BUSINESS owners on Cleethorpes seafront fear their trade is going to be "devastated" over the peak summer period as tourists shun the resort because of disruption on the M180.

Meanwhile, haulage firms are also counting the cost of the road closures – with one telling the Grimsby Telegraph he was tempted to tell all his drivers to take a holiday for the next five weeks.

As reported in yesterday's Telegraph, the eastbound carriageway of the motorway will be closed to all traffic between Junction 2 for Epworth and Crowle and Junction 3 for Scunthorpe West until Monday morning to allow for major resurfacing work to take place.

The closures resulted in severe delays for motorists with the A18 – which is being used as an alternative route – becoming gridlocked.

And the disruption is set to continue for several weeks, with a series of overnight closures on the westbound carriageway taking place until Thursday, August 28.

However, Highways bosses yesterday announced that one lane would open at 6am today in a bid to ease the problem.

Chris Holehouse, of the Highways Agency, said the programme of work was being altered in a bid to get traffic moving again sooner.

He said: "I am very sorry for the long delays experienced over the past two days.

"My team are revising the schedule to allow us to accelerate the construction work, which will enable us to open one lane of the eastbound M180 by 6am on Friday.

"I acknowledge that these closures have been very disruptive to drivers and residents and that the routes around the closure have been heavily congested."

Yesterday, traders said Cleethorpes was much quieter than would normally be the case on such a sunny day in the middle of the school holidays.

Owen Taylor, owner of Taylor Made Fun amusement arcade, said: "We have definitely seen a lack of trade in the resort. The Highways Agency says it needs warm weather to do the work but what's wrong with September? July and August is our peak time and the window of the season is pretty short.

"There's a diversion in place but who's going to add four hours to their journey to get here? People will just go somewhere else and the worry is they might not come back. We could see the effect of this next year as well."

Melanie Wood, director of Pleasure Island, said the impact on the business has been so severe that she will be calling on MPs and central government for answers.

She added: "We have seen a dramatic fall in the business over the past two days because 90 per cent of our trade comes from south Yorkshire.

"We spend thousands trying to get people to us and now they can't get to us because of roadworks.

"We've had people calling us from the traffic jam saying they are turning around and groups who have pre-paid demanding refunds.

"It is absolutely disgusting that this could be allowed to happen during August.

"We have six weeks each July and August to make money and now one of those has been taken away from us. I want some recognition for the problems this has caused us and compensation for the lack of earnings. I'm not just talking for Pleasure Island but on behalf of Cleethorpes."

Valerie Armstrong, owner of Valerie's Italian on Kingsway, said: "This is just extremely disappointing for the resort as a whole and people will feel terribly let down. September would be the time for these major road works when the children have returned to school. Cleethorpes has an influx of holiday makers during July and August and relies on that trade, especially in this good weather."

Terry Proctor, who owns three ice cream parlours and two crazy golf courses on the sea front, said: "It could be devastating. From a business point of view we are concerned. We have already seen a downturn and we have heard some horror stories from customers."

Andy McCluskey, owner of the Kingsway Kiosks, said: "You can understand why people would choose to go elsewhere when it is taking them four hours. It is very frustrating."

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THERE are freebies galore and an abundance of great offers … and only in your Grimsby Telegraph all next week.

In fact, it starts today, and only gets better.

We all wish Grimsby Town the very best of luck as their campaign starts today … make sure you are at their first two home games to cheer them to victory.

In today's paper you can get your "kids go free" voucher to both of those games – the Nuneaton game on Tuesday and the Dover Athletic game on Saturday, August 16. The offer on the Dover game also continues into next week.

So what else do we have for you?

Our consumer double page special has GREAT offers every week. This Monday we have:

FREE DESSERT WITH ANY MAIN COURSE at the Sidewalk restaurant.

2-4-1 SUNDAY LUNCH at 1815 bar and grill, Laceby

BREAKFAST FOR TWO ONLY £6.95 at the Sidewalk restaurant

PLUS … WIN A SHARE OF £1,000 OF TESCO VOUCHERS. Ten winners each get £100. Simply collect three out of five coupons printed next week.

