A PROPOSED housing development in Brigsley could lead to flooding and traffic problems, as well as ruining the character of the village.

Those were the views of residents who attended a special meeting of Brigsley Parish Council to discuss plans for six new homes at Mushroom Farm, The Strands.

As reported, owner Paul Hanson has submitted a planning application to North East Lincolnshire Council seeking permission to build six barn conversion-style houses on the land and rebuild the existing property.

It is the fifth application made for the site after a series of rejections by planning bosses and withdrawals by Mr Hanson.

And residents maintain there is "no way" the latest development should be given the go-ahead when previous proposals have been rejected.

Geoff Bell said: "I can't understand why this development is being suggested when an application and appeal for four houses was rejected. If the site wasn't suitable for four houses, why would it suddenly be suitable for seven?"

As reported, councillors rejected previous plans because they did not like the proposed style and design of the development, believing it was not in keeping with the village.

Mr Hanson and developing agent Ross Davy Associates say they are confident they now have a "winning plan" – but residents disagree.

Steve Donnington added: "The developers say the designs are based on reimagining farm buildings that used to exist on the site, but there were never any there.

"The plans are totally out of keeping with the rest of the properties and will totally ruin that corner of the village."

Norman Major alerted the parish council to his concerns over possible flooding at the site.

He said: "There are already drainage problems. There is a dyke at the end of our garden which is meant to be empty except for when it's raining but it's had up to three-foot of water in it in the past."

Another resident, Matthew Hendry, added: "We are not averse to some development taking place on the site to tidy it up, but these proposals are completely wrong.

"They will completely ruin the street scene and the views from existing properties.

"There are a lot of young children who play in the close and six new homes will create a lot more traffic, which could be dangerous."

What do you think?

To have your say on the application, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk and search for planning applications.

DIVISION One's first crunch match of the season takes place this weekend when DMS take on Humberston in the Grimsby, Cleethorpes & District Sunday Football League.

Immingham-based DMS hit seven goals without reply against Tower Bucharest to move into the quarter-finals of the Senior Challenge Cup last week.

They have also been going well in the league and sit unbeaten at the top of the table after five games.

But secretary Paul Knox is well aware that second-placed Humberston will take some beating.

He said: "Humberston, like us, go into this game on the back of a good cup win.

"They are a good footballing side and we'll have to be at our best to get a result.

"They deserve to be where they are and if we want to stay top, we have to beat them."

Both sides have proven quality and were near the top last season.

Knox added: "Liam Davis and Louis Grant are well capable of dominating any game and we must do our best to keep them in check.

"We've recruited new backroom staff in the shape of Steve Hunter and Andy Fox, who enjoyed several years of success with Seven Seas.

"They are both well-respected in the game and we hope they will be able to show us how to win things.

"Their previous club had some good history – and we want some like theirs.

"It's a long time since an Immingham side won the title and we are out to break the hoodoo."

DMS won 7-0 against Tower Bucharest in the Senior Challenge Cup last week.

They took an early lead when Renzie Lobendhan's pass found Stefan Melin, who beat a defender and coolly finished at the near post.

It was soon 2-0 when Lobendhan found Melin again and he clinically finished past the oncoming keeper.

DMS extended their lead when Callum Day's cross was met by Lewis Wilson, who finished well.

The Immingham side made it four when Wilson was brought down in the box and Melin converted the spot-kick to complete his hat-trick.

It was one-way traffic and DMS added to their lead in the second half when Gary Kilday's good run found substitute Scott Smith, who poked home from close range.

Tower's Jamie Witts was unlucky when his shot was well-saved by Jamie Glover, but DMS scored again when Johnathan Oglesby smashed the ball into the top corner.

Oglesby got his second and DMS' seventh when his fantastic strike from 30 yards gave the keeper no chance.

Manager Phil Graham played in goal for his Birds Eye Pelham side – and watched his cup holders beat Empire United 4-1.

The goals came from Liam Robinson, Richard Fleming (pen), Lee Romaniw and Simon Ballard. Lee Croft replied for Empire.

Graham said: "I was well-protected by the back four and did not have a lot to do.

"New defender John Theobald from the Scunthorpe Sunday League played well and looks like a promising acquisition."

This weekend Birds Eye take on Empire again – this time in Division One.

Graham added: "We are expecting a different game. Paul Ashton and Lee Croft are always a danger and we know Dale Mason and Shane Garvie can play.

"Hopefully we'll have something like a full-strength side available. We must get our league season going – starting against Empire United."

