RESERVATIONS EXPRESSED ABOUT PLAN FOR 70 NEW BRIGG HOMES

An objection has been lodged to plans to build 70 new homes in Brigg.
Keyo Agricultural Services is applying for outline planning permission to erect the dwellings near Island Carr Road.
Consulted as part of the planning process, Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee has expressed various concerns and made its views known to North Lincolnshire Council which will make the final decision in due course.
The Town Council suggests "there is a significant flood risk at this site" and has expressed other concerns. The council points to the access being through an industrial area "with poor highways access" and sees this development as being "not in keeping with the environment."
A statement submitted in support of the company's application says the housing mix proposed is:

• Two-bedroom 10
• Three-bedroom 16
• Four-bedroom 30
• Affordable units 14

The statement says: "The proposed scheme has evolved through careful consideration of the site's attributes."
It adds: "A mixture of housing within the site will appeal to a wide range of buyers. The tree-lined entrance will contribute to the street scene and enhance the surrounding area."
The statement also says a drainage scheme has been provided to demonstrate surface water can be discharged in an adequate and sustainable manner, and adds: "The flood mitigation measures will ensure the homes are safe."

OBJECTION LODGED TO TREE FELLING WITHIN BRIGG CONSERVATION AREA

Brigg Town Council is objecting to the suggested felling of two trees within the conservation area.
The silver birches are to the rear of the Bridge Street Surgery which, through an agent, is seeking official permission to remove them.
Consulted about this application, the Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee decided to tell North Lincolnshire Council about its objection. Unitary authority planners will now decide whether to grant permission.
Setting out its reasons for objecting, the Town Council suggests: "They are healthy trees in a conservation area and are not causing any damage."
PICTURED: The rear of Bridge Street Surgery, where permission is being sought to remove two of the trees - decision to be made by North Lincolnshire planners in due course.

BID TO 'BOOT UP' BRIGG RECYCLING

Community-minded Brigg residents continue to provide many tonnes of glass, metal cans, newspapers & magazines, cardboard and green garden waste for recycling every year - all collected from households by North Lincolnshire Council and saved from being deposited on landfill sites. Efforts continue to increase the percentage of recycled material generated by domestic properties.
This worthy initiative deserves everyone's support, but we were disappointed recently to find that the tops of both recycling bins on the Old Courts Road car park had been locked when we went along with a dustbin bag full of cans. At least one of these bins is usually left unlocked to make it easier for donations to be made en masse, rather than having to go through the time-consuming process of feeding cans through the side slots two at a time. We hope this was only a temporary 'blip' and that, going forward, these bins will no longer be locked, as recycling needs to be made as simple as possible to encourage householders to contribute.
We firmly believe that the council should supply wheelie bins for cans and bottles, as it already does for cardboard and plastic items. The green kerbside boxes, introduced many years ago, are too small and no longer fit for purpose as the metal can recycling rate increases.
Some national retailers are also playing their part. Boots, which has a shop on Wrawby Street, recently launched a new UK recycling scheme "encouraging customers to bring back empty hard-to-recycle health, beauty and wellness products."
It says: "Boots UK is the first retailer to use Scan2Recycle technology, allowing customers to track how much packaging they have recycled. For every five products recycled, customers will be rewarded with 500 Boots Advantage Card points, worth £5."
Initially, this will be piloted in 50 UK stores, with a view to adding more in due course.
PICTURED: Boots UK's new in-store recycling scheme, plus recycling bins on the Old Courts Road car park in Brigg.

BRIGG BBQ & BAR SEEKING APPROVAL

A Brigg barbecue and bar is seeking approval. The town sees many planning applications seeking consent to build new homes or add extensions, but this one - recently lodged for a domestic property's garden - is only the second of this type we can recall in recent years.
Retrospective planning permission for the BBQ/bar structure is being requested for 21 Bramble Way, on the edge of the Newlands estate.
The timber structure in the rear garden is said by the applicant to be "15 cm above the permitted 2.5 metre maximum" - hence the need for a formal planning application.
It was considered by Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee at a meeting held on September 22.
Brigg Town Council says it neither supports nor objects to this application but does have concerns that the structure may restrict light to the neighbouring property.
The unitary authority will now decide whether to approve the application.
Brigg Blog reported the granting of planning permission to replace an existing garden shed with a shed and covered barbecue area at a property on Westrum Lane in 2017.

DECISION PENDING ON NEW BRIGG SIGNS TO INFORM THE PUBLIC

New signs informing the public about Brigg services on offer to them are not going to be sited in the best location, according to one member of our Town Council.
Advertisement consent for two display screens and three signs to rear of the Angel building is being sought by North Lincolnshire Council from its headquarters in Scunthorpe town centre.
It has consulted the town authority about the signs which, if approved, will face the pay-and-display car park behind the building.
But Coun Jane Kitching does not think that's the best spot for them. During the latest meeting of the Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee. She suggested the signage should be where a lot of people would see it - and not at the back of the building.
Following discussion, the Town Council decided to raise no objections to this application.
North Lincolnshire Council planners will now decide whether to approve the proposed signs and screens.
They are designed to offer information to the public about community hub services, the Town Council, the library and Brigg Heritage Centre - all inside the Angel, as well as the Cafe Courtyard. The town authority has moved from the basement to one of the upper floors.
North Lincolnshire Council has been refurbishing the building for some months. Work has been delayed by the Coronavirus emergency but is expected to be completed during October.
The Angel is not a listed building, but it is in the heart of the conservation area.
PICTURED: The suggested location for the new signs and screens at the back of the Angel, and Coun Jane Kitching who does not consider this to be the best location for them. Rather basic signs and display cases have been removed from the rear of the building in recent months.

