FOOD FOR THOUGHT DURING LUNCH AT NEW BRIGG EATERY

Happy memories of market days in Brigg long ago came flooding back yesterday as we enjoyed a light lunch in the new Cafe Courtyard at the Angel.
These were memories of enjoying a pint and a ploughman's 30 years ago during a break between Thursday meetings of Glanford Borough Council in the old council chamber at what's now Hewson House, off Station Road.
Back then the Angel was still a fully functioning hotel and we ate our meals in the glass-canopied courtyard.
Councillors went there, too, not just members of the press.
Committee meetings included housing (when the council managed the district's stock), planning, environment, improvements and health, and policy and resources.
Once every six weeks there was a full meeting of the council, chaired by the Mayor in full regalia, assisted by the clerk and chief executive (Robert Crosby followed by David Cameron).
In the days of Glanford Borough Council, all 42 councillors were members of every committee.
That's in complete contrast to how things are today on North Lincolnshire Council (and many others), where a cabinet system operates and the major issues are considered by a small group of top-ranking councillors.
We hasten to add it was no different when the Labour group ran the council to how it is today with the Conservatives having majority control.
Still run along the old lines is North Lincolnshire Council's planning committee which meets monthly at Scunthorpe Civic Centre to consider the most complex and controversial applications. There are only 11 councillors on this committee but it's cross-party and the make-up includes representatives of urban and rural wards.
The chairman is the very experienced Coun Arthur Bunyan, of Broughton, who was a member of Glanford Borough Council 30 years ago.
If you've never been to a council meeting but are thinking about it, the North Lincolnshire planning committee is a good one to choose. You can find details in the forthcoming meetings section of the council website through this link