AFTER last weekend's Eurovision result, who really believes we, the UK, will get favourable terms and conditions if we leave the EU?

For decades we have insulted other Europeans, going back to the ridiculous "Up Yours, Delores" and beyond. For years we have behaved with petulance towards anything outside of "little England" and sooner or later other European countries are going to say, "enough is enough".

We are not "sleepwalking out of Europe", we are running toward a cliff, hoping that other European countries will come to our rescue and behave in a mature and responsible manner as they have done previously.

The idea that we'll get favourable trading terms and conditions like Norway is bonkers. Norway is a net exporter of oil and gas, which Europe needs. We are net importers of gas and electricity, which our industry needs.

We have nothing with which to bargain.

Will the other European countries really want another country to be like Austria, in a trading zone, but outside the EU? It is unlikely. The idea that this will happen, particularly when you consider all of the insults we've made towards Europe, makes that likelihood virtually impossible.

Some people say we should become the 51st state of the United States of America, losing the Queen and gaining a president. The USA is federal; the EU is a confederation, a huge difference.

Some would say we should restart the Commonwealth and eat New Zealand lamb, what is wrong with Welsh lamb? Reinvigorating the Commonwealth as a trading zone would take years, possibly decades. We will have even more years of suffering while a Commonwealth trading zone is built and becomes strong enough to have some clout at the World Trade Organisation.

The EU is not perfect, very few things in life are, but consider the options. After previous tough negotiations, are we likely to get anything better?

Will we find ourselves outside the EU, having to meet their trading terms and conditions with no say in how they are formulated and having to pay trading tariffs?

It makes you wonder whether the Europhobic Isolationists – UKIP – and "right whingers" – parts of the Tory Party – have considered any of these possibilities. It makes you wonder whether they watch the Eurovision Song Contest and considered the consequences of their actions.

Duncan Anderson,

Mill Lane, East Halton.

GOGI Fitness lifted the Ron Bevers Senior Challenge Cup after a comfortable 3-1 victory over FC Sentiments in the final at Blundell Park.

Goals from Ryan Cuthbert, Adam Johnson and Sean Mayall were enough to see them take home the silverware.

Gogi were the first to show their intent by carving out some early chances, but they failed to find a way through thanks mainly to some solid goalkeeping from Sentiments' number one.

However, they finally got the breakthrough when, after some neat build-up, Cuthbert calmly slotted the ball home.

Gogi then added to their advantage in the second half with two further goals from Johnson and Mayall.

Despite being three goals down, FC Sentiments would not relent and continued to create chances of their own and, with better finishing, could and should have been back on terms.

Undeterred, they pushed on, and did finally get on the score sheet when a good move along the right led to a teasing cross into the packed penalty area.

Amid the confusion, a Sentiments forward pounced and fired home to reduce the deficit.

This gave them the belief that they could still get something from the game – however time was against them, and Gogi held on to their lead to run out comfortable winners and take home the trophy.

The game was officiated by the ABP Grimsby Football League's Referee of the Year, Karl Heinz, who controlled the game well, ably assisted by his assistants, who also had excellent games.

WHEN it comes to fundraising you can't beat getting back to grass roots.

That was the message from a leading Rotarian, who said this was nowhere more apparent than in Market Rasen, as he paid a visit to the club.

Robin Mason, the District Governor of District 1270, is currently the leader of 49 clubs in an area stretching from Beverley to Skegness and out as far as Sheffield.

And, although he will step down later this year, he was full of praise for the Market Rasen team, who he said had made a real difference to people's lives both at home and abroad.

He said he was particularly impressed with the members' involvement in charity fundraising and providing practical support to those living in the town.

However, he reserved his highest praise for the work the club had done in making a donation to Wheelpower – a charity based at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

The charity provides wheelchairs in a range of designs to meet the needs of disabled people who want to get into sport, and develop their skills to a high level.

Following a charter night last October, the Market Rasen club made a donation of £325 to a district-wide fundraiser for the charity, which collected £3,500. The money will now be used to buy one sporting wheelchair, for someone in the local area. The club revealed they had been shown how important it was for disabled sports stars to get the right equipment following a visit from Binbrook Paralympian Jamie Carter earlier in the year.

