GRIMSBY'S Flex-tech Ettridge cycles RT regulars Steve Marrows and Dave Robinson were in fine form again at the Condor Road Race.

The team travelled to Huddersfield to compete in the race, which is run in the hills and, with strong winds, heavy rain and cold weather, the scene was set for a very testing day.

The Grimsby pair started in their usual manner, determined to establish a breakaway from the main group.

But their reputation for fast starts was expected and the main group were determine to prevent them from escaping.

The tempo for the day was fast and, with difficult conditions and a very testing climb on the course, it was turning into a battle of attrition.

The main group was reduced to the ten strongest riders, with the rest of the competitors dropped one-by-one and reforming into a slower chasing group.

With both Robinson and Marrows taking turns to try and escape from the front group, the pace remained fast.

The Grimsby cycling team's reputation for hard charging is now common knowledge and many riders look towards Flex-tech to set the pace.

With three miles to go, the pair knew it would all be down to the last climb.

This is one of the toughest finishes that the LVRC road race series has, but Marrows took second in his race and Robinson continued his winning ways to take first place in his group.

THE memory of a brave young woman who lost her battle with cancer will live on at Franklin College.

Nicole Williams wanted to become a nurse and help children, and was studying health and social care at the college when a rare form of cancer, known as ewings sarcoma, returned in April 2012.

The brave Louth girl had already beaten the disease once while in primary school, but this time it was discovered at too late a stage for her to recover.

Despite the sad news, mum Samantha said Nicole – who was just 17 – kept on smiling and acted as "the rock of the family" when everyone else felt like going to bits. She died in December.

Now, a pink bench in her memory has been unveiled at the college.

Samantha, 37, of Louth, said: "Nicole was brave and strong.

"She lived life to the full and refused to let things get to her, just taking every day as it comes and enjoying it.

"Her strength and happiness were an inspiration to the whole family and everyone still remembers her beautiful smile."

Nicole had been clear from the illness for more than five years, but remembered the support people in health and social care had been to her – which is why she wanted to work in the profession.

Samantha said: "She was always cagey about who she told about what happened back then – she wanted to be known as Nicole, not the girl who had had cancer.

"But she remembered all the people who helped her and wanted to give something back. I think she wanted to help children in the same situation."

Nicole "absolutely loved college" and her friends at Franklin – and those friends decided to do something in her memory.

They held a number of fundraising events to get the cash to buy a bright pink bench with a plaque dedicated to Nicole to remember her by.

Money leftover was given to the Ewings Sarcoma Research Trust.

Samantha has visited the bench a few times and Nicole's gran, aunt, uncle and sister have, too.

Her mum added: "Pink was always her favourite colour – she was a girly girl when she was growing up.

"Nicole loved it here – her friends have done her proud and she would be over the moon to find out that this was here in her memory.

"It's overwhelming for me to think that people loved her so much they would go out of their way to do this for her."

Click here to read about Nicole's friends raising money for her here

FREE health checks for those aged 40 to 74 could save the struggling NHS and add years onto your life – so why not have one?

Currently, there are 50,000 people in North East Lincolnshire eligible for the Free NHS Health Check.

In 2012/13, 10,000 people were invited for the check and 69 per cent took it – but the aim is to increase that to 75 per cent in 2013/14.

Julie Quash, the interim NHS Health Check manager for this area, said: "We need to take responsibility for our own lifestyles and these checks could flag up problems so we can look at preventative measures rather than a cure, which is much more difficult and expensive.

"A stroke can cost £20,000 to treat and, with an aging population, the NHS simply can't afford to keep everyone healthy unless we look after ourselves."

And Julie practises what she preaches – since taking the job, she has lost 50lb in weight and lowered her cholesterol from 6.2 to 3.9.

A large waist size and high cholesterol are both factors that can make you more at risk of diabetes and heart disease, and Julie is now out of the high risk category.

She said: "I was quite a chunky girl and, as I wandered round giving out leaflets about changing your lifestyle, I became conscious they might find it difficult to take me seriously.

"I've shed weight, lowered my cholesterol and feel better in myself – all by just eating a little healthier and taking regular exercise."

The local drive is part of a national campaign to prevent strokes and reduce the number of people developing heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and some forms of dementia.

At the moment, GPs are working with the council and NHS to reach those in the high-risk groups.

Julie added: "We are focusing on people at high risk such as smokers, heavy drinkers and people with high blood pressure or a history of diabetes in the family.

