NEW STRATEGY OUTLINED FOR BRIGG SCHOOL

An interesting, unusual and perhaps unexpected strategy has been drawn up for the oldest part of Sir John Nelthorpe School in Brigg.
Back in the late 17th century when the town's first school opened wide the doors of learning's mystic temple to every devotee** staff and pupils walked to and from the premises, although the occasional horse may have appeared.
During the second half of the 20th century, cars became an increasingly popular way of getting to school for teachers, some sixth formers and visitors to the Grammar School Road site, which became part of the new Sir John Nelthorpe comprehensive in 1976.
However, no "parking strategy" was put in place - until now.
A planning application has just been submitted, seeking to "formalise" three parking areas to serve the school, including the marking out of parking bays.
These will be opposite the old school entrance on Grammar School Road, adjoining the school field and alongside the original drive off Grammar School Road.
The latter is the most interesting as it is only a few yards from the original 17th century school room (grade one listed), latterly converted into a library.
A report prepared by North Lincolnshire Council, the local education authority, stresses neither trees nor the listed part of the premises will be affected by the car park set aside for visitors.
The proposal "removes the ad hoc car parking arrangements and regularises how parking is provided within the school grounds."
The report adds: "The proposed solution is to regularise two existing areas by laying asphalt and marking the areas out with suitable car parking spaces.
"A third area, providing an additional seven individual spaces primarily for visitors, is to be created by the school's access and exit driveways.
"Due to the location of the proposed visitors' car park being in close proximity the Library, during the construction process the asset will need to be protected.
"This will be done by erecting temporary solid hoarding in front of the asset, local to where the work is being carried out.
"This will protect the building from any debris that may occur during the construction process. In addition, Banksmen will be engaged, using a system of hand signals or a radio link to ensure any mechanical, driven equipment does not enter into a pre-set no go area."
The report stresses that "no mature trees will be affected during the construction and usage of the proposed spaces."
By "regularising the car park provision" 64 spaces and two disabled parking bays will be created.
The planning application is now under consideration.
Brigg Blog expects this topic to bring back memories for many ex-pupils.
In the 1960s and 1970s the area now earmarked for the visitors' car park was close to the Headmaster's House, where H B Williams and his wife lived.
This was on the side of the then boarding house, where dozens of boys lived during term time.
The headmaster could often be seen tending to flowers and veg in the garden near his house.
** The phrase used in a verse from the old Brigg Grammar School song, Fortitudine - still sung every Spring during the annual dinner of the Briggensians' Association, representing former pupils and staff.

PICTURED: A Brigg Grammar School picture montage from the late 1960s, including Headmaster H B Williams, top right, doing a spot of gardening.