ELSHAM GOLFER BECOMES LINCOLNSHIRE CHAMPION - JUST LIKE TONY JACKLIN

Elsham golfer Adam Barnard has followed in the footsteps of world famous player Tony Jacklin - pictured above at Brigg Recreation Ground in the early 1970s - by becoming a Lincolnshire champion.
Elsham Golf Club spokesman Peter Thompson kindly informs us that Adam, also pictured, is the new Lincolnshire Amateur Golf Champion, having hit two fantastic rounds of 65 and 68 at Holme Hall to win the prestigious event by 3 shots. Adam plays off a handicap of +1 and is the first Elsham player to win the title for 30 years.
This rang a bell with Brigg Blog and a bit of checking confirmed that Tony - now an honorary member of the Elsham club - won the Lincolnshire Boys’ Championship and the Elsham Open in 1958, as a mere 13-year-old.
Scunthorpe-born Tony won the British and the United States Open titles around 50 years ago when he lived in Elsham, playing and practising on our local course between tournaments.
Tony attended Brigg Preparatory School's sports day at the Rec as a VIP guest circa 1970 and our Brigg Blog archive picture shows him arriving in his top-of-the-range car. The picture of Adam comes courtesy of Peter Thompson.

BRIGG WILL REMEMBER THE FALLEN ON REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2020 DURING CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY

Brigg will still remember The Fallen on Sunday, November 8, 2020 but Coronavirus emergency measures mean changes have had to be made to the familiar format.
Brigg Town Council, which organises the commemorations, says it is planning a very small, socially distanced service to be held at the Monument.
There will be no church service at St John's nor parade through the town centre.
Town Clerk Kerry McGrath has now written to the regular wreath-bearers, inviting one adult representative to meet at the Monument at 10.30am to lay their wreath. Face masks must be worn and social distancing observed.
Following local vicar Father Owain Mitchell's move to another parish earlier in the year, lay reader Keith Simpson has agreed to oversee a very short service, where there will be traditional readings and poems. Keith currently leads the prayers at council meetings.
The council will be "live streaming" the service on Facebook on November 8; and while it cannot stop people from attending, the authority says "it will be actively discouraging public attendance."
The council has booked a public address system and will be broadcasting digital music for the Last Post and Reveille, rather than having a bugler playing at the Monument. A road closure for the roundabout area has been requested.
Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall will lay a wreath on behalf of the council.
"We will, obviously, be keeping an eye on Government Guidelines and will adapt the day if anything changes," the council says.
These arrangements follow discussions about Remembrance Sunday during the council's latest 'virtual' meeting (held online due to the emergency).
At the suggestion of Coun Rob Waltham, a special working group was formed with delegated powers to decide how best to proceed. This comprised the Mayor, Deputy Town Mayor Coun Brian Parker, and the Town Clerk.
The council session, held the previous day, considered advice given to local councils which recommends that only TWO wreaths are laid - one by the Mayor or chairman/woman (on behalf of the council and all local groups) and one on behalf of the Forces. This advice also rules out church services, parades, hymn singing and bugle-playing. It appears that a number of other councils in the region have already decided to follow this recommendation in full.
In normal years, dozens of townsfolk watch the parade from Station Road to St John's for the service, see it re-form on Wrawby Street to march through the town centre to the Monument, gather near the roundabout to watch wreaths being laid and observe the two-minute silence.
The planting of wooden crosses by local school children in flower beds near the Monument has been cancelled on the Friday prior to Remembrance Sunday.
Instead, schools are being encouraged to get pupils to submit a poem, prose or piece of artwork on an A4 piece of paper which the Town Council will display on its electronic boards (currently awaiting planning permission). The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Town Clerk will be laying the crosses near the memorial at some point before November 11.
PICTURED: Wreaths and crosses at the Monument on previous Remembrance Sundays.

NEW MEASURES APPROVED TO COMBAT SPEEDING IN BRIGG

Brigg is to get two permanent 'flashing' roadside signs to encourage drivers to stay within the speed limit.
They will be the first fixed displays of this kind in the town and are to be erected on Wrawby Road and Bigby High Road - the exact locations to be confirmed at a later date, following consultations with the highway authority.
During its latest meeting, Brigg Town Council agreed to buy two signs and arrange for them to be positioned on the A18 and the A1084 - the town's busiest roads.
Previous 'flashing' signs seen from time to time in Brigg have only been temporary - three months being the maximum stay before they have to be relocated elsewhere in North Lincolnshire.
Coun Rob Waltham said the Town Council needed to address what he called the two worst speeding areas in Brigg.
Coun Ann Eardley called for additional action to be taken to tackle speeding along Atherton Way - a road leading to Brigg Primary School and the Vale Academy.
She noted that some drivers "just put their foot down" along the straight stretch.
Coun Waltham, the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, noted her concerns and suggested the road could be monitored.

BRIGG GARDENING AND FLOWER LOVERS TAKE NOTE

Brigg in Bloom, which receives welcome support from the Town Council, is set to receive additional new planters, to be filled with flowers. Bridge Street has been suggested as one part of the town that might benefit.
Brigg in Bloom, run by volunteers, was badly affected by the Coronavirus emergency this year but it's hoped things will be back to normal in 2021, with colourful tubs and planters.
Some town centre business premises have continued to display hanging baskets.
September usually sees the culmination of Brigg Town Council's annual best-kept garden and allotments competition, but 2020's was cancelled because of the emergency. So there are no trophies and certificates to present in conjunction with sponsor Brigg Garden Centre at a ceremony hosted by the Town Mayor as part of the first citizen's appeal fund in aid of charity.
Brigg and District Gardening Club informs Brigg Blog that "due to the ongoing situation" its meeting scheduled to be held on Thursday, October 1 has now been cancelled.
Brigg Town Council's September meeting heard that no further progress has been made in creating new allotments. The town authority is working with North Lincolnshire Council to create a site on park of Woodbine Park, near South View Avenue, to replace the plots off Grammar School Road. Existing allotments on Atherton Way/Redcombe Lane will be unaffected.
The emergency period is again a factor in delaying the new site on Woodbine Park - occupied by an extensive estate of prefab housing until the early 1970s.
PICTURED: Above - Colourful Brigg in Bloom flower tubs on the County Bridge during a 'normal' year prior to the virus emergency. Below - Some licensed premises have been displaying hanging baskets. This picture, taken yesterday, shows a touch of colour on display outside the Black Bull, on Wrawby Street.

