THE final phase of Grimsby's flagship business park has been given the green light.

Planners yesterday granted outline planning permission for the last stage of development on Europarc, which is expected to create around 1,700 jobs.

The development will comprise additional industrial and warehousing units and office space, as well as a 60-room hotel, restaurant, gym, creche, shops and cafe.

Ivan Hinchliffe, planning manager at Wykeland Group, which owns the site, said the application was a renewal of a previous application submitted back in 1996.

He told members of North East Lincolnshire Council's Planning Committee that the hotel and restaurant were "vital" for attracting new businesses to the site.

He said: "Wykeland has enjoyed success in attracting businesses to our sites on the North Bank during a time of recession and we feel outline planning permission for Europarc will enable us to achieve similar success on the South Bank."

Mr Hinchliffe said he would today be meeting a restaurant operator which specialises in business park developments.

He added: "We are not proposing to develop a separate pub or restaurant. It will be a single building. It could be a pub that sells food, or more likely a restaurant that sells drinks."

Planning officer Martin Dixon told the committee that having a pub or restaurant would not have a detrimental effect on trade in the town centre.

He said that although the site was in a "high flood risk area", a flood evacuation management plan drawn up with the Environment Agency and a plan to raise floor levels by three metres had dealt satisfactorily with the issue.

Councillor Philip Jackson (Con, Waltham) said: "I very much welcome this proposal. If a hotel is going to help to promote local business and industry and make the area more attractive from an investment viewpoint we should be supporting it."

Councillor Terry Thurogood (Lab, Croft Baker) said: "There is a demand for a hotel along the A180 corridor. A good quality hotel that has a national profile is something that we have lacked in North East Lincolnshire.

"This is our main economic development site in the borough so I fully support this application."

Councillor Ray Sutton (Lab, Freshney) expressed doubts about the need for an out-of-town hotel, given that one could be included as part of Grimsby Town Football Club's proposed relocation to the Peaks Parkway.

However, Councillor Andrew De Freitas (Lib Dem, Park) said it was premature to talk about the football stadium development as no planning application had yet been submitted for it.

He added: "I welcome this development. Certainly there is a need for a hotel on this site."

DO you speed along Peaks Parkway?
If so, you will soon be prevented from doing so as North East Lincolnshire Council has today announced a road safety scheme - including speed cameras - along a large stretch of it.
See Friday's Grimsby Telegraph for full details.

JOINT boss Rob Scott wants a return to the sort of Grimsby Town performance fans have come to expect of late.

After a humbling FA Cup defeat to Kidderminster last time out, Scott is keen to see a response from his side when they take on Macclesfield Town at Blundell Park tomorrow.

He admits his side were "lackadaisical" against the Harriers and has called for a more typical Town showing against Steve King's men.

Scott, pictured, said: "Everybody knows what we expect from our team. We always want to earn the right to play our football and we simply didn't do that last time.

"We can't afford to start half-paced like that again tomorrow – it was a big mistake and it cost us.

"Now the real art is bouncing back from that; good players and good teams don't make those mistakes repeatedly.

"It's about learning from those mistakes and ensuring that they don't happen again, starting against Macclesfield."

The Moss Rose outfit sit ninth in the Blue Square Bet Premier, after making a flying start to the season following their relegation from the Football League.

But the Cheshire side have slipped down the table, winning one of their last seven games.

Nevertheless, Scott says that the Silkmen will provide a tough test for his side tomorrow.

He said: "They've got a big squad and have had a turnaround of players since they were relegated last season.

"But they've got some good players in there and we are well aware of the strengths they have.

"It will be a tough game for us – there's no doubt about that.

"They started the season very well and showed people that they could compete at this level but then they've had not such a great run.

"But they got the win against Marine in the FA Cup and that will obviously lift confidence in their camp.

"But for us, despite our defeat in the cup, nothing changes. We know that if we're at the races then we're a match for anyone at this level.

"Now its about getting back to what we do well, starting against Macclesfield tomorrow."

GRIMSBY Town winger Louie Soares has returned to Ebbsfleet United for a further loan spell.

The 27-year-old has this week completed an initial one-month loan with the Stonebridge Road club.

Joint boss Rob Scott has said Soares will extend his stay with the Kent outfit, although Town do have the option to recall the former Reading man with 24 hours notice.

Scott said: "We spoke to Louie about extending his loan and explained that it would be foolhardy to come back at the minute and not get in the team.

"From the reports that we've got, he's been doing well at Ebbsfleet and they've mooted that they wanted to keep him for longer. So we've spoken to them and arranged it for him to stay with them. We do have a 24-hour recall on him which works in everyone's favour."

Meanwhile, Scott added that a proposed loan deal for Simon Ford – which broke down after the recent injury to Shaun Pearson – could be revived following the former Boston man's return to full fitness.

He said: "There's obviously a lot of things that can change in football and one of those things is whether the clubs that were interested are still interested now.

"We've got to see if Shaun's 100 per cent fit to carry on, we don't want to let someone go out on loan and him not to be totally right but that's still a possibility."

AN awesome foursome could be back to boost Grimsby Town ahead of tomorrow's clash with Macclesfield Town.

Skipper Craig Disley, Shaun Pearson, Aswad Thomas and Ross Hannah could all return for the match with the Silkmen after missing Town's ignominious FA Cup exit to Kidderminster Harriers last weekend.

Pearson and Thomas – mainstays of a back four that has helped to earn the best defensive record in the league – were ruled out through injury. And Town were denied permission to play their on-loan striker Hannah by parent club Bradford City.

And, after being initially rested for the game, Disley came off the bench only to limp off 18 minutes later with a foot injury.

