GRIMSBY Town joint boss Rob Scott was full of praise for his side's performance at Macclesfield last night and declared – "I'll take five more of those."
Scott said his players answered all of the questions asked of them in recent weeks as they ran out 3-1 winners at Moss Rose.
The win consolidated the Mariners' place in the play-offs and extended the gap between them and closest challengers Forest Green Rovers to seven points.
Scott said: "We weren't great for the first 20 minutes. We had to come to terms with how they were playing," he said.
"They changed their system to a diamond and we changed it to hurt them a little bit more, and it worked. That's not just coming from us – the players implemented it.
"We said at half-time that there was only one team to go on and win it and so it proved.
"We thought that we'd hurt them in the offensive areas and that was the case, they didn't do anything to us in the second half.
He continued: "People are going to ask questions of us – that's understandable because it wasn't a great March for us.
"The lads were a little bit hurt by the things that were being said, but they came back and showed what they're all about. They've been bitterly disappointed by some of the recent performances and they wanted to put them right and they did that.
"They're a great bunch and they tried their hardest week in week out and against Macclesfield they showed what they're all about.
"We aim to prove a point every time we go out – I want that mentality. They have to earn the right to play for Grimsby Town and be proud to do that. We've got a group of players that are desperate to take that step forward."
THE controversial plan to replace Scartho Baths with a brand new £8.4-million swimming pool is to be examined by the Audit Commission.
The move comes after a Laceby resident contacted them to express concerns that the planned project did not represent good value for tax-payers' money.
Richard Macklam, who is a member of the Save Scartho Baths campaign, emailed the the commission, claiming that the work could be done for around £2-million less than the quoted price tag.
In his correspondence he included quotations provided by a professional builder stating that his company could design and build a 25-metre pool – the same size as the proposed new facility at Cromwell Road – for between £5.5 and £6 million, and a 50-metre international standard pool for around £7.5-million.
John Prentice, engagement lead at KPMG, the private firm contracted by the Audit Commission to inspect the accounts of local authorities in the Yorkshire and Humber region, replied by confirming that he would be looking into the matter.
He wrote: "I am arranging for some initial enquiries with the council to obtain further information. I will contact you when we have completed our examination of this matter."
Mr Macklam said he contacted the Audit Commission after being referred to them by the Local Government Ombudsman.
Campaigners opposed to the planned closure of Scartho Baths – branded by some as a "debacle" – have previously told the Grimsby Telegraph that they would consider making a complaint to the ombudsman over North East Lincolnshire Council's handling of the issue.
However, they are now pinning their hopes on the response from the Audit Commission.
More than 9,800 people have now signed a petition opposing the new pool plan, but it was voted through by full council in December.
Although the main cause of objection was the location and accessibility of the new facility, many campaigners, supported by MPs Austin Mitchell and Martin Vickers, raised questions about the cost of the project.
You can read previous stories on the campaign to save the pool at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk
Mr Macklam said: "The point I made to the Audit Commission is how can the council justify spending £8.4 million when we have found another provider who can do it a lot cheaper?
"You are looking at an overspend here of around two-and-a-half million pounds and I find that totally irresponsible. I am not a professional pursuer of quotations, so if I can pick up the phone and get a cheaper quotation why can't the council?"
Phil Gordon, a partner at Competition Pool Solutions, the firm which provided the quotations to Mr Macklam, told the Grimsby Telegraph that he had also contacted the council offering to discuss his company's proposals on several occasions, expressing concern that the cost of the £8.4-million project was far too high.
But he said there was "absolutely no inclination" from the council to meet with him, adding he felt that "they had a predefined route and they just weren't going to move from it".
When contacted by the Grimsby Telegraph yesterday, Mr Prentice said: "I can confirm that I have been contacted by Mr Macklam. The matters he raised may fall within my responsibilities, as the appointed auditor, for giving a value for money conclusion on North East Lincolnshire Council's accounts although that has still to be confirmed.
"I have made some enquiries of the council and I am awaiting a response from council officers. Until I have received and reviewed that response I am unable to comment any further."
A spokeswoman for North East Lincolnshire Council confirmed they had been contacted by Mr Prentice and said: "We will engage with him in the usual way as we do with similar queries."
THE finalists have now been decided for this year's Grimsby & District Snooker League's cup competitions.
The Basckombe Cup quarter-finals and semi-finals, played with handicaps, took place at the West End Club.
First up on table one was Jamie Barrett (scratch) and Ian Crosby (R20).
Barrett won 2-0 and knocked in a 54 break in the second frame.
Scott Gibbins (R25) was on table two playing Jamie Green (scratch).
Green also won 2-0, and fired home an 83 in the second frame.
Darren Evans beat Jon Steel and Gary Challis overcame John Parker.
In the semi-finals, Green (scratch) beat Challis (R10) 2-0 with a 54 break in the opener.
