A ONE-way system will not be introduced in streets around Grimsby's Riby Square, but it's likely that there will be no access to or from it from the flyover.

North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) trialled a system earlier this month – prompting a backlash from angry motorists who branded it "madness" and "chaotic".

And now, following public consultation, engineers have confirmed there will be no one-way systems, but there will be some changes.

The aim of the scheme is to reduce traffic emissions in the area, and the trial included:

The closure of the junction between Riby Street and Cleethorpe Road, which saw a lorry drive the wrong way up the sliproad which leads off the flyover.

Riby Street was one-way from Grimsby to Cleethorpes.

Orwell Street was one-way from Cleethorpes to Grimsby.

Also proposed is a right-hand turn into Freeman Street from Cleethorpe Road, the introduction of a third-lane left-hand turn into Victoria Street North at the Lockhill junction and a widening of the exit from the docks.

Caroline Batchelor, a structural engineer from the council's partner Cofely GDF Suez, said: "We've been given a wish list from NELC and we're exploring what works so that we can go back to them later down the line with viable solutions.

"The consultation process is really important for us to meet with local people and hear how they feel; we want to work with them and their suggestions.

"We're looking to improve the air quality around Riby Square, so one of the changes we're proposing is a three-way junction instead of a four-way so traffic can get through quicker."

Highway engineer Luke Greaves said: "We're still awaiting results from our traffic tests following the trial, the majority of concerns and feedback we've had are with regards to the one-way systems.

"Businesses in Riby Street were in favour but many other road users were against it and wanted Orwell Street to remain the same, so we won't be implementing the one-way systems.

"I can count on one hand the feedback from closing the Riby Street junction with Cleethorpe Road and so we will be pressing forward with plans to close that junction in order to address the air pollution issues."

The closed junction will be regenerated with "nice materials" but will not house any gardens or benches.

Around the Lockhill junction, plans for a pedestrian crossing have currently been shelved but "future proofing" will take place just in case proposals change in the future. In addition, there will be improvements made to the area outside The Landings hotel and a "clean up under the flyover".

Owners of Orwell Street business Parkside Carpets, Tom and Margaret Woolliss, had their say on the changes, having been in business for 20 years.

Mr Woolliss said: "I don't get the right turn into Freeman Street, surely you'll have lots of traffic all backed up along the A180. I'm sure there will be more accidents.

"But there are some positives to come out of this; they are looking at putting bays in front of the banks.

"But what the council need to consider is doing something with the Orwell Street parking lots, they're largely unused – why not make them one hour free?

"That would bring people into the area and benefit a lot of local businesses around here and in Freeman Street."

Taxi driver Steve French, 51, felt the trial was a "nightmare" but felt better having attended the public consultation.

He said: "Having listened to them it makes sense what they've said. if air pollution is such a problem then they need to look at ways of improving the area and perhaps a three-way junction may do that.

"But they also need to take on board what has been said by us tonight and the thoughts of local businesses around these streets that will be immediately affected by any potential changes."

One dock worker, who did not want to give their name, said: "The trial was chaotic and now I find that the consultation was confusing."

WORK has begun on a new toy store in Grimsby.

Smyths, which is expanding its network of stores across the country, has now confirmed it will be opening a shop in the town in September.

The new store will be located on Victoria Retail Park in Victoria Street North, in the vacant premises previously occupied by JJB Sports.

As previously reported, JJB left the unit in 2012, after administrators KPMG shut down a total of 133 stores and sold the remaining 20 to rival Sports Direct International.

Yesterday, as work got underway, a banner and a sign in the window, pictured below, announced that the store would be opening soon.

Smyths is a leading provider of children's toys and entertainment products.

The chain was named Toy Retailer Of The Year in January 2014 for companies with more than 30 stores – beating off competition from rivals Toys R Us.

Catering for all ages, its stores stock a huge range of toys, video games and baby products, including all the top brands, as well as an extensive range of outdoor products for the summer, including trampolines, bikes, swings, and seesaws.

Founded in 1987 by the brothers Anthony, Padraig, Liam and Thomas Smyth, it is the largest toy retailer in Ireland.

It currently has almost 70 stores across the UK and Ireland, with several more due to open within the next few months.

Grimsby will be the fifth Smyths store to open in the Yorkshire and Humber region, after Barnsley, Hull, Leeds and Sheffield.

As previously reported, the news of Smyths arrival in Grimsby came as it was confirmed that Grimsby's Homebase store, which is also based in Victoria Street, would close – and likely be replaced by The Range.

A spokesman for the Home Retail Group, which owns Homebase, told the Grimsby Telegraph that the store would close on a date yet to be confirmed.