SUMMER DAYS OUT – our brilliant offers continue with 2-4-1 TO THE WATER PARK AT ALTON TOWERS.

AND .. Our staff will be out and about with give-aways. There are FREE BAGS OF SEABROOK CRINKLE CUT CRISPS with your Grimsby Telegraph at Morrisons and a FREE CAN OF PEPSI MAX with your Telegraph bought in Victoria Street.

FREE MILLIES COOKIE – a choice of Milk Choc, White Choc or Double Choc. Just cut out the voucher in your paper on Tuesday.

FREE DIANTHUS PLANT WORTH £2.99 from Oaklands Garden Centre. Again the vouchers start in Tuesday's paper.

SUMMER DAYS OUT: You can save £16 with a KIDS' GO FREE OFFER AT BUTLIN'S, SKEGNESS

There is a FREE TOPIC BAR with every Grimsby Telegraph bought in Victoria Street.

PLUS there's a FREE BAG OF SEABROOK CRINKLE CUT CRISPS with your Telegraph in Tesco Extra, Grimsby.

AND .. our TESCO £1,000 VOUCHER GIVE-AWAY and offers to the GTFC HOME GAMES continue.

SUMMER DAYS OUT: If you are thinking of a trip out this summer, then save £22 with 2-4-1 offers at BLACKPOOL'S MADAME TUSSAUDS and EDEN CAMP. But, if you are staying closer to home, then we have a £12 PLEASURE ISLAND ENTRY VOUCHER for you.

Meanwhile, our KIDS GO FREE OFFER FOR THE GTFC HOME MATCH AGAINST DOVER ATHLETIC is still in the paper, along with the great £1,000 TESCO GIVE-AWAY and the FREE £2.99 PLANT OFFER

PLUS: FREE CAN OF 7UP when you buy the Grimsby Telegraph from the Victoria Street newspaper vendor and a FREE BAG OF SEABROOKS CRINKLE CUT CRISPS with each paper bought in Asda.

WOW … A FREE CHOCOLATE LOLLY (Teddy bear, Football or Butterfly) from Thorntons, in Freshney Place only if you cut out the voucher in Thursday's Telegraph.

SUMMER DAYS OUT has yet more great offers with 20 PER CENT OFF YOUR ENTRY TO HARDY'S ANIMAL FARM and 2-4-1 ENTRY TO MANCHESTER'S LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTRE.

AND… did you know that the new-look Tesco Extra in Cleethorpes makes their own delicious cupcakes. Buy your paper from the store on Thursday and get a DELICIOUS CUPCAKE FOR FREE!

PLUS: our FREE DIANTHUS PLANT OFFER is in again along with our £1,000 TESCO VOUCHER GIVE-AWAY

AND.. FREE CAN OF PEPSI OR DIET PEPSI with your Grimsby Telegraph in Victoria Street.

GTFC: KIDS GO FREE TO THE DOVER ATHLETIC GAME on Saturday, August 16.

FREE: MILLIES COOKIE your voucher is in again

SUMMER DAYS OUT: Friday sees a voucher for HALF-PRICE ENTRY TO LIGHTWATER VALLEY along with £1 OFF YOUR ENTRY TO RAND FARM PARK, near Lincoln.

And there are lots of give-aways with the paper FREE: VOLUME SEVEN OF THE FANTASTIC WW1 BOOKLET is being given away with your Grimsby Telegraph from our promotional stand in Freshney Place (outside Primark) from 9am. Subject to availability.

FREE: 'GO SPLASH' WATER FLAVOURING with your Grimsby Telegraph from our promotional stand in Freshney Place (outside Primark) from 9am. Subject to availability

AND… FREE: GALAXY COOKIE CRUMBLE CHOCOLATE BAR with your Grimsby Telegraph in Victoria Street.

Your £1,000 TESCO GIVE-AWAY entry form is in the paper, so do not miss it if you want to be one of ten lucky readers to win £100 Tesco vouchers.