Barrett took the first against Evans in his semi, but the latter came back with an 87 break in the second pulling level.
However, Barrett made the final after winning a closely-fought decider.
The Harry Stone Junior Knockout was played off scratch, over the best of three frames.
Mick Ponsonby beat Mark Graves 2-1, while Ivan Harvey beat Dan Mumby 2-0.
Craig Rowbotham took on Lee Blanchard, and the latter scored a 53 break in the opener – but Rowbotham came back at, him taking it by one point.
Blanchard made sure of the second with a 76 break, making it one apiece. In a closely-fought decider, Rowbotham prevailed 2-1.
Scott Gibbins then beat Ian Crosby 2-1.
In the first semi, Ponsonby beat Gibbins 3-2.
Harvey, with the help of a 90 break, beat Rowbotham 3-1 to make the final.
The quarter-finals and semi-finals of the Grimsby Pairs contest took place at Ray Edmonds Snooker Centre.
John Parker and Steve Donner lost 2-0 against Paul Metcalf and Lee Plant, while Gary Challis and Mick Ponsonby beat Tony Miller and Chris Scott 2-0.
Mark Stevens and Ian Sadler beat Craig Rowbotham and Paul Smith 2-1.
Title holders Jamie Barrett and Jon Steel got a walkover as their opponents withdrew.
In the semi-finals, Barrett and Steel beat Sadler and Stevens 3-0.
In the other semi, Metcalf and Plant beat Challis and Ponsonby 3-1.
THE Willows was turned into the West End for an outstanding talent show.
The first Freshney Ward Has Talent show attracted a packed audience to The Willows Church Centre.
Nicola Batts, pictured above right, 19, gave a spellbinding performance of Claud Michel Schonberg's classic West End hit "I Dreamed a Dream," from Les Miserables and won the 13 to 19 years category.
She has a dream to one day see the show on stage.
She learned the song from watching the movie at the cinema and on a video from the 25th anniversary of the West End hit.
The former Great Coates Primary and Whitgift Academy pupil said: "I love the musical. I have seen it every way possible except on stage.
"I am overwhelmed at winning. I did not expect it but glad people enjoyed it."
The undergraduate student of criminology and social policy at the University of Lincoln said: "I was not sure what to sing but Daniel Melkevik (pianist) encouraged me and gave me the confidence to be able to do it."
She added: "I would not have entered if it was not for the organiser Theresa Crowe, who also encouraged me."
Theresa, a youth worker at Whitgift Youth Club hailed the fantastic night of talent.
She said: "I am elated. It was a fantastic event which brought the community together from the church, the youth centre and from throughout the Freshney ward."
She thanked the three ward councillors Cliff Barber, Peggy Elliott and Ray Sutton for sponsoring the talent show and providing Freshney Place shopping centre vouchers for the winners. The Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Mike Burton awarded the prizes.
He said: "I travel all over Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire and what comes to mind is that we have a fantastic community spirit. I am so proud of all the young people. They are a credit to their parents, a credit to the area they live in and a credit to the borough."
The winners were chosen by judges Donna Burns, services manager for North East Lincolnshire Young People Support Services, Carl Thomas, photographer and Karen Leshone, a professional singer.
Nicola narrowly won over Christina Marie Hanslow and threesome The Edge were third.
There was also a superb monologue by Craig Johnson based on impressions in a hospital ward which had the audience mesmerised.
In the under 12s category the winners were The Discoveries of the Willows Church Centre.
Second placed was Jaecie Hope Alderson and third was Abigail Parker.
CLEE Cons B became champions of the Grimsby Snooker Doubles League Premier Section with two weeks to spare.
They secured the title when they drew 3-3 with nearest rivals Linden Homes B.
Played at Love Lane Corner, Linden got off to a great start when Chris Madsen and Daz Evans won the opening two frames, and Anthony Jagger and Glen Leggett won their first frame to make it 3-0.
The Cons needed some inspiration, and it came from the cue of Craig Waddingham, who was partnered by captain Mike Bridge.
Waddingham knocked in a long red and, after picking his way through various reds and baulk colours, ended up clearing the table with a magnificent 112 break – the highest in the Wednesday Doubles League so far this season.
Team-mates Steve Donner and Mark Goss then won the last two frames to earn a share of the spoils – sealing the title in the process.
Taylor Made Carpets saw off Healing Legion A 4-2 when Craig Taylor and Keith Tomlinson won both their frames and Mark Stevens, George Padley, Ian Sadler and Rick Pacey shared with Mike Crooks, Pete Krofchak, Nigel Barr and Paul Stringer.
Two-nil wins from Paul King, Dave Dixon, Euan Hunter and Dave Mac and a single from Paul Smith and Sandy Young gave West End A a 5-1 home win against Linden Homes A.
John Baker and Chris Brown saved the whitewash for the visitors.