"Typically, men are less likely to respond to the invites than women and we need to reach out to people in deprived areas and temporary accommodation who may not be registered with a GP."

To book a health check, contact your GP or e-mail phillipa.hobson@nelincs.gov.uk or julie.quash@nelincs.gov.uk

Find out more about the NHS Health Check programme

A CARPENTRY student from Grimsby has won a regional competition proving his skills in the trade.

Krzysztof Bartel, 19, a CITB Carpentry and Joinery learner at the Grimsby Institute, has won the regional heat in Nottinghamshire of SkillBuild – the UK's largest multi-trade competition.

The former Oasis Academy Wintringham student is now hoping to compete in the regional finals later in the year where students with the top scores will battle it out for the national title.

Kryzysztof said: "I'm really pleased to have done so well – it's a compliment just to have been nominated to compete and to go on to win it makes me feel great.

"It shows that I'm one of the best young trades-people in the area, which I think is definitely something I can be proud of.

"I'm now looking forward to the experience of going to the final and I'll keep practicing my skills until then."

The competition is held annually and managed by the CITB, the Sector Skills Council and Industry Training Board for the construction industry, and supported by local employers as well as national sponsors.

Trainees compete in a variety of trades including bricklaying, cabinet making, carpentry, dry walling systems, joinery, painting and decorating and plastering.

SkillBuild is part of the WorldSkills UK competition framework, which is a series of around 70 skills competitions taking place in a diverse range of sectors from construction and the built environment to cultural and creative arts.

Dave Potts, team leader for carpentry and joinery at the Institute, said: "It is brilliant for the achievement of our learners to be recognised at a national competition like SkillBuild and goes to show what a good department we are and how excellent our learners aspire to be.

"The training our learners receive is up-to-date and we are very stringent in the way we teach.

"We always seem to do well at these competitions – thanks to the skills of our learners."

For more information about SkillBuild and careers in construction, click here

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EMPLOYEES at the chain of shops and post offices operated by the Lincolnshire Co-operative in North Lincolnshire have received a bonus in the shape of 70 per cent of their weekly wage following a boom in business.

The Co-op has reported sales in food stores and travel branches have risen in the first six months of the financial year, contributing to what officials say is a positive overall performance in challenging trading conditions.

During the half-year ending in March, like-for-like sales were up one per cent.

Total sales were £140.7 million and group trading surplus was £8.5 million – after member benefits and pension contributions.

Food sales were up 2.4 per cent during the half year.

The Lincolnshire Co-operative chief executive Ursula Lidbetter said: "Times are tough for any retailer and we've worked very hard to maintain a good performance in these challenging times.

"We have also felt the impact of rising pension costs this half-year, plus more significant cuts in the price we are paid for dispensing prescriptions and the numerous services our post offices provide.

"With all that to contend with, we are still profitable and have seen some strong performances in areas like travel, food and pharmacy."

ON THE WEB: For all the latest business news from across the Humber region and beyond, log on to www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business.

Business news also appears in the Grimsby Telegraph from Monday to Thursday and in our monthly supplement.

A SCHEME set up by a local police officers to dissuade young people from carrying knives has been given £2,000 to keep up the good work.

The Ditch A Knife; Save A Life campaign, has been awarded the money by the Tribune Trust.

It was founded by PC Steve Jones to persuade young people in the area not to carry and use knives.

PC Jones, who visits local schools as part of the scheme, said: "I started in the Metropolitan Police, and in London, and the large cities, knife crime is a major problem.

"I was sick of seeing more and more young people being killed in knife attacks and I wanted to do something about it.

"Here in Humberside, there are very few knife attacks. However young people still need the education to make them realise the risks.

"I don't believe there are bad kids, just kids who make bad choices.

"The majority of people will never carry a knife, and some, no matter what we say, will carry on regardless of the consequences.

"There is a large number who may, with the right advice, decide not to pick up a knife.

"This donation will enable us to produce more wristbands and leaflets to help continue our message after the students have gone home."

Jo Tilling, the mother of 17-year-old Ben Tilling who was fatally stabbed in a Grimsby alleyway, has worked with the scheme and believes it is making a real difference.

She said: "I feel the scheme is very important. If we can prevent one person picking up a knife it can save someone's life.

"When somebody is killed, it affects everybody around them – their mum and dad, brothers, sisters and friends as well as anybody who knew them or hears about what happened. It affects everybody."

The High Sheriffs And Humberside Police Tribune Trust fund was established by the High Sheriffs of Lincolnshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire and the Chief Constable of Humberside Police, with the aim of making local communities safer.

