NEW BAR PLAN FOR THE MARKET PLACE: TOWN COUNCIL GIVES ITS VIEWS

Brigg Town Council has now given its views about the plan to establish a new licensed bar, creating 11 jobs, by converting a grade two building in the Market Place.
The Planning & Environment Committee, which held a 'virtual' meeting online earlier this week, discussed the scheme for the former HSBC bank premises and raised no objections to the application submitted.
However, the committee has told North Lincolnshire Council, which will now make the final decision, to note "that there would be serious concerns if traffic were seen to be accessing via the Market Place."
This is a reference to 22 parking spaces indicated on the plans, to be created to the rear of the development and beyond the archway off the pedestrianised Market Place.

 

The plans indicate creating a new 3-metre wide entrance from the Angel car park where a brick wall (pictured above) currently stands. This will be to the left of the wooden storage bins compound seen here. Currently, there is an expanse of foliage on the other side of the wall at the far end of the parking area beyond the archway adjoining the former bank which closed three years ago.
 

'Change of use' planning approval and listed building consent are being sought for a licenced bar at ground level and conversion of the upper floors to two apartments and a small office suite.
During the Town Council discussions, Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall supported the application but expressed some concerns about car parking. However, she thought the intention was to go through the rear wall near the Angel car park.
Committee chairman Coun Brian Parker, the Deputy Town Mayor, said Brigg needed new jobs; he had no problem with the plans.
Indicated in the scheme submitted are a beer garden, an outside seating area on the frontage in the Market Place, and an L-shaped bar, kitchen and three sets of toilets.

 

 

 

LATEST BRIGG CRIME FIGURES RELEASED BY POLICE

Latest crime figures for Brigg have been released - showing there were 58 incidents in the town recorded by Humberside Police during September 2020 - averaging slightly below two per day.
Areas seeing most crimes were the town centre and the Springbank estate - both with 14. Figures have been released through www.police.uk
In comparison, August 2020 saw 68 crimes; there were 59 during July and 50 in June.
Crime map image credit: Google/police.uk

 

 

LAST TEAM PICTURE OF BRIGG TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB AT THE OLD 'BROCK OX' GROUND?

We think this archive picture of Brigg Town Football Club may have been taken to mark the end of an era in the long history of the world's seventh oldest surviving team.
The line-up, featuring legendary official Harry Williams, of Grammar School Road, on the extreme right, is accompanied by the caption "Brigg Town FC 1960-61."
The Zebras relocated from a ground behind the Brocklesby Ox pub, off Bridge Street, in 1960 to begin developing land off Hawthorn Avenue, where it is still based 60 years later.
The background of the image does not show houses on Hawthorn Avenue, the estate of post-war prefabs that existed in 1960, properties on East Parade or the Recreation Ground, which prompts us to suggest it was taken just before the club, established in 1864, made the move across town.
Note the very basic changing accommodation available to players 60 years ago; today's EC Surfacing Stadium (to use the correct name) has fine facilities.
Can anyone who takes a keen interest in the history of Brigg Town FC confirm our thoughts about the location of this archive 'find' from 60 years ago?
Brigg Blog will be happy to donate the original print to the club if today's officials would like to add it to the archive section on display in the clubhouse bar. Just drop us a line by email or through Facebook, or give us a call.

Brigg Town's home game is still ON this afternoon.

DEMOLISHED BRIGG BUNGALOW TO BE REPLACED WITH NEW DWELLING

A replacement property has been approved for this site in Brigg.
The bungalow which had occupied the land since the early 1960s has been demolished; the new dwelling proposed is of chalet style with three bedrooms. As yet there is no sign of building work getting under way.
North Lincolnshire Council approved the redevelopment scheme for 11 Eastfield Road in July after Brigg Town Council - consulted as part of the planning process - raised no objections.
Eastfield Road, a cul-de-sac, connects with the A18 on Wrawby Road and has a range of domestic properties built in different styles over the years.