But speaking at the club's Cheapside training ground, joint boss Rob Scott said that all four could potentially hand the Mariners a "big boost" by returning to the fold for tomorrow's game.

He said: "If we can, it will be great to welcome them all back because the more of the squad that we have available, obviously the better it is for us.

"Shaun has been training again as has Aswad but, with Craig it's a bit of a different story.

"We wanted to give him a little bit longer because he's had quite a bit of bruising with his injury.

"He's taken a bit of a kick to his foot so we'll see how he comes through, but we're hoping that he might available for us tomorrow.

"We're happy that everyone could be back fit and, in Ross' case available again, and pushing each other for a starting spot in the side."

Scott added that he and Paul Hurst will be particularly pleased to see a return to their previously settled back four after being forced into changes last weekend.

"There were three different changes to our staple back four against Kidderminster and, without pointing fingers, that was a big change for us," he said.

"You always hope that you can get and then keep a settled back four and the importance of that is shown in our defensive record of late.

"Shaun has formed a good partnership with Nathan Pond and gives us a real dominance aerially.

"So if he and the rest come through training ok, we'll have big decisions to make for the game tomorrow.

"In one sense, it makes our lives more difficult but by the same token, it's better because we have more to choose from."

BOSS Andy Liddle says his Cleethorpes Town team must stop leaking goals to remain contenders for promotion.

Last Saturday's 3-2 defeat at Worsbrough Bridge Athletic ended a five-game winning streak for the Owls in all competitions.

Despite conceding 31 goals in 16 league games, Liddle's Owls are fourth in the Baris Northern Counties East League Division One and chasing back-to-back promotions after winning the Lincolnshire League last season.

Tomorrow, the Owls host struggling Appleby Frodingham at the Bradley Community Stadium (3pm).

Liddle said: "We need to address the number of goals we are conceding.

"We should have got a point last Saturday, scoring two goals away. Leaking too many goals is becoming a pattern of our games. We have to score three goals in a game to get a result and that's a big ask at this level."

With new signing Lewis Buckthorp ready to make his debut, the Owls boss added: "We will be changing the team.

"It's up to the manager to address things after a defeat."

"I'm confident we can bounce back."

"Teams in this league seem to raise their game when they play us – they see us as a good scalp.

"We have got to be aware of that and make sure we raise ours when it matters."

IT'S still neck and neck at the top of the Premier Section of the Roy Ling Mutual Grimsby Snooker Singles League after the top three teams all won 7-1.

Leaders Webbonet lost the opening frame of the night when Kev Cowdroy struck first for Willows Sea Foods.

But Paul Clark hit back before Paul Metcalf, Mick Ponsonby and Nige Emmerson all added two each.

Clee Cons A, with 2-0s from Jamie Barrett, Gary Skipworth and Jon Steel, got their seven against MJ Decorators for whom Dean Richardson saved the slam with a single against Karl Krajnyak.

Daz Stansfield saved the whitewash for West End C at Ray Edmonds A when he shared his frames with Jamie Richardson.

This apart, it was Alan Edmonds, John Ashford-Smith and Chris Sutton who did the job for Edmonds.

Another team to win 7-1 were Inspirations Fireplaces and their 2-0 winners were Lee Blanchard, Daz Evans and Tony Miller.

Mick Thornton won the frame for Metshine Westlands with a clearance of 57 against Paul Smith.

A single from Daz Potter against John Lough and a 2-0 from Alan Brown put Ray Edmonds Enigmas 3-1 up at Blossom Way B.

They couldn't add to that, however, as Paul Simpson and Albert Potterton won the last four frames for the Blossoms in a 5-3 victory.

Cue World beat Cambridge H 6-2 when Stu Swinburn, Kev Ashby and Ivan Harvey all won 2-0 in response to a 2-0 from Tim Brown.

A 2-0 from Steve Wright was cancelled out by a 2-0 from Chris Madsen as West End A drew 4-4 with TR Carpets.

Mark Stevens and Craig Taylor both won two and Keith Southwell won a single against Nige Cordy as Don Noble Bookmakers beat Clee Bowls X 5-3. Ian Hogarth won both his frames for the X Men.

Steve Austwick Garden Services find themselves top of Section A after thrashing TR Carpets B 7-1 at Cue World.

Pete Mitchell, Cameron Dunlop and Steve Austwick were their 2-0 winners with Lee Staveley scoring the single against visitor Rick Gilliatt.

The big match came at second-in-the-table Nats A who entertained third-placed Cromwell A in a very tight affair.

Ian Taylor and Jason Lawton each won two close frames for the visitors and with a single from Keith Tomlinson against Dave Roe, this put Cromwell 5-1 up.

Last on for the home team was John Ilbrey who also won two frames by the narrowest of margins to give the Nats three points.

Ray Edmonds J surprisingly went down 5-3 at home against Healing Mens when Gary Wright and Drew Winship won the last four frames for the visitors.

Earlier, Nige Otter with a 2-0, and Steve Ellis with a single against Bill Altoft, had put the Edmonds team in front.

Excellent 2-0 wins from Scott Gibbins and Mark Goss and a single from Paul Beasley against Gaz Dannatt gave Clee Cons B a 5-3 at Grimsby Police. Dave Dixon won the two for the Coppers.

An opening four-frame burst from Neil Russell and Chris Taylor and a single from George Bartlett against Kayne Munton was enough to give Hainton B a 5-3 home win against 1 None Golfer. Phil Watts won the other two frames for the Golfers.

Mark and Steve Leggett shared the opening four frames with Mark Stainton and Shaun Cook before Brian Ryley and Joe Goodfellow won the last four frames for Carr Lane D as they beat Clee Bowls Police 6-2.

