.
Figures for individual town and villages have not been released but about 200 households across North Lincolnshire Council's area have already shown interest in this scheme.
There's still time to join.
View further details here...
Composters not only break down garden waste, they also take shredded paper and torn cardboard, fallen leaves, raw fruit & veg, and even used tea bags.

HOW TENNIS WILL BE PLAYED IN BRIGG WHEN GAMES RESUME AFTER LOCKDOWN

Brigg Tennis Club is awaiting North Lincolnshire Council's go ahead to resume use of the Recreation Ground courts provided by the local authority.
The government announced last week that tennis was among sports that could restart, but our local tennis club has yet to be given the all clear. It rents playing facilities from the council.
Once tennis resumes, various government guidlines will have to be observed
It will be a case of singles games only, unless doubles can be played with household members.
No changing of ends is advised, with players to fetch their own marked balls.
Brigg 1st team won Division 3 of the Gainsborough League last season, winning every single match with an average score of 8-1.  (Nine sets are played in a league match).
The Gainsborough competition covers a wide area, including Saxilby, Retford, Haxey and Epworth.

BRIGG CRICKETERS TAKING THE SEA AIR ON AN AWAY DAY BY TRAIN

Another sporting Saturday is passing us by without Brigg Town Cricket Club being able to begin the 2020 season - delayed by the government's Coronavirus emergency restrictions.
So today Brigg Blog is winding the clock back 20 years to remember a very enjoyable Brigg Town CC outing.
Players and supporters went to Cleethorpes to watch Lincolnshire take on Lancashire in the NatWest Trophy - a so-called minor county against one of first class status.
Here are three pictures taken at this tie in 2000.
Sixteen of us made the trip - the majority by train from Barnetby.
Stomach-lining breakfasts were consumed in a Cleethorpes cafe on the way from the railway terminus to the ground, which is near the front.
Seen above breathing in the sea air during the lunch interval are Bruce Turner, Lee Fielden, Simon Nottingham, Gary Smith, Tom Brock, Jack Richards, Jayne Fisher, Simon Fisher, Phil Dewfall and Mark Dawson.
A legendary heap of drinks cans built up during the day, and everyone went home happy.

Graham Day, left, with other spectators from Brigg.