Joint manager Steve West was pleased with his SW Steelers side's 7-2 win against Grimsby Warriors in Division One.

Steelers pulled away in the second half after the scores were level at 2-2 at the break. Kyle Bensley (2), Luke Borrill, Josh Braid, Nick Rook, John Waugh and James McGregor scored for Steelers, while Sam Thorp and Mike Smith replied for Warriors.

West said: "As expected, Warriors battled for the first hour, but we matched them and took over when they tired."

This weekend, Steelers take on Pattesons in the Memorial Cup.

West added: We could do with a good cup run and now we've got the momentum going, we hope to be able to do this.

"We'll get a good side out, but working on a Sunday impacts on us and we cannot seem to field the same eleven week in, week out. But we can juggle about to get it right. We know Pattesons from our encounters in the past, but again they have similar problems to ours, and therefore we do not read too much into what's happened previously."

NEW Army recruits have taken their oaths of allegiance to begin gruelling training.

Emily Scott, Jordan Hobbins, Michael Flatters and Jordan Leslie received the official certificate at the Army Recruitment Office, in Freeman Street, Grimsby.

Emily, 19, of New Waltham, will begin her training as a nurse at the end of this month.

She said: "I will start with 14 weeks of basic training and I'm really looking forward to being in the field and testing my skills.

"I will then go to the University of Birmingham for three years to train. It's great because I am guaranteed a job at the end.

"I am really excited and a little bit nervous. I'm really looking forward to working as a team and to live with fiends at university."

Jordan Hobbins, 19, of Ladysmith Road, Grimsby, has joined the Grenadier Guards and will begin training in a week's time.

"I will be based at Catterick for training and I can't wait to get fitter and learn new skills," he said.

"I know the 28 weeks of training will be tough because I don't like early mornings!

"Before I applied for this, I wanted to be a personal trainer at a gym but I changed my mind.

"You have to be a strong person to join the Army and it feels good getting my certificate."

Jordan Leslie, 21, of Grimsby, joined the Royal Logistic Corps as a specialist driver and Michael Flatters, 22, also of Grimsby, joined the Yorkshire Regiment to become an infantry soldier.

A PERSONAL trainer is looking to inspire fellow dyslexia sufferers after speaking out about her personal struggle with the condition.

Years of hard work, dedication and belief has seen 41-year-old Kelly Chester develop from a struggling teenager into a woman with her own business.

Kelly, who qualified as a personal trainer four years ago, runs a popular set of classes to help get people in shape.

But the mum-of-one recalls spending the majority of her time at school frustrated, as no matter how hard she tried the grades would always come back low.

She had aspirations of going to college and then university to study nursing, but unfortunately her condition – which at the time had not been detected – got the better of her.

Kelly, of Grimsby, said: "I realised I would not be able to complete the nursing exams as I struggled with basic written tests at school.

"So after leaving education at 16 years old, I went straight into work and thought this was all I was good at.

"However, a few years later I wanted to try again so I went to college to resit my GCSE maths and English, which I finally passed."

Kelly went on to do an Open University (OU) diploma in health and social welfare, in London. It was here, at the age of 21, that she was diagnosed with dyslexia.

She said: "Lecturers noticed that my written comprehension was not as good as my oral side.

"I had various tests done before I was eventually told I had the condition.

"It was a huge relief as for once I could put a finger on what was wrong and it felt almost as if I had been given an excuse for the poor results earlier in life.

"It took me an overall five years to complete my OU diploma where as the average person did it in two."

Kelly began to accept that literacy work would take her longer to complete than others, but she was prepared to never be defeated.

She spent the past 22 years of her life working in the social care industry, before becoming a personal trainer.

She said: "I always had an interest for health and wellbeing and now I run various fitness classes for pre and post natal women, GP referrals, nutrition and weight management, chair-based body conditioning and more.

"I had to sit exams to train in each topic and I never passed any the first time around.

"However, taking resits made me a better trainer as I was able to take in a lot more information the second time round."

Kelly is also a qualified level three Pilates teacher and holds Boxolates classes at Samurai Hearts, in Freeman Street, Grimsby.

She is encouraging more people to join her groups and as a special incentive, the first three pregnant women to book a six-week Pilates class at £25 will receive her Practical Pregnancy Pilates DVD for free (normally £9.99).

"I want others diagnosed with dyslexia to realise they can still achieve, there is always a different way of doing things," she said.

"I am very proud of how far I have come and I will continue to work hard."

