REPLACEMENT BRIGG BINS IN DEMAND

Brigg Blog makes no apology for endeavouring to put a positive slant on life in the town whenever possible.
So, with this in mind, were are pleased to report that an issue has been resolved - bins with lids being installed at the cemetery in which old flowers, litter and 'dog poo' bags can be deposited.
They have replaced smaller wire mesh versions considered unsuitable for the task.
Coun Penny Smith called for bigger and better bins last autumn, telling a Town Council meeting: "My concern is for the men who have to come along and empty these baskets."
That was a reference to deposited 'poo bags' being mixed up with old flowers and general litter inside the mesh baskets and having to be removed by hand.
A reply given at the same time suggested a fairly quick solution might be found.
This has taken some time to achieve, but bigger and more suitable bins are now in place.
However, when we visited the cemetery over the weekend and took the picture seen top left, the wheelie-bin near the side entrance/exit off Eastfield Road was full to overflowing and some dog-walkers had left full bags on the grass beneath as side waste rather than taking the contents home with them or finding another bin en route.
This will have been a temporary blip in collection, but we'll endeavour to find out the current emptying arrangements for the cemetery wheelie bins now provided for litter.

PICTURED: One of the new wheelie bins next to the previous wire mesh version, and the contents of one of the old bins (since removed).

SURVIVING REMINDERS OF BRIGG'S RICH BREWING HISTORY

 

Ahead of pubs and licensed clubs in Brigg being permitted to reopen from April 12 if they wish to offer a limited 'table service' outdoors, there will be a whole lotta barrel shaking going on in beer stores and cellars as supplies are delivered and licensees get ready to welcome back thirsty customers with the easing of lockdown restrictions by the Government.
Some licensed premises obtain drink supplies through the companies which own them, while others are what's known as free houses and can take their pick of what's available on the open market.
But despite the fact that historic hostelries survive in the town after several centuries, there's little else to remind people today of our licensed trade's rich history - other than at the eastern end of the town centre.
A fading sign on the corner of a cottage adjoining the Britannia Inn, overlooking East Park, recalls when this pub was owned and operated by the Hull Brewery Company during the last century (see picture above right). Nearby, but latterly converted to residential accommodation, is the former Sutton, Bean brewery tower - another reminded of Brigg's ale-making past.
This Victorian company not only made its own beer, it owned many pubs across northern Lincolnshire which stocked its range of ales - delivered by teams of horse-drawn drays (pictured here).
Also still standing nearby, on Queen Street, is the former off-licence beer shop (now being used by the Palm Studio).
When the Sutton, Bean brewery shut down in 1924, the company sold its portfolio of pubs to a range of larger rivals. Sutton, Bean also had the Queens Arms on Wrawby Street.
Sergeants followed a similar course later in the 20th century. Also a Victorian concern, it produced award-winning ales using water drawn from a Castlethorpe spring in a brewery overlooking the Old River Ancholme. Among the firm's hostelries was the nearby White Hart, on Bridge Street.
Sergeants also had many pubs, and was still building them in North Lincolnshire in the late 1950s/early 1960s.
However, its licensed premises portfolio later passed into other hands and the last ales were made at Brigg's riverside brewery in 1967 prior to closure, with demolition of the buildings taking place during the following decade.
The fully-licensed Angel Hotel (now North Lincolnshire's Council's community hub) had an off-licence - latterly known as the Angel Wine Shop - situated between the hotel entrance off the Market Place and the top of Exchange Place. This former 'offie' is now occupied by La Finca restaurant.
Beer was also brewed for some years late in the last century by Bob Nicholson after he and wife Sue acquired the Queens Arms 'free house' on Wrawby Street, subsequently converting it into a licensed restaurant. Bob established his own micro-brewery - restoring commercial beer-making to the town after a gap of three decades.
When the Yarborough Hunt (closed since the mid-1960s) was eventually re-opened on Bridge Street it became the 'tap' outlet for real ales brewed at nearby Melton Ross, using Lincolnshire spring water and other local ingredients. This continues under a different company.
The Lord Nelson, in the Market Place, is owned and operated by the Snaith-based Old Mill Brewery which supplies its own beers to the Brigg hostelry, while major national company Wetherspoon's stocks a fine range of real ales made by various UK companies of note at its White Horse outlet on Wrawby Street.
The locally-owned Dying Gladiator, on Bigby Street, is also a free house.

BRIGG BLOG WELCOMES PLAN FOR NEW ALL-WEATHER SPORTS PITCH

Brigg Blog is always delighted to report plans for new sports facilities in the area, and neighbouring Broughton is now in line for a welcome addition to be enjoyed by many people in the years to come, as long as official approval is forthcoming for the development.
Planning permission is now being sought for a 91m x 55m 3G all-weather football pitch with associated grassed area, car park and lighting, on land adjacent to Broughton's long-established sports field near Scawby Road.
The application has been submitted by the Broughton Community And Sports Association.
The pitch, to be floodlit and surrounded by protective metal fencing, is earmarked for what is currently agricultural land next to the sportsground.
The 'Muga' (multi-games area) will be used by all local sport groups throughout the year for practice sessions and sporting events, planners have been informed, and the floodlighting "will be strictly controlled by the Broughton Community & Sports Association Management Team."
This scheme involves creating a new entrance off Scawby Road, leading to a car park with space for 32 vehicles.
North Lincolnshire Council is now considering the application, and Broughton Town Council will be consulted as part of the planning process.

PICTURED: Some of the facilities already available at Broughton's playing field/recreation ground.

TWO LICENSED BRIGG VENUES CONFIRM WHEN THEY WILL BE REOPENING FOR OUTDOOR DRINKING

 

Some Brigg bars are now busy preparing their beer gardens in the countdown to licensed premises being permitted to reopen for outdoor 'table service' only as the Government removes one of its Coronavirus emergency lockdown restrictions.