With both Dads & Lads and Nats already promoted from Section A, the only question left to answer is who will finish top of the pile.
After this week's round of matches, there is only one point in it after the Dads won 4-2 against Blossom Way A and the Nats smashed six past Clee Bowls B. At Cue World, Martin and Taylor Dowling won the first two frames for the top team before Pete and Alfie East, and Jason and Mathew Lawton shared with the Blossoms Ross Lowther, Michael Patchett, Luke Gale and Zak Robinson whilst at Clee Bowls, Ryan Johnstone, Mick Goodwin, Danny Hargrave, Steve Drinkell, Nige Emmerson and Dave Elshaw won all the frames for the Nats.
West End B cemented third place in the table after a 5-1 victory at Standard A. Dave Page, Ritchie Hopkins, Walt Simpson and Barry Jebson won the 2-0's for them with Mike Needham and Tony Bywater scoring a single against Dave James and Geoff Brown.
Les Pigg and Phil Revell won the first two frames for Cromwell B, but that was their lot as Dave Leen, Tony Rose, Andy Stanley and Bill Childs won all the rest for Healing Men's in a 4-2 victory.
FLOWER beds across North East Lincolnshire continue to be replaced with gravel and shrubs as part of council cost-cutting.
There was anger when the flower beds along Cleethorpes' seafront, which have helped the resort scoop countless awards, were first replaced in January.
And similar work has since been completed at Isaac's Hill and Waltham Road roundabout, in Scartho.
North East Lincolnshire Council maintains the changes are necessary to help shave £1 million of the grounds' maintenance budget.
Tollbar roundabout and Cleethorpes Country Park are the latest areas to be targeted – with council workers removing flowers and shrubs in favour of grass and gravel.
One Scartho resident, who did not wish to be named, questioned why work at Tollbar had commenced over the bank holiday weekend.
She said: "This roundabout was just coming into its prime with all the crocuses starting to flower to herald the start of spring.
"The turf has been removed, along with all the flowers – it's criminal.
"The council is supposed to be cash-strapped and yet bank holidays usually warrant extra pay!
"Why, if this really had to be done, could it not have waited until all the spring bulbs had finished flowering and then be done in normal working time?
"The plot is lost!"
However, a resident of Cleethorpes Country Park, who also did not wish to be named, said: "I actually think the beds look better now.
"The shrubs were overgrown and blocked the view when you were pulling out at junctions before, so the grass is much neater and safer."
A spokesman for North East Lincolnshire Council said work on Love Lane roundabout and Laceby bypass, near Morrisons, will be carried out in the autumn.
As agreed in the council's 2011 budget cut, £370,000 has to be saved from the grounds maintenance pot during the 2013/14 financial year. The bed replacement will contribute to that, saving £18-£20,00 a year.
DOES this badge belong to a former Grimsby trolleybus driver?
The Friends of Cleethorpes Heritage are working with the Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft to identify where the badge came from.
The museum is the holder of Cleethorpes' last ever trolleybus and contacted FCH to see if they could find out the badge's origin.
The Grimsby trolleybus system served Grimsby from October 3, 1926, before gradually being replaced by the Grimsby District Light Railway, a tramway that served Cleethorpes too. It closed on June 4, 1960.
The owner of the badge has been told it is a Grimsby Transport trolleybus driver's badge but this has not been confirmed officially.
Now they have turned to the Grimsby Telegraph and our readers for help.
Chairman of the Trolleybus Museum, Graham Bilbé, said: "Unfortunately we have no information about these badges and it has no clear marking on it.
"There are several possibilities. It may be from Grimsby trolleybuses, Cleethorpes trolleybuses, or the joint undertaking. It could be from Grimsby-Immingham Tramway or it might be something else altogether!"
If you can identify the badge, email newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk or call our team on 01472 372236.
A SENSIBLE measure aimed at cutting benefits abuse or a cut targeted at North East Lincolnshire's poorest residents?
Grimsby Telegraph readers – like the rest of Britain – are divided on whether the Government's sweeping welfare reforms are, as it claims, a means of bringing "fairness back to the system".
As reported, in North East Lincolnshire, one in five of Shoreline Housing Association's tenants – up to 1,600 people – under-occupy their homes and are in receipt of benefits due to unemployment or because they have such a low income.
It means many people claiming benefits who "under-occupy" their homes by one room are being faced with the choice of paying an average of £14 per week to "top-up" their rent or move to a smaller property.
Those with more than one spare room will have to meet a shortfall in their housing benefit of 25 per cent.
Many claim they simply can't afford the additional expenditure, but the costs of moving – both financial and emotional – also have to be taken into account, with some families being forced to leave behind family, friends and community support.
However, many other readers feel levels of benefits are already higher than they should be, adding they should be there simply to cover the basics to tide people over while looking for work, not to fund a way of life.
