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Jailed: Louth jewel robbers thwarted by courageous passers-by

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TWO armed robbers from Grimsby – who were apprehended by members of the public after raiding a jewellers - have been jailed. They were locked up at Lincoln Crown Court yesterday after carrying out the daylight robbery at the shop in Louth. Christopher London, 25, and Damion Clark, 30, were confronted by members of the public outside Eastgate Jewellers in the raid on June 24.Two passers-by guarded the door while another kicked over the getaway bike, parked outside the shop, the court heard. As one of the robbers fled, he stabbed an elderly motorist because he would not give him his car to escape. The other robber sought sanctuary in a school playground leading to a "lock down" of the school to protect the 400 pupils and staff. Both men were armed with claw hammers and one had a kitchen knife when they were disturbed by the owner as they tried to smash their way in to the store's glass display cabinets. Terrified owner Julie Smith was working in a back office when the raiders, wearing motorcycle helmets burst in. She was pushed down some steps and forced to let the robbers leave after pressing an alarm which initially locked them in the front of the store.
However, by the time the two robbers emerged a crowd had gathered outside. Jon Straw, prosecuting, said the robbers were left "high and dry" after the keys were removed from a getaway motorcycle. He said: "This is a very remarkable example of people power. "While they were inside trying to effect the robbery of the shop the people of the town banded together and the motorbike they intended to use for their escape was pushed over by a passer-by and the keys taken." Clark fled to the nearby Queen Street car park where retired motorist Eric Chapman refused to had over his car keys – despite being stabbed in the eyebrow. Other members of the public then detained him as he ran up Aswell Street. The knife and a number of jewellery boxes were found. London fled up Aswell Street to nearby Kidgate Primary Academy, where he was confronted by deputy headteacher Paul Lidbury. The court heard that London and Clark were serial criminals. Clark, who had previously served jail sentences for wounding and arson, admitted the robbery on June 24 and unlawfully wounding Mr Chapman. He also asked for 17 other offences to be taken into consideration. Clark, of Littlecoates Road, was sentenced to of nine-and-a-half years; six years imprisonment with three and half years' extended licence. Judge Sean Morris said he regarded him as "dangerous." London, of Watford Avenue, also pleaded guilty to the robbery and asked for 12 other offences to be taken in to consideration, He was jailed for four years. Judge Morris told them both: "When you forced that lady to open the door the good citizens of Lincolnshire had disabled your getaway vehicle, your motorbike, so you had to make a run for it. "You were chased by those people and what you did, Clarke, was then stab a man in the head. He was an elderly gentleman sitting in his car. "You opened the door and tried to drag him off, but he was made of stern stuff and did not budge." Mr Lidbury and Mr Chapman were among a list of members of the public who were thanked by the police for their actions. In a statement Mr Chapman said: "I was not going to let him take my car so I didn't move. As he brought his right arm up I saw the knife, and then he stabbed me in the right side of my right eye. "If people had not got involved in trying to stop them I think things could have been much worse." Mrs Smith, whose husband Roger was having a cigarette break when the raiders came in, added: "I could see they were smashing the cabinet tops and I heard the bangs. I can remember screaming and shouting at them. "I constantly relive what happened and have visions of seeing the two helmets in the shop." Officer in the case, DC Becky Manson, said, "This was a violent crime, carried out with audacity in the middle of the day, in a small market town. "However, London and Clark did not reckon on public spirit and were thwarted by the community, with a number of members of the public playing pivotal roles in helping police apprehend the pair. As a result, two dangerous offenders are now off the streets." The robbery in broad daylight led to road blocks on all the roads out of Louth and the Humberside Police helicopter hovered over the town for a couple of hours.Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Jailed: Louth jewel robbers thwarted by courageous passers-by


Man's clothing set alight in Grimsby park incident

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A man was treated for burns after his clothing was set alight during an incident in Grimsby's Grant Thorold Park. Shortly before 8.20pm on Tuesday (September 3), the 41-year-old man was walking through the park when he was approached by three unknown teenage boys. An altercation is believed to have taken place during which his clothing was set alight. The man was taken to hospital where he received treatment for minor burns to his back. The teenagers were described as being aged between 13 to 15 years old. One of them was wearing a grey top, one was wearing a maroon top and the other a blue top. A number of witnesses have been spoken to by police, however anyone else who may be able to assist with the investigation is asked to call Humberside Police tel 101 quoting log 705 of 03 Sept 2013.