Get involved

Kelly's Pilates class runs every Friday, from 6pm to 7pm, at Samurai Hearts, Freeman Street, Grimsby. Boxolates run every Tuesday, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, at the same venue. Each class is £5 or people can book a block of six sessions for £25. A personal trainer session will cost £35 and can be done with a group of friends. Anyone wanting to attend or book any of Kelly's fitness classes can call her on 07752041503. For more information, times and sessions, visit www.kellychester.com

A CHARITY has been bowled over with support... literally!

More than £2,000 was raised for the Big Red Heart Appeal at Cleethorpes Ten Pin Bowling, in King's Road.

Fourteen teams took part in the competition and the winning group, Braveheart, walked away with the Grimsby and District Healthcare Charity shield after scoring an impressive 3,026 points.

Team captain Shane Oxer, 34, from Grimsby, said: "We have been taking part in the bowling event for the last eight years.

"My dad, John Oxer, died eight years ago from a heart attack, so the work the charity does means a lot to me.

"We want to raise as much money as possible because you never know when you might need the hospital.

"It has been brilliant to win in memory of my dad, but the important thing is to raise money.

"I want to thank everyone for taking part and the organisers for making it happen."

In all, £2,039 was raised which will be used to buy cardiology equipment for the new heart unit which will be built at the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, in Grimsby.

Organiser Russ Carrick, of Longfield Road, Grimsby, added: "I have been putting on this event for the last 15 years.

"A lot of people are affected by heart problems which is why the money is greatly needed.

"It has taken a lot of organising but it has been well worth it.

"Having 14 teams take part and support the charity is very impressive. I want to thank everyone for coming."

Bowler Linda Thorndyke, 64, of Ashby Road, Cleethorpes, said: "I got a phone call asking if I could put a team together and that is exactly what I did.

"We bowl together regularly on a Wednesday night. I am impressed by how many people have turned up to support the charity."

With every game there are winners and loser and the team with the lowest score on the night was made up of Dangerous Dan, Scary Simon, Lethal Laura, Fearsome Faye and Jimmy Jeopardy, otherwise known as reporters from the Grimsby Telegraph. Perhaps stick to the day job ...

A CANCER survivor has set up a group to pamper women who have or are suffering from the disease to help them feel feminine again.

Veronica White and a group of her friends set up the Wellness Tree after she battled breast cancer four years ago.

For the last two years, the not-for-profit organisation has provided therapies, such as massages and manicures, for women with cancer and cancer survivors, and it hopes to eventually open its own treatment centre.

Mrs White said: "The Pink Rose Suite does a wonderful job but my friends and I felt that we needed something to help us feel better about ourselves.

"The treatment for cancer is pretty devastating and it is made worse by the fact that you lose your hair and start to lose confidence in yourself, particularly for young women.

"Suffering from gynaecological cancers can also be difficult as, even though there may be nothing to see on the outside, a hysterectomy can have a drastic effect on the way ladies feel about their femininity.

"We wanted to set up something that would increase self-esteem and self-confidence because feeling better in yourself is key to the recovery."

The group held a pampering day at New Waltham Village Hall, one of two that members host every year.

Former cancer patient Carol Eaton, 49, of Goxhill, heard of Wellness Tree after being left a pink cushion when she woke up from an operation.

"I woke up and had this lovely cushion and it really did mean a lot to me, so I try to support the group where I can," she said.

"The treatments give you a chance to relax and a sense of wellbeing – a bit of time for yourself."

Many women have skin removed from under their arm during breast cancer operations and resting arms on the cushions can provide pain relief for such patients.

Kathleen Elsom, 67, of Mablethorpe, said "every stitch is made with love", and that the cushions now pay for themselves.

She said: "I was sent a lovely note from a lady who received a cushion. She told me that she wanted to donate some money for stuffing and material.

"Since then, more people have started to come forward with donations and I have been able to make more and more cushions."

Lynda Cooper, 45, of Holton-le-Clay, said: "I had cancer five years ago and my aunt has had cancer, too, so we came along together.

"Even when you have recovered, cancer is always in the back of your mind. Even when your body is better, it stays with you emotionally. When you feel a bit poorly, there is always that slight fear.

"Treatments help you feel a little bit better about yourself. It helps that you are in a room full of people that have been through the same experience as you have."

Fundraiser Rosie Limb added: "The women involved have been or are going through a lot, but we try to create a comfortable area where they feel that they are among friends – and it brings people together."

For more information, call Veronica on 07941 412457 or email thewellnesstreegroup@hotmail.co.uk

Turn to page 18 for more health news.