 

UPDATE ON BRIGG TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE & LOCAL LINDSEY LODGE HOSPICE SHOP

An update about the Brigg Tourist Information Centre was given to the Town Council's latest meeting by Coun Rob Waltham. Having been closed for some months, it will be returning to the Buttercross in a few weeks.
The original intention was to move the TIC to the refurbished Angel building to allow Lindsey Lodge Hospice to move into the ground floor of the Buttercross, having recently vacated its charity shop on Wrawby Street.
Coun Waltham explained that the Hospice could not pursue this option within the timescale required. But North Lincolnshire Council would continue to work with the charity to find it new premises.
His comments to the Town Council followed a recent statement issued by the unitary authority...

FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

Brigg Tourist Information Centre will re-open in November – bringing services back into the community.
Staff will be on hand to offer advice and services from the Buttercross – for example the popular service selling tickets for local events will continue – supporting many of Brigg’s community groups. Digital displays will be used to promote local events and leaflets will be available.
It comes as a new community hub will be opened at the Angel in the town. The new facility will open after an extensive refurbishment which is part of North Lincolnshire Council’s wider £5m community investment programme.
The council had been working with Lindsey Lodge Hospice to open a shop at the Buttercross but current challenges means this won’t now happen.
Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council said: “The Buttercross and the Tourist Information Centre are an important part of the Brigg community offer. Covid restrictions means that things will be slightly different when we reopen; however, visitors to the town will still be able to gain the support they need.”
“We know that some residents had some concerns about supporting Lindsey Lodge Hospice; however, I believe they are an incredible charity that works tirelessly for people who need the most help and support. We will, of course, continue to work closely with them as they look to get another shop back in the town.”
PICTURED: The Buttercross housing the TIC, inside the centre on the ground floor, and the former Hospice Shop on Wrawby Street.

BRIGG TOWN FOOTBALLERS LINE UP ANOTHER WIN

Brigg Town Football Club made tracks to Harrogate Railway and won 2-1 yesterday (Saturday, September 26).
Having beaten Nostell Miners Welfare in midweek in their opening league game, the Zebras again secured maximum points. Second half goals from Wayne Graves and Jason Pembleton did the trick for Brigg who are fourth in the ToolStation Northern Counties East Divison One table.
On Saturday (October 3) they visit Hull to take on Hall Road Rangers.
At the EC Surfacing Stadium (Hawthorns) yesterday, Brigg Town Reserves lost 1-0 to Grantham Town Academy in the Balcan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League Premier.
On Tuesday (September 29) Brigg Reserves have a home game against Immingham Town (7.45pm KO) and follow that up with another home fixture against Tetney Rovers on Saturday (3pm).

BRIGG HAS A NEW TOWN CLERK

 

Brigg has a new Town Clerk - Kerry McGrath having been promoted from Deputy Town Clerk. She succeeds Dinah Lilley who has retired after lengthy service in local government - the last three years being spent as Town Clerk.
This officer is responsible for the authority's administration and finances, as well as overseeing the allotments and Christmas lights,  organising various events and functions, taking the minutes at meetings and offering advice to councillors.
Kerry co-ordinated Brigg's latest community litter-picking session on Saturday, September 19 when the volunteers included Dinah Lilley.
Kerry also hosted the Town Council's September meeting on September 22 - held on the internet using the Zoom facility.
PICTURED: Kerry McGrath (main image, right) and with Dinah Lilley (left) and Coun Ann Eardley (right) during a social function held to mark the 200th anniversary of Brigg's Buttercross in June 2019. Pictures by Ken Harrison, Brigg Matters Magazine.

SHOPPERS TO MAKE A BEE LINE FOR ANNUAL BRIGG EVENT

People in Brigg will be making a bee line for Jaylaurs Sewing Studios' annual event.
The Wrawby Street business will be hosting it on Saturday, October 5, from 9am through to 5pm.
Free workshops will be operating and there will be special guests, raffles, competitions and 25% off all fabric & 'habby' in-store. There's an open invitation to pop along and join the party.

SOMEWHERE NEW IN BRIGG TO TRY FOR LUNCH EVERY SUNDAY

A Brigg eatery has announced that it will be serving Sunday lunches every week from October 4 - noon to 5.30pm.
A selection of roast meats will be available at Pips Kitchen, together with seasonal veg, home-made 'roasties' and 'real gravy'.
Desserts will also be on offer at the venue which is located in Brigg Town Football Club's Hawthorns clubhouse.
Prices are: Two courses £9-99p; one course £6-50 (adult) and £4-50 (child, includes ice cream).
Deliveries are available, or diners can order and pick up their meal from Pips Kitchen (vehicular access from Wrawby Road).
The newly refurbished function room in the Zebras' clubhouse has seating for 35 people in line with government guidelines and social distancing. Tables can be booked in advance. Call 07714 767820.

FOOTBALL TO WATCH IN BRIGG TODAY

There's a football match to watch in Brigg today (Saturday, September 26). It's at the EC Surfacing Stadium (Hawthorns) where Brigg Town Reserves will be hosting Grantham Town Academy in the Balcan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League Premier (3pm kick-off).

