NEWLY-PLANTED BRIGG SAPLINGS TO BE PROTECTED & MONITORED

Measures are to be taken in Brigg to protect the saplings recently planted on York Road's extensive area of public open space. This was made clear during Brigg Town Council's latest meeting.
Plastic sleeves and wooden stakes of the kind often used to support newly-planted saplings while they grow have not been employed as part of this planting scheme.
However, North Lincolnshire Council is looking into roping off the areas where planting has been carried out, while regular monitoring of the young trees is also being undertaken.
The unitary authority intends to plant 170,000 trees across its district - one for every resident. The saplings off York Road contribute to this project to help the environment.
The recent Brigg planting scheme was discussed during the Town Council's latest meeting.
Couns Rob Waltham and Carl Sherwood, who are also members of the North Lincolnshire authority, outlined the protective measures.
Earlier, Coun Brian Parker, the Deputy Town Mayor, had described the young trees off York Road as being vulnerable.
Coun Penny Smith expressed concerns about saplings being knocked over during dog-exercising sessions or ball games. Currently, she suggested, these trees had no protection from being flattened.
The saplings were planted in groups on various parts of the York Road field - examples being seen above. 
Land off York Road with housing development on all sides was earmarked in the 1970s as the site for Brigg's replacement primary school but this was eventually constructed on the other side of the town, off Atherton Way. It has since been retained as an area of public open space.

UNIQUE ECO-FRIENDLY 'TREE HOUSE' NEAR BRIGG GETS PLANNERS' WHOLEHEARTED SUPPORT

A scheme to build a unique eco-friendly 'tree house' near Brigg was given wholehearted support by North Lincolnshire Council's Planning Committee at its latest meeting.
We've been reporting planning committee meetings for more than 40 years, and it's a long time since we've heard an application being spoken about in such glowing terms by decision-making councillors and planners.
The so-called sustainable dwelling, a family home, can now proceed in Scawby Brook (including demolition of an existing outbuilding) on land to the south of Fairview, Brook Lane.
Every member of the district planning committee, chaired by Brigg & Wolds' Coun Nigel Sherwood, from Wrawby (pictured above), voted in favour of granting permission. 

They heard that's what planned will be the first of its kind in the region and one of the first anywhere in the UK.
Proposing the granting of permission, Mayor of North Lincolnshire Coun Jon Evison (Barton) said it was a joy to be a member of the planning committee when a lovely building like this was proposed.
Coun Len Foster (Brumby, Scunthorpe) stressed this sort of property was something the council should be encouraging.

Other councillors also spoke in favour of the application which referred to the committee because it involved a "departure from development plan" for Scawby Brook.
A planning officer's report prepared for committee members ahead of the 'virtual' meeting held on Wednesday (February 24) said: "The applicant is proposing a carbon neutral dwelling that is to display high levels of sustainability on an environmental front as well a design influenced by existing site characteristics."
It added: "The applicant has put forward a site analysis considering solar, wind, existing blue features (pond, watercourse) and green features (trees, green space) as well as key vistas within the site.
"The new dwelling will have net zero operational carbon in that it will not burn fossil fuels, will be 100% powered by renewable energy and will achieve a level of energy performance in use, in line with the national climate change targets. No carbon-offsetting is intended within this project.
"Electric car charging points are to be sited within the outbuilding as well as battery storage for the solar generated electricity. An electrically operated air source heat pump will power both heating and hot water within the house. The landscape strategy has been designed to include ground mounted solar panels, which can respond to the direction and angle of the sun and are more efficient than standard fixed roof-mounted panels."
The report concluded that the proposal was considered to be of sufficient merit to allow a new isolated home within the open countryside.
The planning officer recommended that the committee granted permission for this sustainable dwelling, and councillors did so unanimously.

Brigg Blog and many other people, including councillors, will be keen to see the Scawby Brook property when it's completed.

WORK COMPLETED AT BRIGG BUTTERCROSS

 

The completion of work inside Brigg's historic Buttercross was reported to the Town Council's latest meeting by Coun Rob Waltham.
He is the Leader of the North Lincolnshire Council and was giving the monthly report on unitary authority issues to Town Council colleagues.
Coun Waltham confirmed the internal work had now finished, but Covid-related restrictions remained an issue when it came to providing printed material to the public.
A North Lincolnshire Council spokesman told Brigg Blog in mid-January: "The Buttercross is being refurbished at the moment for a tourism hub."
Brigg Blog has been keeping a close eye on the ground floor improvements over recent weeks. Carpets have been fitted by a local company, redecoration has taken place and display stands positioned.
Late last year it was thought Lindsey Lodge Hospice might move into the Tourist Information Centre premises, following the closure of its charity shop on Wrawby Street. It was thought tourism would then move into the nearby Angel building. However, the Hospice shop's relocation did not take place.

WELL-KNOWN BRIGG SHOP TO BE DEMOLISHED & REPLACED WITH HOUSING & RETAIL UNIT

North Lincolnshire Council has now granted permission for well-known Brigg shop premises to be demolished and new housing and a retail unit built on the site. 