As reported, Jamie visited the Rotarians, Round Table members and the 41 Club to show and discuss sporting wheelchairs, leading them to help with funding for his Paralympic Games appearance.

Mr Mason, who said he was sad to be nearing the end of his time in charge of the district, also took the opportunity to pass on greetings from the President of Rotary International Sakuji Tanaka from Yashio in Japan.

He also gave the club's members the regards of John Minhinick, of the Rotary Club of Burnt Island, and Kinghorn in Scotland, who oversees all rotary activities in the British Isles.

As reported, Mr Minhinick visited the Market Rasen club earlier in the year, and was taken to see the town's railway station. Mr Mason reported that, so impressed was Mr Minhinick by what he had seen, he had taken the success story of the Station Adoption Group in Market Rasen with him all around Britain on his travels.

GOLFERS from across the region battled it out at Grimsby Golf Club's annual Spring Ladies' Open.

There were 32 teams involved – three from the host club along with a selection from around Lincolnshire and Yorkshire.

Conditions were chilly with a very strong wind, but there was no rain.

The winning team were the last quartet out – Sue Borthwick, Helen Grinham, Rebecca Ross and Sheila Mitchell, from Market Rasen.

They scored 79 points (40 on the back nine).

Second were Grimsby ladies Isobel Goulsbra, Fran Warner, Elaine Hoggarth and Ann Brierley with 79 (38 on the back nine).

Grace Morgan, Helen Paton, Nikki Hale and Pam Moxon, again with 79 (35 back nine), were third.

Cleethorpes players Carla Clyburn, Sheila Walsh and Kate Appleyard were joined by Elaine Craig, of Waltham, and they came in fourth with 76 points (43 on the back nine).

Another Grimsby team came fifth – Claire and Diane Coutts, Janice Beardsley and Lorraine Watts, again with 76 points (35 back nine).

Grimsby ladies played in a 36-hole competition. The morning format was a medal, while the afternoon format was a pairs alternate shots contest.

The morning winner, with an excellent net 70 and a handicap reduction of three, was Sue Burton, who also received the Spring Meeting trophy.

Results

First division: Lorraine Watts, net 77; Sue Pick, net 78; Pam Lee, net 78 (countback).

Second division: Elizabeth Baillie, net 73 (and a handicap reduction of two shots); lady vice captain Pauline Smith, net 78; Vanessa Drewery, net 79.

Third division: Margaret Moreton, net 79; Pauline Staples, net 80; Alison Doughty, net 84.

Winners of the Afternoon Greensome were Trudy Owen and Lorraine Watts with an excellent 40 points.

Second were Isabelle Goulsbra and Meryl Rowan with 39.

Debbie Davison and Jane Peacock were third with 38.

MOVE over The Apprentice!

Youngsters at the Wybers Wood Academy, in Grimsby, have been testing their business skills.

The Year 5 and 6 pupils were set the task of creating a working business idea to serve other year groups.

They worked in groups of four to develop ideas, create adverts and then hold a stall during an enterprise day.

Assistant principal Tracey Grove, who organised the task, said: "We came up with the idea of a business module for the students as a way to get them using maths and literacy skills in a real-world environment.

"They created their business ideas themselves and then had to work out costs and how to market their ideas.

"They created a TV advert as well as posters to show their ideas to the other year groups.

"The task was set over six weeks.

"They have all really enjoyed it and have proven themselves to understand the principles of business.

"They have shown great teamwork and skills of negotiation as well as understanding money and finances."

One team received a special award for their efforts.

Ten-year-olds Erin Clarke, Kacey Buckly, Rebekah Pearson and Rio Barnard ran their own version of the classic "hook-a-duck" game.

The group was selected for the award for creating not one, but two adverts, tailoring their approach to the different age groups of the school.

Erin said: "We came up with the idea to do hook-a-duck, but we thought someone else might have the same idea, so we wanted to come up with a unique idea.

"We decided to add in that you had to knock the duck off the table and into the bucket and fish the ducks out – as many as you can in one minute.