He added that all Homebase staff would be invited for an interview to work in the new store, and that opportunities for colleagues at nearby Homebase and Argos stores would also be explored.

In 2012, Homebase announced it would be closing 40 stores in the following five years.

The retailer has 65 store leases coming up for renewal, and says it is planning to close all but 25 of them.

This is part of a decision to halt expansion and to concentrate on multi-channel development, as seen with their introduction of Argos in some Homebase stores.

Victoria Retail Park is also occupied by Next, Brantano, Sports Direct and Poundstretcher.

Poundstretcher opened in the unit vacated by stationery retailer Staples, which closed its doors in January 2013.

The company said the closure was part of a "strategic plan to accelerate growth and better serve the evolving needs of customers", with more focus being put on the business' online offer.

Four of the Staples staff who lost their jobs were offered positions at Office Friends, an independent stationer which opened a new retail outlet in King Edward Street following the chain store's demise.

JON Parkin would have been of interest to Grimsby Town – but for Forest Green Rovers' financial edge.

The big centre-forward joined the Mariners' Conference Premier rivals this week, after training with Lincoln City.

The 32-year-old, above, has previously played at Championship level and been a success with the likes of Preston North End, Stoke and Hull City.

And, given his obvious pedigree, Paul Hurst admits that the Yorkshire-based 6ft 4in frontman was someone who caught his eye.

"I think he's someone you would definitely look at if you see his goalscoring record and where he lives," Hurst told the Telegraph.

"Obviously he's gone to Forest Green and I think we know why. But it depends what suits the player – they might not be willing to relocate, or location might play a part.

"It's difficult to compete against the likes of Forest Green because they certainly have a financial advantage on that front.

"When we come up against him we'll just have to nullify that threat again – that's part and parcel of it.

"You don't always get people you're interested in, and I'm sure Lincoln would have liked to have signed him.

"It might have been a bit of a favour but I'm sure deep down they were hoping that something could have been done."

Talking to the Lincolnshire Echo, Imps boss Gary Simpson admitted as much.

"You help players because they speak to other clubs and other players, and put in a good word for you," he said.

"Also, you never know what is going to happen. A player like Jon Parkin is travelling up and down from his home in Yorkshire to Forest Green Rovers – he might want a change?

"I'm not saying that is going to happen, but you never know in football.

"I will always try and do someone a good turn rather than a bad turn, that's why I will help people out. You never know what will happen in the future."

GRIMSBY'S Mister Stevens Removals firm is facing collapse with the loss of 14 jobs following the jailing of its owners after a huge cannabis factory was found that could have made total profits of £460,285.

The sophisticated production centre at the couple's home had 716 cannabis plants at various stages of growth and could have yielded four lucrative crops over about 15 months, a court heard.

Steven Howard, 50, of Yarborough Road, Grimsby, admitted producing 716 cannabis plants between January 1, 2012, and May 22 last year. He also admitted spending the proceeds of crime through selling cannabis.

Vanessa Howard, 48, admitted being concerned in producing cannabis and converting criminal property.

He was jailed for three years and his wife for 14 months.

Kevin Jones, prosecuting, told Grimsby Crown Court that police searched the couple's house and found a large pile of cannabis leaves in the process of being trimmed.

Cannabis leaves were in a cardboard box and 32 plants were hanging to dry on a washing line across the dining room. Two grinders were in a chest of drawers.

Scales were in a loft and two blocks of cannabis resin, weighing 95.5g, were in a bedroom. There was £3,280 cash in a safe.

In a garage extension was a cannabis factory in three sections.

There were 235 plants of medium to large size in one area and 449 smaller ones, including seedlings, in a loft area reached by ladders. A total of 716 cannabis plants were found.

Ten bags of frozen cuttings were found.

The plants could have produced potential yields of more than 32kg, worth £184,100 in a single year or £460,285 if four potential yields were harvested during the period of the enterprise.

The couple seemed to have been living on the proceeds of the cannabis production, paying themselves £40,550 as their bank accounts revealed they had not paid anything out to supermarkets or for petrol, said Mr Jones.

"The proceeds were laundered by investing the cannabis back in to the business to fund their lifestyles," he added.

Andrew Bailey, mitigating, said the couple had run the removals business successfully for a number of years and 14 workers would probably lose their jobs.

"It's quite a fall from grace," said Mr Bailey.

Steven Howard expected the business, which had "been going through a rough patch financially", to collapse. Both were concerned for the workers. About £200,000 was owed to the banks.

However, a spokeswoman for the company told the Telegraph it was currently business as usual.