There is still time to cut out your KIDS GO FREE TO GTFC voucher for that day's home match against Dover Athletic

SUMMER DAYS OUT has offers at the SPA IN BRIDLINGTON and the PARROT ZOO.

PLUS: Get yourself a FREE: SNACK BAG (can of drink and bag of crisps) from our stand at Blundell Park near the ticket office/Pontoon entrance when you purchase the Grimsby Telegraph.

AND ... FREE BOTTLE OF WATER with each paper bought from the Victoria Street newspaper vendor.

GRIMSBY'S newest mobile service will go head over handlebars to get you back on the road.

Bike Fix creator John Matthews, 44, travels across the area offering a range of services to cyclists in need.

Charging just £25 – which includes a brake and tyre check – John rules his expert eye over your bike, before sending you safely back on the road.

And the man at the front of the town's unique service is only too happy to help.

John told the Telegraph: "It's an exciting adventure, as nobody has ever done it in Grimsby before.

"I worked at a cycling company for 14 years, but I wanted to jump ship and go for it by myself.

"I'm there to offer any type of cycle maintenance.

"If people have a puncture, or need any help with their bike, they can call me and I'll be there to sort things out.

"Because I'm mobile, I'm obviously not based anywhere.

"I'm a one-man band – I just jump in my van in the morning, and go wherever I need to go to."

John, who was born in Nottingham but moved to the area more than 25 years ago, has worked in the cycling industry since 1998.

During that time, he has been able to create an expert understanding of road cycles and their intricate workings.

Indeed, his new company now offers a range of services, from puncture repairs and tube fittings, to fixing brake and seat issues.

John added: "It's been great because I get to meet more people, and offer a helpful service to them.

"I've been able to help people at night, and that is good because they may struggle to get to a shop in the hours they work.

"The look on their faces when they realise that I can come to them is priceless, they think it's great.

"My van is a mobile workshop, so I work in there, fix whatever needs to be fixed and make sure it's working right again.

"I've had so many customers already, and they have all been happy so far."

You can contact John on 07982 311292.

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THE search is on to find Grimsby's lost ships of the First World War.

A new project aiming to uncover the secrets of trawlers sunk during the conflict has been launched – and it needs your help.

The Lost Grimsby Ships Of World War One will see divers attempt to locate the wrecks of vessels sunk in the North Sea.

Meanwhile, on land, a team of researchers will try to find out what they can about the boats and the people that were on them.

The four-year project, which is being funded by a National Lottery grant of £78,600, will culminate in a large exhibition.

The project is being run by the Shipwrecks Of The River Humber Area diving group in partnership with community interest company Synergy.

The group is seeking volunteers to join them on the dives and also people to help research any items brought back to shore.

Kevin Smith, chairman of the group, said around 200 ships from Grimsby are believed to have been lost during the Great War.

Of these, 25 have been recorded as being sunk in this region – and within sailing distance of Grimsby.

He said: "We got a lottery grant back in 2005-08 to do general shipwrecks and with this year marking the centenary of the First World War, we thought it was about time somebody did something about the trawlers that were lost.

"There are about 25 that we know were sunk in this region but the problem is, we don't know the exact locations.

"It will be a case of going out there and ideally finding the bell. We'll also be looking for the brass nameplate.

"We have bought a new sonar which we will tow behind the boat and that will give us an indication of where the wrecks are.

"For each boat we want to find out where it was built, what it did in its life, where it sank and the crew that were on board."

Ian added that the group aimed to train an extra eight people to become divers over the course of the four years.

Claire Wollington, from Synergy, said the land-based volunteers would be researching the history of the vessels and the background of the crews in order to produce a booklet.

She added that as well as the end-of-project exhibition, there would be an annual display showing the work carried out to date.

Among those to attend the launch of the project at the Skills Centre in Freeman Street Market was 62-year-old Susan Watkin, of Cleethorpes.

Her great-grandfather Harry Conder was skipper of the Fittonia, a trawler which hit a mine about 25 miles from the coast of Donna Nook on September 2, 1914.