Rebekah said: "It has been really fun and we have all enjoyed it. I think we have done well and made some money.

And Kacey said: "We made two adverts for the different age groups at the school. We included different things like a teddy and a theme song in the video for the younger children and sweets in the older ones.

"We have all worked really hard and Rio helped a lot, but he was ill when we had our stall."

A STUDENT at Franklin College has overcome extreme shyness to win a prestigious award.

Sarah Hopper, 18, of Pennistone Place, Scartho, was once so shy she "broke down" when she was forced to talk to people in formal situations – especially during interviews.

Now, after taking part in the Career Academy Programme, she is the Yorkshire, Humber and North East winner of the Winfried Bischoff Award – with a £250 prize – for showing such impressive progress.

She said: "The award was unexpected and while I'm really happy and shocked to have won it, the real reward is the confidence I have gained from taking part."

Sarah, who studies business and accounts and maths at A-level, said she was once so shy, she used to sit alone at lunchtime and stuttered giving class presentations.

But after joining the Franklin Business Career Academy – designed to bridge the gap between students and employers – she has overcome the crippling shyness she has suffered with her entire life.

Sarah has completed a three-week placement with Kaplan, an accountancy training firm, and a week in Franklin's accounts department, learning about the industry in which she hopes to work.

Her business mentor Leslie Morrison has given her regular challenges and coached her through some of her issues with interviews.

Now, she has an interview with Forrester Boyd accountancy firm and has also been offered a place at the University Of York to study business management and accounts.

Sarah added: "I wasn't sure if accountancy was what I wanted to do, but working in the industry has given me real direction.

"My business mentor was a huge help to me and I have a really solid group of friends now."

The Career Academy UK provides internships and workshops that local colleges introduce. Franklin's is the largest in the country, offering courses based on health, law, business and science and engineering.

Clive Wilson, associate principal, who leads the business career academy, said: "We hope for great things for her in the future."

A MOTHER and daughter team are taking part in the Great North Swim to help those with cystic fibrosis.

Anne Hall, 53, of Immingham, and her daughter Rebecca Wellington, 29, will complete the challenge at Lake Windermere on Saturday, June 15.

Anne's son James, 24, a recent performance graduate from Hull University, has had the condition since birth.

He undergoes a tough daily treatment regime that includes taking more than 40 tablets, inhaling drugs and physiotherapy.

He also requires occasional hospital stays and courses of intravenous antibiotics.

James said "They're mad for doing this but I'm proud of them.

"My condition lives with me, not with them, but it's great they are taking part."

James doesn't let his condition hold him back. He auditions for West End shows and recently starred in a pilot for CBBC, which encourages recycling.

He has even met the award-winning actor John Hurt, who grew up in Cleethorpes, at the Houses of Parliament.

Since James was born, Anne has been an active fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

She added: "If James can go through all he has to go through in his life to keep well, I'm sure I can do this.

"James – you are my inspiration."

Anne and Rebecca have so far raised £1,500. You can sponsor them by visiting www.justgiving.com/annieswinderemereswim

WARTIME spirit was on show at an evening celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters raid.

Grimsby stalwart Dora Beales runs the Goodwill Motorists Friendship Group, and organised the Bumper Dambusters Evening at Novartis, in Moody Lane.

As reported, the 87-year-old was working at RAF Scampton on the night the raid brought Germany to its knees.

She used to work in the weather department of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), and was posted to Scampton during the Guy Gibson era.

That famous night, she was giving weather readings for the navigators.

And to commemorate this year's important historical anniversary, she and users of the group enjoyed a night of entertainment.

The crowd enjoyed a performance by the GI Girls and jive dancers – and keen singer Mrs Beales, a former dancer, was also put in the spotlight.

For more than 50 years, she has been brightening the lives of the housebound, infirm, blind and bereaved of North East Lincolnshire.

They have been transported millions of miles by volunteers to scores of events, shows and teas to bring company, entertainment and pleasure to them – "without a penny to pay, goodwill all the way".

Mrs Beales, who has received royal recognition for her lifelong efforts, is always appealing for volunteer drivers and other helpers.

