A 41-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested in connection with a suspected shop theft and reports of racially abusive comments made in Grimsby.

Police were called to a report of a suspected shop theft at a supermarket in Littlefield Lane in Grimsby at 7am on Monday.

The caller reported a man behaving in a threatening manner towards staff and making racially abusive comments.

A description of the man in question – who was reported to have left the store – was given to police who undertook a search of the area.

A 41-year-old man was arrested close by and is in police custody in connection with the incident.

HUMBER ports and Humberside Airport are geared up to prevent the Ebola crisis getting into our country.

Humberside Airport says it is ready to introduce any measures needed to tackle the Ebola crisis.

Ships visiting Immingham and Grimsby docks also have new measures to combat the epidemic spreading from the worst affected West African countries of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

Restrictions have been adopted as the Government has announced that screening measures will be introduced at Gatwick and Heathrow airports.

Today, the Trust which runs the Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital, in Grimsby, said it was prepared for any suspected cases.

Dr Peter Cowling, clinical director of microbiology, said: "If anyone comes to our hospitals locally they will be isolated.

"Staff will wear appropriate protective equipment and the patient will be transferred by ambulance to an appropriate infectious disease unit."

A Maritime Coastguard Agency spokesman said pilots on the River Humber are already monitoring vessels that have visited ports in countries where the Ebola virus – a viral haemorrhagic fever – is present.

Vessels which transit through UK waters or stop at UK ports will be checked to determine their health status.

Any vessel which requires search and rescue response or a medical evacuation will be notified so staff can prepare and manage the situation more cautiously.

Humberside Airport said its main routes in places such as Aberdeen, Holland and the North Sea, were not areas affected by the epidemic.

Paul Litten, commercial director at the airport, said he could not say what might happen in the future, although his staff are holding regular talks with the UK Border Agency and Public Health England about Ebola.

But he said that the airport was ready to introduce whatever measures were demanded by the Government – while saying that Humberside was "incredibly unlikely" to be affected by the Ebola crisis.

He said: "There are no flights to the UK from West Africa and that's been in place for about a month. And we don't have any direct flights from there either."

He said passengers using planes leaving such areas were screened before they leave, and there are a series of other measures to combat any potential problems before people arrive in the UK.

He said: "We are prepared to put any processes into play straight away. But the advice is: don't panic. Air travel will continue as it is."

He said staff had been given guidance on the current situation, but said Ebola was not an issue that passengers were asking questions about at the airport.

Andrew Almond-Bell, a director of the Cleethorpes Airshow, works as a health and safety consultant for a global oil company.

His work takes him all over the globe, including to parts of West Africa, albeit not countries where cases of Ebola have been reported.

He said Gabon, where he spends much of his time, had not been affected by the outbreak.

He last visited in July but said he was in daily contact with colleagues out there.

However, he said the company had advised workers to avoid changing planes in Africa and to catch direct flights from Europe.

He added that Lagos in Nigeria, which has had cases of Ebola, was a common transit point for oil workers travelling to the continent.

"We are travelling differently. We are avoiding those countries even as a transit point.

"We have been told to get direct flights from Europe. If there's no direct flight that day we wait until the next flight."

ON THE WEB: Keep checking for updates by logging on to www.grimsby telegraph.co.uk

WARM tributes have been paid to a "wonderful person and mother" who has died just two weeks after celebrating her 100th birthday.

Jean Norton passed away peacefully at Royal Court Care Home in Cleethorpes on Tuesday, October 7.

Her son Alex said his mother had been suffering from bronchitis for several months but that her death had been unexpectedly sudden.

Although she had been upset at having to move from Farringford Care Home five days before her 100th birthday, Alexander said he did not believe this was a factor in her death.

As reported, the care home in Grimsby Road closed its doors after the company which ran it went into liquidation, forcing all 15 residents to move out.

Alex, 68, of Claymore Close, Cleethorpes, said: "I don't think that killed her. The staff at Royal Court said that the day she moved she was quite chatty with the other residents."

He said he was glad his mother had lived to see her 100th birthday, a milestone she had been looking forward to for some time.