Admission is £3 (adults), £2 (OAPs) and free to under-18s.
Fresh from a tonic 4-2 midweek home win over Nostell Miners Welfare in their opening league game, Brigg's first teamers journey to Harrogate Railway Athletic this afternoon in Northern Counties East Division One.
On the mark for the Zebras on Wednesday night were Jack Tierney, Andrew Taylor, Jack Bowskin and James Osbourne. Town hit three goals in the opening seven minutes before a good-sized attendance - 151.
If you are a planning a visit to the EC Surfacing Stadium this afternoon, Pips Kitchen and the clubhouse bar will be open.
The EC Surfacing Scunthorpe & District Football League  (sponsored by a Brigg company) will begin the 2020/21 season later than planned - on Saturday, October 10.
There will be a home game for Brigg team Briggensians against Crowle Colts Development in the first round of the Tortank Barton Brotherhood Cup (2.30pm).
Brigg Hockey Club's Men's 4th XI is scheduled to open the new season today (Saturday) with a home game against Slazengers 5ths (3.30pm).

BARNETBY WIN CUP IN LEAGUE SPONSORED BY BRIGG COMPANY

Congratulations to Barnetby United Football Club on becoming the 2019/20 Hospital Cup winners in the EC Surfacing Scunthorpe & District League, sponsored by a Brigg company.
Barnetby beat The Butchers Arms 5-1 with goals from Josh Goodman (2), Ben Hunt, Cameron Hill and Greg Brackenbury. The final - delayed from last Spring because of the Coronavirus emergency - attracted a socially-distanced crowd totalling 214.
Barnetby will be visiting Brigg Town Football Club's ground on Thursday, October 1 to play in the EC Surfacing Ltd Challenge Cup final (7.30pm). Their opponents will be Scotter United, and a good-sized attendance is expected.
PICTURED: Barnetby striker Cameron Hill.

BRIGG BLOG GOES FISHING FOR PICTURES OF PLAY PARK'S ORIGINAL SLIDE

North Lincolnshire Council's installation of a new slide on the Davy Memorial field  (pictured here) will bring back memories of the original slide for those who used it over many decades from the 1950s onwards.
After giving great service to town youngsters, the initial slide was replaced by a newer and smaller one. Today's is smaller still.
No criticism is intended, as the new one located within a fenced off area of the park which is aimed at younger children, for whom the latest model seems ideal.
Decades ago the field was 'open plan' with tots and teenagers competing for the equipment and the grass.
Has anyone in Brigg got a picture or two of the original slide being used which they are prepared to share with us?
We remember it being very high up when you climbed the metal steps and got to the tower at the top, but that might be because we were still attending primary school at the time, in the mid-1960s, and had yet to reach 5ft.
When the crossing gates clanked shut, train-loving youngsters dashed across the field and up the grassy bank to stand and admire steam locos when they came into view.
After tea on weekdays a fish train from Grimsby used to run through, leaving a certain lingering smell in the air long after it had cleared the station and headed off towards Sheffield.
Diesels eventually took over the fish trains but, by the late 1960s, Grimsby's finest was sent far and wide by road rather than rail.
Amid competition from lorry firms, the number of fish wagons in each train reduced considerably, year by year, making this trade uneconomic for British Rail. It was the same at other fishing ports, including Hull.
Fish trains did not stop in Brigg to drop off supplies in the 1960s, but cod, haddock and other species remain popular in the town.
Last Thursday (market day) we counted an early morning queue of 11 people waiting to be served from the fresh Grimsby fish van located near the Buttercross.

NEW ALDI STORE IN BRIGG ENJOYS 'WONDERFUL MORNING' SERVING FIRST SHOPPERS

International discount retailer Aldi opened its new Brigg store to customers yesterday morning (Thursday, September 24) at 8am. 

The company has now supplied us with comments and information about the new facility off Bridge Street, following on from Brigg Blog's own post as one of the initial customers.
The store - close to the A18 - has 1,315 square metres of retail space and is run by manager Scott Gittens, along with "a team of 28 colleagues from the local community."
Commenting a few hours after the opening, Scott said: “It’s been a wonderful morning here at the opening of Aldi Brigg. It was lovely to welcome our new customers into store and I look forward to meeting more of the community in the coming weeks.
 

“I’d also like to thank our customers for following the social distancing guidelines we have in place to ensure the health and safety of both our customers and colleagues.”
Aldi says the new store has large chillers and freezers dedicated to fresh British meat products, a ‘Food to Go’ section at the front of the store, a back wall showcasing Aldi’s award-winning beers, wines and spirits, and an exclusive section for health & beauty products.
Customers visiting the store can take advantage of Aldi’s famous Specialbuys, which are available every Thursday and Sunday.
During its opening week the Brigg store will be offering a wide range of baking essentials, including, a 3-in-1 hand blender for £14.99, a classic stand mixer for £49.99 and a 4-piece bakeware set for £9.99.
Brigg Blog should have no difficulty remembering the store's postcode DN20 8NF - useful for 'sat nav' customers coming by car.
Opening hours are: Monday - Saturday: 8am – 10pm; Sunday: 10am – 4pm.
PICTURES COURTESY OF ALDI; Manager Scott Gittens, his staff and their new store. 

 

THE NEWS AT 10: DOES EARLY CLOSING FOR BRIGG PUBS MEAN PEOPLE WILL JUST GO OUT EARLIER?

Brigg pubs, bars and even sit-down restaurants will have to close at 10pm this weekend to comply with tighter restrictions imposed by the government to tackle a national rise in Coronavirus cases. 'Table service' is also mandatory - meaning no more trips to bars (even with protective perspex screens) to request top ups. Masks will have to be worn when entering premises until people sit down, and put on again if customers leave to visit the toilets or go elsewhere within the building.
It will be interesting to see what time 'last orders' are called and how much 'drinking up time' is permitted, using an historic term not mentioned often these days.
Will customers have to be off the premises, with doors closed, at 10pm?
These factors will become clear in Brigg over the weekend.
It could be that police visit some premises ahead of 'drinking up time' with one eye on the clock. Licensing was taken away from the police some years ago and passed to local authorities (in our case, North Lincolnshire Council).
Police forces are required to enforce some Covid-related emergency measures across the UK, while other are assigned to councils.  In certain areas, it seems, they both have jurisdiction.
Many local pub-goers have a sense of relief that at least the bars have been permitted to stay open - unlike the period from late March to early July when closure was enforced by the government.
It seems likely that a good many customers will just visit local licensed premises earlier than they usually do; therefore, the amount of time they spend drinking in a socially-distanced manner in local bars will remain pretty much the same as it's been since early July when the government permitted pubs to reopen.
Shops and stores holding off-licences must also stop selling beer, wine and spirits at 10pm. We think this might be an unfortunate price the stores are being made to pay to avoid potential drinking on the streets or in parks by groups after 10pm, having bought cans or bottles of booze for this purpose.