Anyone interested in getting involved with the Goodwill Motorists should call 01472 343196.

BUSINESSES are being urged to back Cleethorpes Air Show – The Festival Of Flight and help put the resort on the map.

More than 100,000 people are expected to flock to the free event on July 27 and 28, lured by a combination of breathtaking aerial displays and land-based attractions.

Last year's inaugural event injected more than £3.1 million into the local economy – and the organisers are hoping the second show will be bigger and better.

Managing director Adam Johnson, who used to be in the RAF, said: "We are a not-for-profit organisation, so every penny we make goes towards making the following year's show even more of a success.

"The first event attracted 70,000 people and we're confident that this year's will be even better because we have some fantastic aircraft appearing.

"We're fortunate to have Cristal on board as our sponsors and now we're looking for other people and organisations within the community to pledge their support and help us generate national interest in the area."

Among the attractions will be fly-pasts by a Vulcan, the Red Arrows, the Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight plus a display by the Red Devils parachute team

Bob Callison, who is one of the show's directors, added: "We need to establish Cleethorpes Air Show within the aviation calendar and set our dates early to ensure we get the best aircraft.

"We hope everybody will come on board and support the event because it will help put Cleethorpes firmly on the map."

Organisers have commissioned a painting by RAF technical aircraft artist John Fox, which depicts the moments before the Dambusters raid in 1943, especially for the occasion.

Prints will be available to buy at the show and all money raised will be split between the show and Grimsby and Cleethorpes Parachute Regiment Association.

An official launch was held at Laceby Manor Golf Club on Friday and organisers appealed to local businesses to support for show.

Sponsorship packages are available, with businesses being able to sponsor aircraft or take out adverts in the show catalogue.

Roger Burnett, who owns the golf club and RBP International, a marketing agency at Humberside Airport, said: "I live in Cleethorpes and I think this is a fantastic event for both the resort and the region as a whole.

"An air show is a guaranteed way to put a smile of people's faces and I hope everybody will come together to support it."

If you would like to get involved, visit www.cleethorpesairshow.co.uk

ON THE WEB: Visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk to see a video of action from last year's Cleethorpes Air Show.

Employment, training and good old face-to-face contact were the order of the day at a Grimsby jobs fair – which has been described as "a real eye opener" by those who attended. Chief reporter Sarah Carey caught up with some of the jobseekers and exhibitors to find out more

IT WAS impossible to ignore the feeling of optimism spreading through the exhibitors and job seekers at Grimsby Town Hall.

From the myriad of job opportunities – some in fields that may have been previously unconsidered – to details of training courses aimed at opening up alternative career paths, the sense of purpose was infectious.

The event, which saw more than 2,000 people come through the doors, was organised by JobCentre Plus in conjunction with Great Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell, North East Lincolnshire Council, and CatZero.

It featured stands from 38 different exhibitors, as well as help and advice from wandering CatZero assistant event managers and JobCentre Plus representatives, who could be found at every turn.

Everywhere you looked, there were people handing over CVs and discussing which posts would be most suited to their skills with the people with the power to take them on.

Speaking at the event Jennifer Vincent, an employment advisor with JobCentre Plus, said: "The turnout has been fantastic.

"There are job training opportunities and a lot of companies have stands, including Balfour Beatty, ABP and firms with connections to the renewable energy market, to show potential employers the right way into a career.

"They can meet face-to-face and be told 'this is where you start, this is the college where you can access training and this is the training course you need to do'.

"There are also exhibitors here to help people get work in the meantime, so they can study for a career part-time, but still have money coming in."

JobCentre Plus' senior operations manager Jo Corney said: "It gives people hope that there are jobs out there and introduces them to different options."

Mr Mitchell, who officially opened the event, said he was "delighted" to have sponsored it – although he said it was a shame such events had to attract private funding to get off the ground.

He said: "It's a great day – anything that is going to bring people and employers and agencies and the Institute together, to see how they can help each other, serves a very useful purpose.

"The problem for unemployed people is that they can get isolated and feel alienated if they don't get work or training and, for young people especially, this can build problems for the future.

"Fairs like this are a way of making the labour market more active and more efficient.

