COUNCIL CANCELLATIONS

Due to there being no business to transact, the scheduled meeting of Brigg Town Council's Planning and Environment Committee on Wednesday, April 6, in the Angel Suite, has been cancelled.
Also cancelled is the planned meeting of the Property and Services Committee on Wednesday, April 13 (for the same reason).
The next meeting of the Property and Services Committee will now be held on Wednesday, May 4, in the Angel Suite, at 7.30pm.

WORTHWHILE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNGSTERS

Brigg, Broughton and Barnetby have been organising their own sessions offering worthwhile activities for young people to enjoy in recent years, under the 3Bs Project.
In addition, North Lincolnshire Council now tells Brigg Blog that more than 1,200 children and young people have taken part in Street Sport sessions across the district in the past 12 months.
Free sporting activities aimed at eight to 18-year-olds are organised by the Street Sport team every night from Mondays to Fridays.
They offer everything from football and rounders to cricket and volleyball and there is also a mobile skate park for BMX and skateboard fans.
All the sessions take place in parks and public spaces around North Lincolnshire.
Street Sport encourages children and young people to get active and get involved in sport.
The guiding principle behind it is to give youngsters what they want, when they want it and where they want it.
North Lincolnshire Council set up the scheme in November 2006 with funding from Sport England via the Humber Sports Partnership.
It also has support from Humberside Police and town and parish councils (names not revealed).
This partnership approach has helped reduce anti-social behaviour in the areas where Street Sport activities are held.
A further aim of the project is to help young people build their confidence, develop leadership skills and give something back to their community.
Some of those taking part have since become volunteers who help lead sessions in the areas where they live.
Tom Coburn, head of sports facilities at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Street Sport is a huge success story for North Lincolnshire and has grown and grown in popularity since it started in 2006.
“We’re hoping to expand the scheme this year and see even more people get involved.
“Youngsters taking part have told us they think it’s fun, it gives them an interest in different types of sport, they get to spend time with their friends and meet new people.
“Sport is a tremendous discipline and helps people develop new skills, grow in confidence and keep active.”
Sgt James Main, from Humberside Police, said: “Anti Social Behaviour among young people has been reducing on a year to year basis for the last three years.
“Whilst it is impossible to attribute one direct project to the reductions it is without a doubt the combined efforts of the partnership agencies and projects like Street Sports that play an intricate part of this reduction.”
Chris Warkup, from Humber Sports Partnership, said: “The Humber Sports Partnership has created a video together with Rhys and Isabel Goodley, two Future Jobs Fund Street Sport assistants, to help promote the initiative and it was impressive to see the range of activities and numbers of people attending these sessions across the region."
Street Sport actively encourages equality and diversity and helps bridge gaps by providing opportunities for all. If anyone wants to take part or find out more, please call 01724 297270.

TOILET CLOSURE FEARS

Fears that North Lincolnshire Council may close all the public conveniences it owns and operates across the district as an economy measure from the financial year 2012/13 were voiced at a meeting in Brigg’s Angel Suite.
Coun Carl Sherwood revealed his concerns as town councillors on the Property and Services Committee were deciding whether to renew their annual agreement over the public toilets in Cary Lane, Brigg.
The WCs near the bus stop are owned by North Lincolnshire Council, which opens them for use during daylight hours, Monday to Saturday.
However, Brigg Town Council pays an annual sum to the unitary authority to ensure these conveniences are also opened, and cleaned, on Sundays and bank holidays.
North Lincolnshire Council quoted £633.36p to renew the contact for a further year, £646.24 for a fixed three-year period and £659.12p if town councillors decided to opt for a five-year deal.
It was decided to take the one-year option – there being some uncertainty over whether North Lincolnshire Council would be operating the Cary Lane toilets three or five years from now.
Stressing the need to have the toilets opened on Sundays and bank holidays, Coun Jackie Brock pointed out their close proximity to the bus stop and the number of tour coaches picking up passengers in Brigg.
Coun Mike Campion said the closure of council-owned toilets was taking place all over Britain. If it happened in Brigg he did not see it making a great deal of difference. People could use the facilities at the nearby Tesco store.
Coun Sherwood replied that some parish councils in the UK concerned about public conveniences were responding by “buying them back” from larger authorities.
In the days of Brigg Urban District Council (up to 1974), Brigg operated its own public conveniences. However, they passed into the ownership of Glanford Borough Council (up to 1996) and then to North Lincolnshire Council.
The Town Council is renewing its agreement with North Lincolnshire Council for grass cutting at the allotment sites in Atherton Way/Redcombe Lane and Grammar School Road.
This will be for a further five years - at £96 per annum.