Brigg & District Servicemen's Club, located in the town centre, will be reopening its beer garden, near Coney Court and Old Courts Road, from Tuesday, April 13.   

Brigg Town Football Club, which has a licensed bar at its Hawthorns ground, has  confirmed it will be reopening on the earliest date allowed and with additional outdoor seating being added.
The club says it is looking forward to seeing everyone back in what it calls the biggest beer garden in Brigg, from Monday, April 12.
"We’ve added more tables, plus don’t forget we still have the FREE play area for kids, as well as the giant bouncy castle," Brigg Town FC points out.
The Hawthorns has a beer garden adjoining the main entrance and also has bench seating on the adjoining grassy area which borders the pedestrian-only access to the ground along the 'ten-foot from Hawthorn Avenue.
The beer garden and children's play area are fairly recent additions and not everyone in Brigg will be aware these facilities are available courtesy of BTFC - defined as a community interest club.

 

 

TESCO SUBMITS 'RETROSPECTIVE APPLICATION' FOR BRIGG STORE ADDITIONS

Tesco is now seeking 'retrospective' permission for additions to its Brigg store off Barnard Avenue.
The retail giant has submitted an advertisement consent-type planning application to North Lincolnshire Council which is now under consideration.
This application relates to one LCD screen and three flag pole signs for the electric vehicle charging points introduced some months ago as a welcome service to customers. View details here...
The Brigg installation formed part of a Tesco 'roll out project' to benefit shoppers at various company stores across the UK.

THIS IS THE YEAR OF THE PARK IN BRIGG

This is the Chinese Year of the Ox... and for Brigg it's also the Year of the Park.
On East Park, near the Monument roundabout, the Tin Tab covered seating shelter is to be refurbished by the Town Council and is expected to be painted in 'heritage colours' considered more suitable for the conservation area than the current shade seen here.
The Davy Memorial playing field between Kings Avenue and Bigby Road is soon to receive additional equipment from the same authority - an outdoor, heavy duty table tennis table at the request of local youngsters. Although the exact location has yet to be decided, Brigg Blog suggests siting it where some protection from the wind is available - perhaps at the foot of the steep grassy bank leading up to the A1084 or close to the boundary fencing with properties on Kings Avenue.

Sizeable Woodbine Park - bordered by South View Avenue, Hawthorn Avenue and Preston Drive - will see new allotment plots established this year on north-western edge, to replace the existing 'grow you own produce' land on Grammar School Road which is earmarked for future development.
Holland Park near the railway station will continue to prove popular for walks and with nature lovers, while the Donkey Park between Atherton Way and Almond Grove will attract youngsters to use its range of play equipment.
Some restrictions have applied at times to parks and play areas since the Covid emergency began, but there are now more positive signs for the months ahead.

PICTURED: East Park and its Tin Tab shelter, the Davy Memorial field, Woodbine Park, the Donkey Park and Holland Park.

HISTORIC BRIGG GARAGE FEATURES IN PICTURES SENT TO US FROM THE STATES

Layne's was arguably the biggest garage in Brigg for much of the 20th century until its demise around 50 years ago.
It was located on Bigby Street, next to the Dying Gladiator pub and opposite St John's Church.
Workshops and other facilities behind the showroom occupied a sizeable site parallel to Elwes Street, which many of our more senior Brigg Blog followers will remember. 

The company's Bigby Street base was established in 1914 - town houses occupying the frontage today. Prior to this residential development, Brigg Snooker Club operated from the former Layne's building on Bigby Street for some years.
The company's founder, George Henry Layne, had started in the cycle business in 1887. Layne's later diversified into mechanised two-wheel transport with its Glanford range and sold and serviced vehicles, including Vauxhall cars and Bedford trucks . G. H. is seen below with an early Minerva-engined model.
Brigg Blog recently received an unexpected but very welcome email from America on behalf of a member of the Layne family - accompanied by a selection of archive photographs, a couple of which are seen here.
It told us that David Layne was happy to share them - his father, Walter 'Wally' Layne, being the youngest child of the garage owner.
David has written a great deal about Wally's war record.
Wally volunteered for aircrew duties just a day after Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain announced the start of hostilities in September 1939.
Flt Sgt Layne, a wireless operator on RAF bombers during the Second World War, served at some bases in Lincolnshire and elsewhere.
He eventually became a prisoner of the Germans, having been forced to bale out of his blazing plane following an attack by a night-fighter over France while taking part in a Mannheim raid in September 1943. He parachuted down into a forest and evaded capture for 10 days.
In one of his PoW letters home from Stalag Luft 6, he wrote in November 1943: "I have met a great number of old friends here; yesterday I met Harry Warton’s brother in law - he comes from Scunthorpe and has been here about eight months."
In further correspondence, Wally made references to letters sent to him from Brigg.
View the full contents of Wally's War here. It's well worth a look...

The family firm, G. H. Layne & Co Ltd, celebrated its Diamond Jubilee in 1947 by producing a souvenir booklet - 60 Years of Progress. George Frank Lane was managing director at the time, with Mr F. Parkinson as sales director and Mr N. F. Button the parts service manager. Its Brigg premises covered nearly 50,000 sq ft and employed 65 people.

Read more about the history of Layne's in Brigg, when it was a sizeable employer, here... 

 

INTENTION TO FELL TREE WITHIN THE BRIGG CONSERVATION AREA

Consent is being sought to remove a 30ft tall tree within the Brigg Conservation Area.
North Lincolnshire Council, as the local planning authority, has now received notice of intention to fell a False Acacia tree (also known as a Locust tree).
It is sited behind 3 Manor House Convent, Bigby Street, near the junction with St Clares Walk.
The council has been informed that the tree is close to a party garden wall shared with an adjoining property and is less than 16ft from the rear of a three-storey grade two listed building.

Planners are now considering the application from a Brigg resident who owns the tree. The Town Council will be consulted as part of the planning process.