She said: "I knew a bit about him from what my mother told me and as I'm interested in family history I started to research to find out more.

"He was born in Manchester in 1866 and I don't know when he moved to Grimsby but he married here in 1890.

"They had been out fishing and were on their way back to Grimsby with their catch when they hit a mine."

Commenting on the project, she said: "Part of me thinks it would be nice to leave the ship undisturbed but it will be good to find out a bit more about the boat."

Anyone interested in volunteering on the project can contact Synergy on 01472 483141 or e-mail claire@synergygrimsby.co.uk

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THE future looks rosy for this Grimsby teenager as she prepares for a national floristry competition.

Seventeen-year-old Ray-Anna Collins, who recently graduated from Bishop Burton College, with a degree in floristry is set to head to the WorldSkills UK floristry competition at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, where she will be tasked with creating a mystery arrangement – putting her floristry skills to the ultimate test.

Ray-Anna caught her love of flowers and flower arranging from her grandma, who she helped at the market while she was in school, and her interest grew from there.

Ray-Anna entered her first competition at Myerscough College in Preston in June, where she was tasked with designing an arrangement related to a wedding anniversary prior to the competition and a wired shoulder corsage and a modern arrangement while she was there. Ray-Anna said: "I chose the Coral Anniversary, which is 35 years as I thought this wouldn't be a popular anniversary that anyone else would choose.

"It was during an open day at Myerscough so visitors were in and out of the competition room watching us as we were creating our designs.

"I wasn't nervous during the competition, I just saw it as having fun.

"I went to the competition for the experience and ended up coming first on the day."

A few months later Ray-Anna received an e-mail telling her she was through to the finals of the WorldSkills floristry competition at the NEC in Birmingham in November.

Ray- Anna said: "I have now graduated from college so I do not have my tutor to teach me or give any tips so I have been out to a few florists in Grimsby asking if they could give me any training or advice to prepare me for the competition.

"I am very excited about going to the finals and definitely see my future in floristry, its my ambition to one day own my own florist shop."

Ray-Anna currently has her own Facebook page called Crème de la Fleur and has been approached by a local wedding shop to produce a floral display which will be featured in the wedding shops brochure.

Parents, Barbara Lynne and David, said: "We were very proud when she said she was going to enter the competition. We always knew she was capable of succeeding in the contest, but she kept telling us she wasn't in it to win it.

"Since coming first in Preston, Ray-Anna's confidence has really grown and we now look forward to seeing how she progresses in the finals."

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OUR area's top amateur sides kick-off another Northern Counties East League (NCEL) campaign today.

History will be made in West Yorkshire as Clee Town make their Premier Division bow, on the road at Liversedge (3pm).

The Owls, who won Division One last term, have not reached top form during their gruelling pre-season schedule.

But a 6-1 hammering of Skegness Town last week may just have turned things around ahead of their big challenge.

Clee boss Marcus Newell said: "I'm sure that we will do ourselves justice in this league, but there are many good sides.

"We have to take one game at a time and see how things progress."

Meanwhile, neighbours Grimsby Borough begin another Division One charge on more familiar territory.

The Blues welcome AFC Emley to Bradley Community Stadium (3pm), in what should be a hard-fought opener.

Borough will once again be co-managed by Nigel Fanthorpe and Steve Newby.

Ahead of the curtain raiser, Fanthorpe said: "We are looking for a good start having had a testing pre-season against some quality opposition from higher divisions.

"Emley are always a tough nut to crack and will be one of the favourites for promotion.

Elsewhere, Louth Town – with Paul Walden at the helm – face a difficult trip to Eccleshill (3pm), who are perennial front-runners.

PAUL Hurst believes you can make a case for labelling this season's Conference as the strongest ever.

While the likes of Luton and Cambridge are out of the way having gained promotion to League Two, Hurst insists the Conference is just as competitive this season.

Like many, the Town boss expects free-spending Forest Green Rovers – under boss Ady Pennock – to be one of the main rivals, as well as today's opening day opponents, Bristol Rovers.