HIGH HOPES FOR A BUSY BRIGG FARMERS' MARKET SATURDAY

The monthly Brigg Farmers' Market will be held in the town centre on Saturday (September 26) from 9am to mid-afternoon. It will be accompanied by stalls forming the Saturday general market.
It's hoped that now Brigg's passenger train service has resumed, some people from South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and other parts of Lincolnshire will pay us a visit for the markets and will also take a look at local shops while they are here.
Established 20 years ago by North Lincolnshire Council, the award-winning farmers' market offers a wide range of products, including jam, bread, cakes and cheese. Fast food will also be on offer. Free parking is offered in Brigg on Saturdays.

Earlier this week we checked that the farmers' market will be proceeding as planned, in view of amendments being made to some Coronavirus emergency restrictions by the government. Brigg's Coun Rob Waltham, the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, indicated to us that the market would be unaffected and proceed as normal.
PICTURED: A busy scene at a previous Brigg Farmers' Market held in September.

NEW ALDI STORE IN BRIGG OPENS & WELCOMES FIRST SHOPPERS TODAY

The new Alid store in Brigg opened at 8am today (Thursday, September 24, 2020) with about a dozen shoppers queuing to become the first to use the new facility off Bridge Street when the doors were unlocked.
Brigg Blog was among them and took time to tour the store, which we must say it larger than we expected in terms of floor space.
Friendly staff were busy greeting customers and helping them to locate items along the aisles.
Unfortunately, cool and wet weather this morning coincided with the Aldi opening but some people still visited on foot, although the majority came by car.
We had a walk down and used one of the new pedestrian crossing points provided on the A18. We didn't observe any difficulties relating to the new mini-roundabout offering access to, and entry from, the new store.
As for prices... Baked beans 29p a can, four cans of 'own brand' cider (440ml) £1.89, a jar of horseradish sauce 79p. Brigg Blog goes shopping for essentials?
Aldi has asked us to stress that face masks must be worn by shoppers inside the Brigg store, and they need to keep their distance from staff and other customers.
PICTURED: The Aldi store in Brigg on the day it opened - September 24, 2020 with low prices on offer to shoppers; below - customers queuing ahead of the doors opening at 8am.

 

 

A BRIDGE TOO FAR FOR SOME BRIGG TRAIN PASSENGERS

Historic Brigg railway station welcomed back its first trains for six months on Saturday (September 19)  but 'lost' a number of potential passengers because of its most modern feature!
The station dates back to 1848 but the current footbridge leading to platform two is a fairly recent addition. Unlike most on the network - including the one at Barnetby - ours does NOT have gently sloping ramps - only steep steps.
The Independent Brigg Line Rail Group informs us: "We could have got some more passengers on Saturday if it wasn't for the fact that the footbridge doesn't have any ramps."
A woman she would like to travel on the train with her wheelchair, the IBLRG says.
It was explained to her that the far platform at Brigg does not have ramp access and (returning from Cleethorpes in the afternoon) she would have to either get off at Barnetby and secure a taxi back to Brigg or stay on the train until Kirton-in-Lindsey, which has only one platform, and then wait for the next eastbound train back to Brigg.
The group passed on the freephone Northern Rail assistance number for her to use.
"Not surprisingly, the lady and her party decided this was too much of an effort and did not travel," the IBLRG reports.
All Brigg station's original buildings, including the booking hall and waiting rooms, were removed decades ago.
The platforms - build to cater for 13-coach mainline trains - were also shortened for use by modern one and two-car diesel units.
But a few years ago when the Victorian cast-iron footbridge was condemned, rail bosses decided to install a replacement without sloping ramps. This was the less expensive option, although the stepped footbridge still involved major investment in a station which only sees passenger trains on Saturdays.
The cast-iron footbridge was carefully dismantled and taken away to be refurbished and used on a heritage railway in the north-east.
The Independent Brigg Line Rail Group campaigns to get more passengers to use the Brigg line: Twitter @IBLRG - instagram.com/visitbriggbytrain

Trains will also be departing from Brigg station this Saturday (September 26). 

To Barnetby, Grimsby & Cleethorpes: 8.59am, 1pm and 4.57pm (from platform one).

To Gainsborough, Retford and Sheffield: 11.48am, 3.43pm and 7.48pm (from platform two).

BRIGG HOME CAN BE BUILT DESPITE COUNCIL REFUSING PERMISSION

A planning inspector, appointed by the government, has given the go ahead for a new property to be built in Brigg after North Lincolnshire Council refused to grant permission.
When the application to build on land adjacent to 56 Bigby High Road was rejected, an appeal was lodged with the Planning Inspectorate.
Having considered submissions from applicant Harry Thorpe and the council, the inspector overturned the local authority's ruling.
As a result, the erection of the single dwelling with new vehicular access can proceed.
The inspector noted the council's appeal statement made reference to encroachment into open countryside which, the authority suggested, would alter this well-established "entryway" into Brigg, resulting in the urbanisation of the existing countryside.
However, the inspector pointed out: "A new dwelling could be accommodated on the appeal site with a layout, scale and design to compliment those of the existing dwellings on Bigby High Road. For these reasons it would assimilate well into its surrounding environment and there would not be harm to the character and appearance of the area or the countryside as a result."
Brigg Town Council had supported the application for the new dwelling but some concerns were expressed that the proposal was in an area designated as open countryside. The town authority did not want to see a precedent created.