Trust director Geoff Ogden said: "This scheme is making a real difference to young people.

"PC Jones has shown a true example of neighbourhood policing by working with the community."

The money is awarded to projects that would otherwise not receive financial support.

If your school or youth group could benefit from a visit from PC Jones, contact him on Stephen.Jones@humberside.pnn.police.uk

ST ANDREW'S College is to hold drop-in sessions about the conversion to an academy in September – when it will become the Holy Family Catholic Academy.

It is currently the only secondary school still under local authority control, but has now received final confirmation from the Department For Education that from September 1 it will be an academy.

It will be sponsored by the Nottingham Roman Catholic Diocesan Education Service (NRCDES) and staff, students and governors have already been involved in focus groups about its new named.

The Bishop Malcolm McMahon, Bishop of Nottingham, was told the results and picked the Holy Family Catholic Academy (HFCA) as the new title.

Principal Louise Wilson will be holding drop-in sessions each Thursday from 3.45pm to 5pm for parents who have questions – and has invited them to contact her by calling the school.

In an update to parents, she said: "Now that we have had the final decision regarding the change to academy, it is my intention to provide you with regular updates.

"As principal, I see it very much as business as usual, but understand that people may have questions concerning the change."

She also talked about the progress which the school has made, having gone from being judged as "inadequate" by Ofsted in 2012 to "requires improvement" earlier this year.

She added: "There is no doubt that the improvement in the past 17 months provides a secure foundation on which to establish the new academy that will build on the many strengths of St Andrew's, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition for students and staff alike."

ILLEGAL cigarettes can be killers.

That's the warning issued today by Trading Standards and fire officers in Grimsby.

It comes as a shop owner in southern Lincolnshire was punished after 3,000 illegal Jin Ling cigarettes were seized from his premises.

Russian-produced Jin Ling is a cheap, smuggled brand that does not comply with the new fire safety standard for cigarettes.

Since November 2011, all cigarettes produced and sold in EU countries have to comply with a European Standard which requires them to be self-extinguishing when left unattended or not actively puffed on.

A litter survey carried out at the end of 2011 in North East Lincolnshire showed this brand is widely smoked in our area; one in 40 discarded packets collected in the survey were Jin Ling.

Councillor Hazel Chase, the portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities at the council, said: "Illicit tobacco sellers often target poor and disadvantaged communities where they know people have more difficulty affording cigarettes from genuine retailers.

"They are putting people's lives at risk as well as damaging honest local retailers whose businesses are affected.

"I would ask people to help remove these problems from their local community by reporting anyone who they suspect of selling illegal cigarettes to trading standards."

Phil Leake, community safety manager for Humberside Fire And Rescue Service, said: "Smoking-related materials were the biggest cause of domestic fire deaths in the Humberside area throughout 2012.

"We have welcomed the new requirements for cigarettes to be self-extinguishing which will, it is believed, cut the number of smoking- related fires and fire deaths by up to two thirds.

"Illegal cigarettes may not, however, comply with these requirements, so do pose an additional fire risk."

Genuine, legal packets of cigarettes or hand-rolled tobacco can be easily recognised as they should have the words "UK DUTY PAID" on the packs, all of the wording should be in English and there are health warning messages on both the front and back of the packet.

Residents are being asked to report people who they suspect of selling cheap, illegal cigarettes to North East Lincolnshire Council Trading Standards on 01472 324807 or text CIGS to 82055.

Alternatively, they can ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or e-mail www.crimestoppers-uk.org

THE game to watch in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League Premier Division might well turn out to be Cleethorpes 2nds against Caistor at Chichester Road.

Neither side has made a great start to the season, but victory tomorrow could be just what is needed to help kick-start their respective campaigns.

That is of course, unless the weather intervenes as it did in the corresponding clash last season, when a heavy thunderstorm hit the resort and caused proceedings to be abandoned.

Title-chasing Alkborough have hit the ground running this season after a mediocre 2012 when they finished just above the drop zone.

But they will be tested tomorrow at Cherry Willingham, who usually perform well on their own Laburnum Drive venue.

Messingham, who are in pursuit of another championship pennant to add to their collection at Northfield Road, entertain Bracebridge Heath 2nds, who have returned to the top flight this season.

Reigning champions Scunthorpe Town are in action at Heslam Park against Barton Town – both these teams having notable all-rounders who may well have telling contributions to make.