Man's clothing set alight in Grimsby park incident

Cleethorpes golfer Holly Clyburn proving she's a Euro star

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CLEETHORPES golfer Holly Clyburn is living the dream on the Ladies European Tour – and is eager to build on her initial success.

The 22-year-old finished third at the Scottish Open last weekend, shooting three impressive rounds to end the competition on two over par.

It was Clyburn's second-best return on her debut Euro season – following her sensational win at the Deloitte Ladies Open, in Amsterdam, back in May.

After an opening round of 74 in East Lothian, the former Tollbar Academy student put herself back into contention with scores of 73 and 71.

But it wasn't to be for Clyburn, who finished ten shots behind eventual winner Catriona Matthew at the Archerfield Links course.

She won't have long to rest either – Clyburn and her fellow professionals have already landed in Sweden ahead of the Helsingborg Open, which gets underway at Vasatorp Golf Club tomorrow.

Clyburn said: "It was great to finish so high – especially with my parents coming up to watch on the final day, it was a dream.

"My aim on Sunday was to finish as low as possible – the conditions were tough, but I felt comfortable in them.

"It was hard to top the win in Amsterdam, but this is my second best finish.

"My game is in good shape at the minute, and if I can get my putter warm there is no reason why I can't build on my ranking."

Clyburn, who is now eighth in the Order of Merit following her place in Scotland, will use the event in Sweden as match-practice for the Evian Masters (Sept 12-15) – the second Major of the season.

She added: "If someone had offered me what I have done at the beginning of the year, I would have laughed at them and snatched up the offer.

"It really is a dream come true for me to be playing at this level, but I have to keep taking it one step at a time and enjoy being on the course."

Cleethorpes golfer Holly Clyburn proving she's a Euro star

Teenager reported missing in Grimsby

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POLICE are appealing for help in locating a girl who has been reported missing in Grimsby. Natasha Fox, 15, was reported missing to police on Friday evening after she left an address on Heneage Road and has not yet returned. Natasha is described as white, 5ft 7ins tall and of a medium build. She has shoulder length blonde hair and was last seen wearing a white thin-strapped top and black leggings. Natasha also wears spectacles, however it was not known if she was wearing them when she left. Natasha has been reported missing to police on a number of occasions prior to this. There have been potential sightings of her in the Grange area of Grimsby. Anyone who can help locate her is asked to call Humberside Police tel 101 quoting log 542 of 30 August.

Teenager reported missing in Grimsby

Family of ten left homeless by flat blaze in Grimsby

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A FAMILY of ten have been left homeless after a fire gutted their flat.

They had a lucky escape when the blaze broke out at the property in Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, which has destroyed most of their possessions.

Nikola Antusova had to run from the building clutching her two children – two-year-old Jasmin and six-month-old Felip – after spotting smoke billowing from one of the youngster's bedrooms.

She opened the door to see flames and acrid smoke filling the room.

Her partner, Felip Kosik, said: "It is devastating; we have lost everything.

"We do not know what caused the fire but it has left us with nothing.

"We have had to move in with friends until we can find somewhere to live. We just don't know where to turn."

The couple lived at the house with Felip's father, businessman Radek Mirga, his wife and their four children.

Now, they are struggling to explain to Jasmin what has happened and why they are homeless. The little girl keeps asking to go home.

As reported in yesterday's Grimsby Telegraph, the fire broke out in the flat, above Lincs Radio, at about 5.47pm on Monday.

The fire was caused by an undetermined source but is thought to have been accidental.

Fire crews used breathing apparatus to safely enter the building, and the flames were extinguished by 6.15pm.

Mr Mirga said: "My son Felip called me and said the house was on fire. I was only on Freeman Street, shopping with my wife, so I quickly ran back.

"When I got there I saw fire engines and an ambulance. I was really worried because I didn't know what had happened.

"I do not know what we can save from the house; I think everything is gone or smoke damaged.