 

The previous building awaiting demolition in the summer.

 

COVID TIER 2: BRIGG TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB HOME GAME STILL ON

Brigg Town Football Club is stressing that Saturday's home game against Armthorpe is still ON.
The club's comment follows the government placing North Lincolnshire in Tier 2 in terms of Coronavirus restrictions.
"We will, as a club, be making provisions for outdoor catering as much as we can," the Zebras say. "For those who use the bar, please observe the Government Guidelines and don’t be offended if we challenge you. It's all about working together here to beat this!"

Brigg will be hosting Armthorpe at the EC Surfacing Stadium (Hawthorns) on Saturday, October 31), kick-off 3pm.
Unbeaten this season in ToolStation Northern Counties East Division One, Town are third in the table.

It's cup day in the EC Surfacing Scunthorpe & District League tomorrow, but there is only one match taking place within the Brigg area.
That's at Silver Street where Barnetby United (The Railwaymen) will be hosting league newcomers Baltic Boys in the first round of the Johnstone Insurance Sporting Shield (1.30pm).
In the same competition, Briggensians journey north from Brigg to meet New Holland Villa.
Barnetby United Reserves will be in Nev Watson Nursing Cup action at Limestone Rangers Reserves who are based in Willoughton - the pretty West Lindsey village on the way to Gainsborough.

BRIGG UPDATE ON REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2020 COMMEMORATIONS & ESSENTIAL CHANGES

Brigg Town Council's latest meeting, held this week, received an update on Remembrance Sunday arrangements for November 8.
Town Clerk Kerry McGrath stressed that townsfolk are being asked NOT to attend near the Monument war memorial, on the A18 or East Park, to observe the wreath-laying, in memory of The Fallen.
This request is because of current Coronavirus emergency restrictions on public gatherings.
The usual parade, church service at St John's and Last Post bugle-sounding have all been cancelled. Wreath-laying will still take place, however, with 'digital' music replacing live playing. A brief service at the Monument will be conducted by lay reader Keith Simpson - the town currently being without a vicar. Keith currently leads the prayers at the start of 'virtual' Town Council meetings, conducted through the internet.
The limited number of people attending on November 8 will all wear masks and observe social distancing.
The dignified proceedings will be filmed and 'live streaming' made available to the public through social media. Brigg Blog will post details of how to access this footage nearer the time.
The Town Council is following the guidelines issued for Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph in London.
The usual planting of wooden crosses in the flower beds near the Monument by local school pupils has been cancelled, and will be undertaken, instead, by representatives of the Town Council prior to Remembrance Sunday.
Consideration is being given to displaying some large 'laminated' poppies on posts in Brigg during the run up to Remembrance Sunday and Remembrance Day (November 11).
Workers, we think detailed by North Lincolnshire Council, carried out maintenance of the flower beds at the war memorial a few days ago. 

The uppermost picture above shows the Monument yesterday (Thursday) ready to receive the Remembrance Sunday wreaths. Plaques on its base list the names of those who gave their lives while serving their country.