A CLEETHORPES school has answered criticism that it needs to raise standards before becoming an academy – by revealing a good Ofsted report.

As reported, St Andrew's College is the only remaining local authority controlled school in the area but is now consulting on becoming a faith-based academy, sponsored by the Nottingham Roman Catholic Diocesan Education Service (NRCDES).

Members of the public have criticised the college for its low attainment levels with just 42.5 per cent of students achieving five GCSEs at A*-C, including English and maths, and role numbers have fallen considerably in recent years.

Its attainment rate – just above the national floor target of 40 per cent but well below nearest neighbour Tollbar Academy, with 92 per cent – led to the school being judged as inadequate at the last full Ofsted inspection in February.

However, a further inspection took place in September – to check if the recommended improvements had been made – and showed attainment levels rose by 7.5 per cent compared to 2011, with only 35 per cent getting five A*-C grades, including English and maths.

The report said the school was making "good progress" in improving attainment, which principal Louise Wilson believes will continue.

She said: "People have said that standards need to improve but what this shows is that in the last 10 months we have already made significant progress.

"The report recognises the capacity to raise standards and converting to an academy is something that will help us continue to do so.

"We can use the help and support of the Catholic diocese, which runs other good and outstanding schools, to consult on ways to further improve our attainment levels by seeing what works for those other schools." St Andrew's College, if it became an academy, would still remain as the only faith-based school in the area.

As reported, the school took £336,000 forward from last year's budget that is to be spent on converting to an academy – without which NRCDES may be forced to pull out.

Mrs Wilson added: "The funds are necessary for our conversion but, as this Ofsted report shows, any under-spend did not have a detrimental impact on any of our students."

THERE were people from all walks of life among the scores of householders who queued up at Cleethorpes Town Hall to receive their free carbon monoxide detectors.

They were given away yesterday courtesy of North East Lincolnshire Council's home energy team.

The promotion was run in conjunction with Balfour Beatty Living Places in partnership with the council.

Each recipient was given instructions on where best to install the detector.

Homeowners should:

Make sure gas appliances have a regular service and a gas safety check every 12 months

Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm

Look out for warning signs that your gas appliances aren't working correctly such as lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks on or around the appliance and too much condensation in the room

Make sure only a Gas Safe registered engineer works on your gas appliances. Illegal gas fitters can put your life at risk. Always check the engineer's Gas Safe Register ID card.

Vicky Haughey, 43, of Eastwood Avenue, Grimsby: "I have just had a log burner put in and I saw the stories in the Grimsby Telegraph about the people who died.

"You have got to be on the safe side. There are that many people losing their lives because of carbon monoxide and I have twins at home we want to make it as safe as possible."

Anthea Scott, 63, of Cromwell Road, Grimsby: "My husband and I are both disabled. He is 70 and keeps going off to sleep. We both struggle getting up and down the stairs so having a detector would give us more time to get out. We read in the Grimsby Telegraph about the two people who died. A detector is essential."

Jemima Chilvers, 39 of Grafton Street, Grimsby: "My husband has had a few strokes and heart attacks. If we get a detector fitted it will let us know if there is carbon monoxide about in the house and we can get out and do something about it. It could save his life."

Denise Dutton, of New Waltham: "It saves lives. I have a child at home and pets and we love them all.

"You can't smell carbon monoxide. I have two boilers and a gas fire, so it is quite important to me to have one near each of the three appliances. I think it is brilliant what the council has done to give them away.

"There are so many people here and I am sure they will do it again in the future."

Pauline Stevenson, of Franklin Place, Brereton Avenue, Cleethorpes: "Carbon monoxide detectors save lives. I will sleep more easily now I have got one.

"I have a 92-year-old mother- in-law who lives away and I will get one for her. They could make a nice Christmas present."

A spokesperson for the council said: "The interest in the giveaway of carbon monoxide testers shows people are starting to understand the importance of having one of these life-saving devices in their home.

"Due to the high demand we are looking to source additional detectors and we will shortly be in contact with those people who were unable to take one away with them today."

The spokesman said there would, in addition, be a second giveaway at a later date.

If you require any further information or would like advice on heating and insulation measures, call the Home Energy team on 01472 324782.

MORE than 400 employees with 5,000 years of experience combined ... the opportunities for young people at an international chemical manufacturer are great.

Cristal, based in Stallingborough, a major sponsor of the newly relaunched Your Life: Your Future campaign, has been providing work experience and opportunities for decades, and has been taking on apprentices since the 1960s.