He expects the likes of Barnet and Wrexham to also be strong contenders as well as Eastleigh and Torquay, who he feels have kept 'under the radar' throughout pre-season.

He said: "I think there are arguments for and against the league being the strongest it's ever been this season.

"Certainly you have to look at Forest Green, and I know they get a mention at this point before every season.

"I think with their new manager, there is a different vibe down there and I certainly got a different feeling about the place – they'll be challenging this year, no doubt about it.

"Barnet will be up there as well. They'll be very strong this season, particularly if their front two stay fit.

"And then you look at Wrexham and Kidderminster, who will certainly be looking at the play-offs as a minimum.

"You've also got the likes of Eastleigh – their story is well-documented and it's clear they haven't come up just to be happy with promotion last season and consolidate.

"Bristol Rovers are getting a lot of the press at the moment because they're obviously a big club, but I think Torquay are going under the radar a little bit and they'll be quite happy to do so for the time being.

"They've still got plenty of players with Football League experience and they've made some good signings as well."

GUY Martin and Peter Hickman go for road racing glory once again at next week's Ulster Grand Prix.

Kirmington speedster Martin will be aiming to build on his recent successes at the Armoy Road Races and Southern 100.

The TV personality and truck mechanic roared to a superb double at Armoy after retaining his Southern 100 Solo crown in fine style.

Martin, who has taken 11 wins at the Grand Prix event, will be joined by fellow Isle of Man TT stars Michael and William Dunlop, Dean Harrison and Bruce Anstey.

Louth daredevil Hickman, meanwhile, will return to the roads after this weekend's British Superbikes Round Seven at Oulton Park.

The 27-year-old made a stunning start to his road racing career earlier this year with his debuts displays at the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT events.

Riding for fellow racer Paul Shoesmith's Ice Valley by Motorsave Trade team, 'Hicky' took his Superstock BMW S1000R to the fastest ever lap by a newcomer at the TT.

And he is looking forward to returning to the roads at Dundrod.

He remarked: "After the TT, I thought the only other road race I'd do this year would be Macau.

"But the UGP organisers pushed for me to make my debut and they've put together a deal for Shoey and the team, so I'm really looking forward to it.

"With the circuit being fast and flowing, it should suit my style.

"I've really enjoyed the roads this year and Shoey and the Ice Valley boys are a great bunch, so it will be nice to get back out there and I can't wait to get cracking.

"Obviously, I'm back in short circuit action now as well with the RAF Reserves team so it will be interesting to see how I adapt but I'll approach it in the same way as the NW200 and TT and look to enjoy myself."

HIGHWAYS bosses are being urged to rethink the timing of full weekend closures of the M180 – which it is feared will have a devastating impact on tourism.

North East Lincolnshire Council's deputy leader Mick Burnett has written to the agency to express the council's "concern and disappointment" .

As reported, holidaymakers and commuters heading from the west towards North East Lincolnshire are facing severe delays this weekend due to road closures on the M180.

Two lanes on the motorway's eastbound carriageway are closed between junction two for Epworth and Crowle and junction 3 for Scunthorpe West to allow for major resurfacing work to take place.

They are not due to reopen until Monday morning.

Another full weekend closure is planned for August 16/17 and motorists travelling on the A18, which is being used as an alternative route, are also reporting heavy traffic. In his letter, Councillor Burnett said: "Whilst the Council fully appreciates there is a requirement to maintain the motorway network we must express our disappointment in respect of the consultation and timing of the scheme which is currently underway.

"Tourism is a key element of the North East Lincolnshire economy, and many businesses in Grimsby and Cleethorpes are heavily reliant on the trade which takes place during July, August and September – particularly during the school holidays.

"The majority of visitors to our resort are day trippers and as a result of the phasing of the works those travelling eastbound are impacted more than those travelling westbound.

"On behalf of the council and our local businesses, I would urge you to reconsider the phasing and timing of the full closures and consider partial or evening closures instead, in order to minimise the inconvenience to those travelling into and out of the Borough.

"We would also ask that you take in to account the co-ordination of the remaining works over the rest of the remaining peak holiday period."