BRIGG SHOPPERS ENJOYED THE WONDER OF WOOLIES

Brigg Blog followers who are aged under 40 might be surprised that one of the world's biggest retailers of the 20th century had a store in our town centre.
Woolworth's is pictured here circa 1980 - a few years before the giant company closed its Brigg outlet.
The Brigg store stocked a wide range of goods - from books to clothing, homeware to food, plus toys, sweets and even cut-price broken biscuits - a clever way of using up stock that would otherwise have gone to waste.
Losing woolworth's was a major blow for Brigg town centre. Having a 'Woolies' was a benchmark for UK high streets and a mark of prestige.
Thankfully, we've since gained Martin's - the nationally-known newsagent, also selling food, sweets, stationery, books and alcoholic drinks.
Next to Woolworth's, seen in the centre of this view, was Jackson's original Brigg supermarket in premises later occupied (for many years) by Poundstretcher and today used by Costa - the coffee specialist.
In the early 1980s Hull-based Jackson's was granted planning permission by Glanford Borough Council to build Brigg's first big food store - today occupied by B&M, having also hosted Presto, Safeway and Lidl down the decades.
Although concern was expressed by some locals about loss of trade by smaller shops in Brigg, there were no solid grounds for refusing approval for Jackson's riverside store, branded Grandways.
We recall penning several reports for the Lincolnshire & South Humberside Times as the scheme made its way through the planning process, and many members of the public contacted our office at 57 Wrawby Street to express their views - some in favour of the development and some against.
It was a landmark moment for retailing in Brigg when the local authority gave the go ahead, and many shoppers eagerly awaited the store's opening in 1981.
Today the premises occupied by B&M are not particularly large when compared with 'superstores' but, in the 1980s, Grandways was the biggest for miles around. The premises also attracted shoppers from Broughton and villages (large and small) within the Brigg area.
Some of these town visitors did their 'big shop' at Grandways but, while in Brigg, called at other retail premises, although probably not for groceries.
Forty years ago the bank on Wrawby Street was TSB, not Lloyds which had a branch of its own where Bigby Street meets the Market Place (today occupied by the Bank hairdressing salon). TSB's frontage is visible on the right of the picture taken 40 years ago.
The Trustee Savings Bank planned for the future; in the 1960s, pupils of Brigg County Primary School, on Glebe Road, had the option to take a shilling or two to class on Monday mornings to be deposited into their savings account through a green passbook. Birthday and holiday money was also banked.
TSB bosses hoped that, as they grew up, these young savers would continue to bank with the company. And many did.
A range of building societies established agencies within local companies' offices in Brigg town centre, including the famous Halifax at Bell Watson, on Wrawby Street.
As many companies phased out traditional weekly pay packets containing notes and coins during the 1980s, Brigg building society agencies were where many local workers paid in their cheques.
Boots (the chemist) features on both pictures.

 

 

The colour image below, featuring part of the Grandways supermarket, is part of an artist's impression produced when the Springs Parade business development, on the left, was at the planning stage. 

BRIGG MOVING TO TIER 2 COVID ALERT LEVEL

Brigg will be subject to tougher Coronavirus emergency measures to be introduced by the government from midnight tomorrow (Friday, October 30).
North Lincolnshire Council's area and North East Lincolnshire have been moved into the next tier (No 2) following a rise in local 'positive' virus cases.
The main changes effective from the early hours of Saturday morning mean you should not visit other households or share a table with people on licensed premises unless you live under the same roof as them or they are in your 'support bubble'. But you can still sit at a table inside licensed premises on your own.
Brigg Town Football Club, which has a licensed bar at the ground, said earlier tonight that, going forward, customers need to be mindful that "indoor mixing is to be one 1 household/bubble only."
Brigg's Coun Rob Waltham, as Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, has commented on the situation (see below) as part of a news release issued this afternoon (Thursday). 

FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29

After close discussions with Government and Public Health, the following areas will move from local COVID alert level medium to local COVID alert level high from 00.01 on Saturday 31 October at midnight.
North Lincolnshire
North East Lincolnshire
East Riding of Yorkshire
Kingston-upon-Hull.
This means further restrictions will be put in place to prevent the spread of the virus:

• People must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
• People must not meet in a group of more than six outside, including in a garden or other space
• People should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible; if they need to travel, they should walk or cycle where possible, or plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport.

Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Whilst infection rates in North Lincolnshire remains lower than in many parts of the country, we have still experienced a rising number of positive cases in most recent weeks particularly among those aged over 59. These are among the groups most at risk.
“It is this, the very real  risk to our older residents, our mums, our dads, our grandmothers and grandfathers, which has caused most concern and led us to be move up a tier in the Local Covid Alert Levels.
“I would urge everyone in North Lincolnshire to follow the guidance in order to protection the most vulnerable people in our communities and not only avoid tougher measures being introduced but go back to Medium.
“I understand this requires sacrifices, especially families not being allowed to meet socially indoors, but if we all play our part we can reduce the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and return North Lincolnshire to the lowest alert level.
“Now would be a good time to download and complete the council’s Personal Covid-Secure Plan designed to help people put in place measures to stop the spread of the virus.
“There will be some impact upon people’s lives and upon a number of businesses but we have secured access to immediate Government monies to help those businesses navigate these uncertain times.”
PICTURED: Brigg from the air by Neil Stapleton; Coun Rob Waltham in the town centre by Ken Harrison, of Brigg Matters magazine.

MORE TO FOLLOW ON THIS IMPORTANT TOPIC, AND ITS LOCAL IMPLICATIONS, FROM BRIGG BLOG TOMORROW. STAY SAFE!
 

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE TREES PLANTED IN BRIGG?

Brigg people are welcome to suggest areas of the town where they would like to see new trees planted.
Some sites were put forward by members of the Town Council during their latest meeting, with Coun Rob Waltham saying the public should now be consulted before drawing up a list of locations.
He suggested earmarking £1,000 to launch the initiative in Brigg, then working with local volunteers over planting the saplings.
Coun Jane Kitching proposed trees on Bridge Street, Bigby High Road and the cemetery extension.
Coun Ann Eardley suggested that trees on Birch Avenue could help deter vehicle parking on verges.
North Lincolnshire Council is planting thousands of trees across the district as part of a project.
PICTURED: A couple of stumps in Brigg after the trees came down - one during a storm.

PEOPLE IN BRIGG AREA CAN SIGN UP TO NEW COVID-SECURE PLAN

Coun Rob Waltham is seen here in Brigg town centre holding a copy of the new Personal Covid-Secure Plan launched by North Lincolnshire Council, of which he is the Leader. The Brigg & Wolds Ward representative was the first local resident to complete it...

FROM JOEL FRANCIS, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL 

 

Make your personal Covid-Secure plan now & help protect the most vulnerable

North Lincolnshire Council is today launching a downloadable Personal Covid-Secure Plan – designed to help people put in place measures to stop the spread of Covid-19. Council leader Rob Waltham has become the first to complete the plan.
You can download your Personal Covid-Secure Plan on the North Lincolnshire Council website -  https://www.northlincs.gov.uk/covid-secure-plan
The handy guide looks at your own personal protection, what you should be doing to help family and friends and how you plan to avoid contracting the virus when going to and from work.
Cllr Waltham said: “Protecting the most vulnerable people has to be our priority and we do that by ensuring the spread of Covid-19 is contained.
“Only if we have a plan can we properly combat Covid-19 – this means thinking carefully and in a detailed way about what measures we are taking; this includes ourselves, our family, friends and neighbours and while at work.
“We have been working closely with businesses, care homes, schools and many other organisations to plan for preventing the spread and managing outbreaks. Now it is time for each person in North Lincolnshire to have their own plan.
“All of this is avoidable, there are ways to stop the spread – we know hand washing, wearing face coverings and keeping a distance work. If people take just a few minutes to download this plan and spent a little more time discussing it with their family and filling it in then we can all better protect the most vulnerable people in North Lincolnshire.”

N.F ADDS: Coun Waltham gave details of the Covid-Secure Plan to Brigg Town Council colleagues at this week's meeting.

Picture credit: North Lincolnshire Council.

BRIGG GROUP KEEN TO MAKE LOCAL PEOPLE AWARE

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and the Brigg group which campaigns for this worthy cause will be spreading the word.
Andrew 'Sass Markham, Zoe Hall and Lesley Whitehand "will be about raising awareness of this horrendous disease."
They say: "During the pandemic our efforts, like all charities, have been somewhat limited but hopefully during the month we can do something to get the word out. If anyone would like to get involved, please ring 07880 348449."
World Pancreatic Cancer Day is coming up on Thursday, November 19.
Find out more about the campaign and its awareness month through this link...