Pete Sandiford and Mick Silver both won two and Darren Hare won a single against Tony Storr as Standard A beat Hainton A 5-3. Paul Codd was the man on the mark for Hainton.

The top clash in Section B saw leaders Cromwell Rat Pack play host to second in the table Healing Legion B with the outcome being a 6-2 victory for the Rats.

Dave Bass started the ball rolling with a 2-0 against Simon Lidgard before Mick Greenhalgh and Ryan Johnstone shared their frames with Danny Reynolds and Alex Burnett.

Sean Carlisle sealed a good victory for the home team with a last board 2-0 against Ryan Milson.

An opening 2-0 from Dan Morton was cancelled out by a last board 2-0 from Myles Kennan as Blossom Way A fought back to draw 4-4 at GSN Westlands.

Fine 2-0 wins from Keith Board and Wayne Webber and a single from Stu Wilkinson against Len Rodgers gave Nats B a 5-3 at Rapid Frames. Tim Cattell won the other two frames for Rapid.

A 2-0 from Garry Avison and singles from Phil Marshall, Mike Caborn and Tony Pearce against Lee Neul, Steve Neul and Jack Bradshaw gave Grey N Balding a 5-3 victory against Westlands Juniors.

Another team to win five were Jammie Dodgers and their 2-0 winners against Clee Bowls C were John Anderson and Craig Hatfield. Mathew McRae won the single against Eric Buck whilst Ken Payne won the two for the Bowlers.

Linden Homes B hit Westlands A for six when Chris Brown, Daz Braithwaite and John Baker all won two in reply to a 2-0 from Byron Hatfield.

Bob Barnes won two frames for Clee Bowls D but Mick Reed did the same for South Bank Imos as the teams drew four-apiece.

Re-Generation K hang on to top spot in Section C after a 6-2 home win against South Bank B.

Andy Fletcher and Carl Salah both won 2-0 for them and Mike Crooks and Marc Phillips shared with Ben and Pete Chisnall.

Birds Eye B are hot on the heels of Re-Gen after winning all eight frames against Carr Lane E.

Although some of the frame-scores were very close, it was Wayne and Simon Douglas, and Steve Betts and Paul Grayson who won them all.

Ray Edmonds N won 6-2 at Cambridge C when Mark Smith and Richie Grant both won two and Jase Sanders and Anthony Hepton shared with home players Andy Widgery and Gary White.

A 2-0 from Andy Stocks was equalled by a 2-0 from Paul Rushby as TR Carpets B came back to draw 4-4 at Ray Edmonds S.

This pattern was repeated at the Cambridge Club when Martin Dowling won both his frames for Cambridge D, only to see Matt Jones do likewise for Rays Rockers in another 4-4 draw.

After a minor hick-up a couple of week's ago, Ray Edmonds Z are back in the groove in Section D with a 6-2 away win at Not Bottom.

Paul Brett Snr and Jnr, and Shane Newbold were their 2-0 winners in reply to a 2-0 from Adam Board.

Cue World Boys also won 6-2 when Mathew Lawton and Louis Kirk both won two and Lewis Sewell and Brad Burrell shared with Hasbeens' Adrian Webster and Win Rose.

Power Rangers shared the spoils with Ray Edmonds Jubilee after Jim Drury's two was cancelled out by two from Liam Cribb.

Decent 2-0 wins from Paul Salisbury and Andrew Kenningale plus a single from Simon Timpson against Terry Haigh gave Road Runners a 5-3 victory at Cue World N. Terry Littlefair won the other two frames for the home team.

An opening 2-0 from Barry Loveday was evened up with a last board 2-0 from Aaron McHugh as Cromwell Car Care came back to draw 4-4 with Standard B.

The biggest winners in the section were Allotment Diggers who thrashed Cromwell B 7-1. Peter Robinson, Dwayne Kenyon and Craig Foster were their 2-0 winners with Pete Coulam sharing with slam-saver Keith Fuller.

A HOST of local stars will take to the stage in aid of fishermen in our area.

The Fishermen's Mission will be fishing for funds with a cabaret and dinner event on Saturday, November 3, at the Humber Royal Hotel, in Grimsby.

Leo Solomon, the well-known master of the ivories, will perform alongside swing singer Tony Jewitt – the charity's Port Missioner – and songstress Katie Cribb. The compere for the evening will be Doug Pickett.

Before the entertainment begins, there will be a three-course meal, starting at 7pm.

Mr Jewitt said: "The fishermen in this area need more and more help and we do this by providing them with emergency and welfare support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

"There are now about 30 active fishermen here and we need to raise as much money as possible from this event to help those who are still in work and those who are not."

Mr Jewitt, who will be performing songs from the 1950s and 1960s, has agreed to come out of retirement for this special occasion. The last time he performed in public was in 2008.

"In about 1985, I became semi-professional by singing at pubs, clubs and wedding receptions," he said.

"Then I moved back to Grimsby nine years ago and sang a variety of swing songs, such as Michael Buble, but when I began working for the Fishermen's Mission I gave up the singing. I am very nervous about the performance but hopefully I wont be rusty!"

Mr Jewitt will be performing with jazz pianist Leo, who was his maths teacher at Lindsey School from 1971 to 1976.

"It will be strange performing with my maths teacher," he said.

"He still doesn't look any different after all these years!

"So far, about 80 people area attending, and there are spaces left."

Singer Katie, 22, is also sure to get the audience up and dancing with her mix of new and old songs.

"My favourite singer has to be Leona Lewis – her voice is so different," she said.

"When I was little I began singing around the house and now I sing at weddings and other events.

"I'm naturally a shy person, but when I get up on stage I forget about all my worries, I go in my own little world.