As reported at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers has also branded the Highways Agency "incompetent".

He said: "I have been in touch with senior officials at the Highways Agency who say they underestimated the amount of traffic.

"They had estimated a worst case scenario of 30 minute delays at peak time, actually this was running at two hours plus and sometimes approaching four hours.

"Yet again the public have been let down by a government agency and I shall be taking this further and raising it with ministers."

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CUSTOMERS at Freshney Place Shopping Centre had to watch their step after a huge "hole" appeared in the ground.

The gaping drop outside Primark was in fact a 3D art project – commissioned as part of Anglian Water's Keep It Clear campaign – depicting a burst water main.

The aim of the project is to make people aware of the large number of unnecessary items being flushed every year.

Last year alone, there were nearly 300 avoidable blockages in Grimsby caused by people not disposing of wipes and cooking fats properly.

And clearing blockages caused by wipes and other unflushable items – along with cooking fats, oils and greases – costs Anglian Water more than £7 million a year.

The firm's collection manager Martin Taylor said: "By not putting things like food, fats and wipes down the drain we can all help avoid blocked pipes, sewer flooding, pollution and bad smells that result.

"Fats quickly cool and solidify once down the drain, blocking the pipes.

"When this combines with wipes and other sanitary items wrongly placed in the sewer, they form giant 'fatbergs' and blockages that are difficult to shift and can cause sewage to back up and overflow, flooding homes and gardens."

Unfortunately, even some wipes labelled "flushable" or "biodegradable" don't break up fast enough to make it through the water recycling process.

And, with one in every two adults in the UK buying some kind of wipe, this is a rapidly growing problem. He continued: "Many people do the right thing already; recycling used cooking oil and food waste, and placing wipes and sanitary products in the bin.

"The Keep It Clear campaign is about getting everyone to understand the responsibility we all share to keep the sewers flowing and protect ourselves and our neighbours from the misery and inconvenience of sewer flooding.

"The street art is a fun way of showing people what a mess the sewers end up in if fats and wipes are not disposed of properly."

Customer Margaret Parker, 84, said: "It's really good. People might take notice and realise what they're flushing or what's going down their sink. I don't put anything I shouldn't down my drain and I think more people should be aware of the risks of doing so."

The event's manager, Carol Primett, added: "The image proved really popular and it just naturally attracts people of all ages who want to know what it is and take pictures of it.

"It's an important issue and social media helps it spread even further. We have also been working with Vanel and the team at Enfuse who really help get the message across to young people, who are often hard to reach."

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OSCAR-WINNING actor Jim Broadbent has pledged his support to St Andrew's Hospice.

The 65-year-old film star met patients, volunteers and staff, toured facilities and visited the building site where new facilities are currently being built.

He then lunched in the dining room alongside patients, in what was his first visit to a hospice.

He said: "St Andrew's is a fantastic place and I am very impressed.

"It's lovely to meet everyone. The work being done here is so important and it's heartening to see the significant investment being made in redeveloping facilities.

"I am looking forward to coming back to see how things will have changed."

Jim, who lives near Market Rasen, won an Oscar for his portrayal of John Bayley, the husband of novelist Iris Murdoch, in the hit film Iris.

He told hospice staff how his own mother had died after suffering from dementia shortly before filming Iris, based on the novelist's experience of Alzheimer's disease.

"The role involved very little research as I'd experienced it myself," he said.

"The Borrowers was another fantastic movie to shoot. All of the props were huge ... there were giant apple cores and cotton bobbins. And Harry Potter was a joy. I thought 'this film won't come around again any time soon' and it was magical to be a part of.

"I spent hours with the tailor for my costume as the character Horace Slughorn. Several were made and all individually designed. It was great.

"I like to be in Lincolnshire as often as I can, especially in the summer. My wife and I enjoy spending time in the country; sometimes I will come back from a shoot and she will talk about going on holiday, but I like staying at home. I like interesting scripts and characters, and I don't like repeating myself, so different roles are good.

"I'm more picky about what projects I do now – after all, I am a pensioner!"