PICTURED: A view from St Clares Walk across the rear gardens of 2 Manor House Convent (nearest the camera) and No 3 beyond. The Locust tree is on the right.

DOING THE SPADEWORK FOR NEW VAULT BAR IN BRIGG

North Lincolnshire Council has now announced the granting of planning permission for two varied and interesting schemes in Brigg which involve historic buildings.
The authority has given the green light for a new bar to be established in one case, and for improved access to be created at the other.
The granting of planning approval was expected as the authority recently revealed it had granted listed building consent for the former HSBC bank premises in the Market Place (grade two listed) and for part of Sir John Nelthorpe School on Grammar School Road (Brigg's only grade one structure).
The Vault Bar will be located on the ground floor of the ex-bank, following conversion. A rear car park is proposed with access from land to the rear of the Angel building.
Sir John Nelthorpe School is to receive a new ramp with metal railings to provide disabled access to the original part of the premises dating back to 1680.
This will be achieved by re-purposing what was known as the front door during the Brigg Grammar era (pre-1976). However, back then, only staff, visitors and very senior pupils were permitted to use it - the latter being given this as a perk for sixth form prefects!

An artist's impression - courtesy of North Lincolnshire Council - showing the intended new access to Sir John Nelthorpe Upper School. Approval has now been granted.

 

WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE BRIGG A CUT ABOVE

Agencies are working together on a new green initiative in Brigg as the warmer months of the year approach.
The partnership will involve Brigg Town Council, social landlord Ongo which owns many local properties and adjoining land, and possibly volunteers. 

The aim is to ensure that areas of open space near the town centre look neat, tidy and attractive.
Discussions were held during the council's latest monthly meeting, held online, with Scunthorpe-based Ongo invited to take part.

Councillors had previously agreed "to discuss with Ongo representatives the partnership working for flower beds and environmental management."
During the recent discussions, references were made to green areas near the Barnard Avenue bungalows close to the A18 which are cut periodically, while Coun Ann Eardley suggested flowers might be planted at the group dwellings on Horse Fair Paddock and Ancholme Gardens, off Elwes Street, to be admired by tenants.
Coun Nigel Sherwood wondered if it might be possible to involve Brigg in Bloom group volunteers in helping to maintain certain patches of land.
It became clear during the discussions that Ongo is keen to work with the council.
Coun Rob Waltham concluded the talks by suggesting that both parties should now arrange a site meeting, through the Town Clerk, to move things forward. This was agreed.
Judges from a well-known competition visit Brigg to rate the town's appearance, and in September 2019 (pre-Covid) we were very pleased to report that the town had done 'blooming well' by gaining a silver award. See details here...
Can Brigg aspire to the gold standard in future years?

PICTURED: Some of the Barnard Avenue bungalows, Horse Fair Paddock and Ancholme Gardens.

TWO CHANGES TO BRIGG BIN COLLECTIONS - DON'T MISS OUT!

Brigg households need to be aware of TWO changes so they don't miss out on bin collections either side of Easter 2021.
North Lincolnshire Council crews will be visiting properties across the town a day EARLIER this week.
The usual TUESDAY collection will instead take place TOMORROW (Monday, March 29).
Crews will be emptying brown bins containing garden waste and also burgundy bins filled with plastic and cardboard items for recycling.
The next main collection will take place in Brigg on Tuesday, April 6 when there will be a bonus for households.
With so many cardboard Easter egg containers about, the council will be carrying out an EXTRA burgundy bin collection, in addition to dealing with general waste wheelie bins, green recycling boxes for cans and glass, and blue boxes filled with paper.

NEW BRIGG LITTER BUSTERS GROUP VERY BUSY TIDYING THE TOWN - DAY BY DAY

The new Brigg Litter Busters community group is proving to be very active indeed in helping to tidy the town.
Since our recent post about the launch of Brigg Litter Busters, members have been working with Brigg in Bloom to complete the clearing of discarded items along Atherton Way, and will continue to tackle other areas of the town.
Spokesman Mike Creese now tells us: "It's early days for us yet, as we have only been in action for one week. However, people from the group have been out clearing litter every day since we started.
"We have been working with the Broughton Bloomin Wombles who have been a great support in helping us to launch Brigg Litter Busters. We have also had support offered to us by the local Rotary Club.
"Working collaboratively with other like-minded groups of people, local town & parish councils and county councils is proving to be a fantastic way of making a huge difference in the fight against litter, commercial waste and fly tipping, not just in our local towns and villages but in the surrounding countryside, too."
Mike says the Litter Busters are looking forward to supporting Brigg Town Council's litter picks and the Big Spring Clean event on Saturday, May 29 - "always, of course, taking into account the COVID restrictions in place at the time."

PICTURED: Mike Creese outlining the formation of Brigg Litter Busters to town councillors during their latest monthly meeting held online, typical discarded items in Brigg (some months ago), tidying up taking place and bags of rubbish after collection.

HOPES GROW THAT BRIGG GARDEN CENTRE WILL OFFER NEW JOBS

Hopes are growing that new jobs will be created at Brigg Garden Centre on the outskirts of the town.
West Lindsey District Council has now granted planning permission for the removal of existing buildings and structures and the erection of a two-storey office building and car parking area.
Information submitted to the council at the time this application was submitted suggested some increased employment at the site off Bigby High Road, Kettleby - 400 metres to the east of Brigg.
A subsequent assessment report prepared by planning staff found the scheme acceptable.
It said: "The proposal will have no appreciable additional effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside or uses and will not be detrimental to highway safety."