PICTURED ABOVE: Under cover behind the Black Bull, with Lesley Whitehand at the front holding the collecting bucket for Pancreatic Cancer Action in November 2019 as football fans visiting Brigg contribute cash (pre-social distancing). BELOW - Andrew Markham and Zoe Hall campaigning for the cause from a stall in the Market Place - March 2017.

 

 

BUILDING SCHEMES SHOW BRIGG AREA IS MUCH SOUGHT-AFTER AS A PLACE TO LIVE

Plans to build new homes in Brigg and nearby communities, or extend existing properties, continue to keep decision-making councillors and officers busy - our area being much sought-after, as the estate agents say.
Ruling on most applications these days is a task delegated to planning staff, but some continue to be decided by committees comprising elected representatives which meet periodically.
North Lincolnshire Council's Planning Committee has refused permission to erect 24 dwellings comprising 12 rent to home buy, 6 shared ownership and 6 open market dwellings on land to the east of Hillside Road, Broughton.
Giving its reasons to the applicant, the local planning authority said it was not convinced about Hillside Road being a suitable width to provide a satisfactory access to serve the proposed development, nor that this road can cater for the significant additional vehicle movements, including construction traffic, that the development would generate.
The council also said: "The proposal would introduce a significant amount of built form on a greenfield site outside the identified development boundaries of Broughton that would urbanise the existing rural landscape to the detriment of the scenic quality and local character of the landscape."
Anyone refused permission can, if they wish, lodge an appeal to be undertaken by a planning inspector.

The committee granted permission to erect a dwelling, including demolition of existing garage, on land to the rear of Milkwood, Melton Road, Wrawby.
SCAWBY: North Lincolnshire Council has given its approval to erect single and two-storey extensions to the side and rear, to erect single-storey extensions to the front, create a terrace to the front and side, and extend a detached garage at Lyndhurst, 42 Messingham Lane.
HIBALDSTOW: Permission has been granted to erect a two-storey side and rear extension at 87 Redbourne Road.
GREETWELL: Approval is being sought to erect a single-storey side and rear extension at Sandhurst, 20 Kirton Road. (Decision awaited).
GRASBY: West Lindsey District Council is now considering an application seeking outline planning to erect two dwellings in the field adjacent to Willow Pond, 39D Station Road.(Decision awaited).
NORTH KELSEY: Planning permission is being sought from the West Lindsey authority to erect one dwelling on land at Chapel Mead, Brigg Road. (Decision awaited).
NORTH KELSEY: Planners have granted detailed permission for one dwelling with garage on land adjacent to Clear View, School Lane (outline approval having been obtained in 2017).

BRIGG BLOG GOES DOWN MEMORY LANE

 

Being invited to tour the refurbished Angel 'community hub' building a few days ago gave Brigg Blog an opportunity to take this lofty picture from the top floor - looking across the Market Place - and compare it with a view (circa 1963) recorded from a light plane or helicopter high above the Angel Hotel.
 

 

Barclays is evident in both scenes, occupying the corner property once used by Tadcaster Brewery Company.
No 7 Market Place, to the left of the Cary Lane junction, has seen various uses over several centuries - housing Gray's Cafe in the 1960s and subsequently being converted into offices used by council staff, the South Humber Advice Centre and Ian Cawsey during his years as Brigg & Goole MP.
There was another historic property adjoining No 7 (latterly occupied by the Lincolnshire Times newspaper) but it was removed in the early 1950s to widen Cary Lane for traffic flow purposes when the A18 still ran through the Market Place.
The Freemasons continue to occupy a converted town house on Cary Lane beyond Barclays - the Ancholme Lodge having been formed in 1869.
Buses still serve Cary Lane but the bus station of the early 1960s, where many public service vehicles used to be parked to await their next journeys, is now a descriptive term rooted in the past. 