ALDI OPENING NEW BRIGG STORE ON THURSDAY - HERE ARE SOME OF THE LOW-PRICE OFFERS...

Brigg shoppers have been waiting patiently for the town's new Aldi store to open and it will do so tomorrow (Thursday, September 24) at 8am.
We expect a rush of customers to arrive by car at the Bridge Street store off the A18, and also on foot via the new crossing points provided. A mini-roundabout has been installed to control traffic entering and leaving Aldi's premises.

Aldi has sent four-page glossy leaflets about its new store to many Brigg households this week. Super Weekly Offers include 24 rashers of unsmoked bacon (720g) for £3.29p, and Wagyu rump steak (average weight 227g) for £5.99p. Carrots will be on sale at 39p per kilo - the same price as a pack of three large brown onions. The 'Super 6' also features figs, plums, celery and garlic for 39p (various weights). The store is licensed and will be selling wines, beers and spirits. 

The new store is being run by manager Scott Gittens. The international discount retailer stresses that it offers high quality, low-price products.
Aldi’s 'Specialbuys' will be available in the central aisle every Thursday and Sunday - "offering extraordinary value on a wide range of products, from electrical items to garden tools."
The new store is located at DN20 8NF (for sat nav users coming by car) and will be trading Mondays-Saturdays from 8am to 10pm, and on Sundays from 10am to 4pm.
As a grocery and 'weekly shop' provider, Aldi joins existing major companies Tesco and B&M which are already established in Brigg.
Many Brigg residents will have shopped at Aldi stores elsewhere, including Scunthorpe and Ashby. It certainly offers low prices!
Remember social distancing if you are planning to visit the new Aldi premises.

BRIGG PUB QUIZ SERIES ENJOYS SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH

 

A Brigg town centre pub will be continuing its Thursday quiz nights.
The Woolpack, in the Market Place, held an introductory one last Thursday (September 17).
Landlady Sarah Hardy, pictured here at the Woolie, said the first went very well and others will follow tomorrow (September 24) and thereafter, all starting at 7.30pm.
Prizes are on offer and there's an open invitation to attend. Teams of up to four people can take part and the usual social distancing measures will be observed.
For further details, call 07933 513826 or inquire at the bar during opening hours.

25 NEW HOMES: DECISIONS PENDING FOR BRIGG & WOLDS AND BROUGHTON

Proposed housing developments within the Brigg & Wolds and Broughton Wards will be considered by North Lincolnshire Council's Planning Committee during a 'virtual' meeting held on the web today (Wednesday, September 23) starting at 2pm.
BROUGHTON: Approval is being sought to erect 24 dwellings comprising 12 'rent to home buy', 6 shared ownership and 6 open market dwellings, on land to the east of Hillside Road.
WRAWBY: An application will be considered seeking permission to erect a dwelling, including demolition of existing garage, on land to the rear of Milkwood, Melton Road.
The planning committee is chaired by Coun Nigel Sherwood (Brigg & Wolds). It has been unable to meet on council premises in Scunthorpe for a number of months due to Coronavirus emergency restrictions on gatherings.

HISTORIC BRIGG PUB PUT UP FOR SALE

An historic Brigg town centre pub has been put up for sale through a property company which specialises in finding buyers for licenced and hospitality premises across the UK.
Next to to County Bridge and with a large beer garden overlooking the Old River Ancholme, the White Hart has a £300,000 price tag.
Having been closed for some time while owned by a brewery chain, it changed hands in 2018 and the company which acquired it revealed plans for refurbishment. Some work was carried out inside the premises but it has remained closed.
Property agent LLH Solutions, based in Rutland, now has the White Hart in its portfolio and a sign advertising the fact has gone up on the front of the building.
The agent says renovation began in earnest two years ago, until its clients (the current vendors) "had their attention demanded by another of their business enterprises, and then the work ceased."
LLH Solutions says this needs completing "by way of full fit out" but stresses that the project and pub "has massive scope."
The White Hart has changed hands a number of times over the past 50 years.
Following a period of closure in the late 1970s, it was acquired by local businessman Ray Neall and his wife Norma whose extensive refurbishment transformed the premises, which includes living accommodation, rear car park (accessed through an archway) and beer garden with riverside mooring.
The current asking price for the freehold is £300,000 plus VAT, with vacant possession.
The agent can be contacted by calling 01780 435072, emailing info@llhsolutions.com or through the web using this link...
These pictures of the White Hart were taken yesterday (Monday, September 21).

FREE FACILITY AVAILABLE TO TESCO SHOPPERS IN BRIGG

Customers at the Tesco store in Brigg can now park and charge electrically-powered cars free of charge while doing their shopping.
Brigg Blog reported three weeks ago that this 'green' initiative was coming to town.
These recently-taken pictures show the charge points plugged in and available for use alongside the Barnard Avenue emporium.
It's a self-service facility, with instructions given to motorists through display screens.
A Tesco spokesman explained: “As part of our Little Helps Plan we’re rolling out 600 free electric vehicle charging points across the UK."
More than 200 are now in use at Tesco stores nationwide - ours being in the latest batch.
"Providing customers with charging points offers them a sustainable choice, giving them the opportunity to charge their car for free while they shop is a little help to make this easier," Tesco told Brigg Blog.
The petrol station continues to operate at our local store - being sited well away from the 'green' alternative.