"I'm really looking forward to the event. It will be a great night for a great cause."

Pooles music shop has donated the piano for the evening.

Tickets cost £25 and they can be purchased from Freeman Street Resource Centre, in Kent Street, Grimsby. Also visit www.fishermensmission.org.uk

FROM mince pie flavour to orange and cranberry ... a local cupcake maker is baking some unique creations this festive season.

And you can try them at Go To Town This Christmas, a huge Christmas market being held in the centre of Grimsby.

Evie's Cake Design, of New Waltham, will be holding a stall bursting with traditional and exciting handmade cakes.

As reported, the market will mark the start of late-night shopping – and one member of the public will get the ultimate festive experience.

A lucky resident will be chosen to turn on the Christmas lights, and ride alongside Santa in his sleigh.

The festivities are guaranteed to whet your appetite for Christmas, with the market featuring delicacies from around the country.

Kenny Nicholls, co-owner of Evie's, said: "My wife Elaine makes the cakes. She has always been good at it; they are all-hand made and delicious."

The couple are delighted to be involved in the event, which is backed by the Grimsby Telegraph, in co-operation with North East Lincolnshire Council and Freshney Place shopping centre.

It will be open on Thursday, November 22, from 3pm to 9pm and Friday, November 23, from 9am to 5pm.

And if you know someone who would be perfect for a starring role in Go To Town This Christmas, then nominate them now.

You can submit your nominations online below:

LEADING the search for Britain's next Olympic hero, Cleethorpes Athletics Club is celebrating after receiving thousands of pounds to fund its outreach work in the community.

The club, which boasts more than 300 members, was awarded £5,000 by Lloyds Banking Group Community Fund after beating off stiff competition from community groups across the region.

Based at the King George V Stadium, Cleethorpes AC plans to spend the money on specialist equipment to take into schools, transport to and from training, and coaching courses.

And vice-chairman Margaret Saville insists the financial injection will not only enable the club to reach more children but will allow them to breathe a big sigh of relief, financially.

"We were over the moon.

"We had some idea of how voting was going and we knew we were in the lead so the last final push was amazing," said the 65-year-old.

"The parents got behind us because they are so pleased with what we are doing because we are all volunteers and they appreciate what we do for their kids.

"We even had support from other athletic clubs because they appreciate the meets we put on throughout the year so we are chuffed the wider athletics community support us, too.

"We have to keep updated with the relevant coaching standards and often the courses are expensive and far away.

"Volunteers are expected to provide that themselves but with the money we can say we can cover the cost, which is massive because we need new coaches.

"We also hope to get some more mobile athletics equipment that we can take with us into schools. It is great to offer a different challenge for the children and more specific coaching.

"Introducing them early is so key, and thanks to the Olympics we have seen more and more youngsters eager to get involved. I have had many little girls tell me they want to be the next Jessica Ennis.

"We get no funding from anywhere and we have to rely on events just to keep us going so without the grant the children wouldn't get there. This is a buffer so we know we are safe."

More than 200,000 people across the UK took part in a public vote online and at Olympic Torch Relay celebration events between May and September to select the charities they wanted to receive the cash, part of £660,000 Lloyds Banking Group is investing through the Community Fund.

In total, 132 projects are set to receive £5,000 as part of the Lloyds Banking Group campaign.

Community and sustainable business director Paul Turner added: "The Community Fund highlights the group's ongoing commitment to the communities we serve and doing more to help Britain prosper.

"We are proud to be able to help Cleethorpes Athletics Club continue the great work they are doing in Grimsby and we look forward to seeing the difference the award will make."

Lloyds Banking Group, the largest financial services investor in UK communities, has provided funding to 132 organisations around the UK through its Community Fund in 2012.

To find out more about the group's community investment, visit www.lloydsbanking group.com/community

HUNDREDS mourned the death of Northcliffe media training manager, Graham Beesley at a funeral service at Grimsby Minster.

His friend and vicar, Rev Canon Andy Hawes said Graham's life had been "cut cruelly short".

As reported, the 59-year-old died at his home in North Cotes a month ago due to a faulty wood burner releasing carbon monoxide gas.

His death has led to a campaign appealing to all homeowners to check their appliances and ensure a carbon monoxide detector is fitted.

Hundreds of homes in North East Lincolnshire are more secure since the tragedy thanks to the campaign which has included the donation of free carbon monoxide detectors by Humberston and North Sea Lions and North East Lincolnshire Council.

Canon Hawes said: "Graham did not waste a day of his life. He lived in 60 years what most people would live in 100 years."

He hailed his outstanding achievements in mountaineering and skiing.

The vicar is a cousin to one of Mr Beesley's closest friends, Ian Robinson and they all regularly met up each year.

The vicar's brother, composer Patrick Hawes wrote "How Hill" as a requiem.

His tribute to How Hill near The River Ant in Norfolk, which was frequently visited by Mr Beesley and friends, was expertly played on the harp by Lucy Haslar.

Tribute was also paid by Northcliffe media colleague, Michael French.

He said Mr Beesley had started with the company's circulation department in Grimsby in 1975.

It was the start of 35 years' service to the company.

Mr French said: "You don't see that very much nowadays."

He said his colleague gave his time selflessly and gave strong leadership, embraced new technology and was a great team player.

But he never sought the limelight despite working in an industry filled with "egos and prima donnas," he said.

He said the two of them had kept in close touch having taken early retirement two years ago.

Both enjoyed hill walking and Mr Beesley was due to help him move house later this month.

God daughters Charlotte Evison and Grace Robinson paid moving tributes to their godfather "Bop."