 

No 7 Market Place today and (below) in the early 1960s when it housed a popular cafe.

BRIGG CONSERVATION AREA TREES TRIMMED

 

Trees within the Brigg Conservation Area have been trimmed. But you have to look closely to spot the Lombardy poplars which are behind buildings on Albert Street and near to industrial units on the small estate near the former railway station goods yard and approach.
In March, prior to the Coronavirus emergency being declared, we reported that six trees could now be reduced in height behind Southfield House Care Home - North Lincolnshire Council having given the necessary consent for pruning.
A council officer's assessment report advised against the authority making a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) in this case.
"The trees are visible from the street scene along Albert Street as a backdrop, but not considered significant due to the distance from the street," the report said. "The land to the rear appears to be mainly industrial in the proximity of the trees."
The report described the trees as "not significant with the street scene" and therefore unworthy of a TPO.
Brigg Town Council - consulted about the pruning plans - had raised no objections.
It took some time for the approved work to be undertaken.
One month into autumn, deciduous trees of various species across Brigg have now shed most of their leaves - piles being evident on verges and pavements.
Tree-lined Wrawby Road and Bigby Road have large accumulations, together with East Park (near the Tintab shelter).
ABOVE: The poplars behind Albert Street as they now look and pictured in August before being pruned.
BELOW: Autumn 2020 views of trees across the town, including some distinctive evergreens at the cemetery which do not shed their leaves.

 

 

 

PLAN FOR NEW BRIGG BAR TO BE CONSIDERED TODAY BY COUNCILLORS

The new bar proposed for the former HSBC bank premises in Brigg town centre is about to go through the first stage in the planning process.
Although the proposal was only made public through North Lincolnshire Council's planning portal late last week, it has arrived in time to be discussed at the October meeting of Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee tonight (Tuesday, October 27).
The Town Council is consulted about local planning applications and makes its views known to North Lincolnshire Council which makes final decisions in each case.
The consultation period about this application seeking planning permission and listed building consent is November 19.
Approval is being sought for change of use of the ground floor to a licensed bar and for conversion of the upper floors to two apartments and offices, including associated alterations.
Other Brigg applications will also be considered by the committee tonight night, from 6.45pm. This will be a 'virtual' online meeting using the Zoom facility.
'Change of use' permission is being sought to create a new school on Wrawby Road - another application made public in recent days.
Approval is being requested to demolish an existing garage and replace it with a new one (with studio above) at Nicolgate, 26 Wrawby Road.
Permission is also being sought to divide an existing dwelling into two, including associated works, at 21 Albert Street.
The committee will consider an application to fell an ash tree at 11a Wrawby Road.

Tonight's planning session will be followed at 7.15pm by the monthly meeting of Brigg Town Council - again conducted online through Zoom.

PICTURED: The former HSBC bank premises in the Market Place.

PLAN ANNOUNCED TO TURN PUB NEAR BRIGG INTO HOUSE

 

Permission is being sought to convert an historic pub near Brigg into housing and erect three detached dwellings nearby.
North Lincolnshire Council planners are now considering the application for the King William IV, on Scawby Road, Scawby Brook.
The statement, prepared by Brigg-based agent Brown & Co on behalf of the applicant, is to support a 'hybrid' planning application comprising full planning permission for change of use of a public house to a dwelling (including demolition of extensions) and outline permission for three detached dwellings.
The statement explains that the public house dates back to 1811, with later extensions.
"To the rear of the pub there is an area of hardstanding which is used as a car park and a timber outbuilding which has been used as an ice-cream kiosk. Further, to the rear of the car park, there is an area of paddock with a small stable block which also forms the application site," it says.  
"The public house can be sympathetically converted to a dwelling, with minimal alterations required. The side and rear single storey extensions will be removed to allow for an improved vehicular access and a more functional internal arrangement."
In a section headed Justification - Loss of public house, the statement details the number of pubs & licensed clubs and eateries present in the area, saying: "This public house would therefore not result in the loss of a valuable community facility within Brigg.
"It should also be noted that there have been numerous attempts to market the pub for sale which have not resulted in any offers being made."
It adds: "The side extension to the public house will be removed to ensure an improved access, but it is considered that four dwellings would generate significantly less traffic than a public house with restaurant and ice cream parlour."
A site layout plan submitted with the application indicates "Existing public house to be converted to dwelling" - described as House 1.
Further dwellings are earmarked for land behind the pub with car parking spaces and turning provision for vehicles.
The council has set November 19 as the public consultation period end date for this application.