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3Bs MEETING

The next meeting of the 3Bs Youth Project will be held on Wednesday, May 4 in Brigg’s Angel Suite (6pm).

NOSTALGIA FOR THE OVER-50S

A nostalgia afternoon with Terry Richards will be staged by the Over-50s Club at St John’s Church Hall, Bigby Street, Brigg, on Thursday, April 21 (1pm). Call 01652 654867 for further details.

AUTUMN BASH TALKS ANNOUNCED

Brigg Amateur Social Historians (BASH) holds monthly meetings at Brigg and District Servicemen’s Club (pictured). They start at 8pm. Admission free – all welcome.
BASH events now confirmed for later in the year (make a date in your diary) include:
Tuesday, September 6: The History of Hibaldstow School. An illustrated talk by Lesley Williamson.
Tuesday, October 4: The Life and Times of Queen Mary 1876-1953. An illustrated talk by Marilyn Roberts. Queen Mary, Consort of King George V, whom he called his “Darling May”, was the mother of Edward VIII and his brother George VI and grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II.
Tuesday, November 1: Joseph (John) Merrick “The Elephant Man”. An illustrated talk by James Darby. A true and accurate account of the life of this tragic man. It dispels many myths surrounding his life and times and utilises first hand accounts of the man himself and the people who knew him.
Tuesday, December 6: A Journey Around Brigg 100 Years Ago. An illustrated talk by Pat Parkinson and Josie Webb. Old photographs showing how Brigg looked in the early part of the 20th century and its many changes.






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CRAFT EVENT THIS MORNING

Watercolour Painting will be the theme of the Happy Crafters session today (Tuesday, March 29) at Brigg Resource Centre, Horstead Avenue, from 10am-noon.

PLAN IS TO CONSULT THE PUBLIC

An attempt to find councillors to fill two vacancies on the Brigg Community-Led Plan Committee failed. None came forward when another request for volunteers was made by Town Mayor Coun Ben Nobbs at a Brigg Town Council meeting.
That disappointed Coun Tom Glossop (pictured), chairman of the Brigg Community-Led Plan Committee, who said members of the group were now starting to go out and talk to local organisations about the aims of the scheme.
“We need the bodies to carry that through,” he added, pointing our three resignations had been received in the period since the Plan’s launch.
Councillors and members of the public serve on the committee and are working to produce a ‘wish list’ document outlining issues Brigg residents want tackling and developments they would like to see undertaken.
The Plan has a website offering further information, which can be accessed by clicking on this helpful link...
BRIGG CONSULTS






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PUBLIC MEETING TOMORROW

Brigg Town Council holds its monthly meeting tomorrow (Monday) in the Angel Suite (6.45pm).
It will be followed at 7.30pm by the Annual Town Meeting, when townsfolk are welcome to go along and raise issues of interest to them or to put questions to councillors.
During the Town Council meeting, consideration will be given to a motion from Coun Ann Eardley, which states: “The Town Council should register strong opposition to the proposed relocation of the Brigg Tourist Information Service to Scunthorpe.”