Director Philip Long said: "This year, we have taken on ten apprentices.

"There is a clear skills shortage in our industry, not only locally but also nationally.

"We are all fighting over the same people, which is why we provide our own training and apprenticeship schemes.

"During the past ten years we have had 50 full-time apprentices who have taken part in vocational NVQ qualifications.

"Coming to train with us leads to a good career and a well-paid job.

"Depending on what sector the apprentices choose to go into, they do up to four years training.

"Getting young people into work locally is key for the future of our area.

"The courses start every September and if anyone is interested, they can get in touch through their education provider."

Apprentices at Cristal go into four main areas of training, mechanical trades, laboratory, instruments and electrical, as well as the process sector.

As well as apprenticeships, Cristal also offers a graduate scheme in chemical engineering.

Technical training co-ordinator Stuart Morgan said: "By training our own apprentices to work at our site we can shape each person into what we need.

"This is also beneficial to the apprentices because they know everything they learn is relevant.

"By taking apprentices from the local area we find that people stay loyal to us and go on to work with us.

"All the training costs are paid for by the company and we offer a range of mentoring and support opportunities for all our apprentices."

Maintenance training officer Ron Ingoldby said: "I started as an apprentice in 1976.

"It has obviously changed a lot since then, but it gave me a good grounding and started my career.

"What we provide here is a very good opportunity. Apprentices can go on to do a degree with us, which is sponsored by the company.

"For people who do not know what they want to do they should come and find out what we have to offer."

The Grimsby Telegraph is currently trying to put 200 students in work experience across a broad range of industries as part of the Your Life: Your Future campaign.

If you could offer a work placement as part of it, e-mail dan.russell@gsmg.co.uk or call 01472 372236.

CAMPAIGNERS who want to stay on the Humberston Fitties for 50 weeks of the year fought passionately at the landmark hearing to discuss their future – but warnings from the Environment Agency have cast doubt over it going their way.

Addressing North East Lincolnshire Council's Humberston Fitties Select Committee at Cleethorpes Town Hall yesterday, Fitties Owners Residents' Association Bungalows (FORAB) argued extending their time allowed on the holiday park from 44 weeks to 50 weeks would not only benefit chalet owners but the whole of Cleethorpes by utilising the Fitties' unique heritage as a tourist attraction for the resort.

Members also dismissed the Environment Agency's evidence that the Fitties is at a "high risk" of flooding.

As reported, 75 per cent of the 320 chalet owners voted in favour of extending the current 44 weeks occupancy to 50 weeks in a referendum by NELC last year.

But at yesterday's hearing, the Environment Agency said it would not back the application due to the Fitties' one in 75 years risk of flooding, made more severe by the fragile infrastructure of the park.

Coastal advisor for the EA, Mark Robinson, said: "If an application to build a holiday park here was made in this day and age, especially looking at the types of units that would be there, we would simply say it was not a good idea.

"Given the facts presented today and what is stated in national government planning policy framework, we think the risk will increase year on year. There is uncertainty about the long term future and therefore we would not support the application to extend the occupancy."

The Fitties is at risk of flooding due to the risk of tidal surges and storms during January and February when the Fitties is closed after 4pm.

But FORAB disputes the EA's scientific findings and at the meeting quoted findings from their independent study by Three Counties Risk Assessment, which put them at a 1 in 1,000 years chance of flooding.

Chairman Paul Harwood said: "Sea levels may or may not rise in the future but the reality is nobody knows for certain. While any risk may be argued possible, it cannot be argued predictable with any degree of accuracy or confidence.

"The figures are just not sufficiently reliable to make an informed judgement with any degree of confidence. No one knows the exact likelihood of flooding or even if the Fitties will ever flood. But what we can say is if a proper flood evacuation scheme was in place there would be absolutely no risk to life at all."

The EA's refusal was backed by North East Lincolnshire planning officer, Jonathan Cadd, who stated without the approval of the EA, they would have to put the final decision to the secretary of state.

He said: "We consider a cautioned approach in terms of how we look at flood risk and would be guided by the EA. We would probably recommend refusal."

The second day of the two-day hearing will include a site visit. The select committee will then submit their recommendations to Cabinet.

A SPECIAL committee is investigating pupil exclusions in North East Lincolnshire – which have been among the highest in the country for two years running.

The number of permanent exclusions at primary and secondary level in this area rose from eight in the 2009-10 academic year to 66 in 2010-11.