The artist's impressions here show how the development will look on the western edge of the Brigg Conservation Area once it is completed.
Approval has been given to demolish existing buildings, 11-12 Bridge Street, and to erect 3 dwellings, a retail unit and associated parking garages.
The buildings which do not have listed status and were formerly used by Sherwood's cycle business - changed ownership some time ago, and planning permission has now been granted to Phil Drury, who successful applied via a company/agent based in West Lindsey.
A detailed North Lincolnshire Council delegated assessment report said: "The conservation officer has reviewed the submission, including the documents submitted in support of the planning application, and concedes that the buildings of townscape merit are not viable to repair and, in turn, incapable of ‘reasonable’ beneficial use."
Recommending the granting of full planning permission (subject to conditions) the report concluded: "The applicant has demonstrated that the building are not viable to repair. The proposed replacement scheme is appropriate for its location and the retention of some retail space is sufficient (given material considerations set out in the report) makes this scheme acceptable.
"The scheme would not detract from the existing historic environment and as so is considered a sustainable form of development."

BEACON AND SEATING TO BE INSTALLED IN BRIGG

Preparatory work is continuing to install a tall metal beacon in Brigg on the Millennium Green, off Elwes Street. It will be lit to commemorate major events, including royal anniversaries.
Brigg Town Council is making arrangements to install this feature on the grassy mound/centrepiece. It cares for and maintains the year 2000 project Green - originally managed by a trust.
Nearby, on Cadney Road, the council is to provide a new public bench to replace an old one which is life-expired.
This seat will be made from recycled materials - a hard-wearing design which has proved successful at other locations, including land near the Old Courts Road traffic lights and close to the junction of Eastfield Road and Wrawby Road. These benches are now favoured ahead of traditional wooden ones - much less maintenance being required.
The Town Council's handyman service will be assigned to install the bench on Cadney Road.
Brigg has been without a ceremonial beacon since both examples were removed from Station Road, near Hewson House, some years ago. They were located close to mature trees.

North Lincolnshire Council's library service is to hold a Peter Rabbit-themed event centred on the Millennium Green during local schools' Easter holiday in early April.

PICTURED: A beacon - since removed from Station Road - and a bench made from recycled materials, recently installed at the top of Eastfield Road, beside the A18.

NEW BRIGG ALLOTMENTS PROJECT 'ON TRACK'

Brigg is on course to get a new allotments site established so people can grow their own fruit and veg for the table.
The Town Council's February meeting heard things were "on track" for a starting date in early April.
The new allotments are to be created on an area of Woodbine Park near South View Avenue. They will replace long-established plots off Grammar School Road - this site having been earmarked for redevelopment.
Brigg Town Council will manage the Woodbine Park allotments, with tenants paying an annual rent.
The town authority has been working with North Lincolnshire Council on this project for many months.
Coronavirus emergency restrictions have not helped, but interested parties were eventually invited to tender for a contract to carry out the preparatory on-site spadework.
Brigg Town Council also has allotments on Atherton Way/Redcombe Lane; these plots are unaffected by the site switch on the edge of the Springbank housing estate.

PICTURED: Part of the new site to be re-purposed on Woodbine Park, and a Brigg allotment on Grammar School Road.

BRIGG TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB: MEETING TONIGHT TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF 2020/21 SEASON

Whether Brigg Town Football Club first team will return to action again in this Coronavirus emergency interrupted season is expected to become clearer following a meeting to be held later today (Friday, February 26).
The Zebras belong to the ToolStation Northern Counties East League and the competition's management board will be meeting tonight to discuss the remainder of the campaign and the best way forward.
The NCEL explains that the FA’s Alliance and Leagues Committees has reached a consensus that, subject to the approval of the FA Council, the 2020-21 league season for Steps 3-6 of the non-league system should be curtailed with immediate effect, with no further league matches taking place this season. The committees will now present their recommendations to The FA Council for ratification.
If, as many expect, the FA Council agrees to this, one option is for leagues at Brigg's level in the pyramid structure is to arrange a new set of fixtures between clubs if/when the government permits games to resume in the Spring.
With only a few weeks remaining before the campaign is due to finish in May, it is possible there may be an NCEL League Cup competition, or something similar, but "subject to crowds being allowed in."
Brigg Town FC posted on social media earlier this week, suggesting the 20/21 league season "is over" and posting a link to the NCEL and FA statement ahead of Friday's meeting.
For, unlike the 2019/2020 season that was declared null and void, it is now being recommended that results so far recorded in the 2020/21 campaign will remain on-the-record, with the table when the last league matches were played at the end of December becoming the final standings.
If so, this means Brigg Town finish sixth in Division One - having played 11 of their 38 scheduled league games. 

Read the full text of the latest NCEL/FA update here...
Hopefully, the 2021/22 season will start promptly in late summer (the virus emergency having ended), with the Zebras likely to be competing in Division One again.
In a future post or posts, Brigg Blog will give updates about the Balcan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League (involving Brigg Town Reserves), the EC Surfacing Scunthorpe & District (Saturday) League (Barnetby United, Barnetby Reserves and Briggensians) and the Scunthorpe & District Sunday League.