As reported last month, relatives travelled from across the country to celebrate Jean's milestone.

A sickly baby who suffered diphtheria as a child, she never expected to see such an age and put her longevity down to her strong faith.

Alex said: "I'm pleased for her that she got to a 100. I'm quite sure it was something she wanted to achieve and she was delighted with her card from the Queen."

Alex described his mother as an "alert" and "strong-minded" woman who was determined to do everything "right and proper".

He said: "She was a wonderful person and mother. She was always there when you needed her.

"She was a good organiser and would go out of the way to help anybody.

"She was extremely well-liked and loved by all who knew her."

Born in Legsby Avenue, Grimsby, on September 22, 1914, Jean was the fourth of six children, all of whom she has outlived.

The son of Percy and Sarah Radcliffe, Jean attended Welholme School and left at the age of 14 to become a girl probationer at the General Post Office, later becoming a telephonist at the telephone exchange.

In 1933 she was transferred to Selby before moving back to Grimsby five years later.

A gifted young pianist, she was a keen tennis player and met her future husband Frederick Phillip Norton, known as Phillip, at Welholme Tennis Club.

They married at St Augustine's Church, Grimsby, in 1945, while Phillip was on leave from active service in North Africa during the Second World War.

They set up home in Rupert Road, Grimsby, and had two children, Alexander and Pauline.

Phillip returned to work as a fish merchant with the family business Norton Brothers, while Jean became a full-time mother.

Phillip died in 1981 and Jean moved in with her son in Holton-le-Clay.

She later moved into sheltered accommodation in Sandringham Road, Cleethorpes, and then to Farringford in 2006.

As well as tennis, Jean's other hobbies included bridge, crosswords and knitting.

She made countless dolls and teddy bears for underprivileged children overseas and was a long-time supporter of the British Red Cross.

A very active and sociable lady, Jean was chairman of the Park branch of the Townswomen's Guild and was still driving at the age of 85.

She is survived by her two children, grandchildren Gary and David, and great-grandchildren, Aoife, Ceara and Orla.

Her funeral will take place at Grimsby Crematorium at 1.40pm on Friday, October 17.

STAFF at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital received "full support" for their walkout as part of a national strike over pay.

Members of the Unite, Unison and GMB unions took part in the four-hour strike. They were also joined on the picket line by members of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), who voted to take strike action for the first time in its 133-year history.

But it was assured that the hospital's accident and emergency department, theatres, hyperacute stroke unit, high dependency unit, intensive care units and oncology services were not disrupted by the action.

Unison area organiser Paul Swarbrick said he was hopeful the Government would listen to their complaints.

"The strike has gone very well", he said. "We've had a lot of public support – even in this miserable weather. We've had a great turnout but obviously a lot of staff have chosen to stay at home. But we've had a lot of horn beeps, which is always nice.

"We've had a real positive attendance covering a number of roles, including cleaners, nurses, maintenance workers and even midwives for the very first time.

"It's all about getting the message out there. Hospital staff at the top are getting 10 to 12 per cent increases while those elsewhere are not even getting a one per cent rise. I just hope the government see sense. We're not asking for a massive pay rise."

Hospital employees are protesting over the rejection by the Government of the Independent NHS Pay Review Body's recommendation of a one per cent pay rise for staff.

Maintenance worker Rick Jackson was among those striking.

He said: "We've had a lot of support, which is great to see. I just hope we can make a difference."

Rachel Sheils, the hospital's RCM representative, added: "This is the first time midwives have decided to strike in 133 years, so this is quite a historical moment.

"I can assure people we did not take this decision lightly, but we decided enough is enough and now was the time to stand up for ourselves. But it was a very difficult decision."

The strike was also attended by Melanie Onn, Labour's prospective candidate for Austin Mitchell's Great Grimsby seat, and Peter Keith, the party's Cleethorpes candidate.

Ms Onn said: "I have been really impressed, especially with the midwives. They have received a lot of support which means so much.