In Division One, Broughton – keen to secure a place in the Premier section after suffering relegation last season – have a home fixture with Holton-le-Clay.

Meanwhile, Outcasts face a tough task when they visit title-chasing Horncastle.

Home advantage might well prove important in Division Two.

In each of the matches, it rests with village teams from the Scunthorpe area who will all welcome opponents from the east.

Alkborough 2nds entertain Grimsby Town 2nds at West Halton Lane, Isle of Axholme side Haxey 2nds meet Caistor 2nds, while Hibaldstow take on Keelby.

In Division Three, Grimsby side Laportes will take a trip into the countryside to meet South Kelsey at the well-appointed former Nettleton Mines ground in Holton-le-Moor.

Another of the league's most picturesque rural settings, Hirst Priory, near Crowle, will be the venue when Outcasts 2nds host Washingborough, who will travel up from Lincoln.

In Division Four, Normanby Park will host Scothern 2nds for the first time since returning to the Lincolnshire League.

Holton-le-Clay 2nds journey to the county capital to take on city side Old Lincolnians 2nds at Lincoln Christ's Hospital School.

There is only one game on Sunday – a Division One derby between the second teams of Appleby Frodingham and Scunthorpe Town at Brumby Hall.

Premier Division games start at 1pm. Matches in all other sections get under way at 1.30pm.

A RETIRED couple are warning motorists to be on their guard after receiving a parking ticket demanding payment – despite having proof they had paid to park.

John and Joan Plastow received a parking enforcement notice from Civil Enforcement Ltd after leaving their car in a private car park off Market Street, in Cleethorpes.

The letter claimed the couple had "exceeded the maximum parking allowance" between 11.37am and 12.30pm on May 15.

By a stroke of luck, Mr Plastow, 72, of Columbia Road, Grimsby, had kept the two-hour parking ticket he had bought at 11.40am – three minutes after arriving at the car park – proving their innocence.

He said: "I felt angry when the letter arrived and I found out I still had the ticket because I knew I hadn't done anything wrong.

"I tried to call the company, but it only has an automated payment line for giving them money. I have written to them and contacted Trading Standards.

"A lot of people would probably end up paying, even if they hadn't done anything wrong."

The parking enforcement notice demands payment of £150 within 28 days or £75 within 14 days.

It states that failure to do so may result in the company contacting debt recovery agencies.

Mrs Plastow, 71, of Columbia Road, said: "I was upset when the letter arrived because I've never had a parking ticket in my life.

"If I was on my own I would have just panicked and paid it.

"We want to warn other people so that they don't automatically pay if they receive a similar letter, because it might be a scam."

Neil Clark, community protection manager at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "Tickets issued by private firms are Parking Charge Notices and operate under contractual law only. Such charges should be reasonable and in line with the loss suffered to the contracting company. These are not criminal notices and have no enforcement as such. The company has no right to recover a parking charge in any other way than through a civil claim in county court."

Civil Enforcement Ltd was unavailable to comment.

A SEVEN metre-long map replicating the northern part of Cleethorpes will help to pinpoint exactly where £1 million will be best invested.

At a fun day tomorrow, the map will make its debut appearance in the community and those who have worked hard to create it will be on hand to hear from residents where improvements across the resort need to be made.

Issues such as dog fouling, lack of youth activities, antisocial behaviour, litter and more can be highlighted – just by placing the relevant card on the area of the map where you think has the biggest problem.

The Big Local steering group has organised the event at Sussex Recreational Ground, Cleethorpes, from 10am to 4pm.

The group is working together with Planning For Real to make sure the money is invested in the right places.

Lisa Gibson, leader for Planning For Real in North East Lincolnshire, said: "The map is ready and will be seen by the public for the first time tomorrow.

"This is the first stage of getting reaction and views of residents on what is needed in North Cleethorpes to improve the area.

"We are looking to consult with communities on this until about the end of September, beginning of October, as we will then need to start devising an action plan and contacting those who proposed an interest in helping out.

"This is all positive and I hope people turn out tomorrow and have their say – without it we will not know where best to invest this £1 million."

In addition to seeing the map, the free fun day will also include a bouncy castle, donkey rides, face painting, archery and more.

Youngsters at Reynolds Children's Centre have helped design the map, but they also have their own ideas on what needs improving in their areas.

Chloe Hill, 11, said: "I want to see more play areas and activities for people my age.

"It has been fun sticking the houses down and painting the streets."

Callum Blyth, 9, said: "I would like a football pitch made near me because I currently have a kick-about down the street with friends and there are cars around."