CAUGHT ON KEN'S CANDID CAMERA

One recent Thursday lunchtime, Ken Harrison spotted a photographer he found to be working for North Lincolnshire Council tourist and marketing, taking pictures to promote the council-run market. Ken says it was a little ironic he was taking photographs of a market stall near Brigg's award-winning Tourist Information Centre, which North Lincolnshire Council wants to move elsewhere.
Good to see the council promoting the general market, where the stallholders would welcome additional visitors. The monthly farmers' market deservedly gets a great deal of publicity, but let's not forget the Thursday and Saturday general markets (charter granted 1205).








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PLEASE HELP WITH BIG BRIGG SPRING CLEAN

The Big Brigg Spring Clean will be undertaken on Saturday, May 21.
Can you help?
The Town Council was delighted with the response from businesses, voluntary organisations, and residents last year, and is hoping for an even bigger response in 2011.
The date chosen will once again ensure that the Town is clean and tidy ready for any visitors coming to Brigg for the Adventure Challenge; it is hoped that everyone will then play their part in keeping it clean and tidy throughout the summer months.
This project is one aspect of the ongoing joint initiative by Brigg Town Council, North Lincolnshire Council and the Environment Agency to improve the river and riverside, in order to generate increased use of the river and encourage visitors to the Town.
IF YOU ARE WILLING TO SPARE A FEW HOURS BETWEEN 10AM – 4PM, PLEASE DO VOLUNTEER
Telephone Brigg Town Council on 01652 659402 or e.mail enquiries@briggmarkettown.co.uk

Our picture, taken last spring, shows Brigg Blog's good friend Ken Harrison in the bushes, looking for litter, while Couns Ben Nobbs and Jane Kitching get busy bagging up rubbish.






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ANGEL SUITE HOSTS CIVIC DINNER

Brigg Town Mayor Ben Nobbs and Mayoress Barbara Morris (left) chat to the Town Mayor's Chaplain The Rev Enid Knowles and David Knowles at the Brigg Civic Dinner attended by over 70 guests in the Angel Suite. Picture courtesy Peter Thompson.

Brigg Civic Dinner was a big night for Venesasa McErlain-Naylor (centre left) who was presented with the Joseph J Magrath Award for Community Service in Brigg by Town Mayor Ben Nobbs. Left is Brigg Mayoress Barbara Morris and right Mark McErlain-Naylor. Mrs McErlain-Naylor was honoured for her leadership at Brigg Netball Club which has earned national acclaim. Picture courtesy Peter Thompson.

The Angel Suite being prepared for the function on Saturday evening. This facility is available for hire for a range of functions and events through Brigg Town Council. Email enquiries@briggmarkettown.co.uk or call in at the Town Council office in the Angel Suite on Monday or Thursday morning, 9am-noon.



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SATURDAY SEES FARMERS' MARKET

The monthly Brigg Farmers’ Market will be held in the Market Place this coming Saturday, March 26, from 9am to 3pm.
Winner of the Rural Farmers’ Market of the Year Trophy for 2009, it attracts hundreds of visitors each month and has been drawing the crowds for more than a decade.
North Lincolnshire Council says: “The certified market offers mouth-watering sights and sounds that are a magnet for all food lovers, with everything from smoked salmon, venison and a range of cheeses to organic vegetables, breads and cakes. Visit the market and meet the friendly, award-winning producers to discuss recipe ideas.”
For further details call Brigg Tourist Information Centre, the Buttercross, Brigg Market Place, tel 01652 657053 or nlincs






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NEW BIN'S LOCATION QUESTIONED