"It's a question of young people building their confidence up, showing off their skills and saying 'I can do that'."

His sentiments were echoed by potential employers, who said they found meeting people face-to-face a great way of letting them know of positions they may be perfect for, but simply didn't realise it.

ABP's assistant personnel manager Nicola Robinson attended the event with her colleague Steve Williams, the firm's operations manager for Grimsby and Immingham.

She said: "Events like this are great for us. It gets people to be aware of the sort of jobs we have available.

"We have done a lot of work in Immingham and it soon became apparent that people don't always realise what sort of roles we do have – and what a wide range of job types we have."

She said as well as roles requiring expertise, such as engineering and mechanical posts, there were jobs for fork lift drivers, crane operators, administration workers, back-room staff, project team members and much more.

Nicola added: "People don't always realise we do all that. All our job vacancies are posted on the careers section of our website, so it's worth checking back regularly."

For Elaine Neale, the head of human resources at Coldwater, the appeal of the jobs fair was all about the human touch.

She said: "Rather than just being 'that big building on Pyewipe' people can see and talk to us – it's not so scary face-to-face.

"We have a variety of jobs people can do and we are collecting peoples' CVs, as there may not be a position they're suited for now, but something may be available in a couple of weeks that they're perfect for."

The team from recruitment agency Stafforce were also keen to let people know they could secure employment in posts varying from white collar workers to factory work.

Business manager Kathryn Bowring said: "We can offer advice and support to local people in getting back into work.

"Events like this are fantastic, as you can put a face to a name and talk to people in person – that way they can see what vacancies we have in a more intimate, friendly and casual setting. It's less intimidating that way."

Her colleague Amelia Bowring added another way of bypassing the intimidating side of job hunting was to register with the agency online.

She said: "That way we can take the applications forward and speak to employers for them.

"People on the street don't necessarily know what jobs are available, what they are suited for and what training they need. "That's where we can help."

THE auctioneer trying to sell Cleethorpes Pier says he is "angry and disappointed" that the iconic venue is back on the market again.

Edward Swindell – who was tasked with selling the pier by owner Bryn Ilsley – claims the company who had agreed to buy it for £450,000, Staplecross Property Partnership, has failed to meet its contractual obligations.

Mr Swindell, of Lincoln-based Swindells Auctioneers and Consultants, said: "The vendor and I are disappointed, not to mention angry, with this situation.

"After giving the intending purchaser three months to fulfil certain contractual obligations, the vendor has been forced to bring the contract to an end.

"It means we are now looking for a new owner or tenant for the pier.

"In the meantime, the issue of the current contract has been referred to our legal team."

The Grimsby Telegraph was unable to contact Staplecross Property Partnership at the time of going to press.

As reported, Mr Ilsley spent £200,000 refurbishing the landmark after buying it in May 2010.

But when leaseholders Alistair Clugston and Hugo Marfleet decided to close the venue for unknown reasons, he decided to sell up.

When it went under the hammer in February, it failed to sell, despite national interest and six internet bidders registering their interest.

The highest bid was £390,000 – which failed to reach the guide price of £400,000.

Speaking to the Telegraph directly after the auction, owner Mr Ilsley, said: "To be completely honest I was half expecting it to go unsold on the night.

"It could be a blessing in disguise for me as it gives me longer to consider my options and what I want to do."

After attracting attention from the national media, potential buyers came forward and a deal was made with London-based Staplecross. The highest price the pier – which is one of just 55 in the country – has ever sold for was £1 million in the 1980s.

Among those who turned out to watch the auction back in February were Roy Saxby, of Cleethorpes, his son, Nigel Saxby, and grandson Dylan, 11.

Roy said: "We wanted to come along because it's such an iconic building that is unlikely to ever go to auction again. I think it should stay almost as it is, but with more shows and daytime events."

Nigel added: "I think we would all like to see it used by locals and visitors."

Anyone with interest in the venue should contact Mr Swindell on 07971 033276.

IT is impossible to ignore the impact of overseas players on our local cricket scene – especially this season.

Australian fast bowler Joel Hamilton has helped propel Grimsby Town to the top of the Lincs ECB Premier League, while Azeem Ghumman has settled in well at Louth.