FIRST 'VIRTUAL DINNER' FOR FORMER BRIGG SCHOOL PUPILS ENJOYED

Former Brigg school pupils living locally, elsewhere in the UK and across the world had the opportunity to take part in an online event held instead of the usual March dinner hosted by the Briggensians' Association.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the traditional reunion, with meal and speeches, at Elsham Golf Club had to be cancelled. So a 'virtual' replacement was arranged earlier this week for former pupils and staff of Sir John Nelthorpe School, Brigg Grammar and Brigg Girls' High.
Association chairman Clive Thompson welcomed guests, Holly Mumby-Croft (now the MP for Scunthorpe) remembered her time as an SJN pupil and spoke about her role in Parliament, and current headteacher Rob Biglands delivered an update on current projects, including the creation of new access to the surviving 17th century grade one listed part of the school off Grammar School Road.
Sadly, Brigg Blog was unable to log in on the night as the virtual dinner clashed with two Brigg Town Council meetings being held at the time, and they went on longer than we expected.
However, we've since caught up by using a link to the video footage kindly supplied by Dave Brittain, the retired headteacher, on behalf of the Briggensians.
You can do likewise by clicking here...
Don't delay as this link via Google will only by active for a few more days.
David, who was on the teaching staff at Brigg Grammar from the early 1960s and then SJN from 1976, hopes that ex-pupils will enjoy the presentation. We can recommend following the link to the speeches.
Hopefully, things will be back to normal by March 2022 and the dinner can proceed in its traditional format. Such events have been held for decades at various venues.

PICTURED: Clive, Holly and Rob addressing Briggensians via the Zoom platform during the virtual dinner, together with pictures of the original part of the school which is to receive new access - listed building consent having been granted recently. View details here...

NEW FLAGS TO FLY IN BRIGG COULD BECOME A PERMANENT FEATURE OF THE TOWN CENTRE

Brigg will be very well placed to comply with a new directive apparently being flagged up to local authorities by the Government.
The powers-that-be are instructing their own ministries and also local councils to fly the Union (Jack) Flag EVERY DAY from public buildings, rather than the long-established practice of doing so only on designated days of the year or to mark special occasions. Media reports nationally suggest the policy is intended to signify the unity of the United Kingdom.
Weeks before this initiative very recently hit the headlines, Brigg Town Council agreed to erect some new local flagpoles (with flags) and quotes have now been received for this work.
The latest (March) meeting heard that North Lincolnshire Council would undertake the installation.
Likely buildings for flag-flying will be the Buttercross and the front of the Angel, both in the Market Place.
Our picture shows an earlier pole receiving its Union Jack on the Buttercross in 2012 to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
Brigg Police Station, on Barnard Avenue, already has a tall flagpole alongside the A18 (also pictured) but it is unclear whether the Government guidance' about 'civic buildings' applies to police stations.

North Lincolnshire Council is currently flying the union flag on a pole outside its Hewson House offices (pictured below yesterday - March 26).

600 PEOPLE ALREADY FINED FOR LITTER OFFENCES, BRIGG COUNCIL MEETING TOLD

The launch of a new group known as Brigg Litter Busters was reported during the Town Council's latest meeting, held earlier this week.
These volunteers have established a Facebook under that name - describing themselves as a friendly, informal group of local people who want to keep our streets, pathways, parks and surrounding country lanes clear of litter and general rubbish.
Spokesman Mike Creese joined Brigg Town Council's March meeting, revealing people of all ages are already involved; one is only three years old while other volunteers are in the 60+ age group.
A map is being drawn up to identify areas in need of attention and allocate people to deal with them.
Mike stressed the Brigg Litter Busters are keen to support and complement existing little-picking efforts.
Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall stressed the new group would be fully supported.
She said various groups were "doing their bit" and revealed that a Spring Clean litter pick was planned (full details to follow on Brigg Blog if you wish to volunteer).
Coun Rob Waltham said it was good to have groups involved, while other people preferred to contribute to the cause on an individual basis.
North Lincolnshire Council (of which he is the Leader) continued to issue fines to people caught dropping litter. More than 600 penalties of £150 had already been issued across North Lincolnshire. This was the only way to deal with the problem. No breakdown was available for the number of fines issued in Brigg.
Useful "intelligence" supplied to the council by the public could be fed to enforcement officers, he explained.
When it came to litter-dropping offences, fines were "the only way."
Coun Ann Eardley asked about the use of CCTV to try and identify the culprits. She also inquired about supplying the numberplates of vehicles being driven by some seen to have dropped litter in the town.
Coun Waltham and his Brigg & Wolds Ward colleagues on North Lincolnshire Council, Couns Carl and Nigel Sherwood, explained the regulations relating to surveillance. The unitary authority operates the district's CCTV control centre.
During November 2020's Town Council meeting, a clampdown on so-called 'litter louts' was revealed. This is a North Lincolnshire authority initiative.

PICTURED: Litter in Brigg at various times - later cleaned up.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR MARCH BRIGG FARMERS' MARKET THIS WEEKEND

 

The Brigg Farmers' Market for March 2021 will be held tomorrow (Saturday, March 27) in the town centre from 9am through to mid-afternoon. It will be accompanied by the Saturday general market.
The attendance for these monthly events, established more than 20 years ago, is always linked to the weather. 

Forecasts are suggesting cool and windy weather with the chance of showers to begin with, but brighter later.The temperature should rise to around 50F (10C).
Social distancing needs to be observed while looking at items on display and queueing to pay, and free car parking will be on offer to market shoppers.
Coun Rob Waltham told Brigg Town Council's latest meeting, held on Tuesday night, that this concession had been "protected" in North Lincolnshire Council's new budget for 2021/22.
The unitary authority organises and operates Brigg's weekly Thursday and Saturday markets as well as the monthly farmers' events.
Tomorrow's will be the last farmers' market to be held before some lockdown restrictions are lifted in April which should result in higher 'footfall' in Brigg town centre, depending on the weather, when next month's event comes along.

PICTURED: The sun shining down on some of the stalls which formed part of a previous (pre-Covid) Brigg Farmers' Market held in March.