"The hospital means a lot to the people of Grimsby. There are so many essential staff here who have been faced with a paltry one per cent pay rise, while the management see big increase. It stinks.

"I hope it sends a message to the Government and they are forced to get around the table and talk it through."

Mr Keith said he had come to support the strikers both politically and in a personal capacity, adding that most people – regardless of their political persuasion – agreed that the Government were in the wrong.

FIRE investigators were today continuing to try to establish the cause of the devastating fire which destroyed Kenwick Park Hotel's leisure complex.

No one was injured in the blaze at around 3am yesterday, but staff were still coming to terms with the destruction of the popular leisure facility.

A fire service spokesman said: "No cause has been established yet. It could take days before there is a development. Sometimes investigations like this take at least a couple of days."

A fire service spokesman said last night the case may have been an electrical fault, but investigations were continuing today.

Investigators had a specially-trained dog to assist them in trying to find evidence of any suspicious substances which may have been used to start the fire.

Fire crews had attended the leisure complex next to the hotel more than a week ago after a tumble dryer caught fire.

A club member said there were also a number of portable heating appliances in the building following a flooding incident in the laundry of the leisure centre two weeks prior to the fire.

All 100 guests at the neighbouring hotel were evacuated when the fire broke out.

Fifty firefighters from stations throughout Lincolnshire tackled the severe blaze, which swept through the leisure complex.

Owner Stuart Flynn told the Grimsby Telegraph of his devastation and shock. He said the centre was due to celebrate its 20th anniversary on December 30 this year.

There are about 100 staff working in the hotel and leisure facility.

He said: "The hotel and leisure complex have been my life since 1990. It is devastating. It was a beautiful building that gave a lot of pleasure to a lot of people."

He added: "There was no risk to life at any stage. Everyone met in the hotel foyer and everything was handled properly."

Mr Flynn said: "It is bricks and mortar at the end of the day. No one was hurt and it will rise again. We will do what we always do and keep going."

The owner added the venue was properly insured.

The leisure centre contained a swimming pool, beauty salon, squash courts and a gym.

It was popular with families in the Louth area, many of whose children learned to swim in the play pool.

It was closed on Sunday evening and was empty when fire broke out.

Fire investigators questioned staff when they arrived for work on Monday to help them search for clues as to a possible cause.

Steve Moore, deputy divisional commander at Lincolnshire Fire And Rescue, said there were a total of eight appliances used at the height of the fire.

A fire-fighting platform was also deployed from Lincoln and a water carrier from Market Rasen fire station.

They were joined by crews from Skegness, Louth, Alford, Binbrook, North Somercotes, Horncastle, Spilsby and Lincoln.

Crews pumped water from the main supply under the A157 with the aid of generators.

Water supplies from the neighbouring golf course were also accessed to get more water to tackle the blaze.

Mr Moore said: "It was disastrous. It was through the roof."

He said guests were soon allowed back to their rooms when it became clear there was no risk to the hotel property.

An easterly wind blew the smoke towards the neighbouring Lincolnshire Rural Activities Centre.

Club member Paul Foxon said: "I feel sorry for the people that work here. It is their jobs which have gone. People are in shock. It could take more than a year or more to get it back up.

"They were about to have new carpets put down in the foyer after the flood from the laundry two weeks ago. They were trying to dry them out."

He added: "It is a good job it is not attached to the hotel."

The leisure complex is popular with retired people and some ladies who meet up to enjoy it.

It is also used by people staying at the hotel's chalets.

Kenwick Park Hotel is popular with hen parties and those hosting anniversary parties.

A leisure club member who joined when it opened in 1994 said she was upset by the devastating fire.

She said: "It is a nice community and social centre. Everyone is really friendly.

"We are going to lose that when it is rebuilt. It is a lovely facility for this area.

"I have been to other Best Western hotels and there are none as nice as this. It is really relaxing."

She said the interior, including changing room lockers are made of wood and would have fuelled the fire.

She added: "For some people it is devastating. For them the place is a lifeline, mostly for those who are retired.

"You get people coming in all the time for lunch or coffee. but all of that is gone now. It is sad."