In the 2011-2012 academic year, the figure was even higher, with 69 exclusions, and a special committee has been established to investigate the issue.

And Councillor Chris Shaw the leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, has claimed that "exclusion levels have surged" since schools started converting to academies.

He said: "I am worried that academies are excluding children who are more challenging or not as bright as others as an easy way of lifting attainment figures.

"If the committee finds out that these exclusions are to help them climb the league table, we will take a very dim view.

"Academies have a responsibility to educate all children, not just the ones who fit in with their attainment aims. Every child matters."

Recently-released figures from the Department of Education (DoE) state that the number of exclusions in 2010-11 in this area was 50, but this still works out at 0.21 per cent of the student population – and therefore the highest in the country.

An NELC spokesman said that the council will "explore" the reasons for the discrepancy – but the authority is confident its own figures are correct.

These figures include six exclusions for physical assault on an adult, six for verbal abuse or threatening behaviour towards an adult and five drug or alcohol-related exclusions, and show there were 1,290 temporary exclusions in the same year.

Exclusions cause a problem for the local authority which has a duty to find educational provision but cannot force academies to accept excluded students.

Special educational provision, such as a place at a pupil referral unit, is funded by NELC.

The news comes after the last remaining local authority-maintained secondary school in the area – St Andrew's College – announced plans to convert to an academy.

Councillor Shaw said he will "make academies pay" for the education of students they exclude.

"We are not trying to punish academies but want to make sure that every child has access to an education," he added.

NELC and its education partner, Serco, have launched the Behaviour and Attendance Collaborative (BAC) to help deal with the crisis in which all academies and schools meet on a weekly basis to share ideas on dealing with challenging behaviour.

A special committee has also been formed to investigate the reason for such high exclusion rates.

The chairman of the committee – which has representation from all three political parties – Councillor Matthew Brown, said: "The statistics are very worrying and we have a duty to monitor them and reassure the public.

"We are in the very early stages but will invite representatives from schools to help us understand why this has happened."

Panel members are currently visiting a total of eight schools to find out the reason for the sudden rise and how schools are dealing with problem students, and will report back at their next meeting in November.

Councillor Iain Colquhoun (Con, Waltham) said: "From half a dozen to nearly 70 a year is some rise and puts us among the worst in the country.

"We are investigating what has changed but also how schools are dealing with students that present a problem for them.

"Obviously, in extreme cases, children will need specialist care that a mainstream school can't provide but we need to look at ways in which schools support children, rather than excluding them."

EXCLUDING pupils from school is a "last resort", say two successful academies in North East Lincolnshire.

Their comments were made after it was revealed a special committee is being set up by the council to investigate the high number of exclusions in this area.

In the 2010-11 academic year, a higher percentage of students were excluded from schools in North East Lincolnshire than in any other authority in the country, according to Department of Education (DoE) figures.

In the 2011-12 year, the number of students excluded rose from 66 to 69 – a rise from two years ago, when only eight students were excluded in 2009-10.

Council leader Chris Shaw has claimed that the "surge" in exclusions coincides with schools converting into academies.

But David Hampson, the chief executive of the Tollbar Family of Academies, says the schools considers all students "no matter what their ability".

He said: "Our exemplary results could not be achieved unless less able students achieve exceptional attainment.

"However, to ensure that all children can learn and progress in an atmosphere of total care and control, a small number of students have to be permanently excluded in the interests of the majority."

The newly-converted Cleethorpes Academy was responsible for a third of the exclusions in 2010-11.

However, last year it excluded only five students for "serious breaches of the code of conduct" and principal Martin Brown said that action is a "last resort".

He said: "The academy tries to support students wherever possible but we take a strong position against those whose conduct impacts on the learning of others and sadly, this can lead to exclusion."

Councillor Shaw has expressed concern over the figures, linking them to the conversion of academies, which are autonomous institutions, not funded or governed by the council.

However, once academies exclude pupils, NELC has a duty to ensure these children find an alternative school or education service, such as a pupil referral unit – but cannot force academies to accept these students. Councillor Shaw said: "We still perform a lot of support functions for academies and will be taking a more robust approach.

"I will be making sure the academies, who get a funding allowance per child, pay for that education.

"We are not trying to punish academies but want to make sure that every child has access to an education.

"Academies are in the private sector now and I can't force a chief executive to take children – but it doesn't diminish their responsibility."

North East Lincolnshire Council's special committee is currently investigating the issue.

Jack Blackmore, strategic director for people and communities at the authority, said: "This support aims to improve the management of pupil behaviour, support the needs of individual pupils in mainstream schools and support pupils who need to be educated outside mainstream schools.