BRIGG JOINS SOLEMN TRIBUTE TO COVID-19 VICTIMS

Brigg Town Council suspended its latest online meeting so councillors, staff and members of the public in attendance could observe the national one-minute's silence in memory of all the people who have died over the past year due to the Covid-19 virus.
Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall led the tribute at 8pm - midway through the 'virtual' meeting held on Tuesday, March 23 - one year since the start of the emergency and the initial lockdown period being introduced.
Later in the meeting, Coun Rob Waltham, the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, spoke about the opening of a new vaccination centre in Scunthorpe which will eventually be able to carry out 1,000 daily anti-Covid vaccinations.
This facility is available to people from our area, while medical staff continue to administer injections within Brigg.

PICTURED: The Town Mayor and a view of Brigg, with St John's Church on the right, courtesy of local man Neil Stapleton.

DECISION NOW MADE ON PLAN TO CONVERT PUB NEAR BRIGG INTO RESIDENTIAL DWELLING

Approval has now been given to turn a pub with a restaurant near Brigg into a dwelling.
Outline permission has also been granted to build three new properties on land behind the William IV hostelry on Scawby Road, Scawby Brook.
North Lincolnshire Council Planning Committee members visited the site before later approving a 'hybrid' application to convert the pub building and also permitting future development, in principal, behind the premises.
This meeting took place online yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, March 24).
The case put forward by the applicant for redevelopment was outlined to councillors prior to a vote being taken.
Economic factors were mentioned, together with the existence of alternative pubs in Brigg. What was planned - including "residentIal conversion" - would not have a detrimental impact on the hamlet, it was stated.
The committee voted unanimously to grant permission, in line with a recommendation from the council's planning staff.
The King William IV is known locally as 'The King Billy' and takes its name from the monarch who reigned prior to Queen Victoria taking over in 1837.
Scawby Brook had two pubs until relatively recent times until the Horse & Cart was demolished.

WORK CONTINUES TO INSTALL NEW STATION IN BRIGG

 

Brigg Town Council is now hoping that Anglian Water will agree to offer support for a new scheme to install a Water Refill Station within the town centre.
This will allow people needing to rehydrate to top up their bottles while they out and about - the aim being to encourage re-use rather than plastic containers being discarded and new ones purchased.
Coun Rob Waltham told the council's March meeting, held on Tuesday night, that prices "within budget" had been received, while an approach had been made to Anglian Water for possible help.
An installation/launch date for the Water Refill Station has yet to be agreed.
Coun Waltham went on to report "within budget" quotes for an outdoor table tennis table to be installed on the Davy Memorial Playing Field between Bigby Road and Kings Avenue, following a request from local youngsters (installation date to be confirmed).
Preparatory work also continues on a scheme to provide new flag poles and flags for the town centre, while new bench seating on Cadney Road is due to be installed early next month by the Town Council, for use by local people and visitors.

BRIGG HOUSEHOLD EXTENSIONS PLANNED

Householders in Brigg and district are keeping council planners busy with applications for building permission continuing to be submitted for consideration.

Two more domestic property extension are now planned in Brigg - and the Town Council has raised no objections to what's being proposed in these cases.
Approval is being sought to erect single-storey ground floor extensions to the front and rear of 9 St Helens Road, and also to erect two-storey side and rear extensions at 8 Grammar School Road (close to the A18).
Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee considered both schemes during its latest meeting, held on Tuesday night, and agreed to tell North Lincolnshire planners, who will make the final decisions, that it has no objections.
In Barnetby, planning permission is being sought for a single-storey rear extension at 2 Woodland View (to be decided by North Lincolnshire Council in due course).
In Scawby, consent has been granted to fell a poplar and two ash trees within the conservation area on land to the rear of 7-9 The Rookery.
A household extension can also be added to 57 Estate Avenue, Broughton.
West Lindsey District Council is now considering an application seeking approval to erect one dwelling on land to the west of The Brambles, Occupation Lane, North Kelsey.
West Lindsey planners have granted permission for a menage at Priory Fields, Howsham Road, Kettleby, near Brigg, and also for change of use from an agricultural building to a dwelling on land at Clixby Top Farm, Grasby Wold Lane, Grasby.

THREE WAYS BRIGG WILL REMEMBER NANCY TAGUE - WELL-KNOWN COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

Brigg is to remember well-known community volunteer Nancy Tague in three ways.
There will be a bench seat, an inscribed plaque and a tree planted in memory of Nancy who died recently, aged 63.
She worked hard for Forces' charities and was a key member of the Brigg In Bloom group providing flowers across the town.
During last night's monthly meeting of Brigg Town Council, Coun Rob Waltham outlined ways in which Nancy will be remembered by the community.
The suggested location for these tributes is near the raised flower bed at the eastern end of the pedestrian area, adjoining the A18.
Nancy was one of the helpers involved in creating a floral display here, including miniature landing craft, to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings on beaches in northern France in June 1944 towards the end of the Second World War.
Coun Waltham last night outlined Nancy's contribution to the community, saying she would be remembered as "a livewire" who worked tirelessly, including the tending of this particular flower bed.
Nancy is pictured below (extreme left) helping to prepare the D-Day display, with other volunteers, in June 2019. Above, she is pictured in the Angel Suite, receiving an award from Town Mayor Sharon Riggall for the completed war-time display which many people admired.

 

 

BRIGG FOOD BANK PLAN DISCUSSED WITHOUT DELAY

On the same day Brigg Food Bank's new storage unit planning application was made public, it was considered by Brigg Town Council.
Already in place and intended to house donated items before distribution to needy local people, the 45ft metal storage container requires planning permission.
The Town Council - consulted as part of the planning process - raised no objections when discussing the application last night (Tuesday, March 23) and will pass on its views to North Lincolnshire authority planners who will make the final decision in due course.
The location is near the FunForest children's adventure play centre on Europa Way within the Ancholme Business Park (accessed from Atherton Way).
The application is dated March 17 but some time elapsed before it was made public by North Lincolnshire Council through its online planning portal. The consultation period will end on April 12. 