Charlotte said: "Bop was the kindest, coolest, most down to earth person anyone could ever have in their lives. He was the "uncle" that everyone should have.

"We feel blessed to have known him and had his influence on our paths to adulthood."

COWBOY builder victim Eric Weighell has been handed £16,400 in compensation that he thought he would never see – straight from the pocket of the criminal who targeted him.

Patrick Connors was ordered to pay back £16,400 to Mr Weighell after admitting aggressive commercial practices when he appeared at Grimsby Crown Court in November 2010.

Last month, as reported, Connors, 21, of no fixed abode, launched a legal challenge against the order, but the Court of Appeal turned down his request and he was forced to pay it.

Now, it's been given to Mr Weighell, who admits he had "given up on the money", but hopes he can now use it to visit his sisters in Australia.

And Cleethorpes couple Nellie and Brian Williams, who were also victims of Connors have been given £1,000 of the £12,500 they lost.

The judge in the court case at the time made an order for £1,000.

Nellie said: "I believe people who do this to old people should be put up against the wall and shot.

"We are grateful to the police for getting some of the money back. It is a pity it is not all of it."

"This has nearly killed us off," said her husband.

Meanwhile, 84-year-old retired Laportes instrument mechanic Mr Weighell, of Scartho, says he was forced to pay for a new driveway and interior decoration before the job had been finished.

He said: "They made me pay the money before they had finished the job. They were very pushy and would not take no for an answer.

"But people should be firm and tell them to go away.

"I had given up on the money, so I am really pleased the police have put them in their place."

Handing over the cheques, Chief Inspector Gerry Darling urged residents to make life harder for cowboy tradesmen and bogus officials.

He urged vulnerable householders to deter cold callers and if someone does call without warning offering a service, tell them to leave.

He said greater vigilance among residents makes the task of the rogue trader harder.

Mr Darling added that organised crime gangs get away with hundreds of thousands of pounds by tricking elderly and vulnerable people.

He said: "Doorstep crime is also on the radar of Trading Standards officers and we work closely with them. If anyone has any suspicions they should ring us immediately and if we find out the caller is genuine we can reassure the residents.

"The motivation for this crime is purely money. Taking money off them is what they fear the most. In the most serious cases they can have their home, cars and their possessions taken from them, which is no more than what they deserve."

He urged residents not to answer to people they are suspicious of and send them away.

"If a resident is not happy they should ring the police or Trading Standards."

Homeowners can find good local traders in North East Lincolnshire through the Home Services Directory, a vetted trader scheme run by Trading Standards and available at www.hsd.org.uk."

The Grimsby Telegraph also runs its own Trusted Traders scheme.

If consumers are concerned about the tactics used by salespersons cold calling at their door or would like to report a rogue trader, call Consumer Direct on 0845 4040506.

"THE fact that I'm a lifelong Grimsby Town fan won't make any difference tomorrow – I play for Macclesfield and I want them to take the points."

That's the view of local lad Peter Winn who is preparing to face his home-town club when the Mariners host the Silkmen.

The 23-year-old will be back among familiar surroundings – not just for the fact that he was a regular at Blundell Park as a boy, but also because he finished last season on loan with Town from Stevenage.

Winn, a former Middlethorpe Primary School pupil, made ten appearances during his return to Cleethorpes – a spell which he admits he was disappointed not to see extended.

But after signing for Macclesfield in July, he has now set his sights on getting one over the Mariners and taking all three points back to Cheshire this weekend.

Speaking to the Telegraph, he said: "I really enjoyed my time at Grimsby last season.

"It was brilliant to be playing for my home-town club and the team that I've supported since I was a boy.

"It was a great feeling and I'd do it again, many times over if I could.

"I would have liked to have stayed and played more, so it's disappointing but that's football.

"But I'm a Macclesfield player now and, of course, I want us to win tomorrow because I always want us to do well – whoever we're playing against."

Winn has been on the fringes of the Macclesfield side of late – he hasn't featured for the Silkmen since the end of September – but he says tomorrow's clash would be the ideal game in which to make his return.

"I'd have liked to have played more this season," he admitted.

"I've played roughly half of the games that we've had so far this season, but that's life in football.

"It would be ideal for me if I could get back involved with the side for the game with Town, whether that's starting or from the bench.

"I want to be involved because they're my home-town club and it would be great to play at Blundell Park again.

"If I manage to score, I won't celebrate out of respect, I'll just jog back to my position and leave it at that.

"But the fact that I support Town won't make any difference on tomorrow – I play for Macclesfield and I want them to take the points."

As well as meeting up with childhood friends, a return to Blundell Park will also give Winn the chance to catch up with his mates within the Mariners squad.

He says it is tough to single out any particular threats to his side's chances tomorrow, although he admits it is a relief not to be facing up to the prospect of taking on long-term absentee Liam Hearn.

"It's probably changed a bit since I was there but it's a good set-up at Grimsby and it will be good to be back," he added.

"A lot of people that I went to school with and played football with still go to watch Town on a regular basis so I'll also be meeting up with them again.

"Town have got some great players there and I know quite a few of them and speak to them on a regular basis, so it will also be good to meet up with them again.

"Anthony Elding is a good mate of mine and I know what he's about and what he can do so I know we'll have to watch him.

"Liam is obviously out which, for us is a relief, because you don't want a player who scored the goals he did last season playing against you!

"But it's hard to single out players because every player at Grimsby Town is a good player – they wouldn't be there if not.

"It should be a great game and I'm really looking forward to it," he added.

As an ardent Mariners fan, Town's result is always the one, after Macclesfield's, that Winn is most interested in – and he is well aware of the strong start they have made to the campaign.