The grandson of a friend of Jim's was cared for at St Andrew's Hospice as a day patient, and Jim said he was "very impressed" with the facilities.

"It's hard to believe that it only receives minimal funding from the Government when such good work is done here," he said.

"So it's excellent to see that the hard work of supporters, volunteers and staff is paying off.

"The redevelopment campaign is very exciting and is certainly coming on at a pace. The hospice is right at the heart of the community and I hope everyone supports it."

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A SEASONED swimmer wants to reassure people that open water swimming is a safe hobby, following the death of a keen windsurfer who got into difficulties in the River Humber.

As reported, 44-year-old Mark Knights, of Scartho Top, set off from Humberston Fitties with five friends before running into difficulties and falling unconscious.

Today, as tributes to the popular surfer flooded into the Grimsby Telegraph, 73-year- old Pete Winchester, who has swum the Humber many times, said he felt "deeply saddened" at the news.

He added he wished to reassure swimmers and triathletes that going out in open water is safe if people "know what they're doing".

He said: "I've swam the Humber 70 times myself and I know that people can get into all sorts of difficulties when swimming out at sea, but I feel very passionately that it is a safe sport or hobby.

"I want to help as many people as I can to avoid something like this ever happening again.

"I feel great compassion for the windsurfer who died and send all my best wishes to his family."

Mr Winchester heads up the swimming section of Grimsby and Cleethorpes Yacht Club and regularly oversees swimmers training in the stretch of water from the Lockhill roundabout to Grimsby's Corporation Bridge.

The Holton-le-Clay resident said: "When I saw the news I was deeply saddened.

"Picking up the paper, I feel shocked and disheartened. Haile Sands Fort can be very treacherous and people have to be aware; one minute when you're in open water, you can be going in one direction and the next minute the tide can turn on you.

"Open water swimming has been my life and I want to help as many people as possible gain confidence in the water.

"For just £55 a year at our club, you'll always have someone watching you – even going along in a boat if need be. You'll have all the help you need to grow as an open water swimmer."

Friends of Mr Knights and well-wishers have taken to social media to send their messages of condolences to the former taxi driver's family.

On the Grimsby Telegraph's Facebook page, Jilly Abel posted: "RIP Mark. Thinking of you and your family. You are such a nice person xx."

Keith Grant also wrote: "You were a good lad, Marko."

For more information on swimming with Grimsby and Cleethorpes Yacht Club, please contact Mr Winchester directly on 07999 727906. Alternatively you can e-mail humberking@ntlworld.com

ON THE WEB: To pay tribute to Mr Knights yourself, log on to www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

GRIMSBY Town boss Paul Hurst insists his side will be gunning for the Conference title season – but admits the race is wide open.

While this afternoon's opponents Bristol Rovers are still the bookies' favourites, the Mariners have been tipped to take the crown by a panel of Conference experts, including John Still, boss of reigning champions Luton Town.

And with his side set to kick-off their charge against Rovers (12.45pm) today, Hurst has reiterated that the title is the main aim.

But he's well aware that his won't be the only club kicking off their campaign with the same aspiration.

"I'm very optimistic about the new season, and I'm looking forward to it – we want to get down to the nitty-gritty now," he said.

"On paper, we've got a pretty good squad and people can obviously see that.

"I saw that we've been tipped by a few people to win it and in John Still, by someone who certainly knows what it takes and knows what he's talking about.

"In truth, I think that there are one or two slightly ahead of us in terms of what they've got at their disposal at the moment.

"But in saying that, we've kept the nucleus of a side that's done well for the last couple of seasons and added a few new faces that are hungry and eager to do well.

"Fingers-crossed, that all comes to fruition, but we all know that football doesn't always work that way.

"I certainly expect us to be competitive and to be fighting at the top end of the league – that's what we want again.

"Of course the aim is the title, I'm not going to say that it isn't," he added.

"Overall, I think there will be ten teams fighting for the play-offs and after that, who knows.

"You usually get a surprise package and one or two of the favourites who don't have the seasons they thought they would have done at the start of the campaign."