Lisa added: "These views are exactly what we are looking for and these are from youngsters.

"I am sure adults have plenty more things they would like to see changed or added.

"This is their chance to voice opinions and concerns which can be acted upon at a later date."

Visit www.facebook.com/BigLocalNorthCleethorpes and follow the group on Twitter at @BLNCleethorpes.

A GOALIE who had a starring role in one of Grimsby Town's most famous matches will be commemorated in a one-off international football match.

Former Mariners goalkeeper George Moulson was on the pitch during the famous 1939 FA Cup semi-final against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The historic match – well-known to Grimsby fans – saw Town play without a keeper.

On the day, the starting keeper had flu and was replaced by George.

But during the action, George committed to save the ball and received a boot to the head from a Wolves player – leaving him unconscious.

Due to the "no substitute" rule at the time, another player from the squad had to take up position as stand-in goalkeeper.

Grimsby went on to lose the match 5-0, however, the famous incident still holds the attendance record at the Old Trafford ground – a massive 76,962.

George's birthplace – Clogheen, in Ireland – celebrates him as a hero of the small village.

And his son John has been putting together a history of his father's life.

John said: "I had always wanted to travel back to Clogheen to see where my dad was born.

"When I got there and started asking about him I was told that he is a hero of the village.

"They see him and his brother, as the only people to come out of the village and achieve success.

"My dad played for Grimsby and the Irish national team.

"This year, the village is holding an event called Year Of The Gathering, where everybody comes together to remember their families and the villagers want to challenge a team from Grimsby at football.

"I am hoping to put together a team from the town, who would like to travel to Ireland and take part in a good fun event to take on the Irish.

"Any and all abilities are welcome and the event will run from Saturday, August 24 to Sunday, August 26."

John is also hoping to fill in some gaps about his father's life in Grimsby, where John has lived all of his life.

George passed away in May 1994.

John added: "I have already pieced together a lot of his life, but I want to find out more, especially regarding why my family moved here from Ireland and about his life growing up."

If you are interested in taking part in the football game or know about George Coulson's life, e-mail John at moulsonj@gmail.com

A WORLDWIDE television audience of more than 30 million viewers will watch Guy Martin and co race it out at this year's Isle of Man TT Races.

The Kirmington daredevil begins his campaign tomorrow with the Dainese Superbike contest, with four further races next week.

And fans from as far afield as the US, Brazil and Australia will tune in to watch the 31-year-old in action at the most famous motorcycle road racing event in the world.

In the UK, ITV4 is airing 14 one-hour TT shows as the lorry mechanic and TV personality – who has 13 podium finishes to his name – goes in search of that elusive first win on the island.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Martin is in confident mood ahead of a week he enjoys like no other.

"There are a few contenders again this year," he said. "On the Superbikes, John McGuinness will always be the one to watch but his new team-mate, Michael Dunlop, is riding well.

"There are a few boys but we'll be right there amongst them. The Superbike has always been my favourite class, I've always got on with that bike a bit better than the other one.

"But the Supersport bike is going well this year so we'll see how we go on that.

"We struggled like hell on the Supersport last year but it's going well this time around."

On the unique atmosphere at the TT, the Tyco Suzuki rider added: "There are a right load of fans who head over here, and I've got a few mates coming across so it should be a really good craic.

"I look forward to it in different ways to say five years ago.

"You have to do all the interviews and PR stuff all the time now and that's not really my thing.

"That takes the edge off it for me, but I still get to ride my bike so that's the main thing for me.

"It goes absolutely mad over here but it's all for the good of the sport.

"You get pulled from pillar to post but I love going to ride the bike, so what I get out of the racing means I put up with it and don't complain too much!"

GRIMSBY Town have unveiled their new kits for the 2013/14 season – and hope that the mix of old and new will prove a hit with fans.

The kits, which are the sixth to be manufactured by Italian sportswear giants Errea, will go on sale to fans on Saturday, June 15.

As you'd expect, the home kit comes in the traditional black and white, with the famous stripes continuing onto the back of the shirt – which the club says echo the kits worn by the Town sides of the 1960s and 70s.

While the home shirt has a 'retro' feel, commercial manager Dave Smith says the gradiated all-blue change kit is definitely a more modern alternative.

And he hopes both shirts will be well received by the Mariners faithful.

"We were sent a selection of drawings and designs from Italy and, as a club, we scrutinised them and tweaked the designs until we were happy with them," Smith told the Telegraph.