And, like every other fan, Winn hopes they finally achieve promotion this season – just as long as it is not at the expense of his current employers.

He added: "Town are doing really well at the minute which is what I always expected.

"They had a good team towards the end of last season and they've added to it so they were always going to be up there.

"I hope they get promoted – just as long as it's along with Macclesfield!

"Us winning the league and Grimsby going up through the play-offs would be ideal for me," he said.

"Town were in the Championship ten years ago so there is no way that they should be in the Conference.

"At Macclesfield, we have a really good bunch of players that have come down to this league and are a cut above to be honest.

"It would be great to see both teams back in the league – they're both in a bit of a false position at the minute.

"We started the season off really well and then, like every team, we had a bit of a blip.

"But we've started picking up results again and beating Marine in the cup last weekend was a good start – hopefully we can build on that tomorrow."

THE LANDOWNER 'competing' for backing to build major housing developments in Humberston Avenue has urged the public to "think carefully" over who they choose.

Stuart Hewson, owner of the 64-acre plot of land earmarked for 400 homes at the New Waltham end of the avenue, is holding a public consultation in the village and another in Humberston tomorrow – and he wants a good turnout.

Meanwhile, Keystone Developments wants to build 400 homes on four fields belonging to the Joseph Ogle Trust, at the opposite end of the avenue.

Now, Mr Hewson is urging residents – who have widely opposed both schemes – to "work with them", stating: "You have a choice over who you favour."

He said: "We know our proposal for 400 homes competes with other schemes proposed for land off Humberston Avenue. The simple fact is residents have a choice over which they favour.

"New homes will be built in that area over the coming years, whether people like it or not. It is a lovely part of North East Lincolnshire and where people want to live.

"We recognise the need to build homes that will complement the Humberston Avenue area, not detract from it."

Both proposals are among six major developments for the Humberston and New Waltham area, including: 1,500 homes at Weelsby Hall Farm, 150 homes on the neighbouring field in Humberston Road, Grimsby, 200 homes on land off Louth Road, Grimsby and 110 homes on the old Humberston Park golf course.

But just because one gets the go-ahead does not mean the others will not – all six could be approved.

As reported, in 15 years, more than 5,000 extra homes could be built in the leafy villages surrounding Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

Mr Hewson believes their development will be the perfect place for young people struggling to get on the property ladder – proposing 100 affordable homes, to be made available with a 10 per cent deposit and paid for by the yet-to-be-established £1-million Millennium Park Affordable Housing Fund.

Mr Hewson pledged to keep the community involved throughout the design, which includes 30 acres dedicated to a 'community use' and could include a cemetery, school, retirement home or warden homes for the elderly – similar to the Keystone Developments' offer.

He added: "We live in this community and understand the concerns raised by some. It is why, from the outset, we have been keen to work with residents, elected representatives and North East Lincolnshire Council about the proposed development."

Leader of the Save Our Fields campaign group Nikki Hale is against both developments and branded developers "insulting and unfair".

She said: "It isn't fair for the landowner to be pressurising the residents into accepting something that we do not agree with and if they are starting to employ these tactics it is very sad. They should leave the residents to make their own minds up. We are intelligent people after all."

The consultation meetings take place tomorrow at Humberston Country Club from 9am to 12noon and at New Waltham Village Hall from 1pm to 4pm.

HUNDREDS of people walk along Cleethorpes' proud promenade every day but how many of them stop and wonder how it all came to be?

Few will appreciate that without it, North East Lincolnshire's golden sands would not exist, and that Cleethorpes would be the underwater Atlantis of the north east coast.

That is why the first Cleethorpes Renaissance Town Team event, Meggies Memories, will help locals discover the rich history of the resort and how the promenade saved it from disappearing forever.

Doctor Alan Dowling, from the resort, will deliver a fascinating talk on the prom, taking his audience back in time, starting in 1835 and travelling to the 20th century.

And film enthusiast Phil Sheard will show rare footage of the town from times gone by. The chairman of the town team, Barry Waby, hopes there will be a good turn-out at the event on Friday, November 9, which starts from 7pm at Cleethorpes Memorial Hall.

He said: "This is the first time we have organised an event and we want to continue what we set out to do.

"We also hope to raise a little money for the group too, but if we don't at least we will have had a fantastic evening."

Mr Sheard, who owns model railway shop Classic, in Cambridge Street, Cleethorpes, has a passion for old film. His collection contains reels of rare footage of the resort from the 1930s to 1970s.

Mr Dowling's talk will explain how Cleethorpes used to be on the edge of a crumbling cliff edge, which was not only "unsightly" but at risk of collapsing into the sea.

"Something had to be done before Cleethorpes disappeared," he said.

"They had to make the cliff more attractive and protect the resort from severe erosion."

The council could not afford it and sought help from the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway Company.

Headed by Sir Edward Watkin, the prom and Pier Gardens was built, and the town was transformed into a flourishing, Victorian resort.

Mr Dowling continued: "We take things like the promenade and the Pier Gardens for granted. We just think 'Oh, they're there', what we don't appreciate is the amount of effort and money put into building them.

"I always feel that when I walk along the promenade, which I do most weekends, I have this in mind.

"It makes it more interesting to know the historical background and I hope people who come to the talk will have that same thing the next time they are down there."

Tickets for the event are £5, and £3 for under-16s, available from Cleethorpes Tourist Information Centre. within Cleethorpes Library, or from Mr Waby on 01472 690446.

ANTI-WIND FARM campaigners say people power is the only way to stop the "wind turbine invasion" coming to the marsh villages.

Currently, there are six separate plans to erect varying sizes of wind turbines on land between Humberston and Tetney and along fields near North Thoresby, Grainthorpe and North Somercotes – which campaigners say will ruin the "beautiful" agricultural landscape.