 

 

BRIGG FOOTBALL LEGEND RETURNS

A famous figure in North Lincolnshire football for many decades was a spectator at the Brigg Town v Winterton Rangers Buildbase FA Vase tie at the EC Surfacing Stadium (Hawthorns) on Saturday (September 19).
As Town's influential manager, Ralph 'Raz' Clayton led the club to victory in two FA Vase finals - at the original Wembley stadium, London, in 1996 and again in 2003 at West Ham United's Upton Park.
'Raz' managed Brigg and also had a spells in charge at Scunthorpe steelworks club Appleby-Frodingham, Bottesford and other clubs.
Winterton won 3-2 on Saturday before a sizeable crowd, now confirmed as 260 - just 40 short of the government-permitted maximum.
In the next round, Rangers will meet New Mills. The Peak District town's vicar is Father Owain Mitchell, who moved there from St John's Church, Brigg, in January.
'Raz' is pictured above, covering his face during a light-hearted moment with the Brigg Town team in the 1970s.
Third from right is another Lincolnshire football legend - centre-forward Matt Tees who played for Grimsby Town in two spells during the 1960s and early 1970s, averaging an impressive goal every other game for the Mariners in the Football League.
Brigg Town first teamers will finally get under way in ToolStation Northern Counties East Division One on Wednesday (September 23) the start of their league season having been delayed several weeks due to the Coronavirus emergency.  Town will be hosting Nostell Miners Welfare (7.45pm KO). The licensed Hawthorns bar will be open, as will Pips Kitchen for food. Social distancing measures will be in force in the stands and the clubhouse. On Wednesday night, Brigg Town CIC Reserves will be away to Lincoln Moorlands Railway in the Balcan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League Premier.

On Saturday (September 26) the first team journeys to Harrogate Railway Athletic for an afternoon fixture.  Brigg Reserves will host Grantham Town Academy in a league fixture on Saturday (3pm).

TRIPADVISOR AWARD FOR BRIGG BUSINESS RATED 'IN THE WORLD'S TOP 10 PER CENT'

Tripadvisor has rated Beldon House, Brigg, in the top 10 per cent in the world in its field, the proud Wrawby Road business has announced.
A famous global forum which posts millions of reviews by customers using many services and venues, Tripadvisor told the boutique guest house on Wrawby Road: "Congratulations Beldon House on being a Travellers' Choice Winner. Each year, we comb through reviews, ratings and saves from Travellers everywhere and use that info to award the very best. You're part of an exclusive group, and we want to help you celebrate (and promote) this major accomplishment."
Tripadvisor has issued the Brigg business with a Travellers' Choice 2020 Award Certificate suggesting "the world's just waiting to celebrate with you."
Beldon House told Brigg Blog it had been recognised as a 2020 Travellers’ Choice award winner "for Best of the Best Guest House."
It pointed out that travellers have consistently praised the "great hospitality/hosting, comfortable rooms and a great breakfast."
It means that Beldon House has been "placed in the top 10% of hospitality businesses around the globe."
Tim McIntosh - owner of Beldon House - told Brigg Blog: "It’s always a delight to have your hard work recognised, especially in 2020 when things have not been easy out there for the hospitality industry. I am forever grateful to our guests old and new for continuing to place their trust in Beldon House. We have always taken cleanliness seriously but these are not ‘normal times’ so I am really pleased that guests feel safe and comfortable here!
"I love Beldon House and I love the community here, so I am overwhelmed to be at the forefront of our industry in this region!"
In September 2017, Beldon House featured in a national TV series presented by Gogglebox couple Steph and Dom Parker, screened on Channel 4. The One to Five Star series saw the celbrity hoteliers offer hints and advice while staying at Beldon House and venturing into our town to shop.
Beldon House has supplied information from Tripadvisor which explains more about the highly-rated awards.
“Winners of the 2020 Travellers’ Choice Awards should be proud of this distinguished recognition,” said Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at Tripadvisor. “Although it’s been a challenging year for travel and hospitality, we want to celebrate our partners' achievements. Award winners are beloved for their exceptional service and quality. Not only are these winners well deserving, they are also a great source of inspiration for travellers as the world begins to venture out again.”
To see what Beldon House has to offer, visit www.beldonhouse.co.uk
Travellers across the world use the Tripadvisor site and app to browse more than 860 million reviews and the opinions of 8.7 million about accommodations, restaurants, experiences, airlines and cruises.
PICTURED: Beldon House, Brigg; Tim McIntosh with celebrity couple Steph and Dom during their stay; notification about the award.

BRIGG EXTENSION APPROVED

 

Planning permission to erect a single-storey rear extension at 37 St Helens Road, Brigg, has been granted by North Lincolnshire Council.
WRAWBY: Approval has been given to erect two dwellings, modify an existing vehicular access and erect detached a double garage at Rose Cottage, Melton Road.
BROUGHTON: Permission to erect three dwellings with associated landscaping and parking (amended plan) has been granted for land to the rear of 6 High Street.
BARNETBY: Permission has been granted to replace an existing car port with a garage, tiled canopy to the front of the dwelling & to replace driveway at 38 Victoria Road.
HIBALDSTOW: Approval has been given to erect a single-storey rear extension at Sunnyvale, 15 Ings Lane.

BRIGG COMMUNITY LITTER-PICKING RESUMES

Litter-picking volunteers are seen here in Brigg Market Place before setting off to tidy areas of the town on Saturday (September 19).
They included Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall (right) and Deputy Town Mayor Coun Brian Parker (left).
The town's first citizens were joined by other councillors, staff (past and present) and members of the public.
Co-ordinated by the Town Council, this was Brigg's contribution to the Great British September Clean, involving communities large and small across the country.
Equipment was distributed to volunteers from the Bandstand and anti-Coronavirus social distancing observed as demonstrated by our picture taken near the Buttercross.
Periodic Saturday litter-picking sessions are held in Brigg and publicised through the Town Council's website, Brigg Blog and Brigg Matters magazine which will be resuming publication in the autumn following a break during the emergency period.
If you have a few hours to spare, your litter-collecting support will be appreciated in the future. We will supply the date of the next one when it's confirmed.