Some concern has been expressed about whether our latest litter bin is in the best possible spot to help keep Brigg tidy.
Responding to the amount of rubbish being dropped at the top of Atherton Way, near the incline leading to Almond Grove and Birch Avenue, Brigg Town Council decided a bin might be the answer.
The established policy is for North Lincolnshire Council to carry out the installation of bins - at the Town Council’s expense. However, the positioning of the bin is not where some think it should be.
The Town Council’s Property and Services Committee heard concern from Coun Mel Oades, who described the bin in its current location as “a waste of time.” Noting it was behind a hedge, he suggested it should be nearer to the footpath, close to the bungalows.
“I thought it was going on the other side, where people walk,” he explained.
However, Coun Jackie Brock did not think they had specified an actual location to North Lincolnshire Council.
Coun Mike Campion, chairing the meeting in the Angel Suite, suggested monitoring how the bin was being used.
NF adds: The bin is at least close to the well-used parking area near the bungalows. So those sitting in their cars and perhaps eating sweets or crisps will find the bin just a few yards away. However, in line with Coun Oades' views, Brigg Blog had envisaged the bin being sited on the path near the bungalows - the direct route for people returning to the nearby housing estates from the town centre.





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FLOWERS WILL BRIGHTEN BRIGG

Prominent public spaces in Brigg will look blooming lovely for at least the next five years.
Brigg Town Council is making a fixed term agreement with the North Lincolnshire authority which will ensure summer and winter planting of flowerbeds and the watering of town centre hanging baskets at a cost of £3,091.06p a year.
However, as there is some uncertainty about the Old River Ancholme towpath area, which may be redeveloped if plans for the new Lidl and Tesco stores win approval, town councillors are keen to ensure any planting there can be reviewed in the agreement, if affected by redevelopment, and the price adjusted accordingly.





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DON'T BE FOOLED

Just been to Lidl's Brigg store and the metal shutters are down on one side of the premises (facing the Spring's Way approach road) but the place is very much open for business. Indeed, it seemed quite busy for just after 8am on a March Monday. Perhaps it's just a small technical hitch or minor gremlin.

BRIAN IS TOAST OF ANNUAL DINNER

Brian Taylor was congratulated on gaining the MBE during the Briggensians’ Association’s 34th annual dinner last night at Elsham Golf Club.
Brian (pictured right), a former personnel officer with Brigg-based Glanford Borough Council, was named in the New Year’s Honours List for services to the community.
Down the years he has been a tireless charity fundraiser, long-serving magistrate and governor of Sir John Nelthorpe School.
Guests at the dinner – many of whom travelled long distances from other parts of the UK for the reunion – were delighted to hear of Brian’s award.
Speakers were John Rhodes (pupil at Brigg Grammar School 1941-8), Sir John Nelthorpe School headteacher Linda Hewlett-Parker and association chairman Jon Taylor.
The toastmaster was John Hastings.
Other guests included: Association president Roy O’Neill (Brigg Grammar School pupil 1936-45), Margaret O’Neill, Julian O’Neill 73-80, Jacky O’Neill 73-80, David Tear 78-80, Gail Tear, Barbara Kernon (staff 60-90), Ian Kernon, George Gurnell 32-38, Emma Taylor, Helen Cresswell (staff 75-2009), Anne Longden (staff 1961-1993).
Brigg Sixth Form College head boy Richard Smaller, head girl Claire Jenkins, deputy head boy Tom Smith, deputy head girl Adriana Taveras, fellow students Roberto Wraith and Amy Parkinson.
Derek Sumpter 43-50, Peter Wade 45-53, Eileen Wade, Robin Sumpter OBE 41-48, George Gunson 44-52, Brian Chapman 44-50, Charles Windass 46-54, Marion Windass, Jack Edlington 41-48, Valerie Edlington, Cecil Taylor OBE 40-46, Robert Taylor 49-57, Brian Thornalley 45-52, Peter Douce 45-49.
Ernest Smith 44-49, Keith Lacy 44-49, Michael Peacock 43-51, Jonathan Hargreaves 46-52, Richard Moore 43-51, John Harvey 41-47, Hugh Johnson 41-47, John Morton 45-50.
Bill Phipps 61-69, Eileen Phipps, Mike Sparling 61-68, Steve Sackfield 61-68, Anne Hollingworth, Sylvia Woodland, Pam Dolan 62-69, Neville Miller 61-68, Cei Chaplin 62-69, Dr Mike Beardmore 57-64, Sue Beardmore, Howard Paynter 60-64, Richard Lawson 61-68, Jackie Paynter, Mark Seaward (staff 60-65).
Anne Munson 62-69, Elizabeth Williams 58-65, David Arbuckle 61-68, Gloria Twells 57-64, Liz Slingsby 62-69, John Gwyther 56-63, Peter Schultz 61-68, Brenda Gwyther 58-66, Penny Rounce (nee Ellis) 58-66, Brigid Vaughan 58-65, Veronica Feirn 57-64, Andrew Flatt, Marlene Dixon 45-50, Steve Blakey 68-75, Iris Blanchard 45-52, George Jewitt 68-75, Vivian Forbes 59-66, David Lischka 68-75, Neil Marland 68-75, Ross McFarlane 68-75, Phil Traviss 68-75, Jonathan Wells 68-75, Paul Wood 68-75, retired headteacher Dave Brittain (staff 63-2001), Mickey Brittain, Michael Bell 68-73, Nigel Fisher 67-74, Chris Plumtree 58-65, Dave Harness 68-75, John Richardson 58-65, Anthony Miller 58-65, Roy Foreman 60-65, Robin East 58-65, Alan Fuller 58-65, Keith 53-61, Graham Hall 71-78, Martyn Havercroft 62-69, Shane Nash 71-78, Maxine Nash, Nick Wells 69-76, Martin Robinson71-76, John Wood 64-72, David Booth 65-72, Fraser Whytock 71-78.