Now campaigners are calling on fellow marsh residents to unite with them and make their voices heard at a meeting with MP for Louth and Horncastle, Sir Peter Tapsell at Tetney Village Hall tomorrow at 10.30am.

Marshchapel resident Paul Hicks fears the village will become "squeezed" because if plans go ahead there will be windturbines on land going into and out of the village – and blames what he calls "greedy landowners" who are just "chasing a fast buck" for the problem.

He said: "They alter the environment and do not produce adequate amounts of electricity – despite what the people who want to put them up say. They don't make any substantial contribution to electricity and we are paying for them as tax payers.

"The only people who benefit from them are the companies and the selfish landowners who are after all the money they can get. In my opinion, they sell off their land and sell out the rest of the community for their own wealth. That is all they are interested in."

As reported, Lincolnshire County Council unanimously approved windfarm restrictions in June this year and advised the planning authority, East Lindsey District Council, not to grant permission if it failed to meet strict criteria.

Mr Hicks, and other campaigners, blame ELDC for allowing the problem to escalate, adding: "ELDC is a puny little district council. LCC made it clear they think Lincolnshire has their fair share of wind turbines, but what are ELDC doing? Allowing them to go ahead. They are taking advantage of the sparse population of the area which tends to be more elderly people who they think will not obstruct them."

The applications are at various stages, but those validated include: ASC Renewables' eight x 105 metres at Newton Marsh, Tetney – next to two other turbines currently under construction by ASC and Anglian Water – and three turbines along the Louth Canal, Fen Lane, North Thoresby measuring 113 metres.

From the Newton Marsh farm alone, ELDC stands to get an estimated £250,000 a year for the 25 year project in business rates.

Operations director for ASC Renewables, Mike Denny, said: "The planning application marks a real milestone. Meeting UK targets for renewable energy provision remains a real challenge and the proposed development at Newton Marsh Extension could play a vital part in this effort."

Permission has also been granted for environmental impact assessments (EIA) for two in Main Road, Grainthorpe, measuring 36 metres high, two on Donna Nook Road, North Somercotes, measuring 35 metres high, and three 45-metre turbines near Outholme Lane, Tetney. The applications are, in some cases, causing friction between residents and landowners, who have sold their land on to the environment companies.

If the Newton Marsh wind farm goes ahead, ASC Renewables have pledged a £50,000 community grant for the 25-year project.

But this has done little to impress campaigners – including Bourne Leisure, owners of Thorpe Park which is less than a mile away from the farm.

Spokesman Andy Lines said: "We have been overwhelmed by the wave of public anger against this project since it became public only a few weeks ago. People throughout the entire length of Lincolnshire are up in arms.

"Local community groups can count on the support of the hundreds of people who work here and the thousands who holiday here each year to oppose this blight on the landscape.

"This project is unfair, unnecessary and unwarranted. It will do untold damage and bring no real or lasting benefits."

Another Grainthorpe resident, who did not want to be named, but fought against the 20 turbine-strong farm at Conisholme, said: "We have had enough and must stand up for what we know is right. The applications are coming in thick and fast and at this rate they are going to be in every field from Humberston to Louth. It isn't fair. We marked on a map where all the turbines will go and it looked like a forest. It is getting very serious.

"We must all get together and fight for our beautiful environment that we live in. If everyone objects and everyone writes and complains, if everyone goes to the planning meetings, it will send out the message that we don't want them. These big companies just come along into these sparsely populated areas and treat us all as hicks. But we are not. We have people power and they have to listen to that."

Portfolio holder for economic development at East Lindsey District Council, Councillor Craig Leyland, said: "We fully understand the concerns of residents. All applications are viewed individually and our policies aim to protect our valued landscapes, residents' amenity and wide open vistas.

"Decisions need to be kept at our local level and we have an excellent record of defending wind farm appeals."

To view all the applications log onto www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/planning.

The Newton Marsh application is also on display at Humberston Library, Church Lane or East Lindsey District Council Planning Office, Tedder Hall, Manby Park, Louth.

Being in the spotlight is all part of the X Factor live shows – and to find out more about what's behind the cheeky smile of Cleethorpes-born contestant Micky Parsons, entertainment reporter LUCY GREENSMITH speaks to his biggest fan – his mum.

HE'S gone from doing a "jiggle" as a toddler to singing along to Westlife in the car to leading his boyband District3 in the X Factor live shows.

Cleethorpes-born Micky Parsons and bandmates Greg West and Dan Ferrari-Lane were the "revelation" of last week's Club Classics themed-show according to judge Gary Barlow.

Micky led the trio in a Mad Con/Chris Brown mash-up that impressed both the judges and the viewers as they sailed through to this week's live show just a week after being forced to sing for their place in the bottom two.

Most girls his age will see him as a heart-throb, but he is also "very organised" and a "technical whizz", according to mum Carol Parsons.

The family lives in a small flat in Windsor – Carol, dad Steve, 18-year-old Micky and his older brother Matthew, 21.

Carol said they were always supposed to be moving back to Cleethorpes, but never did because of Micky's pursuit of stardom.

She said: "Micky was a really, really cute baby and I am not surprised he is on stage now because I always knew there was a spark in him.

"When he was little he used to walk in the room and do a little 'jiggle' – I can't describe it, it was like a little salsa dance.

"He used to have a massive grin on his face and say 'helloooo' and walk back out of the room."

Carol said when Micky was about three, he would close the curtains at their bungalow in Cleethorpes and perform a dance with his brother.

Singing must run in the family, because his parents used to perform and Carol was part of an Abba tribute band.