She said: "It is the staff that people will feel mostly for."

A wooden memorial bench to former Kenwick fitness club member Helen Wrisdale, who died in 2008, escaped the impact of the blaze despite being inches from the devastation.

COUNCILLORS have agreed in principle to dispose of the Humberston Fitties.

North East Lincolnshire Council's cabinet yesterday gave the green light for officers to approve the terms of a lease to Bourne Leisure.

However, the matter will now have to go before full council before a final decision is made.

Council leader Chris Shaw made the concession after hearing pleas by Fitties residents to put a halt on the sale.

Around 60 people packed into the Assembly Room at Grimsby Town Hall for yesterday's meeting.

Mandy Duckworth, treasurer of the Humberston Fitties Tenants' Association, said it did not make financial sense to sell the Fitties.

According to a council report, the revenue budget for the direct costs of the Fitties shows a surplus of £0.187m per annum – however, this does not include indirect costs associated with the site.

Ms Duckworth said: "Properly administered, Humberston Fitties provides the best return on investment within the authority. The ground rent provides 11 per cent of the council's net rental income and the site's services and utilities are self-funding with no cost or benefit to the taxpayer.

"The only costs borne by the council relate to areas not under the control of tenants which will remain irrespective of disposal. Why give these long-term profits away for short-term gain?"

She told the meeting a decision notice requiring all leases to have a common expiry date of 2021 was created in January 2013, almost two years after 129 leases which have still not been renewed expired.

She said: "Tenants are rightly concerned that officers' actions seem to have been designed to facilitate disposal with vacant possession in 2021, causing uncertainty and anxiety."

She added: "Humberston Fitties is a unique conservation area, not a caravan park. We would encourage the council to carry out an in-depth investigation as to the current problems, thus retaining both the site and profits for the benefit of all in North East Lincolnshire."

Paul Harwood, chairman of the Fitties Community Association (FCA) said councillors were being asked to sell a heritage asset on a "whim and a promise".

He told councillors: "The recommendations before you ask for your authority to actually complete a sale. When it is not even known what price you are likely to get for the sale, that is a big decision. He said the FCA's own proposal for managing the Fitties which would make it the "envy of the East Coast" totally paid for by grant funding, had been ignored.

"Please do not make an irreversible decision today without asking for all of the facts. Authorise officers to negotiate by all means but ask them to report on all the options first, including exploring options with us."

Council leader Mr Shaw said the authority was legally bound by the terms of a lease entered into by Cleethorpes Borough Council to offer Bourne Leisure first refusal of the site.

Speaking after the meeting, Mrs Duckworth said: "We are not surprised at the outcome but we are glad that it will go to full council."

Mr Harwood echoed her sentiments, saying the move was a "big step forward".

THE drugs operation was "sophisticated with potential high yield," the court heard.

Richard Witcombe, mitigating for Gordon, told Doncaster Crown Court: "The fox that set the hare running in this case was the arrest of Robert Cook."

He denied that Gordon was a "Mr Big" and claimed that other "most unsavoury" people were involved at a high level.

He claimed that "an opportunity presented itself and that happened to involve drugs".

Gordon did not live a "lavish lifestyle" and had a legitimate income at the time. There was no evidence of large financial gain.

Andrew Bailey, for Cook, claimed his client was a "stooge" who was used by others higher up the chain.

Cook claimed he did not take part in mixing or selling drugs at his home and acted as a warehouseman. He was caught red-handed with the cash.

Cook had a significant amphetamine addiction and had built up serious debts. He admitted his involvement in the conspiracy from a very early stage.

Craig Lowe, representing Smith, said the father-of-one had no previous convictions, had shown remorse, bitterly regretted his actions, acted out of character and was working for a fisheries company.

Charlotte Baines, for Munton, said the plant hire company worker was very remorseful and had suffered health problems.

Megan Rhys, for Murtagh, said the factory supervisor realised at a later stage but not at first that a cannabis factory was being created and he "turned a blind eye" by carrying on doing labouring work at the stables.