 

 

 

LOCAL PUB SIGN: King William IV - after whom the Scawby Brook pub is named - reigned from 1830 to 1837 when he died and was succeeded by Queen Victoria.

SPEED CAMERAS TO OPERATE AT TWO LOCATIONS IN BRIGG THIS WEEK

 

Safer Roads Humber says safety enforcement cameras are used across the region as part of its overall strategy to make local roads safer. Two roads in Brigg are about to be monitored.

Mobile and fixed speed cameras detect speeding vehicles "at sites of risk." They are able to deploy the cameras at a range of locations.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28: Daily enforcement will be carried out on the A18 - Bridge Street.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29: Daily enforcement will be carried out on the A18 - Wrawby Road.
Our advice to drivers is: Slow down and stick to the speed limit in place on local roads at all times.

URGENT APPEAL FOR BRIGG VOLUNTEERS TO COME FORWARD & SUPPORT WORTHY CAUSE

Brigg people are being asked to answer an urgent appeal for assistance.
The Brigg Rotary Club Purple4Polio 2020 Planting Appeal says it urgently needs help next Saturday (October 31) at the following times and locations:
9.30am to 11am at the Monument War Memorial
11am to 12.30pm at the corner of Cary Lane & Barnard Avenue
1.30pm to 3pm outside A & F Carpets, Ancholme Way.
Volunteers are needed to plant crocuses along verges in Brigg.
 

 

Co-ordinator Chris Darlington, a Freeman of Brigg (pictured above), tells us: "Social distancing will be a must and we will be working in teams of three - one helper with a fork, one to pop the crocus into the holes made by the fork, and one to brush some sand over the holes."
If you can help, please message 07519 330432 or email briggrotary@gmail.com
Chris adds: This is your chance to help eradicate polio, help Brigg in Bloom and do something that helps your community."
Brigg Town Council recently granted £245 to help the locally-organised initiative.
Purple represents the colour of the dye which is placed on the little finger of a child on mass immunisation days when millions of children in many countries are protected against this disease. In 1985, when the Rotary movement pledged to eradicate polio, there were over 10,000 cases being reported weekly.  Since then there has been a huge reduction.
Find out more about the campaign through this link...
Purple4Polio crocus planting has been undertaken in Brigg for a number of years. You may well have seen early-flowering crocuses on various grass verges.
PICTURED ABOVE: Past planting in Brigg by volunteers (pre-social distancing). Below - A close-up of crocuses planted by pupils of Brigg Primary School, Atherton Way, a year or two ago after they had come into flower.

 

 

LEADERS IN THE BRIGG POPPY 10K & MILITARY CHALLENGE

Runners will continue to complete the 'virtual' Brigg Poppy 10K & Military Challenge 2020 race at various times up to November 1.
Some did so on the original date (Sunday, October 25) being suitably distanced from other competitors.
Arrangements had to be altered this year because of Coronavirus emergency restrictions on gatherings. However, the event, which raises funds for the Royal British Legion, went ahead. And the organiser, Curly's Athletes Ltd, has kindly supplied a couple of links so Brigg Blog followers can keep up to date.
View the Live Leaderboard here...

Use this link to see the final results, in due course...
 