Here are a selection of your comments:
FOR REFORM Mr_Normal: "Every time I go to a warehouse, a cafe, a shopping centre or visit a farm, I find Eastern Europeans happily working there – in other words they've got on their bikes and got a job. I worked on a farm, I worked washing up in a restaurant, I worked in an amusement arcade, I worked as a security guard...I did all this while looking for and eventually getting a better job. I very strongly suspect the UK's generous welfare provision is a disincentive for many of its beneficiaries to go and get a job. AndyThursday: "The sooner we move away from an absolute right or entitlement for people on benefits to have the same lifestyle and luxuries as those that pay for it out of their own pocket the better. The welfare system was not designed for, nor can afford to pay people for internet, TV, nights out, cigarettes, alcohol etc. It is only there as a safety net, so people don't starve or live on the streets, and this is something I completely agree with. I don't agree that our taxes should pay for any luxuries, including TV. notworthit: "We are very fortunate to have a welfare system that is the envy of greater parts of Europe and perhaps the world. Where we are unfortunate is because of that system some feckless duckers and divers have avoided their responsibilities in providing for themselves and their families. The burden for doing so rests instead on the taxpayer. In my opinion social housing has proved a cancer in our society. I recall living among people in the 1940's and 1950's who were so grateful to have such wonderful council housing away from the grotty slums that made up so much rented housing in Grimsby. Now, some areas have been allowed to decline because the tenants just do not appreciate what they have and how easily they have come to it. I suspect those who express resentment at a policy which has allowed this growing problem to remain unchecked are those that have worked hard in order to provide for their families and feel the burden of taxation is increasingly being placed squarely on the shoulders of ordinary working people, who already have enough problems of their own to deal with." by anono25: "I'm all for the cuts. It was done to private housing a few years ago. Why should the Government and tax payers pay for people to have spare bedrooms when often working families are over crowded and can't afford to move into bigger housing? As I have always said, the more you pay into the system the less you get out. If people want to live a life with luxuries then this has to be worked for, not handed on a plate. I work for my money, my husband works and at young ages my children already know Mummy and Daddy go to work for pennies to buy nice things for them and if we didn't work we wouldn't get pennies." delboy1900: "Why do these people who claim benefits and live off the state feel so hard done by? There is an alternative....get a job! This country does not owe you a living and neither do I as a taxpayer! I'm sick and tired of hearing all the moaning in the press from people living on benefits! I work over 50 hours a week and I have to juggle finances. I don't have Sky or Virgin. AGAINST REFORM theshunter: "To all you hard workers, you might have a job now but for how much longer? Think about your kids and their kids. Will there be jobs for them, or even benefits?! To those that keep telling people to get out and get a job, have a look around and see what jobs are out there, then look and see how many people are out of work! Please come back and list all the jobs you find! Benefits ...It could be you." by lizidrip: "I can see how successful the Tory propaganda has been locally. There are so many comments damning those on benefits, with no consideration as to whether or not they actually made that choice. Comments as usual are rife with discrimination and racism and there is so much anger and hatred against anyone living in a house that some rich Tory finds inappropriate. There has been no sympathy shown for those who are now below the breadline, those who are on benefits due to no fault of their own, or those who have a disability. There has been no anger at the way the NHS has been decimated and how treatment is cost dependant. No concern that the price of food and fuel has increased rapidly since the Tories got in and concern that tax and NI have gone up, but services have gone down. No one seems to mind that although "we are all in this together" the Tories have still got their huge pensions, their rent free/subsidised housing, their subsidised bars and eateries and do not forget their expenses. But then why should anyone mind if someone has to move out of the home they have lived in and paid rent on for 40 + years? The Tories don't and it looks like most of the inhabitants of Grimsby don't either. You shame what was once a great town full of great and caring people" by Corrina1971: "We do class luxuries as essentials nowadays. For example, it is expected for children to have access to internet and a printer for school. It's not a necessity, as there are other places to get free internet other than home, but it's the stigma of not being able to afford home internet. Since losing my husband two years ago, my whole life has gone belly up. It has been hard to organise finances. I've sold sentimental stuff to stay afloat. But it's just stuff. I'm lucky I had stuff to sell. I'm getting there, I will get a job in the next year. The way I see it, when my daughter leaves home, I will need to be self supporting. I'm lucky to get as much as I do, but it's only because I have my daughter. Her father has paid nothing, but I wouldn't set the CSA on a rabid dog. My husband supported her as his own, and she has really taken his loss to heart. She still goes to school in Louth every day. Why should she suffer losing friends too? It's crippling to cope, but you have to cut your cloth accordingly. Life is hard, very hard. We see it as the norm to have cable/sky tv, fast internet, takeaways etc, but it's not. I'm so lucky. I have my daughter, and because of her I can scrape by, living in a house, keeping my dog and cats (my lifeline since my husband died). It's hard because I want to give her more. Without my daughter, I would have nothing and be in a bedsit or shared house. You have to get things into perspective. I think we are lucky to have a welfare system. It may not be perfect, but at least we have one."