DECISION-MAKING COUNCILLORS PLAN SITE VISIT TO PUB NEAR BRIGG EARMARKED FOR HOUSING

All members of North Lincolnshire Council's Planning Committee are to make a socially-distanced site visit to an historic pub near Brigg before deciding an application which will define its future.
On Wednesday afternoon (February 24) the committee held its monthly meeting and considered an application which proposes to convert the King William IV at Scawby Brook (pictured) into residential accommodation, with new homes to be built on land behind the hostelry (part of the car park and a paddock).
The committee received a detailed report in advance of the meeting and also heard a statement setting out the reasons behind this application.
The King Billy, as locals know it, has previously been marketed for sale unsuccessfully, and there are a number of other public houses available for people to use in nearby Brigg, the applicant points out.
One councillor told committee colleagues during the meeting (held online) that this application left him with mixed feelings, and suggested making a site visit.
This course of action was put to the vote and agreed unanimously.
So councillors will take a look at the pub and the land behind which is earmarked for housing development before making their decision at a future meeting to either grant permission or refuse this 'hybrid' application.
The committee's next meeting is scheduled to be held on March 24 - under the chairmanship of Coun Nigel Sherwood (Brigg & Wolds Ward).

'WOMBLES' OF BRIGG ASKED TO VOLUNTEER IN A COMMON CAUSE

People in Brigg are being asked to volunteer as local 'Wombles'.
Following the lead set by the furry TV series characters, they are being asked to help the environment by collecting and recycling discarded items in their part of the town.
Coun Rob Waltham, the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, told the Town Council's February meeting that 150 people had already signed up for this initiative.
He said 'kit' was available to help with the collection of materials to be placed in special bags which can be put out for emptying alongside the usual bins.
Coun Waltham asked us to assist by publicising his appeal for "the budding Wombles of Brigg" to come forward.
Details can be obtained by contacting him rob.waltham@northlincs.gov.uk or his Brigg & Wolds Ward colleagues on the North Lincolnshire authority - Couns Carl and Nigel Sherwood. 

Brigg Blog recently reported that one local resident is undertaking litter-picking in and around the Recreation Ground - some examples of discarded items at the sports venue being featured in our montage above.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR BRIGG FARMERS' MARKET - FEBRUARY 2021

Just a reminder that the monthly Brigg Farmers' Market is going ahead "for essential goods" tomorrow (Saturday, February 27) as Coronavirus emergency Lockdown 3 continues. The weather, as ever, will be an important factor in deciding the attendance.
Organised by North Lincolnshire Council, the farmers' event will operate from 8am through to mid-afternoon. Stalls forming the Saturday general market will also be open for business.
Forecasts suggest mainly dry conditions on Saturday with sunny spells and the temperature topping 50F (10C).

PICTURED: A farmers' market held before social distancing became a requirement.

EARTHQUAKE - LOCATION BRIGG - IS THE LATEST RECORDED IN THE UK

Brigg has been given as the location of an earthquake - the latest to be recorded in the UK.
Various people across country who monitor quakes have posted details online.
The British Geological Survey (BGS) which monitors the latest says an earthquake of 1.2 magnitude was located near Brigg at 2.42am on Tuesday, February 23, 2021.

A supporting comment suggests the location of the quake was east south east of Brigg.
The BGS is offering people in Brigg and district an online opportunity to say if they felt this earthquake. View details here and use the tab Did You Feel It?

Some years ago a quake centred near Market Rasen was felt in Brigg and other places across North Lincolnshire.

Read more about the Brigg earthquake here...

Brigg town centre from the air picture credit: Neil Stapleton. 

BRIGG TOWN COUNCIL REMEMBERS NANCY WALKER TAGUE

Brigg Town Council held a minute's silence at its latest meeting on Tuesday night, in memory of local lady Nancy Walker Tague who died at the weekend, aged 63.
Nancy was a dedicated committee member of the Brigg in Bloom group which provides floral displays within the town.
The minute's silence was announced by Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall, who chairs Brigg in Bloom. Nancy was also remembered in the prayers said at the start of the meeting.
Later, it was revealed that a new rose garden is being considered at the Monument, and that 20 new hanging baskets for flowers are to be ordered.
Brigg will be entered for a number of categories in the forthcoming best-kept towns & villages competition organised by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), the Town Council has decided.
North Lincolnshire Council is to carry out a 'purge' on overgrown hedges which overhang footpaths, in an effort to get home-owners to cut them back. This will need to be undertaken before the bird-nesting season gets into full swing.


PICTURED: Nancy Walker Tague, and hanging baskets displayed in previous years by the White Horse and Black Bull pubs.