"It uses the expertise of teaching and support staff and values the input from a wide range of stakeholders. The support model is flexible, focused, accessible and will ensure a clear and obvious positive impact.

"We are determined to work closely with all schools and academies to make sure that we develop alternatives to permanent exclusion for pupils with emotional, social and behavioural difficulties."

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to prevent the closure of a vital heart unit are pleased the Government has stepped in.

The Save Our Surgery (SOS) campaign, established to fight against the decision to close Leeds Children's Heart Unit, as reported, recently submitted an application to the High Court for permission for a judicial review.

This still stands today, however, following formal complaints this week from local authorities in Leicester and Lincolnshire, regarding the possible closure of the unit at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester as part of the same shake-up, Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Health, has decided to halt the planned closure pending a review by the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP).

The Joint Committee Of Primary Care Trusts (JCPCT) made the initial decision in July to reduce the number of children's heart units across the country from 11 to six or seven. Despite SOS welcoming involvement from Government, they are raising concerns that the IRP will simply repeat the same flawed process as originally used.

Sharon Cheng, of SOS, said: "We are calling for the Health Secretary to ensure that the independent review looks into the original process and scoring system used with sufficient scrutiny, rather than simply repeating the original assessment process which raised significant concerns in the first place.

"We are confident that if the IRP thoroughly investigates the way the original review was approached, how hospitals were scored and how that scoring was used, it will understand why this process has sparked such widespread concern."

SOS can withdraw its legal action at anytime, but feels at the moment it still needs sufficient evidence to suggest the right steps are being taken for it to do so.

If the decision was taken to close Leeds, it would see young cardiac patients from across North East Lincolnshire having to travel to Newcastle, Birmingham or Liverpool, to receive treatment.

Sir Neil McKay, chairman of the Joint Committee of Primary Care Trusts, said: "We will work closely with the Independent Reconfiguration Panel over the coming months, to assist the panel's review of the JCPCT's decision in whatever way possible.

"The decision on the future of children's heart services, which was welcomed by royal colleges of medicine, doctors, nurses and national charities, was made after carefully considering a number of factors.

"These included evidence on patient travel times, transferring ECMO services and demand on surgical services.

"The IRP has noted the JCPCT's concern that the process of challenging the decision risks further uncertainty for children's heart services in England."

In response to the SOS legal action, Sir Neil, said: "We vow to defend the process and decision to close the unit with confidence if the review went ahead."

A GRIMSBY drug dealer caught selling heroin and cocaine on the street has been jailed for three-and-a-half years.

Oliver Cousins, 30, was arrested in August 2011 as police officers watched him ply his trade on Seaholme Road, in Skegness.

A search later revealed he had 87 wraps of the drugs inside his bottom, a court heard.

Christopher Geeson, prosecuting at Lincoln Crown Court, said: "Police officers saw the defendant approach another person.

"They intercepted him, and Cousins seemed to be clenching his left fist.

"He was requested to open his hand but he refused. After a short struggle he was taken to the ground.

"It was then discovered he had 10 cling film packets in his hand.

"He was arrested and strip-searched. Two tightly packed bags containing a further 87 wraps were found secreted up his backside."

The wraps were found to contain 13.28g of cocaine and a further 1.43g of heroin, with the drugs having a street value of £1,400.

Mr Geeson continued: "He had £220 in cash on him at the time of his arrest. His telephone was taken. When that was analysed there were a large number of messages that related to the supply of drugs."

Cousins, of Cleethorpe Road, in Grimsby, admitted two charges of possession of drugs with intent to supply on August 30, 2011. The cash found on him was confiscated after being ruled to be the proceeds of drug dealing.

Judge Sean Morris told him: "Drug taking is a scourge of our modern society but at the end of the day taking drugs is a lifestyle choice."

Richard Butters, defending, said: "He has been a heroin addict for 10 years and that is his life.

"His heroin habit was completely out of control. He was injecting about £50 worth of heroin a day and sometimes more. He had a dreadful drug addiction."

He said Cousins has suffered ill health as a result of his drug use and is now prescribed warfarin after being admitted to hospital with a blood clot in his leg.

Mr Butters said Cousins recognised his health problems were becoming extremely serious and has sought help to deal with his addiction.

"He has not taken drugs since February of this year," said Mr Butters.

MIDFIELDER Derek Niven is desperate to avoid an unwanted treble when Grimsby Town face Macclesfield on Saturday.