"My son, Roman, could no go back to school because his uniform was lost in the fire.

"The school has very kindly said he can still go until he gets sorted.

"My older son has not been able to go back to school at all because his uniform was also destroyed.

"We are having to rebuild everything – we need to buy clothes, shoes ... everything."

Mr Mirga has just opened a shop, the Samuel Food Store, on Cleethorpe Road, and the ordeal has temporarily stopped him from focussing on his new venture.

"I do not know what to do now," he said. "It has completely devastated us.

"But we are very fortunate. Nikola was very lucky to get outside with the children – we don't want to think what might have happened if she hadn't.

"A friend has put us up in his flat and we are being given some temporary accommodation until we can get back on our feet.

"We want to thank everyone who has helped us, and our friend for taking us in when we had nowhere to live.

"It is very hard to find somewhere for a big family like ours."

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Family of ten left homeless by flat blaze in Grimsby

OPINION: Do Grimsby Town need to further bolster their Conference title bid?

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by Matt Dannatt, Football Writer FOR the multi-millionaires of football's elite, the transfer window is now firmly shut. Monday's deadline day was frantic, with eye-watering sums being thrown around among the rich and famous of world football. At the other end of the scale, Grimsby Town made a signing of their own with Fleetwood full-back Alan Goodall signing on an initial one month loan. Describing himself as a 'steady Eddie', the 31-year-old will bring added experience and solidity to the Mariners' threadbare back-line. But after an inconsistent start to the season, a number of Town fans are still calling for Rob Scott and Paul Hurst to make further additions their squad, despite making no less than eight signings over the summer. Lacklustre performances in the defeats to Welling and Nuneaton have led to questions as to whether the squad still needs further strengthening if the Mariners are to challenge for promotion this season. The market is, of course, still open for free transfers, with the emergency loan window for Football League and Conference Premier clubs opening again next Tuesday (September 10). So should the joint bosses dip back into the market? Which positions, if any, do you think need strengthening and who would you like to see come in?Share your thoughts using the comments facility below

OPINION: Do Grimsby Town need to further bolster their Conference title bid?

Humberston Avenue homes development review enters second day

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The second day of the planning review into the Humberston Avenue Keystone development is currently underway at Grimsby Town Hall. Representatives from the developers are being cross examined by North East Lincolnshire planning committee. The developers have expressed their views claiming the development is needed and is sustainable. Planning officers have however pointed to what they have said are incorrect representations of the distances between amenities and the availability of alternative transport instead of using a car. A full report of the second day of the review will be in tomorrow's Grimsby Telegraph.

Humberston Avenue homes development review enters second day

Large haul of alcohol stolen in Louth restaurant raid

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THIEVES stole a large haul of alcohol from an Indian restaurant in Louth.
The Raj Mohal in Aswell Street was broke in to sometime over Sunday night and Monday morning.
Dozens of bottles of champagne, wine and spirits were stolen.
Pc Darren Critten of Lincolnshire Police appealed for information. He said the offenders gained entry by forcing a kitchen door and then stole the bottles and an undisclosed quantity of cash.
 Information to Pc Critten by dialling 101 and quoting the incident number 119 of September 2 or report crimes anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Large haul of alcohol stolen in Louth restaurant raid


Police operation is cracking down on hare coursing criminals

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A POLICE campaign to catch criminals involved in illegal hare coursing in Lincolnshire aims to break last year's record successes.

Operation Galileo in 2012 saw nearly 300 people caught by the dedicated team set up to tackle the problem.

Now, as crops are harvested in the fields, reports are coming in of cruel gangs congregating with dogs.

In the summer, autumn and winter of 2012 a total of 186 men were prosecuted in the county – mainly under the Gaming or Hunting Acts.

Another 100 were given warnings because they were caught before any coursing could take place.

Operation Galileo leader Inspector Andy Ham said: "Evidence shows that people who participate in it are mainly involved in other forms of criminal activity and they usually come from outside Lincolnshire.

"Having a dedicated team enables us to not only respond quickly to reports and calls from the public, but it also improves the way in which we gather intelligence and analyse patterns. It consequently helps us deploy our policing resources to maximum effect.