BRIGG INCLUDED IN BID FOR FREEPORT STATUS TO GENERATE 'GREEN' JOBS

Brigg could benefit economically from becoming part of a proposed new Freeport covering the Humber region, if the Government gives the go ahead in due course.
North Lincolnshire authority Leader, Coun Rob Waltham, told the Town Council's February meeting that our town had been included in a submission bid to receive this status, together with the rest of the unitary authority's district.
Associated British Ports set out details of the Humber Freeport bid in a helpful post earlier this month when it launched. One of the aims is to gain investment 'from blue-chip multi-nationals'  and create 'green' jobs across the region.
Sites already identified include the Able Marine Development Park in Killingholme (North Lincs) and the South Humber Industrial Investment site near Stallingborough (North East Lincs) which are both within travelling distance of Brigg and surrounding communities. Read full details here....
The River Ancholme was, for centuries, a busy commercial waterway with various cargoes being transported to and from the town via the Humber and connected waterways. Products sent north via Ferriby Sluice included grain and potatoes.
However, despite having riverside wharves close to the County Bridge for decades, Brigg has never before been linked with the word 'port' as far as we know!
The last cargo-carrying barges to serve the old Farmers' Company site beside the New River Ancholme operated in the late 1960s/very early 1970s. Homes on the Waters Edge estate now stand where the 'cattle cake' feed-making company was based for generations.
When the huge Able development was first discussed some years ago by North Lincolnshire Council as part of the planning process, Brigg Blog suggested the need to ensure public transport links were made available locally.
Given the current 'green' agenda, this seems particularly relevant - unless, of course, the potential workers have bought electric-powered vehicles to replace traditional petrol and diesel models.
The 'green' Freeport bid reminds us that when the 'green' biomass power station was first announced for part of the former Brigg Sugar Factory site at Scawby Brook, a local man suggested that barges, rather than lorries, might be used to transport some of the straw bales along the River Ancholme - unloading not far from the leisure centre. However, this idea did not become a reality.

PICTURED: Riverside wharves in Brigg during the early 20th century, a barge on the New River Ancholme circa 1970 (delivering materials for bank strengthening) and Coun Waltham who announced the Freeport status bid during the Town Council meeting on Tuesday evening.

DETAILS OF BRIGG TAB SHELTER REFURB AGREED BY COUNCILLORS

The distinctive Tin Tab seating shelter in Brigg will receive new signage explaining its history and quoting a Biblical reference to Tabernacle from which it takes its name. This was agreed at the monthly meeting of the Town Council held last night (Tuesday, February 23).
The authority recently received helpful information about the shelter on East Park, near the Monument war memorial, from the grand-daughter of Brigg man David Lambert Andrew, who generously gifted the structure to the town in the 1930s.
This will help with the Tintab's refurbishment which is set to include repainting in 'heritage colours' as it is located within the conservation area.
Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall told the meeting it would be nice to explain the Biblical significance and add information explaining how the Tintab shelter "came about."
She stressed: "There has been a lot of public interest in this."
Originally there was glass in the Tin Tab, and the council is still trying to discover when this was removed and  wooden cladding installed. Anyone who may have useful information about the history of the shelter is asked to contact the authority by email - enquiries@briggmarkettown.co.uk
Mr Lambert served as a police officer in Sheffield, became a member of Brigg Urban District Council and was a guardian of the Brigg Union Workhouse (since demolished) which was sited near East Park.
N.F. ADDS: There are various Biblical references to Tabernacle, one being: "There will be a pavilion for a shade in the daytime from the heat, and for a refuge and for a shelter from storm and from rain." (Isaiah 4:6).

 

David Lambert Andrew is seen on the left of this Brigg picture taken in the 1920s.

 

MORE BRIGG CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ALREADY PLANNED FOR 2021

Brigg Town Council is to provide more Christmas lights in the town centre when the 2021 display goes up towards the end of this year.
Having bought and installed a new set of illuminations in late November 2020 which were on show well into the New Year, the authority will be adding to them.
During the review of Christmas lights undertaken at last night's February meeting, Deputy Town Mayor Coun Brian Parker said he was very pleased with the latest display but wanted to see more "up above" Wrawby Street where he noted some "dark areas." He also hoped more shops would display Christmas trees on their frontages later this year.
Coun Rob Waltham agreed about the "dark areas" and suggested that the showpiece Christmas tree in the Market Place needed to be "dressed up" by installing a triangular mesh for its lights.
He and Coun Nigel Sherwood thanked the Nelthorpe Estate at Scawby for again donating the latest tree - something that needed to be pointed out.
Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall noted that lighting features had been extended this year to include the area near Cross Street. Coun Riggall switched on the latest set of illuminations but had to do so on her own because of Coronavirus emergency restrictions on gatherings.
These led to the cancellation of the usual mass gathering in the Market Place for the switch-on ceremony from a temporary stage in the Market Place. The Lions' festive fair, with indoor and outdoor stalls, was also called off for the same reason.
Hopefully normal service can resume later this year!

 

PICTURED: Some of the new Christmas lighting features installed on Wrawby Street on November 27, 2020 - the night they were illuminated for the first time.

SUNROOM PLANNED NEAR BRIGG

Plans have been announced to add facilities behind a property which is only a stone's throw from Brigg.
With Spring on the way, late February seems a suitable time of year to seek permission for a garden store room and sunroom, which is the case at 27 Pingley Park, Kettleby.
This is a modern estate located on land between the county and district border and Brigg Garden Centre. Gainsborough-based West Lindsey planners are now considering this householder application.
The proposed building is earmarked for the rear of the property which is on the Brigg side of the development.
Other Brigg area applications recently received by West Lindsey District Council but yet to be decided include three in South Kelsey:

• Application for approval of reserved matters to erect two dwellings (plots 1 and 2) considering access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale following outline planning permission being granted in May 2018 - land off North End Lane. A similar application relating to plot 4 has also been submitted.
• Permission to erect two dwellings - Church Farm, Waddingham Road.

West Lindsey planners have now granted permission for the erection of a replacement dwelling with revised design and appearance to what was previously approved - Station Lane Farm, Station Road, North Kelsey Moor.