Both players have been in sensational form – with 11 wickets and 252 runs respectively – but have also found useful support from their domestic team-mates.

Overseas players are often seen as a waste of money, but that couldn't be further from reality.

In simple terms they strengthen the playing ranks of a club, but also provide a useful coaching outlet.

Above all, they are vital to the development of a club, especially in the sense of integrating fresh beliefs, theories and approaches.

While it may be impossible to ignore their direct impact, it would be naive to negate their influence behind the scenes.

In addition to that, they have provided top local players with an opportunity to live and play abroad, which can only have a positive influence on cricket in the county.

As skipper of Caistor Town in the Lincolnshire County League Premier Division, I can appreciate what overseas players bring to the table.

It has been a tough season for the club so far, especially with it being our first year minus an overseas player.

In four highly successful years with Caistor, Sri Lankan Sahan Wijerathne scored close to 4,000 runs and weighed in with 190 wickets.

That should have been enough for the players around him to build on, but instead we suffered relegation and three failed promotion charges.

That is not an ideal scenario, but it was a major factor in our decision to opt against employing another pro.

Having a good quality professional to call upon is an absolute joy for a captain. However, facing a year without that luxury presents its own challenge – one the boys at Caistor are keen to embrace.

There are some positive signs at Brigg Road, and our young team are eagerly awaiting this afternoon's challenge, as Bracebridge Heath 2nds visit us. And, with a full-strength squad available, it feels like our time to push on.

Whatever will be will be for Caistor this season, but we will never forget the impact of Wijerathne.

PROLIFIC criminal Claire Wilson has been given a chance to escape the "revolving doors" cycle of repeatedly ending up in prison shortly after being released.

Grimsby magistrates decided to spare her yet another prison sentence – and offered her a "glimmer of hope" that she could change her "entrenched" pattern of repeat offending.

Wilson, 39, of Redbourne Road, Grimsby, admitted stealing children's clothes, valued at £20.50, from Next on May 20.

Probation officer Graham Marshall told the court that Wilson had been trapped in a "revolving doors" cycle of leaving prison, suffering money and benefit problems, stealing from shops because she had no cash and ending up back in custody.

"The pattern repeats itself time after time after time," said Mr Marshall. "It happens an awful lot."

Wilson had been a heroin user for 15 to 20 years but tested negative when she recently left prison – which was a "significant step forward".

She had been prescribed heroin-substitute methadone.

"She is aware she needs to change," said Mr Marshall.

Wilson told the court: "It's just the same thing all the time. I am in and out of prison. It never helps me.

"I have got no money and I am back to square one."

She has previously had an antisocial behaviour order and has a string of convictions for theft.

Unemployed Wilson, who had been in custody again, was given a one-year supervision order, including 16 women's sessions, and was ordered to pay a Government-imposed £60 victims' surcharge.

Presiding magistrate Ray Dumbleton said it was a "stark choice" between jailing Wilson again or giving her a "glimmer of hope".

GRIMSBY Town season ticket holders can travel to and from matches at Blundell Park next season free of charge.

The Mariners have linked up with Stagecoach to help supporters get along and cheer on their Conference promotion charge.

Fans can hop on a Stagecoach bus anywhere in North East Lincolnshire and head to the game without the hassle of car-parking – all they have to do is show their season ticket.

Supporters can travel on Stagecoach three hours prior to kick-off and for a period of three hours after the final whistle.

Fans needing to change services in the bus station should look out for services 9 and 13 which operate towards Cleethorpes.

A SINGLE mum who challenged the Prime Minister to live in Immingham on benefits in protest at welfare reforms has revealed she is facing eviction after refusing to pay the bedroom tax – and she's not the only one.

Deborah Kirk already owes £160 in missed top-up payments, which she says she has no intention of paying, and claims she has been told she will be evicted if she does not settle the bill.

She also claims she knows of 15 other households in her area alone who are also facing eviction from Shoreline Housing Association properties as they, too, are refusing to pay the tax – although none of them wished to come forward.