TWO community stalwarts have been recognised for the vital voluntary work they do to help others.
Allen Young, 55, and Harry Hall, 46, both received the High Sheriff Award for the difference they have made to their local communities.
Allen runs Harbour Place Day Centre, in Albert Street West – the largest provider of services for homeless people and other socially excluded groups in North East Lincolnshire.
Last year, the centre provided help and support for about 12,000 people and without Allen's continuous quest for funding and time invested, it would not be possible.
Allen, from Cleethorpes, said: "I was quite humbled when I found out about the award because there are so many good causes and good people working in the voluntary sector in North East Lincolnshire.
"The award is really a reflection of the commitment and dedication of the volunteers at Harbour Place."
Harry was nominated for the award by the chief fire officer at Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, Richard Hannigan, in recognition of his commitment to the Fire and Rescue Service and to the LIVES charity as a volunteer.
Father-of-three Harry, from Humberston, has been a LIVES first responder for 13 years and came up with the idea of a dedicated LIVES vehicle to assist the fire service.
Harry, who previously came runner-up in the national Nationwide Award for Voluntary Endeavour, said: "I was chuffed when I found out I'd got the High Sheriff's award.
"Obviously I don't do any of it for that but it is really nice when it does happen."
Allen and Harry were two of 12 people to receive the award from the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, John Burke.
He said: "These people make Lincolnshire a better and safer place to live and I am very keen to support them.
"On behalf of Lincolnshire, I'd like to give them my heartfelt thanks for the part they have played in making Lincolnshire a county to be proud of."
Allen and Harry were presented with an engraved lapel pin and a certificate at the Judges' Lodgings in Lincoln's Castle Square.
HE may only be 12 years old, but brave Charlie Marshall has undergone a staggering 14 operations in his short lifetime – all of them at threatened Leeds General Infirmary.
And his parents firmly believe he wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for the care he received at the children's cardiac unit.
Born with a rare heart condition that left him with half a heart and which will one day see him need a heart and lung transplant, Charlie underwent his first operation at just nine weeks old.
Now, after lengthy talks into the night, it has been announced today that heart surgery is to resume at Leeds General Infirmary, following its suspension last week, much to the relief of his family.
They have spoken of their constant fear of what might happen if he falls ill and needs urgent care.
Mum Megan Marshall, 41, from Laceby, explained: "Any child who has a complex heart condition must have a paediatric cardiac anaesthetist team present at any operation, whether that's having their tonsils out or exploratory surgery.
"More importantly, the cardiac team has to be there if the child has a car accident or something like appendicitis.
"Say Charlie got acute stomach pains tonight at 9pm and it turned out to be appendicitis, he would need an operation urgently, but Grimsby or Sheffield could not perform this.
"An air ambucopter couldn't fly after dusk and if Leeds was shut, then by the time a fast response ambulance got him to Newcastle, it would be too late."
NHS bosses suspended children's heart surgery at Leeds last Thursday – just days after a High Court judgment ruled it should be saved from closure.
It was claimed surgical standards and high mortality rates were the reason behind the suspension, but Megan says she knows first-hand that is not the case.
Charlie's dad Richard, 42, said: "I would like to ask the question of the head of the NHS what he would do if our boy suffered a burst appendix at 10.30pm, how he would arrange to get an operation for him if Leeds is suspended? It is the only place he can go to because the NHS policy is for heart patients to only have treatment at designated units with the proper paediatric cardiac anaesthetist team.
"Newcastle would be too far for him to travel."
Richard said his son had grown up with the same nurses, doctors and surgeons at Leeds General Infirmary.
He said: "They are like family. Charlie has faith in them all and there is a strong sense of trust. That would not be there if he had to go to Newcastle and meet a whole new set of doctors who he did not know and, crucially, they do not know him."
He added: "The team at Leeds have been together for years.
They are brilliant.
"We have met the families of three or four children who have died at the unit, but the parents remain totally in support of it. You have to give the surgery a chance.
"I would always take Charlie to Leeds straight away because the surgeons are fantastic."
The parents said they felt "in limbo" not knowing what future treatment could be available and where.
But Richard was still able to take Charlie to Wembley to watch Grimsby Town.
Megan added: "Charlie has had 14 operations, three of them open heart operations lasting eight hours each.
"There was more chance of him dying than living, yet here my son is, 12 years old, alive and very well.
"Over Charlie's life, we have spent a great deal of time at Leeds, sometimes eight weeks at a time, and we only got through due to family visits and being able to see our other five children.
"In Newcastle, we would not have that support as it is way too far to return travel for a couple of hours' visit.
Megan added that the future of the unit at Leeds could be crucial to Charlie's health in the future.
She added: "He is by no means cured, his care is palliative and his future is a heart and lung transplant.