"No one knows the countryside better than the communities themselves. The public are best placed to notice unfamiliar people and vehicles, so contact the police to report suspicious activities straight away."

New term heralds new look for latest academy in Cleethorpes

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A NEW broom has swept through the corridors and classrooms of a Cleethorpes school as it reopens as an academy.

More than 400 pupils yesterday began a new school year at Reynolds Academy, which is now part of Tollbar Family of Academies.

Over the summer break, the buildings – part of which date back 100 years – have been refurbished, and a new reception area constructed.

Now there are 14 classrooms, with two classes to each year group, a new library and literacy and numeracy classrooms. New computers have been provided as well as extra playground equipment.

Also among the changes is an on-site cook who will provide freshly-cooked meals every day.

The school's medical room has been updated and a new staff room created, and pupils have new uniforms provided by the academy.

The nursery for three and four-year-olds has been revamped, and decorating is still continuing.

As a member of the Multi-Academy Trust, Reynolds Academy will be supported by Tollbar Academy and Sixth Form College and Cleethorpes Academy, providing all-through education for pupils from three to 19.

Nine new teachers and staff members join existing staff.

Primary development officer Christine Lacey said: "This is the start of a whole new era for Reynolds pupils.

"We are all looking forward to working together to provide the best possible educational opportunities for these children."

Mrs Lacey will be assisted by former Tollbar Sixth Form College director Andy Clark. He is now a vice-principal of Tollbar Family of Academies, and is looking forward to the new challenge.

The chief executive of the organisation, David Hampson, who has overseen the entire refurbishment of Reynolds, said: "I am very excited to be involved in the whole education of a child. It is my intention to make Reynolds an outstanding primary academy and give its pupils an excellent education in a stimulating and safe environment that is well resourced."

Look out for photographs of new starters from schools in our area in Saturday's Grimsby Telegraph.

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New term heralds new look for latest academy in Cleethorpes

Leave your bike at Grimsby town centre facility for £1

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GRIMSBY town centre is gearing up for a new facility – The Cycle Hub.

Located at the former postal room at Grimsby Train Station, it is the first of its kind in the area, offering a secure location to leave bicycles from as little as £1 a day.

The centre also includes a shower facility, toilets and cycle maintenance staff on hand.

Janine Walker is the managing director of Cycle Lincs, who has worked in co-operation with North East Lincolnshire Council and Balfour Beatty to create the hub.

She said: "We are going to open for the first time on September 16.

"The centre offers commuters, shoppers and workers a secure place for their bikes, as well as somewhere they can shower and change.

"Many more people would consider cycling to work but there is the problem of arriving there hot and sweaty.

"The shower facilities allows them to freshen up before going into work.

"We have space for 20 bicycles inside and 14 outside. There is 24-hour CCTV so you can be sure your bike will be secure.

"The centre will be staffed between 8am to 6pm, so there will always be someone on hand to help out if you get stuck using the storage devices or if you are need of a puncture repair.

"The centre will also have route maps and information guides for the local area – and we will even have bikes that people can rent."

Anthony Snell, senior transport officer for Balfour Beatty, said the hub is an opportunity the town has not had before.

He added: "This is something we have never had the ability to create in the town before.

"Many of the buildings around here are very old and cannot be modified to accommodate cycle facilities and showers.

"Having the centre actually connected to the train station and with that being right in the central area of the town is great. Many people have said they would cycle to work, but do not want to leave their bike outside for fear of it being stolen or tampered with.

"The centre is going to be a hub for people to come to find out everything they need to know about cycling in the area.

"Before, if someone wanted to find a cycle route in the region, they would have to search for the information.

"Now, this hub will stock leaflets and information inside and its website will also highlight all the local cycling information.

"We hope it will be really successful and that people will be encouraged to cycle in the area."

For more information prior to the hub's official opening, call 07842 679117 or visit www.heartofgrimsby.co.uk– ad see your Grimsby Telegraph for coverage.

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Leave your bike at Grimsby town centre facility for £1

Keystone review to close today

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The review into the planning application for the Keystone development in Humberston will close today. Keep checking www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk for updates.

Path work in Grimsby leaves blind man 'angry and unsafe'

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A BLIND man has criticised North East Lincolnshire Council after path works in Grimsby left him feeling "scared and disorientated".