The Mariners have lost their last two matches at Blundell Park – to Dartford in the Blue Square Bet Premier, and Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Cup.

And with The Silkmen visiting Cleethorpes this weekend, Town's players are keen to avoid a hat-trick of home defeats.

The Mariners are yet to lose on their travels this campaign and Niven wants them to become equally difficult to beat in their own backyard.

"We need to make it much harder to come to Blundell Park, no question," he told the Telegraph.

"If you want to have a good season, and have any chance of promotion, you've got to win your home games and pick up the extra points on the road.

"We've done well away from home but obviously we want to bring that form back to Blundell Park.

"We must put Saturday's disappointment behind us and get the right result against Macclesfield because that's two home defeats in a row and we don't want to make it a third.

"The next home game is vital for us now – we have to bounce back with three points."

Niven netted Town's first goal in the 4-2 cup exit to the Harriers – a match which saw the hosts three-down within the first 18 minutes.

That strike added to the former Chesterfield man's effort against Gateshead last month, but was of little consolation to the Scot as his side crashed out of the competition at the first hurdle.

"It was a great opportunity for us to get into the First Round of the FA Cup, a competition every team and every player wants to do well in.

"But the start on Saturday – the first 20 minutes – was just not good enough.

"We started slowly and started poorly, we didn't make the right decisions and it's cost us. You can't give any team a three-goal headstart like that.

"We shouldn't have let that happen and we need to make sure it doesn't happen again."

While team-mates like Scott Neilson and Craig Disley have experienced the magic of the cup with other clubs, Niven is beginning to wonder if the famous, old competition has something against him.

He explained: "To be honest, I've never really had a good FA Cup run, so my 'good' work continues in that competition!

"We had a good run in the League Cup one year at Chesterfield but the FA Cup has never been the best of tournaments for me personally.

"It's so disappointing because obviously you want to get a big club in the next round, but it's not to be this year and we've got to move on quickly.

"We could have been going into the game against Macclesfield full of confidence after playing well and progressing in the FA Cup.

"The only good thing we can take away from it is that it's not in the league and hasn't damaged our league hopes.

"We can concentrate on the league now but that shouldn't be the case and we should have done much better in the cup.

"I'm sure we'll be back on our game on Saturday – the boys won't want a repeat of the performance we put in for the first 20 minutes against Kidderminster.

"It will be another tough game but if we start in the right manner, get on the front foot and take it to them, I'm sure we'll get the right result."

ONE of the area's most successful factories could be demolished to make way for 14 new homes.

The owners of Haith's birdseed factory, in Park Street, have applied to North East Lincolnshire Council for permission to demolish the pre-Second World War building.

At the same time, they have submitted separate plans to demolish the factory outbuildings in Brereton Avenue, Cleethorpes – opposite the Park Street site – to build six homes. Both areas are brownfield sites and developers argue they are no longer fit for employment purposes.

Jennifer Ashworth, a senior planner for Spawforths, which is handling the application, said: "This will regenerate two brownfield sites by making better use of them. We are confident it will complement the surrounding land uses and it will provide much-needed housing for the area."

The exact design is not set in stone because the applications are only for a change of use and access at this stage.

However, preliminary plans for Park Street vary from two-storey to three-storey houses and apartments and the six in Brereton Avenue will be two-storey, with two semi-detached and four terrace houses. Access will be from the existing access into Brereton Avenue and new access into Park Street from the avenue is planned.

Some gardens of the existing homes border the factory, but Mrs Ashworth stressed: "We will not be doing anything that will be detrimental to the neighbours' properties."

The derelict buildings have been empty for four years and have attracted vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Haith's is a family-run business, starting in a small pet shop in the 1930s and growing into a multi-million-pound company selling all over the world.

They took on the Park Street factory, an old chapel, in 1947, converting this and adjoining buildings into a warehouse and offices before moving to the Europarc complex in 2008.

The Haiths have tried to sell off the factory and outbuildings for a number of years, but have failed in the current market.

Mrs Ashworth continued: "The sites are no longer adequate for employment and this is a better solution.

"Currently there is a lot of vandalism, people are getting into the building which is leading to anti-social behaviour. People want to see it being used for something and we believe this will be good for the area.

"The comments we have got back have been relatively positive. Where people have been concerned it has just been because it is something different for the area. People naturally want to know what is going on and we want to work with people.

"People have commended us for regenerating brownfield sites in this hard economic time."

Read Kimberly-Clark's direct statement on the closure of Huggies nappy plant in Barton