NEW YEAR 2021: WHAT BRIGG IS HOPING FOR

Wishing Brigg people a Happy and Prosperous New Year has never been as relevant in the 21st century as it is on January 1, 2021 - due to the continuing Coronavirus emergency.

This now sees communities beyond our town's southern border being advanced to Tier 4 with its tougher restrictions. That's a reference to Lincolnshire County Council's area and the West Lindsey district which borders Brigg at the far end of Westrum Lane, along Cadney Road and also Bigby High Road.
Brigg Blog traditionally looks ahead on January 1 by posting a 'wish list' for the 12 months ahead, and this year is no different - other than hoping the virus threat will lessen and then disappear early in 2021 and that normality returns.
MARKETS: The 'Indie' Market - trialled successfully late last year - has great potential to be developed into something regular once the virus has been overcome. Brigg Farmers' Market has always drawn big attendances one Saturday each month, but we need something to draw shoppers in on the other three. Perhaps the 'Indie' could fill one of these slots. The Forgotten Army was what they called the Chindits force in the Far East during the Second World War. Sadly, the former Stennett's produce market/auction near the railway station may be in danger of becoming Brigg's version. North Lincolnshire Council to its credit has made repeated efforts to find a new operator for this Thursday market which attracted sizeable attendances for years but folded many months ago. Could the council have another 'push' early in 2021? Brigg doesn't want to risk losing something established more than 100 years ago. Many auction supporters used to shop in town while paying us a visit, so there's a knock-on benefit to the local economy if these sales can resume in 2021.
RETAIL: Brigg shops and small retail businesses categorised as 'non-essential' by the government have taken a hit from the virus restrictions although they are open at present. These premises are very much at the heart and soul of the town, but with the virus emergency still present we can only suggest that people 'shop local' as much as they can.
LICENSED PREMISES: Early this year the planners should rule on a proposed scheme to create a new bar in the former HSBC bank premises in the Market Place. However, Brigg's existing pubs continue to suffer enforced closure due to the Covid-19 emergency - something which had dogged them, off and on, since last March. January is always the slackest period of the year in the pub trade, so many in Brigg will be hoping that by February the bars can reopen... and stay open. It will be a real shame if lockdown or restricted trading is still with us in late March - one year after the initial lockdown was introduced.

HOUSING: Plans for dozens of new properties have been put forward in Brigg with some schemes already passed by the planners. But with heavy demand for housing, it's to be hoped that some of these developments proceed in the near future, to give people places to live. One prime example is the former Falcon Cycles/Corah site off Bridge Street. There's also potential to convert disused retail/office premises within the town centre to residential use. Many shops and offices currently in ground floor use have disused or little-used floors above with potential for conversion to flats.
TRANSPORT: Two alternative schemes have been proposed to get many more passenger trains calling at Brigg station Monday-Friday, rather than only on Saturday. Both plans will be considered at some point this year. But ahead of decisions being made, the campaigning Independent Brigg Line Rail Group has sent Brigg Blog its New Year wish - hoping that improvements will be made to the area of land near our station and particularly its approach from Station Road.
SPORT: With the government only allowing a few weeks' cricket in the 2020 season, we hope that players from the Brigg Town, Broughton and Hibaldstow clubs are able to begin the 2021 Lincolnshire League campaign on time in late April/early May, and also that Brigg Town Football Club, Barnetby United and Briggensians are able to complete games in the 2020/21 season by May or June at the latest. It's also to be hoped that Ancholme Rowing Club can resume holding and taking part in its full programme of events in the warmer months of 2021, and that Brigg Tennis Club members can enjoy full use of the Recreation Ground's fine facilities.
ANNUAL APPEAL: New Years in the past have seen Brigg Blog appeal to the authorities to tackle abuses of the pedestrian area by motorists and cyclists. It might be argued that there are many more important topics in early 2021 but the fact remains that, for years, drivers and riders have continued to ignore the signs posted at the entrances to the pedestrian area. This was created in the 1990s so shoppers could proceed freely through the town centre and not have to keep an eye out for approaching cycles and vehicles.
NEW ALLOTMENTS: A programme of work has been drawn up for  2021 to create new allotments to rent on part of Woodbine Park - the plots to be administered by Brigg Town Council. This scheme has been delayed by issues related to the emergency but is now on track. We won't be the only former resident of the Woodbine Grove prefabs who's keen to go along later in the year to see the wheel turning full circle. For these post-war bungalows had gardens in which produce was grown for the table until the site was cleared in the early 1970s.
ANNIVERSARIES: It was difficult and seemed unwise to celebrate two milestones in Brigg during 2020 but it's expected that something suitable will follow in the early part of this year (restrictions permitting) to mark the 100th anniversary of Brigg Servicemen's Club being founded and perhaps also 100 years since hockey was established at club level in the town.

PICTURED: Recent bird's eye views of Brigg courtesy of Neil Stapleton.