Adam Gray, 26, who is registered as blind, claims work to widen the paths outside the Foresight disability centre, on the corner of Newmarket Street, has made it dangerous for people with disabilities to cross Freeman Street.

Mr Gray said the ongoing noise from machinery has made it difficult to cross the road and believes more should have been done to warn Foresight users of what was happening.

The Cleethorpes resident said: "When I first knew of the roadworks, I was furious; all the paths seem to be blocked and there were huge diggers around.

"It was scary and disorientating. My vision is greatly impaired so I rely on my hearing, and I could hear cars coming from both directions.

"I believe it has put the 'dis' in disabling."

The work being carried out is part of the council's long-term plan to restore Freeman Street to its former glory and includes pathways being widened and given a facelift.

The contract to carry out public realm improvements between Nelson Street and Hainton Square was awarded to Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd, as reported.

Mr Gray, who spends three days a week at the Foresight centre, said the work has left him feeling angry and unsafe.

He added: "I am normally fine crossing the road because I use the pelican crossing near the old cinema, but I can't do that at the moment.

"They know we are here but when I was trying to cross not one worker tried to help me.

"I think the council should be more considerate and should have made some adaptations.

"They could have at least visited Foresight and let us have some path to walk on."

Jason Longhurst, head of development at the council, said: "The contractor received a complaint from Mr Gray and the site was inspected immediately.

"Barriers had been moved only slightly to allow for the movement of materials but have since been positioned well clear of the doorway.

"Footpath works in that area are due to be completed by today, and the crossing is due to be reopened by the weekend."

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Path work in Grimsby leaves blind man 'angry and unsafe'

Stallingborough firm seals second royal award in four years

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A MANUFACTURING firm which makes seals for the oil and gas industry has secured its own royal seal of approval.

It was the second time Shand Engineering of Stallingborough received The Queen's Award for Enterprise and International Trade, when The Duke of Kent presented the prestigious glass trophy yesterday.

He said was it was a reward for the "hard work and enterprise" by Shand.

The firm makes seal couplings for the oil and gas industry throughout the world, exporting to the United States, Brazil, Australia, Japan, South Africa and Norway.

Shand designs and manufactures couplings to connect rubber reinforced hose and flexible pipe which is used predominantly for the transportation of oil and gas both offshore and on land.

Plans for a new factory in Brazil, due to open next year, impressed the Duke, who toured the factory.

The firm first won the Royal award in 2009 for its success in international trade, as reported.

Based on Kiln Lane, the manufacturer has doubled its work force to 70 over the past 10 years.

In the same period sales have grown from £2 million a year to over £17 million.

In January 2012, Shand opened its first overseas factory in Houston, Texas, to supply US customers with products manufactured from raw materials and semi-finished components supplied from Stallingborough.

Shand is the largest supplier of couplings for reinforced thermoplastic pipe in the world and count local company Dunlop Oil and Marine, of Grimsby as their most important long-standing customer.

Today, the company exports more than 70 per cent of its products.

Managing director Brian Purchon said: "This growth in export sales led to the company's first Queen's Award in 2009.

"At the time I thought I would never be lucky enough to work for a company that could win the award.

"Winning one such award was very special. To win the award twice and only four years apart makes me immensely proud and grateful to all our employees and local key suppliers who rely on to achieve what we do."

The Duke of Kent, cousin to the Queen, was accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Tony Worth.

They were met by the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Toby Dennis, and the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Peggy Elliott, and her consort Steve Elliott.

The Duke of Kent was introduced to Jim Jackson, the firm's longest serving employee, of 42 years. He received a tour of the factory prior to the award presentation.

The Duke said: "The Queen's Award is one of the highest marks of success that a business can achieve. It has come about due to the hard work of the company."

MP Martin Vickers, who was also present, added: "It is a tribute to the management and all the workforce that they have achieved two Queen's Awards in four years."

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Stallingborough firm seals second royal award in four years

Grimsby judge gives jobless man work offer he can't refuse

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A JUDGE told a man who was looking for a job that he could sort him out with plenty of work to keep him busy – with immediate effect. But the bad news was that it was not quite the sort of work the man wanted. Judge Peter Clark told him at Grimsby Crown Court: "You are looking for work. I'm just the man to provide it. You will do 120 hours' unpaid work."