NANCY WALKER TAGUE: TRIBUTES PAID TO BRIGG CHARITY VOLUNTEER

Brigg Blog was very sorry to hear that Nancy Walker Tague has died, aged 63. As a volunteer, she put a great deal of time and effort into charitable work, notably for the Brigg and District Veterans' Group, Soldiers Off the Street and Brigg in Bloom.
Nancy always endeavoured to help others, and we will miss our chats on a range of topics.
She helped to install the D-Day landing craft beside the A18 at the top of Wrawby Street in June 2019 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Allies going ashore on the beaches of Normandy in France - a pivotal feature of the Second World War.
This display received a special award from Brigg Town Council as part of that year's best-kept gardens and allotments competition. The presentations were made in the Angel Suite with Nancy receiving the certificate from Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall.
Brigg in Bloom, of which Nancy was a committee member, described her as a committed and passionate volunteer who touched the lives of many people.
Sarah Ryder, landlady of the Woolpack in the Market Place, paid tribute to Nancy online, saying she was a wonderful lady who did great work for charities "and helped me along the way" as she did many people.
Other local people who knew Nancy are posting tributes to her through social media.

PICTURED ABOVE: Nancy, left receiving the special award for the D-Day flowerbed from the Town Mayor and seen at the Britannia Inn, on Wrawby Street, where she helped to organise many events in support of Forces' charities. Below - Nancy (left) with other volunteers who assisted in creating the D-Day display.

 

 

BRIGG APPEAL ALLOWED BY GOVERNMENT-APPOINTED INSPECTOR

Brigg appeals lodged by people or businesses who are unhappy with North Lincolnshire Council decisions are relatively rare. 

However, one made last year has now been decided by an independent inspector appointed by the Government.
Our local planning authority refused to grant planning permission to erect a detached dwelling on land adjacent to 1 Bramble Way (on the edge of the Newlands estate).
The application was turned down in May 2020 by North Lincolnshire Council for the following reason: “By virtue of its scale and siting, the proposed development would result in the loss of an open and landscaped area in a prominent location on the entrance to the estate. The development would also result in an unduly prominent form of built development on a parcel of land which currently allows for a clear visual break between Almond Grove, Redcombe Lane and the entrance to Bramble Way. The proposal would therefore fail to preserve or enhance the open character of the area at this point and would therefore be contrary to policies DS1 and H5 of the North Lincolnshire Local Plan and policy CS5 of the Core Strategy."
The inspector appointed by the Secretary of State visited the site last month (January) and has now announced his/her decision to allow this appeal and grant permission for the property.
The inspector said: "The main issue is the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area."
The appeal decision report noted: "Although the proposal would be clearly visible from both Bramble Way and Almond Grove, I do not consider that this is in any way unacceptable or harmful. Existing houses on Bramble Way are visible from various locations, as indeed are those on Almond Grove and Redcombe Lane. The proposed dwelling would be consistent with the character, appearance, design and layout of the existing houses on Bramble Way, which is itself distinct from the design, character and appearance of housing on other earlier phases of development around the site."
The Inspector noted concerns raised by Brigg Town Council regarding the effect of flooding on the proposal but said "there is satisfactory technical evidence on this point."

SPECIAL FEATURE: BRIGG STREET WITH WINSTON CHURCHILL CONNECTION & VICTORIAN SURVIVORS

Tree-lined Wrawby Road today still offers an attractive welcome to Brigg for thousands of motorists entering the town on the A18, having retained a flavour of its Victorian appearance, with only gradual changes. 