Howard had smoked cannabis since his young days to tackle depression.

"He became sick of buying it from what he described as wannabe gangsters," said Mr Bailey.

Craig Lowe, representing Vanessa Howard, said she played a limited role under direction from her husband but she was aware of the scale of the enterprise and benefited from it.

"The bank has pulled the plug on the overdraft," said Mr Lowe. "The receivers may be brought in to the company within two weeks.

"She accepts she has done wrong. She is deeply sorry."

Both defendants had no previous convictions.

Judge David Tremberg told the couple: "This was a well-organised, commercial, high-value production line.

"This operation had the potential to produce substantial profit and it's clear that it did so."

Steven Howard had "thrown everything away" and completely destroyed what he had tried to build up, said Judge Tremberg.

ENCOURAGING is the most apt word to describe Grimsby Town's 1-0 home defeat to Mansfield last night.

While Tuesday's loss to Doncaster Rovers was disjointed and lacked fluidity, the Mariners' preparations took a healthy step forward against the League Two Stags.

All three of Grimsby Town's trialists had another opportunity to shine – the last chance for Craig Clay and Joe Ironside according to boss Paul Hurst.

Striker Jon-Paul Pittman, meanwhile, aimed to build on his encouraging first outing against Doncaster Rovers.

Former Mariner Liam Hearn began on the bench for the away side, despite his brace earlier in the week against Leeds.

It was a quiet start – on and off the pitch – with a disappointing crowd having nothing to cheer until the ninth minute when Scott Brown tested Stags keeper Sascha Studer with a 25-yarder.

The hosts went close five minutes later when Paul Bignot's high cross was fumbled by Studer, and Paddy McLaughlin fired straight at the keeper.

Mansfield forced James McKeown into his first real action in the 19th minute, as Matt Rhead's flick-on found Ollie Palmer, and the striker kept Town's stopper honest with his angled lob.

McKeown was in action again moments later, making a decent low stop at his near post from Fergus Bell's drive.

A typical pre-season affair was almost brought to life with a moment of real quality in the 25th minute.

McLaughlin latched on to a loose ball on the edge of the visitors' box before buying himself space with a clever flick and forcing Studer into a fine low save with his left-foot volley.

The lull returned until shortly after the half-hour mark when Clay saw his drive deflected a inch or two over the Stags' bar.

Ironside's header, five minutes before the break, was relatively simple for Studer, but McLaughlin's headed effort seconds later had the keeper beaten all ends up before crashing off the left-hand upright.

Rhead headed a corner wide at the other end as the game continued to warm up – and it was the same man who opened the scoring before the break.

Palmer wriggled clear on the right flank and saw his shot half-stopped by McKeown, allowing the burly striker to tap home from close range.

Despite that blow, the Mariners had looked far more organised than in the defeat to Doncaster – and forced the game's best chances.

All three trialists were withdrawn at the break as the Town line-up suddenly looked suspiciously like the team which could start the Conference opener at Bristol Rovers.

One of the new arrivals, Lenell John-Lewis, came close to nodding home Thomas' fine cross from the left as Town immediately looked more threatening going forward.

There was just over an hour gone when the Mariners put together their best move of the game with Aswad Thomas, McLaughlin, John-Lewis, and Jack Mackreth all involved, but Ross Hannah was unable to reach the latter's cross.

Hearn replaced Rhead in the 64th minute to a hero's reception from the Blundell Park faithful.

And into the last 20 minutes, Hannah laced a free-kick over, before Carl Magnay was denied by Studer's stop, Hannah was unable to convert the rebound, and Craig Disley planted a header wide.

That was pretty much that, however, as the Mariners finished with greater possession and more clear-cut opportunities following a decent work-out.

TOWN: McKeown, Bignot, Magnay, Doig, Thomas, Mackreth (Arnold 69), Clay (Disley 46), Brown, McLaughlin (Neilson 71), Pittman (John-Lewis 46), Ironside (Hannah 46). Not used: Pearson, Bastock, Humble, Walker, Winfarrah, Nsiala.

Attendance: 871

GRIMSBY Town boss Paul Hurst was content with his side's defensive display – if not their finishing – in last night's friendly defeat to Mansfield.

The Mariners were ultimately beaten by hefty striker Matt Rhead's 43rd-minute tap-in at Blundell Park.

But the hosts enjoyed long periods of possession and arguably created the game's best chances as their pre-season preparations geared up.

"I thought we looked very solid," Hurst told the Telegraph. "Their goal was disappointing but in general against a physical team we defended set-plays well and looked pretty solid.

"We should have got on the scoresheet, and hit the woodwork a couple of times.