Grimsby judge gives jobless man work offer he can't refuse


Algeria gas plant terrorist attack survivor tells his story

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It's a situation one can only imagine – but became terrifyingly true for one local man. Sadie Russell reports on Lou Fear's ordeal at the hands of terrorists.

AN ENGINEER has spoken for the first time of his terrifying ordeal after al-Qaeda-linked terrorists stormed a gas plant in Algeria where he was working in January this year.

Lou Fear, from Tathwell, is among more than 100 foreign workers who survived the raid on the Tigantourine gas facility near In Amenas.

Thirty-nine foreign hostages, an Algerian security guard and 29 militants were killed in the crisis. Almost 800 workers were freed.

BP team leader Mr Fear has now described how he and his colleagues hid from terrorists in an office and used a filing cabinet as a barricade while gun-toting men took hostages outside.

They eventually walked through a gap in the perimeter fence and endured a gruelling 17-hour desert trek to reach safety. Several other groups also escaped through the fence.

Mr Fear told BBC Two's This World: Terror In The Desert programme how his decision to leave two wounded workers behind still haunts him.

The militants first attacked buses carrying workers on the morning of January 16, followed by staff living quarters and the gas-producing heart of the plant.

The documentary heard from one worker in the main plant, who described hearing gunfire from 20 to 30 metres away before four terrorists armed with AK47s and their faces covered burst in through the front door.

Mr Fear – who is married to Lori and has two children, Anna-Victoria and Richard, who are in their 20s – was just a few yards away.

He said: "We opened the door and saw around the corner that there were some guys laid on the floor face down with their hands tied behind their backs.

"You could see the cords sticking up in the air, with a guy above them with an AK47.

"So we ran back. The four of us went into the office, pushed a filing cabinet behind the door and then got this big box of weights which was really heavy.

"We didn't put it against the door. We picked it up and put it right on the top of this filing cabinet.

"Then I got on the floor and hid behind and then someone tried the door handle.

"They were saying in Arabic 'Come out, come out, we're friends', but we didn't. We never believed that there would be a terrorist attack – it's incomprehensible – but it was real."

As the raid on the base intensified, the workers began sending text messages to each other and their loved ones back home.

Mr Fear discovered by text that two friends in a nearby building had been seized.

He sent a text to his wife, who said: "I got a text from him saying there had been a terrorist attack, and he was hiding and that he was safe."

Mr Fear said: "I got told off for not saying the words 'I love you'. I just blanked all that.

"She wanted me to send stuff to the kids. I said no. I actually cried when that bit happened.

"I said no, I can deal with you but I cannot do the other bit."

Mrs Fear continued: "My world just froze. Everything stopped. I couldn't think. I didn't know what to do, whether I should tell the children or not.

"I didn't know what circumstances he was texting me in – if he was close by to the terrorists, if they could hear the beep of the text messages come.

"I daren't reply to it because maybe I would give away his hiding place. I didn't want anything bad to happen to him."

Six hours into the ordeal, it appeared quiet outside the room.

Mr Fear decided that "there was a fair chance there was no-one was around" and ventured out to use the bathroom and collect some water and biscuits.

He then texted his wife to say "I've popped out to get some water."

She said this message made her even more concerned for his safety.

Mrs Fear said: "My husband is not the smallest, quietest, most subtle man, he cannot even whisper effectively. If he cannot do that, how is he going to stay hidden?"

On the morning of the second day, hostages were bundled into a convoy of jeeps rigged with explosives, which came under fire from Algerian army helicopter gunships.

Mr Fear saw the attack and he and his colleagues went to look for survivors.

They carried two injured men back to an office building but saw two terrorists and ran back to their hiding place. Mr Fear decided there wasn't time to take the men with them.

"I made the decision," he said. "A voice told me 'Brother, leave them, or they will give you away',"

From inside the office, Mr Fear heard the terrorists ordering the injured men to lead them to the "ex-pats".

Mr Fear said: "I heard some noise and scuffling.

"I assumed they took them outside. There were some gunshots."