"He is a perfectionist – when I used to perform on stage, Micky always used to sneak on and straighten my microphone wire – it used to make the audience laugh," she said.

"He used to sing along to Westlife songs, because we always played them in the car, and he loved it.

"I first realised he had a talent when we were at Butlin's in Skegness and there was a talent competition – his brother Matthew entered.

"But at last minute he bottled out and Micky took his place. I hid under the table, and didn't know what to expect because I didn't think he knew the words to any songs.

"He sang a Westlife song and knew all the words to it; he was absolutely amazing. He took control of the stage, and the judge said he had a very bright future ahead of him."

After making the discovery, Michael joined the Stagecoach Theatre group, which was based at Lindsey School, and he gained half a scholarship there to pursue acting and singing.

He also went to Napa dance school in Hull, and had tap lessons with Bev Wade.

Micky then went on to record Mariah Carey's song Hero at the Abbey Road studio in London and it was screened on Fox television.

Carol said: "When he attended Humberston Cloverfields his musical side came out – he played the role of Robin Hood there in a play.

"He was also into filming at that age. He got a video camera as a present and asked his grandmother, Patricia, if he could film her.

"She agreed and he told her to climb on her house roof and jump off – his grandmother obviously said 'no!'.

"He was really into action films and wanted to be a film director."

In 2006, he moved from his family home in Fairway Court, Cleethorpes, to Windsor after landing himself a role in The Sound Of Music, starring as Kurt Von Trapp at the London Palladium, as reported in the Grimsby Telegraph at the time.

Carol said: "We miss Cleethorpes, there is something about it and it is such a peaceful place.

"Our bungalow had more space compared to our flat in Windsor; it is like a rabbit warren.

"We have fewer bedrooms and Micky doesn't have his own room – he sleeps on a day bed."

Micky attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London, where he met bandmates Greg and Dan.

But due to financial reasons he moved to Windsor Boys' School.

"The boys knew each other really well, and two years ago they started the band.

"Micky had written his own songs and they were sitting on a bench outside Marylebone Station in London and he asked the boys what to do with them. That is where they decided to become a band.

"They had a sleep-over and it all went from there!"

District3 and 16-year-old Ella Henderson, of Tetney, will perform in tomorrow's live show on ITV1 at 8.20pm.

Visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk for updates over the weekend and after Sunday night's results show, and also see Monday's Grimsby Telegraph.

Keep checking your Telegraph for Ella's life story so far.

Ella Henderson and District3's Micky Parsons shine at James Bond Skyfall premiere

Ella Henderson and Micky Parsons' District3 turn in electrifying performances

Members of Clee Academy of Dance backing Ella Henderson and Micky Parsons (Video)

Micky Parsons' District3 make it in final seconds as Ella Henderson sails on through

Ella Henderson: X Factor is nerve-wracking but such an incredible feeling

Send your messages of support for X Factor stars Ella Henderson and Micky Parsons

Youngsters in Ella Henderson's home village of Tetney get behind singing star (Video)

Bobsleigh world champ Nicola Minichiello supporting Ella Henderson and Micky Parsons (Videos)

School's support for X Factor stars Ella Henderson and District 3's Micky Parsons (Videos)

X Factor hopefuls Ella Henderson and District 3 still going for gold

Ella Henderson blows away X Factor competition

Ella Henderson and District 3 make it to next X Factor round

Download a 'Vote for Ella and Micky' poster (PDF format)

THE Humberston Fitties could become "the envy of the whole east coast" if plans to develop the unique heritage spot get underway.

On the second day of the landmark hearing to discuss the future of the holiday park, members of the Fitties Owners Residents' Association Bungalows (Forab) presented their vision of how the chalet park could become a tourism hotspot, securing the future of the park for "generations to come".

But this is dependent on securing thousands of pounds worth of funding – which the council does not have – and establishing a group that is "representative for all Fitties residents" – not necessarily Forab.

As reported, the Humberston Fitties Committee have met this week to discuss whether residents should be allowed to live on the site for 50 weeks of the year rather than 44 weeks – amid Environment Agency warnings that the park is at "great risk of flooding" during January and February when the park is closed.

Councillor John Fenty (Humberston and New Waltham, Cons) has backed Forab, but suggested a review of the flood risk after 15 years.

But following a visit to the Fitties, Councillor Andrew DeFreitas, (Park, Lib Dem) said: "I am bothered I might be part of a decision that may mean there could be a tragedy and how I would feel if I am partly responsible for that."

Forab enlisted Grimsby not-for-profit organisation Synergy to draw up a business plan using £10,000 of funding from a National Lottery grant scheme.

Claire Wollington, of Synergy, outlined their plans to the Humberston Fitties Committee, which included a heritage centre, a "Fitties Residents' Guidebook", public toilets and heritage signs.

Ms Wollington said: "One thing – whether people want the 50-weeks or not – people have all agreed on is the need to protect the character of the Fitties. That is what makes it special, that is why people want to live there and that is why we are all here.

"We want to turn it into a lasting legacy for future generations.

"Some people bought chalets based on one childhood memory that had stayed with them their entire lives. It is a magnetic place."

Ideas for how the Fitties could cash in on its unique history include an on-site heritage centre, low-level lighting and signs explaining how the Fitties came to be.

The row over whether the Fitties is at risk of flooding continued throughout the meeting, with Forab maintaining the Environment Agency's flood risk figures were "mere predictions" and not fact.

As reported, the Agency told the committee they would not back the proposals for a 50-week occupancy period – meaning the ultimate decision could go to the Secretary of State for the Environment.

The committee will now prepare recommendations for Cabinet in November.

See tomorrow's Grimsby Telegraph for more on the issue.