 

 

FOOD HYGIENE: BRIGG PREMISES RATED BY COUNCIL

North Lincolnshire Council continues to carry out routine food hygiene inspections  across its district and recently rated premises in Brigg.

A grading scheme operates in conjunction with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and includes shops selling food, takeaways, cafes and pub/restaurants.
The maximum five stars have been awarded to Barnard Butchers, 5A Bridge Street - which has been graded 'Very Good' for food hygiene.
In the 'Scores on the Doors' scheme, premises are rated in three sections - food hygiene & safety, structural compliance and 'confidence in management'.
Ratings for four other food-related businesses in Brigg and district are expected to be announced by the FSA in the near future, following inspections undertaken by North Lincolnshire Council.

Neighbouring West Lindsey District Council also takes part in the same scheme.

BRIGG LIONS BEER FESTIVAL: MANY SUPPORTERS HOPE IT WILL RETURN

Brigg Beer Festival has been a mid-May highlight of the town's social scene since 1990 when the first was hosted by the District Lions Club in a temporarily reopened room at the Angel Hotel following its closure as a hostelry and prior to its conversion to office use by Glanford Borough Council.
There was no festival last year, following the arrival of the Coronavirus emergency. But with licensed premises being permitted to reopen for outdoor 'table service' from April 12, Brigg Blog thought we needed to run a check with the Lions about the possibility of a 2021 beer festival being staged this year.
The answer now received from the club - "for obvious reasons we haven't planned or discussed anything about the beer festival" - came as no surprise.
It's what many of us who have supported these enjoyable festivals down the decades expected to hear.
Venues have included John Reid Transport (off Atherton Way), the Nelthorpe Arms Barn (behind the pub, since closed, on Bridge Street) and Brigg & District Servicemen's Club.
The only place we could think of which might have proved suitable for a 2021 festival was Brigg Town Football Club's Hawthorns, with its outside beer garden and adjoining bench seating on the edge of the adjoining children's play area.
But with drinks having to be drawn from barrels at a temporary bar and then taken to the tables, this would have required many more volunteer staff being on duty.
Having to drink outdoors, probably in chilly conditions during the evening sessions, would have put some regulars off attending.
Scores of people in the Brigg area are hoping that the Lions will feel able to reintroduce their popular festival in 2022.

PICTURED: Happy memories of Brigg Beer Festivals held at John Reid Transport, the Nelthorpe Arms Barn and (latterly) Brigg & District Servicemen's Club.

KCOM STARTING WORK TO OFFER BRIGG 'SOME OF THE FASTEST BROADBAND SPEEDS IN THE COUNTRY'

Communications company KCOM is now starting work to offer Brigg broadband users "some of the fastest speeds in the country" when it comes to accessing the worldwide web.
The Hull-based firm has established a major project to lay cables and connect homes in the town to its "real fibre broadband service."
It has apologised in advance to people for any "temporary disturbance" they may encounter, as indicated by the sign above photographed on Mill Lane over the weekend. Work is due to start on this street off the A18 today (Tuesday, March 23).
Some weeks ago the company wrote to many householders across Brigg to inform them of its plans, pledging to restore streets to a high standard following the fibre installation.
Company representatives went on to outline details of their scheme to local representatives during Brigg Town Council's February meeting.
Since then many local households have received a further letter from KCOM setting out its charges to connect people to the new service.

SATURDAY BRIGG CHORES 'STICK' IN THE MEMORY

Following Brigg Blog's recent post about the Saturday morning chores that youngsters in the town used to be assigned by senior members of the family, we found this picture in our archive - dating back to the era when scores of local council houses still had coal fires.
It was taken in February 1973 - the year before central heating was installed in many homes by the Brigg Urban authority - and features 'yours truly' on the right, alongside our good friend Dean 'Chip' Nutbrown.
Before we could set off for Saturday morning football kickabouts on the grassy area near South View Avenue, chores had to be completed. The axe we are holding was employed to chop sticks for fire-lighting.
Logs were bought in bulk by a householder who lived on our estate and sold on to local households. Some full bags can be seen in the Fisher family's cart on the left of the picture, taken on Central Square. Some logs went on fires; others were chopped up for kindling. Fire-lighters also needed to be folded from old newspapers.
Coal - brought from collieries in railway wagons to sidings near the station - was delivered by Joe Brocklesby's lorry and stored in a bunker - metal scuttles then being filled and taken indoors.
By the early 1970s, many Brigg council houses had the benefit of a gas point near the living room's coal fire into which a gas poker could be plugged to make ignition much easier.
Demand for logs, coal and fire-lighters fell through the floor when Brigg UDC modernised its more elderly council properties, just prior to the authority being wound up by local government reorganisation.
This might be seen as a parting gift from a council which had served the town well since the 1890s.
Newly-created Glanford Borough Council took over the entire council house stock in 1974.
Dean Nutbrown, whose family lived on Poplar Drive half-a-century ago, went on to become a football goalkeeper with local clubs and also played cricket for Brigg Town and then Broughton.
Despite this picture being taken in the depth of winter, family washing is on the line. We had an ancient drying machine, made by the famous Cotto company in Scunthorpe, but its capacity was limited. Perhaps it had finally packed up by February 1973. Although electrically operated dryers are a family 'must' today, not many council tenants had them in the 1960s and 1970s. Cotto appliances were built to last but our dryer was rudimentary. Wet washing was hung over wooden poles which slotted into the top. Can anyone else in Brigg today remember having to carry out this rather laborious task?
Brigg UDC's idea of central heating was basic, There was no time clock; households still woke up in winter to a cold property; the first person out of bed had to go downstairs and flick a switch to start the back boiler to warm the radiators. But compared to the work needed to light coal fires, no-one seemed to mind.