"It's all about coming up with something that bit different, while, for the home shirt, sticking to the traditional black and white stripes.

"It's often quite difficult, but we think we've come up with two great designs.

Explaining the new designs, Smith continued: "There are some subtle tweaks with this year's home shirt.

"Obviously it's black and white, but we've gone for stripes on the back of the shirt again this year. That's in-keeping with the older shirts that we've had in the 60s and 70s, and gives a more retro feel.

"The away shirt on the other hand is definitely more modern – we wanted to try something different with that shirt."

A HUGE public reaction has erupted over the "vile" and "disgusting" slaughter of ducklings in People's Park – and it may not be an isolated incident.

The RSPCA has launched an investigation after eyewitnesses saw youths smash duck eggs, throw birds to one another and even drop-kick a duckling.

They are also investigating claims that some ducklings were stomped on and that a live bird was posted through the letterbox of a resident living near the park.

The story, published on yesterday's front page, has sparked public outrage, with many claiming both the children and their parents should be severely punished.

And one man contacted the Telegraph to say that he had a duckling posted through his door three weeks before these incidents – proving it has happened before and could happen again.

The Patrick Street resident – who did not want to be named for fear of repercussions – said that afterwards, the children even had the nerve to knock on his door again and ask for it back so they could continue their cruel game.

He said: "It is worrying that this kind of thing is happening – and it will probably happen again.

"The parents will say they weren't there, but they should have been – other people manage to keep control of their kids."

Readers took to www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk to chastise the "evil little toe-rags" – as one reader wrote – describing the crimes as "absolutely vile".

One reader, posting as dolphin73, suggested that such behaviour would mean anyone who looked into moving to Grimsby would be "put off" by the story.

That same reader, as well as others, also voiced concerns that those responsible could go on to more serious crimes.

Ian_Gillan wrote: "It's frightening but true that children who commit these sort of crimes typically go on to lives of extreme violence or even murderous psychopathy."

Others wrote that they should be "severely punished" – while some thought even a prison spell wouldn't be enough.

SpaldingGY posted: "Never mind what age they are – put pictures on front page with full addresses and then see how long the little cherubs remain on the streets."

Another reader, writing as mpc_v1, wrote: "Absolutely disgusting – may I suggest the kids being put into the stocks in the town centre and let everyone kick and stamp on them."

PLANS for a new holiday village submitted by the father of X Factor star Ella Henderson have been welcomed.

Sean Henderson is behind a scheme to build a complex of 44 timber holiday lodges on a seven-acre site adjacent to the motor dealerships on Hewitt's Avenue, Humberston.

The Tetney businessman first made the application 18 months ago. However, a more detailed application has now been submitted to North East Lincolnshire Council, which is likely to make its decision on the plans by late summer.

The proposed development would see the site being used for single-storey, timber-framed lodges, which the application states would be made by local contractors, using locally sourced materials.

The application does not make provision for any amenities within the site itself.

In a design statement submitted to NELC's planning department, Hodson Architects said: "The site is within walking and cycling distance of the centre of Cleethorpes, New Waltham and Humberston.

"There are also good public transport routes located nearby.

"There are a large number of tourist attractions located in the centre of Cleethorpes that would benefit from the additional tourism created by the scheme."

News of the proposed development has been welcomed by David Keenan, the owner of Clee House Hotel, in Clee Road, who said he "wished luck" to anyone setting up a new business in the resort.

Mr Keenan, who has voiced objections to plans for a Cleethorpes branch of Premier Inn, said: "This doesn't affect my business.

"About 90 per cent of my cashflow comes from the business and commercial sector – that's why the Premier Inn would affect me as it's that type of person that generally stays in them."

He did, however, question if there were enough facilities within the immediate area to keep families entertained for a week or more at a time.

But Pleasure Island owner Melanie Wood said: "This is great news and certainly something I would support 100 per cent.

"The more holiday beds we can have in the resort, the better.

"This is certainly a step in the right direction for Cleethorpes."

A PENSIONER is scared to sleep in his own home after masked raiders barged in, battered him around the head and held him to the ground as they robbed his flat.

The 65-year-old man had just returned home to Harlech Way from a church meeting when he heard someone call his name and assumed it was a neighbour.

But as he opened the door, two men in army-style masks, hoods, gloves and dark clothing barged through and hit him on the head with a bar, knocking him briefly unconscious. When he came to, one of the men had a knee in his back as another fled with arms full of his possessions and medication.