Mr Fear and his group made their bid for freedom at 2am on January 18 by walking through a gap in the perimeter fence.

"The guys just held the razor wire and it just snapped open," he said.

They were rescued after a 17-hour trek through the desert.

Mrs Fear said: "All of a sudden the telephone rang. This voice said: 'It's me, I'm all right. I'll be home in a few days'. It was a new telephone. I tried to put it on loudspeaker for the children to hear but I cut him off, but I knew he was alive."

As the Algerian army staged its final assault on January 19, the extremists chained several remaining hostages to pipes with explosives strapped to their bodies and a section of the plant was blown up.

Mokhtar Belmokhtar, an Algerian, was behind the attack on the gas plant.

He is nicknamed "the Marlboro Man" because he funds terrorism through tobacco smuggling.

The militants claimed they were retaliating for France's intervention against Islamic militants in Mali.

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Algeria gas plant terrorist attack survivor tells his story

Humberston Fitties takeover by private firm would be 'wrong'

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ALLOWING a private company to take control of Humberston Fitties would be "wrong" and "destroy its character", according to residents.

North East Lincolnshire Council is currently looking at various options for the future of the site, and has offered Bourne Leisure Ltd – the owners of Thorpe Park – first refusal on the leasehold.

But residents of the Fitties, dozens of whom turned up at the council's Regeneration, Environment and Housing Scrutiny Panel to air their views, say a private investor would not be best placed to protect it for the future.

Speaking on behalf of chalet residents, Paul Harwood, chairman of Fitties' Owners Residents' Association Bungalow (Forab), said: "Bourne Leisure is a very professional and well-respected organisation which could certainly capitalise on an influx of visitors to the Fitties, but they exist solely to satisfy the interest of their own customers.

"The Fitties, on the other hand, is, and always has been, a community asset which exists primarily for the enjoyment of the general public and has never in its 200-year history been considered as a commercial venue.

"While we applaud Thorpe Park for its commitment to customer care, it is the wrong organisation in which to entrust the future of one of North East Lincolnshire's major community assets and would merely open the doors to the Fitties becoming a commercial venture."

A select committee formed to look at the future of the site made 10 recommendations to Cabinet back in January.

These included considering its future "management or disposal", clamping down on design of chalets and carrying out a new flood-risk assessment.

All of the recommendations will be discussed by Cabinet on October 14, when a decision will be made.

The scrutiny panel has urged Cabinet to consider offering the sale or lease of the site to a wider range of companies and community groups, rather than focusing solely on Bourne Leisure.

This includes looking at a takeover by residents, who believe they should be allowed to manage the site.

Paul added: "The Fitties has never been about money, it is about providing an experience, a memory of Grimsby that visitors never forget.

"Confining it to the hands of commercial enterprise is not the way forward.

"It is totally in line with the Communities Act that the Fitties should become self-regulating.

"Such a proposal would continue to maintain the character of the area, including the accessibility of the public because it would be in the residents' own interests to do so.

"Fitties residents should be asked to undertake a feasibility study with regards to forming a management company to take on the site on terms similar to those which have been proposed for Bourne Leisure."

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Humberston Fitties takeover by private firm would be 'wrong'

Planned recycling plant is 'too close to houses'

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VILLAGERS against a proposed recycling plant in South Killingholme drummed up the support of passing motorists during a second protest.

Residents with placards stood outside Poplar Farm, in Ulceby Road – a former pig farm where ClarkeSon Recycling wants to create a "recycling centre of excellence" and bring 35 jobs to the area.

As reported, protestors are opposed to the plan because they claim it is too close to their homes, that it would smell and attract rodents.

Managing director Steve Clarke aimed to reassure residents at a recent public consultation event.

But one resident at the protest said: "It shouldn't be built within the village because it is far too close to our homes."

Another added: "We have the oil refineries one side so we don't need this recycling plant another.

"I am born and bred in this village and it is home so I don't want to see this coming our way."

Mr Clarke was unavailable for comment but has previously told the Telegraph that the firm controls the smell problem as it does at its other site in Riby.

He said: "I am more than happy for any residents to look at my plant in Riby to see how it works.

"I will be the closest resident to the plant as I will be living in the farmhouse there – so if it smelt that bad, I would not live there.