She spoke out as protesters came together at Grimsby's Riverhead against the reform in North East Lincolnshire, where the cuts amount to a loss of £1.7-million per year.

As reported, Mrs Kirk and her two-year-old son Kneale were left under-occupying her three-bedroom property in Immingham, where she has lived for 46 years, when her eldest son Jordan, 22, moved out.

Having a "spare" room left her with the choice of paying an additional £20 per week to stay in the house or moving away from the area, her family and all her friends, to a smaller property.

With a monthly income of £480, after her council tax and housing benefit has been paid, to feed and clothe herself and her son – and pay all the bills – this is a sum she says she simply cannot afford.

And, although Shoreline has also offered to move her into smaller properties in Grimsby, where the bedroom tax will no longer apply, she does not want to.

She said: "I am not doing either. They are forcing me now. They are making me leave.

"They have told me it will go to court and what I owe in rent will keep going up and up.

"I am not paying it."

A Shoreline spokeswoman said there had been an increase in the number of notices served on tenants since the introduction of the reforms, but it was not yet known how many were as a direct result of the bedroom tax.

However, she added most were making arrangements to pay and considering their options and 18 of 25 Band 1 (priority) applicants into smaller homes.

Shoreline chief executive Tony Bramley said: "The government's changes to the benefits system are having a big impact on both social landlords and tenants.

"We didn't bring in these measures; in fact we warned of the probable human consequences – some of which we are now seeing.

"We know the bedroom tax is putting many tenants in a difficult financial position. This is our biggest concern but if tenants refuse to pay then we – as the area's largest provider of affordable housing – may start to struggle financially as well.

"Evicting residents is the very last thing we want to do – it's terrible for them and it's bad for us. We've been working for months to identify residents who are at risk of the bedroom tax, helping them move home where possible, or helping with their budget in preparation of the changes.

"We have and will continue to work with residents to ensure they have a suitable, affordable place to live but it would be unfair to the majority of our rent-paying tenants to continue tenancies with people who do not take responsibility and are unwilling to make payments."

A BOOK of condolence in memory of Grimsby Town legend Kevin Moore will be available for supporters to sign from next week.

The defender, pictured, who made more than 400 appearances for the Mariners between 1976-87, passed away last month after a long battle with Pick's Disease, a rare form of dementia.

And after the club called for suggestions on how best to honour Moore's memory, Town will offer fans the opportunity to pay their respects by writing in a book which will be presented to the Moore family.

There will also be a minute's applause ahead of the first Saturday home match of next season and a feature in the match-day programme in Moore's honour.

The book of condolence will be available to sign from Monday, June 3.

CLEETHORPES golf star Holly Clyburn admits she was "flabbergasted" after landing her first ever Ladies European Tour victory – and a cheque for 37,500 euros.

As revealed at thisisgrimsby.co.uk/sport, the 22-year-old stormed to a superb three-shot triumph at the Deloitte Ladies Open in Holland yesterday.

The Curtis Cup winner and former English Amateur champion carded rounds of 71, 69 and 71 for a three round eight under-par total of 211 at The International resort in Amsterdam.

That saw the rookie finish well clear of second-placed Charley Hull in just her fourth Tour event.

"I'm flabbergasted," said Clyburn, who won an LET Access Series event in Spain shortly after turning professional last October.

"I played great golf all week pretty much. I just relaxed, didn't get nervous all day and kept in my own little bubble.

"I didn't watch what the other girls were doing. I looked at the scoreboard when I could, but there was only one way I was going and that was to get this."

Clyburn started the final round a stroke behind the leader and bogeyed the second hole.

However, the youngster made birdie putts from 15 and 10 feet at the fifth and sixth holes respectively to take control of the tournament at seven-under.

She then pulled further ahead by holing a superb 15-foot downhill putt on the 12th green.

The result rockets her up to eighth place on the Order of Merit as the Tour moves on to Munich for the start of the UniCredit Ladies German Open on Thursday.

Clyburn added: "This proves that I can win, makes me believe in myself and makes me think that I can go on to win bigger things."

Humberston LET professional Sophie Walker finished equal-53rd at the Deloitte Ladies Open and picked up a cheque for 1,025 euros.