The extensive avenue of tall trees on either side of the road has been a fine feature of the town since the 19th century.
The cemetery, established in 1857, was once run by the Wrawby & Brigg Joint Burial Board to serve both communities, and the distinctive Gothic-style Lodge near the entrance off Wrawby Road still provides residential accommodation with plans to extend it currently being under consideration by North Lincolnshire Council.
There were extensive allotment gardens adjoining still-rural Wrawby Road in the early 20th century, with farmland on the opposite side.
The 1920s and 1930s saw a number of detached and semi-detached properties built by private developers on various plots they acquired. Many front garden trees were planted to fit in with the street scene.
Meanwhile, Brigg Urban District Council created homes to rent on Woodbine Avenue, Central Square and East Parade with access from nearby Wrawby Road.
Brigg Girls' High School relocated in 1937 from the town centre to new premises constructed off Wrawby Road (still in use today as the Sir John Nelthorpe Lower School).
Wrawby Road's agricultural aspect finally ended when Brigg UDC bought Woodbine Farm to create the Recreation Ground. However, even after that opened in 1952, farming was not forgotten as the former farmhouse and adjoining outbuildings formed part of the sale - the groundsman living in the former and the latter being used as changing rooms by sports teams, then for storage by North Lincolnshire Council (including election ballot boxes).
The former farmhouse was demolished in the early 1970s but the outbuildings survived to see in the new millennium before being dismantled; the old bricks were carefully removed with a view to recycling them to repair old properties far and wide.
Post-war, further private housing was built beside and off Wrawby Road, including the cul-de-sac later named Nicolgate Lane (opposite the school). Adjoining Eastfield Road and Glanford Road also had bungalows and houses added at various times.
The southern stretch of Wrawby Road, ending at the Monument roundabout, features many buildings of note, including large detached residences which today host the Beldon House boutique bed & breakfast business and the Orchard Court care home.
Dr Robert Holme's former bungalow was recently granted planning permission to be converted into a new special needs school.
Catchwater Drain once ran off Wrawby Road for a considerable distance but was piped underground long ago. Further information about this will be very welcome.
Near Wrawby Road's junction with Glanford Road stand a couple of surviving single-storey buildings. A stonemason was once based here; today they are occupied by Joanna Leigh Couture and the Earth hairdressing salon.
Health Place, close to where Wrawby Road meets Wrawby Street, is an administrative centre for medical services. This was achieved by converting the former Glanford Hospital (closed in 1991) which had started as the Brigg Infirmary in 1915.
The fact that Wrawby Road is so busy with traffic prompted North Lincolnshire Council to establish one of its first dedicated cycle lanes here - dividing the footpath with markings; one half allocated to bikers and the other to pedestrians. This continues from Health Place as far as the last detached property before fields take over.
The Wrawby end also saw major housing development between the mid-1960s and the late 1970s - entry to the estate being established off Wrawby Road by way of a splayed entrance leading to Churchill Avenue and York Road.
The former was named after war-time Prime Minister Sir Winston following his death in 1965; while PM he made a hush-hush visit to Brigg in 1944.
Located between Brigg and Wrawby, St Helens is a striking detached residence reached by a long sloping drive. It stands on the top of the rise with open farmland behind and views of the Lincolnshire Wolds in the distance.
Mature horse chestnut trees at the bottom of this drive near the lodge were a magnet for conker-collecting Brigg children every autumn in decades past, as were others adjoining the cemetery's entrance. Picking up conkers at the latter involved less walking but its windfall was soon snapped up, pierceds and threaded with strings for playground contests at Glebe Road Primary.
Wrawby Road has had some well-known residents over the past 60 years, including local GPs Dr Ernie Bowler and Dr John Foxton (Mrs Foxton was a magistrate in Brigg) and teachers 'Woody' Watts (long-serving woodwork master at Brigg Grammar) and David Arical (PE at Glanford, Brigg Secondary and the Vale).

The bird's eye view  (above) showing part of the northern section of Wrawby Road was taken by Neil Stapleton. Below we see crowds in 1919 when the Monument war memorial was dedicated - having been funded by Harry Stamp, local businessman and councillor.

 

 

The wide entrance to Churchill Avenue, off Wrawby Road.

The entrance to Eastield Road.

The Orchard care home on the left.

The entrance to Glanford Road with Wrawby Road's only retail units on the left.

The entrance to Health Place - the former Glanford Hospital.

Nicolgate Lane was known for many years simply as "Off Wrawby Road."

The entry road (right) leading to the Recreation Ground and Brigg Town Football Club.

Sir John Nelthorpe Lower School viewed from Wrawby Road.

The sweeping drive leading to St Helens - the large house on the border between Brigg and Wrawby.

Looking towards Wrawby at the northern end of Wrawby Road.

 

 

FEBRUARY 2021 BRIGG FARMERS' MARKET CONFIRMED AS GOING AHEAD

North Lincolnshire Council, as the organiser, has confirmed that February's Brigg Farmers' Market will go ahead "for essential goods."
Coronavirus emergency Lockdown 3 is still in force but the monthly farmers' event will proceed on Saturday (February 27) and be accompanied by stalls forming the Saturday general market. Operating hours will be from 8am until mid-afternoon.
Shoppers need to comply with the social distancing guidelines, particularly when queueing and making purchases of cheese, bread, cakes and other produce.
Free parking will be available for market visitors arriving by car - a long-established concession from the North Lincolnshire authority.
The farmers' market, established more than 20 years ago, was suspended for a spell during Lockdown 1 last year. 

 

PICTURED: A farmers' market held last summer.

PLANS FOR BRIGG APARTMENTS & SCHOOL ACCESS TO BE CONSIDERED BY COUNCILLORS

 

Six pending Brigg planning or listed building applications will be considered by councillors during a meeting this week, including a scheme to create new dwellings and apartments on a site near the A18.
Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee will be discussing these proposals on Tuesday (February 23) and making its views known to the North Lincolnshire authority which will make final decisions in each case.
The applications are seeking:

• Planning permission to erect 2 dwellings, 2 two-storey apartments with new undercroft access, landscape parking; single-storey extension to retail shop with store and amended loading bay; demolition of redundant and abandoned yard building - 15 Bridge Street (Dean Wray Carpets & Vinyls).
• Planning permission to convert existing garage into living accommodation - Kei Vi Lyn, Grammar School Road.
• Planning permission to install a new disabled access to existing doors, including new ramp and steps - Upper School, Sir John Nelthorpe School, Grammar School Road.
• Listed building consent to install a new disabled access to existing doors, including new ramp and steps. Upper School, Sir John Nelthorpe School, Grammar School Road. This building is grade one listed.
• Vary condition of planning permission granted in 2019 to marginally increase the footprint of the extension, amend the roof to a hip design and to adjoin the existing roof line, and to revise the external window and door arrangements to all elevations - Abbey Village Care Home, Wrawby Street.
• Planning permission to install a dropped kerb - land adjacent to 26-27 Bigby Road.