He continued: "This afternoon, there will be fans up and down the country, going away after their team has lost, thinking that it's the end of the season, but it doesn't work like that.

"A good start is what everyone wants, but it's a long season, with 46 games and plenty of points to play for.

"Nothing is won or lost on the first day of the season."

RESIDENTS and businesses in Louth were today continuing to count the cost of devastating floods.

A belt of rain resulted in monsoon-like conditions as a number of major routes in and out of the town were closed due to flood water.

Shoppers enjoying a busy market day fled for cover and streets were turned into torrents of water.

It came just days after Anglian Water began a £1.2 million flood alleviation scheme.

It is being carried out by construction and engineering firm Barhale.

Spokesman Tom Davy said: "We are just too late.

"But we were working in the area and had pumping equipment, so we have been helping out the residents affected."

East Lindsey District Council environmental protection manager Steve Ross said: "It is nearly as bad as 2007. We are expecting more rain. It is bedlam."

Morrisons closed its store in Eastgate after customers and staff ended up wading through the store ankle deep in flood water at about 10.30am.

Staff used mops and snow shovels to sweep out the water and sandbags were put out.

Store personnel manager Julie Thompson said: "It was just the sheer volume of water.

"It was like a sea outside, the rain fell so quickly. It was ankle deep in the store before we knew it.

"The staff have been superb and we asked the customers to leave. I have never seen it that bad."

At The Co-op, in Northgate, sandbags were erected at the doorway, while staff used mops and buckets to clear the store of rainwater.

After the initial deluge the store closed but reopened by 1.30pm thanks to staff.

A spokesperson for The Co-operative said: "Like many businesses in the local area, our Northgate store in Louth was affected by the adverse weather earlier today, which resulted in minor flooding on the shop floor.

"As a precaution we closed the store for a short time, and we apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused. No stock was damaged in the incident and, thanks to the hard work of our colleagues, the store was cleaned-up and reopened in less than three hours."

Jo O'Hara, 38, of Eastgate, said residents who had lived in the street for 20 years had never seen flooding so bad.

She said: "It was quite traumatic. We are used to the garden being flooded but it has never reached this level.

"Then we got police at our door telling us to evacuate, so everyone had to go up to the fire station.

"They said they had no sandbags so I thought 'I will use my pillow cases'."

A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "It just flew down (the rain). It is hard to know what would have been the way to fix that.

"Even when motorists saw how badly flooded it was, they carried on going at speed, which caused waves to come into the properties."

She and her husband were evacuated to the fire station along with scores of other residents and a local vicar brought in sandwiches and cakes.

She added: "The evacuation was the most scary part."

Old Mill Park resident Steve Ayres, 63, said he had never been flooded in 25 years.

He blamed flooding defence works carried out nearby two years ago.

He said: "We never had any bother until they did the so-called improvement scheme in Eastgate and Espin Walk.

"The water just comes straight down Trinity Lane, through the gardens of the houses in Eastgate and into mine."

Engineers with Barhale used pumping equipment to clear the flood water from his back garden.

Eastgate resident Lynne Stones, 62, said: "We have never had it this bad before. Louth Building Supplies brought us sandbags as a precaution and then the fire service said we had to be evacuated because of a suspected gas leak, which turned out to be a false alarm."

A resident in Broadbank, who did not wish to be named, said her home is repeatedly flooded when there is heavy rain.

The 2007 flood caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

She said: "Every time it rains we are nervous. But with the improvement scheme due to be completed by this time next year it should alleviate the stress."

She was anxious to have received a Flood Alert Text message as she returned from a holiday.

She added: "It seems to be more and more surface water, as the river (River Lud) has coped well and flowed out to sea."

Lincolnshire Police Inspector Terry Ball said all the emergency services had worked well together.

He said officers had gone on door-to-door searches for any residents who needed help with the flood water.

Inspector Ball said: "We have had additional staff on including The Specials. The last thing we want is people sitting in flood water not knowing what to do. If they need any help they know to ring 101 or 999 if it is an emergency."

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