"News of the suspension caused devastation to us all.
"Living with Charlie's prognosis is scary but this decision was far worse."
Reacting to news that children's heart surgery is to resume at Leeds General Infirmary, Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell said: "I'm very glad to hear surgery is being resumed. It is good news for parents, children and the consultants living in our area." Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers added: "This is welcome news. Clearly there were some doubts about the decision taken by Sir Bruce Keogh to suspend surgery last week."Keep checking on www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk for updates on the future of surgery at Leeds General Infirmary For a full feature on the background to the hospital unit decision see tomorrow's Grimsby Telegraph. Full details of the fight to save the Leeds unit can be read at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk.
Young competitors at the Cleethorpes Dance Festival still have plenty of talent to give. As always, the colourful event at the Cleethorpes Memorial Hall is covering a wide range of disciplines, from ballet and cabaret to modern dances and much more.
In Pictures: Cleethorpes Dance Festival (3/4/2013)
Check out more picture galleries here – where you can also buy copies.ResultsBallet novice (aged 8-9 years): 1, Jenna Ornsby, 2, Jessica Andrew, 3, Amillia Hall, 4, Ruby Moyle
Song and dance novice (aged 13-13 years): 1, Ebony Webster, 2, Isabella Murphey, 3, Melissa Foyle, 4, Harriet Cope
Greek or natural movement (aged 14-15 years): 1, Grace Swaby-Moore, 2, Rebecca Holland, 3, Kye-Olivia Thompson, 4, Eve Smith
Tap open (aged 6-9 years): 1, Megan Potts, 2, Emily James, 3, Ruby Bearup, 4, Libby Peterson
National open (aged 10-11 years): 1, Amelia Clarke, 2, Jade Broughton, 3, Jemima Jefferies, 4, Harriett Kelly and Isobel Gillespie
Troupe (aged under 13 years): 1, Clee Academy of Dance, 2 and 3 Ashlie Cait Dance Academy, 4, Swaby Dance Centre
Classical duet (aged 16-18 years): 1, Grace Swaby-Moore and Amanda Kent, 2, Ellen White and Jade Young, 3, Millie Margetts and Jessica Pinder, 4, Abigail Jackson
Ballet novice (aged 8-9 years): 1, Emily James, 2, Libby Peterson, 3, Ebony Sherriff, 4, Isabel Woodhouse
National novice (aged 14-15 years): 1, Nadia Mycuuk, 2, Daisy Gale, 3, Megan Ward and Megan Trott
Modern open (aged 12-13 years): 1, Erin Shepherd, 2, Seraya Culshaw, 3, Victoria Keal , 4, Ebony Webster and Isabella Murphey
Modern open (aged 14-15 years): 1, Grace Swaby-Moore, 2, Rebecca Holland, 3, Eve Smith, 4, Georgia Wood and Ellys Cartwright
Cabaret duet with song (aged 16-18 years): 1, Chelsey Milman and Lauren Smith, 2, Lilley Bridges and Sammy Marshall, 3, Abigail Jackson and Georgia Hanley, 4, Phoebe Aisthorpe and Ellys Cartwright
Cabaret trio with son (aged under 10 years): 1, Megan Pitts, Alice Wright and Scarlett Wilkins, 2, Charlotte Lister, Fleur Elise Frankland and Izzie Wescott, 3, Euan Stansfield, Adam Merriman and William Jones , 4, Amelia North, Lily Scrimshaw and Talia-Grace Fox
Cabaret trio without song (aged under 13 years): 1, Megan Allenby, Jade Rae and Poppy Warrender, 2, Evie Linfitt, Amber Youles and Daisy Archer, 3, Eleanor Anderson, Amelia Clarke and Saskia Ellis, 4, Mia Wilkins, Georgia Easton and Halle Burchell
Character novice (aged 14-15 years): 1, Joseph Tobin, 2, Evie Brett, 3, Rebecca Holland, 4, Georgia Wood
COUNCIL bosses got a grilling from local residents on their concerns about the new bike hub planned for Grimsby town centre.
North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) and partners Balfour Beatty claim a cycle hub with a lock-up facility and showers for commuters in a disused building at Grimsby Town Railway Station will be the key to revamping the town centre.
And yesterday, residents logged onto www.thisisgrimsby for an online debate on the issue – a chance to ask council and Balfour Beatty officers how it will work in practice.
Residents wanted to know who would run the bike scheme and how much it would cost the tax-payer, and them to lock up their bikes.
The NEL Partnership answered that it would cost £1 a day or £15 per calendar month to lock your bike and while the scheme would be part funded by the Local Sustainable Transport Fund at first, Cycle Lincs – the social enterprise running it – would be self-sustainable after two years.
Some talked of the need to make cycle routes safer, highlighting that cars often park in them.