"Compost will be in glass houses and the vapour which smells will be collected for nitrogen.

"We don't have a problem with pests or rodents in our current site.

"I will create 35 jobs in the town because I want to keep everything local. Local tradesmen will construct the plant and I will be supplying to local businesses, too.

"Since I began my business in 2006, I have had 150 complaints – only seven of them were agreed by the Environmental Agency and were resolved."

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Planned recycling plant is 'too close to houses'

Cleethorpes RNLI crew fear they will have to pay to park

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ABOUT 200 people have signed a petition in support of Cleethorpes Lifeboat crew who fear they will have to pay to park when on call for emergencies.

Lifeboat bosses say the council has previously allowed its 28 crew members to park in public bays next to the station at Brighton Slipway for free, as long as they displayed their RNLI crew stickers.

However, the Grimsby Telegraph understands this was an informal arrangement and the council says it cannot justify allowing so many vehicles to park for nothing.

However, council bosses insist they will never seek to charge on-call RNLI crew, and are currently exploring options to resolve the situation to everyone's satisfaction.

Jack Barlow, operations manager for Cleethorpes Lifeboat, told the Grimsby Telegraph that the lifeboat station has only three dedicated parking spaces for the 28 crew – as well as three other spaces reserved for the tractor, trailer and boat – but added there was generally no more than seven or eight crew at the station at any one time. He said he was hopeful the situation would be resolved soon.

However, Cleethorpes resident and former Liberal Democrat councillor Peter Burgess believes the council should leave things as they are, and has started a petition asking for the current arrangement to continue.

Mr Burgess, of Cambridge Street, said: "I live round the corner and I know most of the lifeboat lads and it came to my attention that they had been told to submit their registration numbers to get a parking permit.

"This is common sense gone wrong. Historically the crew showed their RNLI sticker and that has always sufficed, so what's the problem now?

"Of all the amenities and resources in North East Lincolnshire, the RNLI has got to be the best value for money, because all it costs is a few council parking spaces.

"The guys already give up their time. Why should they have to go through this bureaucratic process? The council should trust the guys running the lifeboats to distribute the stickers and get on with it."

Mr Barlow said the previous arrangement had worked well until a couple of weeks ago when a traffic warden told crew that they could only park in their designated bays.

He said council deputy leader Mick Burnett had told him all crew would be issued with electronic permits, only to be told by a parking officer that the 28 requested was too many.

Mr Barlow said: "It is absolutely ridiculous. It is just annoying that we are being threatened in this way. We have never had anyone tell us we shouldn't be parking here. We are an emergency service."

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Cleethorpes RNLI crew fear they will have to pay to park

Council to start selling headstones and crosses

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THE council will provide headstones, plaques and crosses at cost price to the public as part of a new "memorialisation" service. North East Lincolnshire Council bosses have decided to implement the scheme "at the earliest opportunity" after identifying a "healthy market" for memorials. The Cemeteries and Crematorium Service receives about 224 applications each year for the right to erect a memorial within the council's cemeteries. The move is an extension of the current service offered by the council, which includes the provision at cost price of vase plaques, wall plaques and above-ground vaults. Council bosses say it will: Widen the choice of memorials available to the bereaved. Increase the range and quality of service on offer in line with other cemetery and crematorium operators. Provide the general public with a service which demonstrates value for money. Encourage and enable the provision of professionally installed headstones and memorials, rather than homemade and less robust memorabilia. The new service will be run initially on a cost-recovery (non profit-making) charging basis but could be changed to a trading model if demand proved to be sufficient. It will not be "exclusive" and residents will still be able to seek alternative providers. The proposal to introduce a memorialisation service was first approved by Cabinet in August last year, but was the subject of a legal challenge by the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM), who expressed concern that the council would be competing with existing service providers. However, the council's legal department has concluded that the council does have the statutory powers to provide the service under the terms of the 2011 Localism Act, and its recommendation to launch the new service was approved by Cabinet this week. Councillor Ray Oxby, portfolio holder for environment and housing, said: "This will enhance accessibility to local services. There is an established market and we have staff trained up to the appropriate standard."Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Council to start selling headstones and crosses

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