"But it was 90 minutes for some of the lads that needed it and there are some positives to take. It's certainly not doom and gloom, that's for sure.

"They're a handful up front. I'll get some stick from the Town fans for saying it, but Matt Rhead is a handful and hard to play against, and he seems to have a habit of scoring against us.

"He asks questions of defenders and the lad Ollie Palmer is again a big lad and a handful.

"Then you've also got Liam Hearn coming on, looking to impress and looking lively.

"Overall, James McKeown has not had too many saves to make, though, and from that point of view, I was quite happy."

Hurst's three trialists – Jon-Paul Pittman, Joe Ironside and Craig Clay – all played the first half before making way at the break.

And the manager was keeping his cards close to his chest regarding who stays or who goes.

"It will be Monday or Tuesday before I say what I have decided, but certainly two of them know what my thoughts are," he added.

"With one, we've had a conversation and will be speaking again over the weekend."

SEVERAL local social work agencies took part in an outreach event at the Asda store in Grimsby.

Focus, an organisation which offers independent social work, was joined by Shoreline Housing, Alzheimer's Support, Care Plus, Navigo and Young People's Support Service.

Residents who went along had the chance to talk privately with a range of agency workers who were based inside a bus parked in the store's car park.

Debbie Burres, carers project co-ordinator at Focus, said: "It's great to be able to get all the different agencies on board.

"It's an ideal location for us really, and we've had a lot of support from the store.

"People don't often get the chance to speak to agencies like ours, so this is a great way for them to come in and chat.

"We had 120 people come visit us in just two hours, which is a great number. I think the face-to-face interaction makes a big difference."

A further outreach event will be held at Sainsbury's, Grimsby, on August 15.

A GROUP of seven volunteer sports coaches from North East Lincolnshire have gone to the Commonwealth Games to soak up the atmosphere and spirit of the event.

Lincs Inspire's Sport Development successfully bid for their tickets through the national Street Games Young Volunteers Programme, a scheme which the young people are registered with whilst volunteering to run local sport sessions, events and youth-led activities locally.

They will meet up with 1,000 other young people from over 80 Street Games projects from around the county and stay in a specially-allocated camp at the Auchengillan Outdoor Centre in the city.

As part of their Commonwealth experience they were to watch a track event and take part in outdoor challenges at their campsite, such as high ropes, para jumping, orienteering and mountain biking.

Councillor Mick Burnett, chair of the Lincs Inspire board, said: "This is a great opportunity for our volunteer coaches to get something back for all the hard work they put into developing grass-root sport locally. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the professionals in action at the games and they can bring the spirit and excitement of the 2014 Commonwealth back to North East Lincolnshire."

FOR most of us the sheer thought of doing a marathon is too much to handle.

But two teachers from a Grimsby school are planning to walk the equivalent distance of an eye-watering six marathons in just six days.

Damon Arrand, 40, and Kevan Leech, 26, PE teachers at the Cambridge Park Academy, will take on the Viking Way challenge on August 31.

The route, which is 147 miles in total, takes them from Barton, past Barnetby, Caistor, Lincoln, Woodhall Spa and finishing at Oakham, in Rutland.

Damon, who is assistant principal for PE, said: "It's been quite a while since I've done something similar, which was about five years ago when I took part in the coast-to-coast cycle ride with the previous assistant – so it's an initiation of sorts!

"We like to make things difficult for ourselves so we didn't over prepare for that last challenge, and we'll be doing the same this time round. That way it makes it feel like more of an achievement.

"This will definitely be a tougher challenge though, it will be very difficult. We're not regular walkers but we do consider ourselves to be quite fit."

The money raised from the gruelling six marathons will be split between Cambridge Park Academy and Cancer Research UK.

So far, the duo have collected more than £600 – but hope to make that more than £1,000 by the time they have finished.

The money that goes to the school will be put towards new disabled sports equipment.

Kevan said: "We're probably looking at walking for about nine hours a day, which will be very tiring and will mean four very long days.

"I'm more of a long distance runner but I do go to the gym quite often as well, so I keep myself in good shape.

"A lot of people say we won't be able to do it, so that will be good motivation for us.

"But now we've had some money coming in from sponsorships, that's the thing that really motivates you."

Damon and Kevan are also looking to bring a bit of fun to proceedings by wearing fancy dress costumes throughout the six days. Outfits range from Viking warriors, to red Indians and even a kangaroo.

Damon added: "We have a bit of a reputation for wearing fancy dress at the school. We definitely like to have a bit of fun.

"We'll have to have a dig through our cupboards and see what we can find."

To sponsor Damon and Kevan, visit their fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/kevan-leech