Michael Bell (left) and Phil Traviss, who both started at Brigg Grammar School in 1968.




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GETTING OURSELVES IN A BIT OF A PADDY

On a Saturday night, lots of Brigg people who stay in and watch the telly will switch over to the dating show hosted by Paddy McGuinness, in which his catchphrase for the contestants is: “No likey, no lighty!”
A bevy of beauties switch off the lights illuminating their names if they don’t like the look of the unattached men in the spotlight.
Unfortunately, in Brigg on this particular Saturday night (as our picture shows) there was no lighty to likey in Bigby Street, where the traffic signal next to the Dying Gladiator, on the blind bend with Cadney Road, has been out of action for some considerable time.
That’s surprising as North Lincolnshire Council staff driving to the car park serving the Angel offices have to pass these traffic lights.
Perhaps a date for repairs is already pencilled in. If not, Brigg Blog asks the powers-that-be to take note.



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FIVE STAR REPAIRS

Full marks are hereby awarded to Yorkshire Electricity for this repair work on St Helen’s Road. The public was informed of the firm responsible and the reason for the footpath being closed. The area was neatly cordoned off, fully signed for approaching motorists (even from King's Avenue) and an alternative route laid out for pedestrians.
That’s quite a difference to some roadworks/repairs on which Brigg Blog has had cause to comment in the past, where sections of road have been closed and even traffic lights installed with no indication of responsibility or reason stated.
The YEDL repair work has now been completed and the path reinstated.

BUSY SOCIAL NIGHT

Two major ticket-only events on the Brigg social calendar take place tonight.
There's the Town Mayor's Civic Charity Dinner in the Angel Suite and the Briggensians' Association annual dinner at Elsham Golf Club. The latter organisation represents ex-pupils and staff of Brigg Grammar School, Brigg Girls' High School, Brigg Sixth Form College and Sir John Nelthorpe School.
Extensive coverage of both functions is planned on Brigg Blog and Brigg People - with a range of pictures. So please keep watching.



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EXOTIC FLAVOUR ON MENU

Being advertised in the window of the Coney Court "chippie" - two pineapple fritters for 80p. Presumably not locally grown!