Murtagh, a father-of-three, was not involved in growing cannabis or the later conspiracy.

Richard Hackfath, representing O'Connor, said his client was on benefits and was in financial difficulties when he was offered the opportunity to earn a small amount of money for a day or two's work.

He "turned a blind eye" but had a limited role and bitterly regretted his behaviour.

Andrew Easteal, for Fletcher, said the used car trader was a heavy cocaine user at the time. His wife had since left him.

Judge Jacqueline Davies told the court: "It was a sophisticated operation with potential high yield."

Gordon was jailed for ten years and six months and Cook was locked up for four years and eight months.

Munton was jailed for three years and eight months.

Murtagh and O'Connor were each jailed for 16 months.

Fletcher was locked up for two years and eight months.

SIX men involved in major drugs conspiracies, including cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis, have been jailed for a total of more than 24 years after being busted through a series of police surveillance operations.

They included a "Mr Big" at the centre of the conspiracies and an accomplice who was caught red-handed with a bag stuffed with more than £40,000 in cash, a court heard. He was jailed for more than ten years. Cannabis plants were found in converted stables and another accomplice was found with more than £68,700 in cash at his home, the court was told.

Andrew Gordon, 29, of Stanley Street, Grimsby, and Robert Cook, 37, of Welholme Road, Grimsby, admitted conspiracy to supply amphetamine and cocaine as well as possessing criminal property.

Cook also admitted possessing amphetamine.

Terry Smith, 30, of Weelsby Street, Grimsby, admitted conspiracy to supply cannabis.

Gordon and three other defendants, Brian Munton, 46, of Lindsey Drive, Holton-le-Clay; Richard Murtagh, 31, of Stanley Street, Grimsby; and Kevin O'Connor, 31, of Roberts Street, Grimsby, all admitted conspiracy to produce cannabis.

Guy Fletcher, 34, of Cosgrove Avenue, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, admitted two offences of possessing cash as criminal property.

Ian Goldsack, prosecuting, told Doncaster Crown Court that the centre of the drug operation was Cook's home in Welholme Road.

Police carried out surveillance in September 2012 and Gordon arrived at Cook's home in a BMW driven by Smith. Gordon went inside and came out carrying a bag, which he passed to Smith.

In October of that year, police again saw Smith and Gordon at Cook's home.

Later that month, Gordon and Cook drove to Bawtry where Gordon was spotted handing over something to his accomplice.

Cook was followed by police to Doncaster, where he was arrested. A carrier bag inside a rucksack he was carrying contained £40,020 cash, almost certainly relating to drugs, and two small packages of amphetamine.

Large stashes of drugs, including more than 1kg of cocaine, 9.6g of heroin and 1.6kg of amphetamine, were found at Cook's home. The house was being used to prepare the drugs.

Converted stables on a smallholding at Five Acres, Stallingborough, were searched and 140 cannabis plants were found, with a possible annual yield of about £200,000.

The premises were rented by Munton under a false name.

Cash totalling £68,712 was found at Fletcher's home. Traces of drugs were found on the notes.

Log 79 - reports of a tree down on the #B1203 at East Ravendale, council and Police attending but traffic busy in the area. #8347

— Command Centre (@HPCommandCentre) October 14, 2014

FORMER Grimsby Town keeper Dave Beasant was agonisingly close to becoming English football's oldest ever professional at the weekend.

The ex-Wimbledon, Chelsea and Newcastle United stopper was named as a substitute for League Two Stevenage on Saturday – at the age of 55!

Beasant didn't make an appearance on the field. If he had been called upon he would have surpassed the record of Neil McBain, the manager of New Brighton, who in 1947 played in goal against Hartlepool at the age of 51.

Former England gloveman Beasant enjoyed a brief, but successful, loan spell with the Mariners in 1992/93.

And the keeper also played his final professional game at Blundell Park – 11 years ago when Brighton visited Cleethorpes.

LEWIS Bemrose may have netted a hat-trick in the FA Youth Cup, but doing it in Grimsby Town's first team is "a totally different kettle of fish."