DIVERSION SIGNS IN BRIGG AS 103-DAY ROAD CLOSURE ABOUT TO START

 

 

A significant and lengthy road closure near Brigg will take effect from today (Monday, March 22), drivers should note.
Diversion signs will be displayed near the town's Monument roundabout and elsewhere, relating to the temporary closure of the A1084 near Kettleby and Bigby between March 22 and July 4 while Lincolnshire County Council undertakes extensive resurfacing work along the well-used and historic route towards Caistor (originally forming part of a turnpike pay-to-use route).
The A1084 will be closed 'AT KETTLEBY' meaning that traffic can still travel from the Monument roundabout along Bigby Road and Bigby High Road in Brigg - this stretch of the A1084 being North Lincolnshire Council's responsibility.
Well-known national company Balfour Beatty will be carrying out the work in Lincolnshire which will mean delays and longer journeys for diverted drivers looking to get between Brigg and Caistor.
Lincolnshire Highways say this project will take 103 days to complete on its section of the A1084 involving Lincolnshire's part of Bigby High Road beyond the local authority boundary, Bigby Hill, Brigg Road in Bigby, and Caistor.
An A1084 road closure will be in place from north of Caistor through to the junction with the B1434 at Kettleby (not far from the railway bridge).
Drivers wishing to travel between Brigg and Caistor over the coming weeks will be diverted at the junction in Kettleby and sent via Howsham, Moortown and then north-east to Caistor.

 

This is explained in a helpful map supplied to us by Lincolnshire County Council. The stretches of road affected by the road closure are marked in BLACK, while the diversionary route is in GREEN.
The Lincolnshire authority has also supplied an alternative, diversionary route to avoid the roadworks, which is from Brigg through Wrawby, Melton Ross, Kirmington and Keelby along the A18 as far as Laceby Crossroads, then down the A46 to Caistor. This is more suitable for heavy vehicles, we suggest.
View full details of the Lincolnshire County Council's A1084 resfurfacing project here...
North Lincolnshire Council is carrying out roadworks on Bigby High Road until April 16 with temporary two-way traffic controls in place.

 
PICTURED AT THE TOP: Diversion signs positioned in Brigg yesterday (Sunday) ahead of being turned round to face the traffic once the roadworks at Kettleby begin. They will be directing traffic at the Monument roundabout where the A18 meets the A1084.

 

 

IRONIC HUMOUR FROM BRIGG PUB & RESTAURANT AHEAD OF PARTIAL REOPENING

The pub & restaurant in Brigg which regularly attracts more customers (in normal times) than any in the town centre has employed some humour to herald its partial reopening next month.
Owned and operated by the national Wetherspoon company, the White Horse, on Wrawby Street, is now displaying signs to confirm to customers that it will be back in business from April 12 when the Government is offering UK licensed premises the option to reopen after the latest Coronavirus emergency lockdown, but only for outdoor 'table service'.
The White Horse, which has a sizeable south-facing beer garden, says on the signs that "come rain or shine" it will reopen on the 12th - a Monday - and confirms its area at the back WILL be open.
It then adds a humorous comment: "Bring your own blanket, brolly or sunscreen."
The signs look like they were made for use at many hostelries in the UK..
As April usually sees many cold, wet and windy days, having to sit outside might not be seen by some local pub-goers as a particularly generous relaxation of restrictions by the Government.
However, in the summer, if there's no 'spike' in virus cases across the UK, full reopening by licensed premises is expected to be sanctioned and things will get back to normal.

All Brigg's pubs and licensed social clubs have beer gardens of various shapes and sizes, but reopening on April 12 is not mandatory; it's an opportunity being offered.

PICTURED: Wetherspoon's White Horse beer garden basking in some March sunshine yesterday (Sunday, March 21) while under enforced closure, and one of the signs on the front of the premises giving details of the reopening on April 12.

 

 

VETERANS' REUNION GAMES COULD HELP MARK BRIGG RECREATION GROUND'S 70TH ANNIVERSARY

Following on from Brigg Blog's recent post about tennis, football and cricket resuming at the town's Recreation ground in April and early May, we have now received information about hockey which is also played at North Lincolnshire Council's sports ground off Wrawby Road, using the floodlit all-weather 'Blue Astro' pitch.
With the end of the season drawing near, the Yorkshire and North leagues in which Brigg Hockey Club competes have both decided there is insufficient time to complete the 2020/21 campaign, which has now been classed as null and void.
The Brigg club is now seeking to gauge interest from its players and may put on a couple of inter-club/local friendlies if the membership requests such fixtures. If so, we expect these to take place in April.
Another recent Brigg Blog post relating to the Rec reaching its 70th anniversary in 2022 generated interest, particularly among former sportsmen and sportswomen, some now retired from playing for Brigg clubs.
This prompts us to suggest that the hockey, cricket, tennis and football clubs might consider organising 70th anniversary friendly matches involving interested players of the past who still feel able to take part.
An alternative would be to repeat what the then Brigg Men's Hockey Club did at the Rec for its 70th anniversary in 1990. All four teams nominated their 'favourite opponents' and invited them to Brigg to play celebratory friendlies (on grass pitches) which were followed by refreshments.
The former Men's, Ladies' & Colts' clubs in Brigg have since combined into one - a very sensible move which has brought benefits for a sport which continues to thrive at club level in the town after more than 100 years.
At the end of each season, in late April, the men's hockey club used to hold end-of-season Friday night inter-club friendly games at the Rec, following which the players - suitably 'booted and suited' - would head for the town centre's Angel Hotel to enjoy the annual club dinner in the ballroom (today's Angel Suite). These functions continued at the Angel until the late 1980s when it closed.

Briggensians' Football Club, which uses the Rec for home league games, is also well-established - having played at Sir John Nelthorpe School for many seasons. 

Brigg Town Cricket Club uses Brigg Rec for home games between May and late August (sometimes early September) having played its first season on this ground in 1974.

PICTURED: North Lincolnshire Council's Recreation Ground showing the all-weather hockey facility, grass football pitches with the spring/summer cricket area on the right, and the new changing room block (image by Neil Stapleton).