Tuesday night's meeting will be held online, using the Zoom platform, starting at 6.45pm. Deputy Mayor Coun Brian Parker chairs Brigg's Planning & Environment Committee.

PICTURED: An artist's impression showing proposed changes at the front of Sir John Nelthorpe Upper School on Grammar School Road (image credit - North Lincolnshire Council), the Dean Wray Carpets & Vinyls premises on Bridge Street and Abbey Village Care Home off Wrawby Street.

PROVIDING BRIGG WITH A 'COTTAGE HOSPITAL' REMINDS US OF THE GLANFORD ERA

A comment made during a recent Brigg council meeting about the Riverside surgery's improvement programme prompts us to suggest that the wheel is turning full circle in terms of providing some local health services.
Coun Rob Waltham said this scheme was giving the community what he called a cottage hospital.
He successfully proposed that the Riverside development merited a civic award. Details here...
Brigg received its own hospital, the Infirmary off Wrawby Road, 106 years ago; it later became Glanford Hospital.
This offered surgery as well as many other health services, and scores of Brigg people were born there well into the 1960s on its maternity ward.
However, what amounted to a cottage hospital was downgraded and repurposed in the 1970s and 1980s as part of a process to centralise facilities in Scunthorpe.
Latterly, Glanford Hospital's roles included providing care for elderly people from Glanford, physiotherapy and renal services.
It officially closed in 1991 and was later converted to provide offices for health staff - still its role today.
A letter we received recently as a registered patient with Riverside surgery explained it would be providing some patient services previously offered at Scunthorpe General Hospital.
For people living in Brigg and district this greatly reduces travel time and the expense of attending routine appointments in the steel town.
On a small scale, it seems, centralisation is giving way to local provision... an example of the wheel turning full circle?

PICTURED: A recent view showing work continuing on the refurbishment project at the Riverside surgery in Brigg. Planning permission was granted for an extension to the existing premises to provide a minor a surgery theatre and office space. Two subsequent amendments to the scheme were also approved.

DETAILED BRIGG PLANS SUBMITTED TO CREATE 20 APARTMENTS ON VACANT LAND

Details plans have now been submitted for a new over-55s housing development in Brigg near the A18 - our town being a popular choice for property-buyers nearing, or already of, retirement age.
CLS Engineering has lodged an application for approval through a consultant/agent based in Louth.
North Lincolnshire Council planners are now considering the detailed scheme for vacant land near Bridge Street - outline permission having been previously granted.
Approval is now being sought for access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale on what is described as part of the former Falcon Cycles site.
The scheme involves the erection of a building containing 20 apartments, to be arranged in an U-shape, overlooking a private courtyard which will be landscaped with high quality planting to provide year-round interest and also to attract local wildlife. Seating will be provided in the courtyard for residents to enjoy this space.
A pedestrian link will be created from the building to Bridge Street via a landscaped area and controlled gate.
An area of parking will be located in the northern portion of the site and will be accessed through proposed residential development to the north (already approved for Keigar).
The building will be near the current vets' surgery (NOT forming part of this scheme) and within sight of the roundabout near the Aldi store, though not with direct road access to the A18 turning circle.
The units will be either 2 or 3 bedroom and will provide an open plan kitchen/living/dining space and bathroom.
Those on the ground floor will have private external areas for residents, with units at higher levels given large outdoor balconies.
A Design Document accompanying the application says: "The proposed redevelopment provides the opportunity to provide a new high quality building which will greatly enhance the street scene."
Brigg Town Council will be consulted about this application, with the North Lincolnshire authority making the final decision. The consultation period - now under way - will end on March 18.

PICTURED: Views of the site earmarked for the new building - taken yesterday (Saturday) from Bridge Street; and the former Corah garment-making factory offices facing Bridge Street seen in 2016 and since demolished. Corah made clothing here from the late 1940s until the mid-1970s. Note that it is proposed to landscape the area between Bridge Street and the proposed apartments which will be distanced from the southern perimeter of the development near the A18.

ULTRA-FAST BROADBAND: COMPANY TO MAKE BRIGG PRESENTATION... ONLINE

The Hull-based KCOM group will be making a presentation to Brigg councillors about its programme to deliver ultra-fast full-fibre broadband, known as Lightstream, in our area.
The company will do so during the Town Council's February meeting, to be held on Tuesday (February 23) starting at 7.15pm. The presentation follows KCOM writing to many Brigg households about its project.
Other items on the agenda for this month's meeting include Public Question Time and updates about Brigg In Bloom, allotments, East Park's Tin Tab shelter and Christmas lights 2020 and 2021.
There will also be a report about local matters of interest from the Brigg & Wolds Ward representatives serving on North Lincolnshire Council (Coun Rob Waltham and Couns Carl & Nigel Sherwood).
Anyone wishing to observe either of Tuesday night's meetings, or put forward questions, should email the Town Council enquiries@briggmarkettown.co.uk to request details. Arrangements can then be made to admit them to the session or sessions.
Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall chairs meetings of Brigg Town Council.

PICTURED: KCOM Lightstream. the Tin Tab shelter and town centre Christmas lights 2020.