The Mariners youngster was the star of the show in last week's 6-0 cup hammering of Vauxhall Motors, firing a superb treble.

And after being involved in the Town senior match-day squad during the opening games of the season, that provided a timely reminder of the forward's talents.

However, manager Paul Hurst has sounded a note of caution, and urged fans to give the striker more time to improve.

"You have to look at levels they're playing at, and at the moment for Lewis that's his age group," Hurst remarked.

"He's one of the older ones within that in terms of being a second-year, but he can only do what he's doing against the opposition that's in front of him.

"He capped off a good display from the lads to get through to the next round last week, but it's a totally different kettle of fish to then go into the first-team.

"All he can do is keep progressing as he is and score the goals for the Youth team – he'll be pleased because it was the first goals he's had for a little while.

"I'm certainly keeping an eye on him – I've been to perhaps five games that he's played in and I've been having a look at him when the opportunity arises as I am with all the young players.

"I'm interested in how they're progressing and if we can get one or two through again that can only help the football club."

Non-league blogger of the year, Too Good To Go Down, reflects on Grimsby Town's excellent victory over Wrexham...

PAUL Hurst no doubt left Wales a relieved man as the Mariners continued their recent run of impressive away performances with three points against Wrexham.

With the home side celebrating their 150th anniversary, Town crashed the party with Lenell John-Lewis's penalty enough to seal the win.

Hurst has come under fire from a section of Town fans in recent weeks, me included, and this will ease the pressure a little bit.

But there's still a long way to go for the Mariners to catch runaway leaders Barnet and pull themselves back into play-off contention.

I think the manager will know his team need to put in some good home performances too, to try and win back some of the supporters who have deserted the team in recent weeks.

The Mariners have the best defensive record in the Conference and that's full credit to all those who have played in the back five.

Carl Magnay has been highly impressive and I know many Town supporters are wondering how Gateshead could have released him.

But their loss is certainly our gain and Magnay's recent performances have given Hurst a headache at full-back with the return to fitness of Aswad Thomas.

Sandwiched between the impressive result in Wales was two England victories. I have to be honest, I didn't watch a single minute of either of England's wins.

I've become disillusioned with the national team and, judging by recent attendances at Wembley, so have many other fans.

England couldn't have been put in an easier Euro 2016 qualifying group and they have beaten their three opponents with ease so far, not even conceding a goal.

But scratch the surface and none of the performances have been particularly entertaining – Roy Hodgson's getting results but I'm not convinced he's going to lead us to tournament glory.

The argument yesterday about Raheem Sterling's omission on Sunday due to 'tiredness' again goes to show the chasm between players and supporters.

There used to be some pride and passion in receiving a call-up for the national team, but now I'm not sure that pulling on the England shirt means as much as it used to.

For years we've seen overpaid 'stars' putting in underwhelming performances – a so-called 'golden generation' meekly exiting each tournament they played in.

This summer's World Cup another case in point, with England's worst tournament performance in decades almost accepted as soon as they lost their first match against Italy.

England do have some talented young footballers, but there's a huge gulf in class between the likes of Germany and Spain and England.

Hopefully I'll be proved wrong, but if there's a clash of matches between Grimsby and England I know who I'd rather be watching.

PAUL Hurst was happy to have landed a home tie in yesterday's FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round draw.

Grimsby Town enter the competition on Saturday, October 25 when they entertain Guiseley at Blundell Park.

The Lions are in the Conference North promotion chase again after losing out to Altrincham in last season's play-off final.

"On paper, people will think that's an easy tie, but it will be far from easy," said boss Hurst.

"However, it is a home tie. There are a couple of all-Conference clashes in the draw and the teams that are away in those games would have certainly settled for our draw.

"So I'm happy in one sense, but I don't think they've lost away from home and they're going well. They're a decent team – I know a few of the players and will be trying to get along to a game or speak to a few people so we're fully prepared."

"I WON'T be losing any sleep about the result tonight – it's all about Saturday for me."

That's the view of Grimsby Town boss Paul Hurst ahead of this evening's belated Lincolnshire Senior Cup Final.