NEW VAULT COCKTAIL BAR PLANNED FOR BRIGG TOWN CENTRE ESTABLISHES A PRESENCE

A Facebook page called The Vault Brigg - categorised as a cocktail bar restaurant - was created on Friday (March 19) and this online presence is now gaining followers, one of whom suggests it will be nice to have "a classier place."

This page features a picture of the frontage of former HSBC bank premises in the Market Place for which listed building consent has now been granted by North Lincolnshire Council.
The local authority has yet to make public its decision on an accompanying planning application for the same building and today (Sunday) this application's status remains 'not yet determined' as it has since last October.
However, Brigg Blog expects the local authority's planning decision to be announced shortly.
Revealing the granting of listed building consent (dated March 18) for 27 Market Place, the council has agreed to change of use of the ground floor to a licenced bar and conversion of the upper floors to two apartments and offices, including associated alterations.
A condition states: "The works must be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this consent."
A detailed delegated assessment of the application by council planners concluded: "The proposal represents a sustainable adaptive reuse of the listed building and the minimal physical works are considered acceptable."
The prominent former bank building is grade two listed and within the Brigg Conservation Area.

PICTURED: The former HSBC bank premises after they changed hands, with the 'Sold' sign evident in the Market Place.

CURRENT BRIGG TOWN SEASON NOW OVER BUT THE BEER GARDEN IS READY AND WAITING

Brigg Town Football Club's season is now officially over, although games were due to continue into May.
The Zebras had not played a first team match since Boxing Day in ToolStation Northern Counties East Division One - the programme being suspended shortly afterwards due to the Coronavirus emergency lockdown.
The league agreed some weeks ago to cancel the remainder of the 2020/21 campaign, but that decision needed ratifying by the Football Association at national level. An FA ruling confirming this course of action has now been announced.
Read more details about the curtailment here...
However, unlike last season when NCEL games were declared null and void, all results will stand for 2020/21 which means Brigg have finished sixth in their section, having taken 20 points from 11 games. All teams were due to play 38 fixtures.
Looking ahead, the club and its playing staff, management and supporters will be hoping for a prompt start to the 2021/22 season with no Covid-related interruptions.
Meanwhile, along with other licensed premises, Brigg Town FC has the option to reopen its Hawthorns bar to serve drinks for consumption in the adjoining beer garden and outdoor seating area (pictured above) from April 12, in line with a relaxation of restrictions on pubs and clubs by the Government.

CENSUS 2021 TODAY: £1,000 FINE COULD APPLY IF BRIGG HOUSEHOLDS FAIL TO COMPLY

A fine of up to £1,000 can be imposed, by law, if any Brigg households fail to complete their census form.
Today (March 21) is UK Census Day 2021, but advances in online technology means that many people have already accessed the web by mobile phone, tablet or PC and supplied the information required.
If you've yet to do so, make sure you comply TODAY.
People WITHOUT online access have been required to ring a helpline number to request a paper version in the post.
Census staff sent letters to EVERY household, some weeks ago, giving their unique reference number, which is required to complete the procedure.
If you've lost yours or haven't received a letter, worry not. Visit https://census.gov.uk/ and click on the blue box marked Don't have a code? This allows you to request a new access number.
A census has been held every 10 years since 1801 (except for 1941) and the information gathered helps when it comes to providing local services where they are most needed (based on population). In due course, official 2021 population totals will be revealed for Brigg, Broughton and all local villages.
We can recall pen-in-hand reporting duties at Brigg Magistrates' Court, on Wrawby Street, where a local householder appeared in relation to the 1981 census.
Ten years ago, several hundred people across the UK were fined an average of £200+ for census-related offences.

CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY: A FULL YEAR SINCE BRIGG PUBS FIRST SHUT BY ORDER

Tomorrow (March 21) it will be exactly one year since the Coronvirus emergency caused Brigg pubs and sit-down eateries to remain closed to customers - on strict orders from the Government.
We noted that many Brigg people who were used to being out and about instead spent "an unusual weekend at home" being unable to enjoy a restaurant meal or visit local bars due to the blanket UK closure implemented from midnight on Friday, March 20 in an effort to stem the spread of Covid-19.
"Those of us used to venturing out to socialise were confined to barracks, to use a forces' term, on Saturday and Sunday," Brigg Blog reflected the following Monday in a post headed Weekend Reflections as Brigg pubs & restaurants are ordered to close.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's shutdown announcement came on a Friday afternoon, not giving licensees and restaurateurs much notice, although they sensed it was coming.
In terms of bars, Brigg saw a staggered closure on the evening of March 20 - the Britannia, Yarborough Hunt, Black Bull and Wetherspoon's bolting their doors before the Dying Gladiator, the Woolpack, the Lord Nelson and the Exchange. The closure order took effect at midnight.
We added a year ago: "There's no indication how long the ban on pubs and restaurants will last; this will be dictated by the virus and the effectiveness of the measures put in place to halt its spread."
We hoped the Government would be able to lift the restrictions before May 8, 2020 when major celebrations were planned in Brigg to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day - the end of the Second World War in Europe. However, restrictions remained in place.
"Takeaways are being allowed to trade as normal, and some of our sit-down restaurants and eateries already offer this service," we noted last March. "Others can now opt to follow suit with 'change of use' planning regulations being waived during the current emergency. Please do your best to favour Brigg businesses with your custom during what is going to be a tough time."
Over the past year we've had a couple of periods during which bars have been permitted to open on a limited basis, as long as they recorded customers' names, provided hand sanitisers, spaced seating, ensured social distancing and brought orders to the table to avoid queues for service at the bar.
The latest lockdown affecting licensed premises is set to be relaxed from April 12, but only for outdoor 'table service'. Hopefully it won't be too long before normal (full) service can be resumed.

PICTURED: Wetherspoon's White Horse pub in Brigg town centre on the evening of Friday, March 20, 2020 just after it closed to comply with the Government's directive.