NEL Partnership revealed that they were looking at a new route through St James' Square – although many cycle lanes are 'advisory', which means they cannot impose penalties on drivers who use them as parking spaces.
Three people voiced concerns about safety for people cycling on Bargate but NEL partnership said a cycle lane would be impossible because of the width of the highway.
However, they advised these cyclists to use parallel roads and wear high-visibility vests.
PLANS for two 46-metre wind turbines to be built close to a village primary school have been submitted.
Members of the Marsh Windfarm Action Group are preparing for another battle after GH Parker (North Cotes) Limited submitted the application for Main Road, Grainthorpe.
The turbines will be just 320 metres away from Grainthorpe Primary School and 350 metres away from the main road.
The school did not wish to comment on the application, but the Grimsby Telegraph understands they plan to object.
It is one of eight wind farm applications across the marsh villages, including North Somercotes, North Cotes, Tetney and North Thoresby.
Founder of MWAG, Melvin Grovenor, has rallied troops to fight what he describes as: "The industrial invasion of the countryside."
He said: "Not only will they be far too close to the school, there will be a cumulative impact on the community because they are close to the existing farm at Conisholme and those proposed at Newton Marsh and Louth Canal.
"If people do not oppose them we will have wind turbines scattered all over the countryside at different heights.
"It is going to turn it into a mish-mash of industrialisation of our beautiful landscape."
The turbines will be situated behind Grainthorpe Grain Store, owned by Earthmill Ltd.
MWAG – which is also fighting ASC Renewable's application for eight 115-metre turbines at Bishopthorpe Farm, Tetney, and Partnership for Renewal's application for three 113-metre turbines along Louth Canal – are now sending objection letters to all households in the area which can be sent on to East Lindsey District Council.
Government planning minister Nick Boles MP visited the district recently to discuss the number of applications being made.
Officers are preparing to make their recommendation on the Louth Canal application to ELDC's Planning Committee, which will meet on Thursday, April 18.
A spokesman for GH Parker (North Cotes) Ltd said: "The turbines at Grainthorpe have been sited well back from the highway behind the main farmstead, which, combined with the small scale and slim nature of the turbines, will limit any visual impact.
"Unfortunately small-scale projects like this one often get confused with the commercial scale projects which rarely benefit the local community as they are owned and run by multi-national organisations and have much greater impact on a widespread area.
"Smaller turbines such as this project connect into a local farm business and are supplied, owned and operated by such businesses.
"The renewable energy produced by the turbines will connect directly into Grainthorpe farm supply, significantly reducing their energy bills – while any excess energy will be exported back in to the grid and be used locally."
A TALENTED Humberston star has followed his dreams and made it to the West End – landing himself a role in a smash-hit musical.
Former Swaby Dance Centre pupil Daniel Clift is currently performing tap dancing and street numbers eight times a week in the new religious satire musical, The Book of Mormon.
The show has been penned by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. And Daniel is part of the ensemble, taking the role of a Mormon, at The Prince Of Wale Theatre, London until February next year.
The former Lindsey School and Franklin College pupil, 22, said: "This is the best experience of my life and it has always been a dream of mine to make it to the West End.
"At the age of 16 I knew I wanted to make it, so that's when I started to concentrate and work really hard on musicals.
"It is really fun, but exhausting at the same time, because my character is very comical and hyper.
"It is such a hectic show, which is fun, with plenty of dancing. I perform every night apart from Sundays and I put all my energy into it."
Daniel moved to London in 2009 and he was one of a handful of students at the Arts Education School, London – where he studied for a BA Hons in musical theatre – to be picked for an honour.
"I knew I had to move to London because it's where everything is happening," he added.
"My agent found this role for me a year ago and I successfully auditioned for it.
"It's great to finally be performing in it. All the cast are fantastic and I get on with everyone."
The musical, which follows a pair of Mormon boys sent on a mission to a place that's a long way from Salt Lake City, is the winner of nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and the Grammy for Best Musical Theatre album.
Daniel added: "I couldn't have achieved this without beginning my career in Grimsby.
"My parents drove me everywhere to all the shows and dance schools I went to.
"I used to perform in a lot of Curtain Up Productions, too."
Proud granddad Gordon Clift, of Cleethorpes, said: "I knew he would make it because, since the age of nine, he has been enjoying theatre work.
"I am glad he has stuck with it because he can achieve anything now.
"He performed as Oliver in the musical at the Grimsby Auditorium and he brought the house down. He has also toured the UK with 42nd Street musical."
Performances are Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm and Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm.
The Prince Of Wales Theatre is on Coventry Street, London W1D 6AS.
Find out more about The Book of Mormon
GRIMSBY Town joint boss Rob Scott reflects on a good week so far for the Mariners, ahead of tomorrow's visit of Southport...
ON THE LAST TWO RESULTS...