NEW OWNERSHIP PENDING FOR HISTORIC BRIGG TOWN HOUSE

One of the most distinctive and historic town houses in Brigg has been sold (subject to contract).
The three-storey property, with sizeable annexe, at 3 Bridge Street was placed on the market through agents Newton Fallowell, of Wrawby Street, late last year.
Located just a stone's throw from the County Bridge and adjoining the former Nelthorpe Arms pub, the historic property is known to many local residents as the Merchant's House - reflecting a pass use/resident.
Next door to Barnards Butchers and within the Brigg Conservation Area, the town house is thought to date back to the mid-18th century. The agents call it a "significant home" - an apt description.
We wonder how many owners No 3 has had down the decades.

 

 

BRIGG AUCTION MARKET: COUNCIL 'EXCITED TO OPEN DISCUSSIONS' WITH NEW OPERATOR

Further efforts are being made to find a new tenant and operator who is prepared to reintroduce weekly auction markets in Brigg with North Lincolnshire Council saying it will be "excited to open discussions with prospective businesses as soon as possible." 

It is now approaching three years since the last deals were done on the site.
Through social media forum Invest in North Lincs and rightmove.co.uk the authority is highlighting the availability of the former auction building adjoining the railway station.
Invest in North Lincs - the council's economy and growth team helping businesses to locate or grow - posted details and a link online yesterday afternoon (Friday, February 19) to promote the opportunity available in Brigg.
The auction building is listed on the property rental market as "commercial development - Stennetts Market, Station Road."
Particulars state: "The market site has traditionally opened on Thursdays with a whole host of different goods including fresh produce, poultry and game and complementing the Thursday market which is held in the pedestrianised town centre.
"The market has a 100-year history, settling on many sites, the most recent being it's current Station Road site in 1998.
"This is a perfect opportunity for a new business to take over a vibrant market and auction house in Brigg. This site has an estimated footfall in excess of 500 people per week."
 

Those interested can contact North Lincolnshire Council, Church Square House, 30-40 High Street, Scunthorpe, DN15 6NL or call 01724 646010.
Although operated from several site sites in Brigg by Stennett's for decades, it was not the tenant when the Thursday auctions ceased in June 2019 - suddenly and unexpectedly.
 

Since then the council has been looking, without success, for someone else to reintroduce the auctions.
Stennett's operated on land off Manley Gardens for many years, later holding auctions on the old stockmarket site between Cary Lane and Barnard Avenue. But Tesco having acquired this land for its new store in the late 1990s, the Thursday auctions switched to land near the railway station.

Items bought and sold at these auctions have varied down the decades and included poultry, pigeons, rabbits, eggs, garden equipment, cycles and furniture.

ESSENTIAL ROADWORKS CONTINUE ON A18 IN BRIGG

These pictures show roadworks continuing on the A18 in Brigg yesterday (February 19), causing delays for some motorists.
The location is near the junction between Wrawby Road and East Parade, with three-way temporary traffic lights controlling traffic.
Workers on behalf of Cadent, the gas network company, started work on Thursday, and an entry on the national website which records major roadworks suggests this work in Brigg may continue until late evening on Wednesday, February 24. However, it could be completed before then.
A 'gas escape' prompted these roadworks - clearly essential task, given the circumstances.
Please note if you are a pedestrian, jogger or dog-exerciser that one of the footpaths adjoining the roadworks has been closed; we had to pick our way through vehicles that were queueing at a red light to cross Wrawby Road. So take care.
If you are approaching on foot from Churchill Avenue, use the crossing point/island near its junction with the A18.

 

 

JUST DANDY: 'POP' IN GLASS BOTTLES DELIVERED IN BRIGG JUST LIKE LAWS DID!

Brigg Blog recently heard on the grapevine about a company from Barton delivering soft drinks to our town in the traditional manner, using returnable glass bottles rather than the plastic varieties stocked by so many shops and other outlets today.
Then we spotted a social media post saying that Dandy's Treats https://www.dandystreats.co.uk would be delivering in Brigg at 7pm the other evening. Dandy's washes its glass bottles for further use, just as Brigg-based Laws did decades ago.
Back in the 1960s we recall a real highlight of the week came on Monday evenings when a lorry from the the town's  Laws (Lindsey Aerated Water Supply) factory near the riverside picked up our empty 'pop' bottles from the doorstep and dropped off a couple of full and fizzy replacements.
Green-minded Dandy's explains: "As a social objective we want to reduce the reliance on single use plastics." It offers 'Retro Fizzy Pop in Glass Bottles' (regular and diet varieties).
A glance through the flavours on offer confirmed that the timeless favourite Dandelion & Burdock is among many flavours available.
Pop from Dandy's costs £1.30p a bottle. Pay online at the time of ordering with your card online or pay cash or by card at your door when the drinks are delivered. Email info@dandystreats.co.uk
In the late 1960s you could still buy Brigg 'pop' made by White's - a family concern off Elwes Street. Among its outlets was the small shop at Brigg Recreation Ground, attached to the groundsman's house.
Decades later it was decided to name a new cul-de-sac housing development in this part of town The Bottlings - a fitting choice.

PICTURED: Some of the Dandy's Treats soft drinks, a 1960s advert from Laws after it teamed up with Davenports to offer drink-at-home beer deliveries to local households, and The Bottlings sign on Elwes Street, Brigg.