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CHANCE TO PICK UP A BARGAIN

Brigg Town Council has a now-redundant water bowser for and a range of Staffordshire crockery available for sale.
The bowser used to be pulled round town to water the colourful hanging baskets and flower tubs, but that job is now undertaken by a contractor with different equipment.
Coun Mel Oades has taken on the task of trying to generate a bit of income for the council by alerting potential buyers and seems confident of success.
“Many people use them, including sports clubs,” he told his colleagues on the Property and Services Committee, when they met in the Angel Suite to discuss selling the bowser.
The Town Council is also looking to sell off some floral Staffordshire crockery, a few samples of which are seen above with Town Clerk Jeanette Woollard. Plenty of items are available - many more are shown here.
Those interested in the crockery and/or the bowser should email the Town Council - enquiries@briggmarkettown.co.uk

FINAL STAGE OF RESTORATION

Many plaudits have come the way of Brigg Town Council since it stepped into the breach once more to fund restoration of the Monument war memorial in time for last November’s Remembrance Day ceremony.
Now the final phase of the scheme seems set to go ahead in the near future – restoring and re-cutting the detail of the Brigg crest on the rear of the structure (close to the A18, facing Bigby Road). This will cost £400, plus VAT.
This crest (pictured above) was uncovered in the stonework by a specialist contractor brought in to carry out the work last autumn.
Coun Jackie Brock said the top half of the crest had become very eroded and rough and stressed: “It would be a shame not to complete that detail.”
The Monument was erected a few years after the 1914-18 First World War and gifted to the town by a local benefactor.
It carries the names of Brigg’s war dead and the initial phase of the Town Council’s restoration project included re-doing all the lettering to a very high standard.





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PLANNING SWITCH FAILS TO WIN BRIGG APPROVAL

A radical proposal to cut down on the mountain of paperwork generated while deciding planning applications is not wanted in Brigg - but it seems certain to proceed.
North Lincolnshire Council, the planning authority, has contacted parish and town councils throughout the district. The intention is those with internet connections should go online for all the necessary information, including maps, site drawings, supporting documents and letters of objection. Such information is already uploaded to North Lincolnshire Council’s website, where it can be viewed by those making planning applications, objectors, councillors and interested members of the public.
However, North Lincolnshire Council continues to print and post all the necessary information to town and parish councils, which is not only costly but involves a great deal of staff time.
Revealing North Lincolnshire Council's plans to remove hard copy documents, Assistant Town Clerk Allison Hannath told town councillors meeting in the Angel Suite: “I think they are trying to save money. The onus would be on Brigg Town Council to print them off. We would then be paying for them. And if you print them off at home, you would be.”
Coun Ann Eardley said what North Lincolnshire Council was proposing amounted to passing the buck to town council staff “meaning more work for them.”
Coun Penny Smith described the proposal as “a complete non-starter.”
Coun Jackie Brock pointed out people with poor eyesight would need to have everything printed “big” for them, as they would be unable to read the plans on the screen.
Town Mayor Coun Ben Nobbs said he tended to miss details when reading plans on a computer, compared to seeing them set out in printed form.
Coun Mel Oades (pictured above) concluded: “There’s a general consensus we won’t agree to this.”
However, Coun Julian Kidd said he could see some benefit to what was being proposed, although there would be a need for North Lincolnshire Council “to work with us on this.” He did not think the answer should be “a complete no.”
Brigg Town Council agreed to inform North Lincolnshire Council’s head of planning it is not in favour of a change in procedure.
However, a North Lincolnshire Council spokesman told Brigg Blog later: "From April 1, 2011 we will supply only electronic copies of planning documents to town and parish councils, except for those that do not have email.
"We have been sending both paper and electronic copies for the past year and have informed all the councils that we intend to stop sending paper copies from April 1.
"Projectors can be used to display the information at council meetings so there is no need to print everything.
"Grants are available from the National Lottery to town and parish councils to buy projection equipment and officers from the council's planning department have been giving advice and training to help councils make the transition."







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KEN SHOWS HIS ARTISTIC SIDE

Ken Harrison, of Wrawby, pictured this arrangement of North Lincolnshire Music Festival programmes for Brigg Blog, ahead of the annual event getting under way at the end of the month.



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