" They've been a big boost, of course it has because confidence was a little bit low and that's understandable with the results that we've had. It hasn't been the fault of anything in particular, it's just the way things have gone for us. Sometimes when results conspire against you and things aren't going your way then your confidence takes a knock. It wasn't just the result at Stockport that gave us the boost but the way we got it. It wasn't particularly pretty and we didn't play flowing football, but it was a result that was won by people putting their bodies on the line against a team that's scrapping for survival. It was a big win for us and the lads' confidence has shot up after that and then we followed that up with what was another fairly comfortable win at Macclesfield last night. Confidence is starting to seep back in and hopefully we're hitting a bit of form at just the right time."
ON TOMORROW'S GAME...
" It's been a good week for us so far and we want that to continue. We want to pick up as many points as we can and we'd like to get another win at home tomorrow. We've picked up two wins on the road, helping us to take seven points from a possible nine and we want to keep that going. We're going to go into the game with the same focus of getting another three points and if we reach the sort of levels that we did against Macclesfield, we'll be in with a good chance. It's vital that everybody gets behind us tomorrow and gives us the opportunity to get another three points on the board and another game ticked off. From what's been a bad March, we're hopefully turning that into a good April."
ON SOUTHPORT...
" They started the season quite well and they were up in the top five or six in the table. But their season has changed a little bit in a negative respect of late and they'll be looking to boost their survival hopes on the back of a win on Wednesday. It's been an up-and-down season for them. At one point, their manager was talking about pushing for the Play-Offs and now they find themselves in a bit of a relegation scrap and we'll have to be mindful of that. Teams that are down there – as we saw with Barrow – are fighting for the lives and we'll have to contend with that tomorrow."
ON INJURIES…
" No-one made any initial complaints to Mooro (Physio, Dave Moore) after the Macclesfield game. Craig Disley took a bit of a knock to his ankle and he's carrying a few war wounds at the moment but that's how it is at the minute. We all know the fixture congestion has been horrific but what we have got is a number of games where the opposition has had the same number of games so we can't complain about things being stacked against us. Everybody is on a level playing field. We have a very fit squad and you don't feel tired when you're winning – it's only when you lose that you start to feel those little niggles and aches and pains. As we stand, everybody is okay for Saturday but we'll assess it a bit more today before we make any decisions."
ON POTENTIAL CHANGES…
" We've been fortunate in that when we've rotated the squad this week, it hasn't had a detrimental effect on us. We made a couple of changes at Macclesfield, where Aswad (Thomas) came in for Woody (Bradley Wood), who did an excellent job at Stockport, but we wanted to freshen things up. That's the only reason we're doing it – it's not performance-related it's all to do with keeping things fresh and giving us that little bit of a spark. Cleveland (Taylor) came in for us at Macclesfield and gave us that little bit of experience. Away from home, he gave us that little bit of nous and did the simple things to help us. Frankie (Artus) also came in and I thought he was excellent again following his Wembley performance. We've got good players sat in the stands at the minute, which we don't like to do, but it's something that we have to do in order to keep the squad fresh. We'll continue to look at who needs a rest and mix things about, because we want to pick up as many points as we can, as soon as possible. ON THE RACE FOR PLAY-OFFS
" People say we only need three wins and we'll be there and it sounds really easy when you say it like that! Obviously we want to win them all and we'll have to assess where we are when we've got enough points to confirm. If it has to go down to the last game – even though we don't want it to – so be it. We're just focusing on picking up as many points as possible in these last five games."
SHAUN Pearson says Grimsby Town are gunning for third-place – not just a play-off spot.
Finishing third would mean that Rob Scott and Paul Hurst's men would play the first leg of the play-off semi-final away, before bringing their opponents back to Blundell Park to decide who would book their place in the Wembley final.
Pearson starred in Town's midweek victory at Macclesfield – scoring the second goal in an impressive 3-1 win.
Speaking ahead of the club's third game in six days against Southport tomorrow, the 23-year-old said it was a victory to show that Town are a team 'on the up' again – at just the right time.
"It was a massive win for us," he said.
"If they'd have won, they would have felt they were in with a shout, but that result puts them to bed now.
"At Macclesfield, I think we definitely looked like a team back on the up and long may that continue.
"We've just got to keep going and keep up our performances and you never know how high we can finish.
"I'm not going to say we'll win it or anything like that but we want to finish as high up as we can. It would be nice to get that third spot.
"That would mean that we'd have the away leg first and bring whoever we get back to Blundell Park for the second leg – that would be a big advantage.
"The main thing is to get in those Play-Offs first and foremost and then let's see where it takes us."
He continued: "Mentally, the last two games have been a real boost. We've got a young side – apart from the couple of older heads that are in there – but when you go through those tough times as we did last month, it's difficult.
"Everything seems to be going right for you all season and then suddenly it just stops and you can't understand why.
"Hopefully we can keep this run going because we want to be the form team going into the Play-Offs."