PICTURES SHOWING THE CHANGES MADE INSIDE BRIGG'S ANGEL LANDMARK

Changes have been made to the landmark Angel building in Brigg town centre - the Market Place 'hub' offering, and giving access to, a wide range of public services.
It reopened on Friday, with a wall plaque erected to mark the conclusion of an investment programme by North Lincolnshire Council, which owns and operates the building.
Brigg Blog was invited down to meet councillors and officials, and given a guided tour of the three floors and the basement - all of which have a new look and features.
Several tour groups were formed to comply with social distancing requirements, our own 'bubble' including Couns Carl and Nigel Sherwood (Brigg & Wolds Ward representatives) and Chris Darlington, Freeman of Brigg and well-known community volunteer.
 

 

The first change most local folk will encounter is a new front entrance from the Market Place - immediately to the right of the glass doors leading into the Cafe Courtyard (pictured here).
Staff on the reception desk beyond provide over-the-counter advice and there are also touch screens people can use to obtain information about services and what's on offer locally to visitors. Sanitising these screens is undertaken after use. 

 

This also applies in the well-stocked library where, in addition to books, on-screen access is available.

 

Brigg Heritage Centre remains in its familiar location, as does the Angel Suite (converted in the early 1990s from the old Angel Hotel ballroom). However, the Suite has been given a make over, including new 'decor' and measures to improve the acoustics.

Falling into the 'hard of hearing' category, we can confirm that's it's now much easier to grasp what's being said in this big room, even if the people with whom you are talking are wearing masks!
The Angel Suite's lounge bar, in the basement, has been replaced by a new fully-equipped community kitchen - already in use for baking, we noted, with freshly-made buns on the counter.
 

The Suite is still available for hire by local families, groups and businesses. However, bookings are now being taken by North Lincolnshire Council, instead of the Town Council. Inquiries can be made through the reception desk at the front of the building or online.
 

 

Brigg Town Council has relocated to the top floor, where it has a new office overlooking the Market Place. The wooden sculpture of a horse, made some years ago to reflect the town gaining fair and market charter status in the 13th century, has been moved upstairs, together with boards listing our Town Mayors since 1974 when the town authority was created.
Through North Lincolnshire Council, meeting rooms of various sizes are available in the Angel for use by groups, societies and local businesses.

The historic building is now set up for the future. 

 

Local Members of Parliament Holly Mumby-Croft (Scunthorpe) and Andrew Percy (Brigg & Goole) are seen here following Friday's reopening ceremony with a £500,000 'Keeping You Safe & Well' cheque from HM Government as the Angel refurbishment project was completed. The community hub forms part of North Lincolnshire Council’s £5m community investment programme. 

 

 

Standing behind the MPs in this close-up view is Coun Helen Rowson, of the Burton Upon Stather & Winterton Ward, who was among a number of representatives from other areas invited to the opening ceremony. We chatted with two of the others - Couns Trevor Foster and Neil Poole, whose Ridge Ward includes Scawby, Hibaldstow and Howsham.

Andrew Percy MP at the Angel on Friday with Couns Nigel and Carl Sherwood and Coun Rob Waltham (right).

Andrew Percy, the Brigg & Goole MP, taking a look at some of the children's books on show.

A close-up of one of the Angel's screens showing what to visit in North Lincolnshire - very useful for visitors to the town.

Coun Rob Waltham, left, with Couns Carl and Nigel Sherwood and Andrew Percy MP beside a new sign at the front of the Angel which shows some of the services available within.

Holly Mumby-Croft, Scunthorpe's MP, being one of the guests invited to the Angel reopening prompted us to take this picture of her in the Market Place on Friday. As well as the steel town, her constituency covers rural communities including Broughton, Scawby and Hibaldstow. She is a former pupil of Sir John Nelthorpe School, Brigg, and represented the Appleby & Broughton Ward on North Lincolnshire Council for some years until gained a seat in the House of Commons. We gather she follows Brigg Blog!

Coun Rob Waltham in happy mood at the conclusion of the Angel's reopening on Friday.