BRIGG TOWN IN FIVE-GOAL BUILDBASE FA VASE CLASH

Twice previous winners of the FA Vase, Brigg Town Football Club bowed out in the first qualifying round of the 2020/21 competition, going down 3-2 when hosting Winterton Rangers at the EC Surfacing Stadium (Hawthorns) yesterday (Saturday, September 19). This local derby attracted a sizeable crowd.
Winterton went ahead after 35 minutes but Jamie Osbourne soon levelled.
On 38 minutes the visitors took a 2-1 lead, only for Andy Taylor to come up with an equaliser.
Having had a goal ruled out for offside early in the second half, Rangers clinched a place in the next round with an effort which did stand one hour into the game, although Brigg's Wayne Graves later went close to making it 3-3.
Winterton now meet New Mills in the next round.
Brigg Town: Birch, Bowskin, Lowis, McCarron, Heward, Smithson, Reed, M. Pembleton, Taylor, Osbourne, Graves; subs, Tierney, Shaw, Moody, J. Pembleton, Mascall.
Brigg Town Reserves lost 3-0 yesterday on their visit to Louth Town in the Balcan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League Premier.

BRIGG SURGERY APPLIES TO FELL TREES

A medical surgery in Brigg is seeking permission to fell trees within the Conservation Area. Notice of intention to remove two silver birches has been submitted to North Lincolnshire Council, through an agent.
The trees are to the rear of No 53 - Bridge Street Surgery. North Lincolnshire Council planners are now considering the application, and Brigg Town Council will be consulted as part of the process.
The town's Planning & Environment Committee will do so on Tuesday (September 22) in a 'virtual' meeting on the web using the Zoom facility, starting at 6.45pm.
The committee will also discuss and comment on the following applications submitted recently:
Outline planning permission to erect 70 dwellings with appearance, landscaping, layout and scale reserved for subsequent consideration – Keyo Agricultural Services, on Island Carr Road, Brigg.
Advertisement consent for two display screens and three signs to the rear of building – The Angel, Market Place, Brigg, by North Lincolnshire Council.
Final decisions on all three applications will be made in due course by the North Lincolnshire authority.

SUCCESSFUL RETURN OF BRIGG LINE TRAIN SERVICE

The train calling at platform one at Brigg railway station on Saturday at 9.04am was the first to pick up passengers here for six months.
The diesel from Sheffield via North Nottinghamshire and Gainsborough arrived a few minutes late, but the three passengers from Brigg who boarded, bound for Cleethorpes, were just happy to see the service resume after such a lengthy break resulting from the Coronavirus emergency which led to the withdrawal of trains in March.
Saturday saw normal service resume in Brigg with the introduction of a new timetable by train provider Northern.
It allocated a two-car Class 150 unit for the initial run, perhaps suggesting that the elderly Pacers have finally make their final journeys along the iconic Brigg Line (some survivors from this 'bus on wheels' class have now gone to UK heritage railways).
Three trains in each direction were timetabled through Brigg on September 19.
New signs have been erected in the town to point the way to the railway station - one being pictured here in the A18 bus shelter near Wetherspoon's White Horse pub. There is also a new information board at the top of Station Road, underneath the familiar red and white British Rail sign.
All being well and government virus restrictions permitting, passenger trains will be calling at Brigg station again this Saturday (September 26). The first of the day towards Grimsby and Cleethorpes is timed to depart at 8.59am. Change at Barnetby for connecting services to other destinations, including Doncaster and Lincoln.
Only one passenger got off the train in Brigg on Saturday; he was a train-lover from Nottingham who had travelled via Sheffield with his cycle. He is visiting all the remaining stations in the UK and was looking to add Brigg, Ulceby and Kirton Lindsey to the already extensive list recorded in his notebook.
We watched him cycle off down Station Road on Saturday morning on his way to Barnetby via the A1084 Bigby High. This avoided using the busy A18 in breezy conditions. Brigg Blog recommended a couple of refreshment stops - Brigg Garden Centre's restaurant and Barney's diner at Barnetby Top.
We hope he managed to achieve his target on Saturday and enjoyed his bike/train visit to North Lincolnshire.
There are some people in Brigg today who do not realise that the town has a functioning railway station, if only offering a Saturday-only service at present.
Please help to spread the word if you have friends/neighbours who have moved to the town in recent years.
PICTURED ABOVE: Jackie and Peter Brock, from Brigg, boarding the first train of the day on Saturday for a day out in Cleethorpes. Below - the train arriving in platform one, and a couple of the new signs. 

 

 

BRIGG TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB SELLS 200 TICKETS FOR TODAY'S FA VASE DERBY

Brigg Town Football Club indicated early this morning that some 200 tickets have been sold already for this afternoon's FA Vase tie with Winterton Rangers at the EC Surfacing Stadium. There's a government-imposed limit of 300 on football matches like this during the Coronavirus emergency.

So some places are still available to those wishing to watch the local derby and pay at the turnstiles. Kick-off is at 3pm. If the 300 limit is reached, no-one else will be admitted. So get there early to avoid possible disappointment.

The club stresses that social distancing measures apply inside the licensed Hawthorns clubhouse and will be enforced. The same applies to spectators during the game.

Pips Kitchen will be open, serving meals and other refreshments.

NEWS FLASH: BRIGG COUNCIL ON TRACK WITH NEW SAFETY MEASURE

Brigg Town Council members are being asked to approve the purchase of a flashing speed sign to improve road safety, and also decide its location.
This is among items to be discussed during the authority's next meeting on Tuesday, September 22, from 7.15pm.
With Coronavirus emergency restrictions on gatherings still in place, this session will be a 'virtual' one, with councillors and staff logging on at home via the Zoom facility.
Councillors on Monday evening will also be asked to agree the purchase of new public benches alongside the River Ancholme.
Additional approval is being sought for a project involving shop fronts within the town centre. A verbal report is expected from Coun Rob Waltham, who is the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council and also a member of the town authority.
PICTURED: A flashing speed sign in operation in Brigg. These signs have appeared locally from time to time on a temporary basis before being moved on to other locations. Beside the A18 on Ancholme Way has proved a popular location in the past.