Gary Simpson's Lincoln City head to Blundell Park for the delayed 'pre-season' derby clash.

And while Hurst admits that a win over the local rivals is always something to celebrate – he insists that this weekend's Conference encounter at Torquay United has to be the priority.

"When a game like this comes around you want to win – no matter what teams both clubs put out," the manager told the Telegraph.

"It would be nice to win because it's against our local rivals and is a chance to get a bit of silverware.

"No matter how much it may be frowned upon, it is an opportunity for that, so it would be nice.

"But realistically there's obviously a big focus on the league and Saturday at Torquay.

"So I certainly won't be losing any sleep about the result tonight – it's all about Saturday for me."

As a result, Hurst is considering wholesale changes to the side that netted a big win at Wrexham over the weekend.

He believes the Imps may do the same, but doesn't expect that to detract from the passion of a local derby.

"Tonight will be a competitive game because of the clubs involved," he continued.

"You could put two Youth teams out and it would still be extremely competitive, although I'm sure it will be two stronger sides than that.

"It was a great result for us at Wrexham and hopefully gets everyone buzzing again, but there's no doubt that there were lads on the bench or not involved who want to be part of things.

"The best way to push towards that is by impressing when they get to put on a shirt, and tonight is a good opportunity.

"Training is one thing but when it's actually games you get a better reflection of where they're at and their attitudes, which is very important to me.

"Every time you go on the pitch it's a chance to impress."

On his options for tonight, Hurst added: "Even while Saturday's game was going on, Shaun Pearson got booked, and suspended, and straightaway there was that realisation that he's not going to be in the back four this weekend.

"So there are things to look at and think over this week."

JON-PAUL Pittman and Craig Clay have given Grimsby Town a major fitness boost – but won't be risked against Lincoln tonight.

Striker Pittman has been out of action for four weeks with a torn hamstring, but returned to training yesterday.

Clay, meanwhile, appears to have suffered no long-term damage after limping out of the victory at Wrexham – and will be back in contention for this weekend's long trip to Torquay.

Neither will be involved in this evening's Lincolnshire Senior Cup Final at Blundell Park, though, as manager Paul Hurst appears likely to rest a string of his regular starters.

"JP was out there yesterday and trained, and I have to say that he looked good," said Hurst.

"He won't be risked tonight – though the temptation was perhaps to give him some minutes.

"But if he started it's how long you give him, and if you put him on as a sub you always run the risk of another injury like he's had.

"I think he needs to get more training in his legs after that type of injury.

"So he'll train with the other lads today, and on his day off, to try and get back into the full swing of things.

"He's behind in the queue in terms of those currently in the team, and depending on how the other lads do tonight.

"I'd probably say Saturday is a little bit too soon. I'd rather err on the side of caution slightly with JP if I can.

"But he was a real threat for us before his injury and I'm sure he can be again."

On Clay's progress, the manager added: "There's some swelling there. I don't think it's anything too serious, but he didn't train yesterday and he won't be training today either – or involved in the Lincoln game.

"He'll be missing tonight but I'm hoping he'll be available for Torquay.

"He just took a bit of a kick. The problem is around the tibia and he's still limping but – from speaking with Dave Moore and having a look at it – I'm confident he'll be okay for Saturday."

REGARDING the publicity about cutting down on police services – why?

This will make the crime rate even more out there.

The police don't seem to be there enough as it is, especially when the public need them for crimes such as theft and burglary. As a result the council tax payer does not benefit – why not?

We had a motorbike stolen five weeks ago, it wasn't a new one, but had travelled many miles and was sentimental to my husband and me, and it was his only transport to work to pay for this police force in taxes.

Some young teens came in the early hours and took the bike and on the "Nunny" they went.

Watchful eyes and word of mouth meant it was found.

To cut the story short it was a case of no police, kids joyriding and no respect.

The motorbike was a "write-off" – we are so annoyed. For joyriders everywhere: where's your respect? For the police: don't bother.

We moved to Grimsby three years ago from the south and I'm disgusted that so much has gone downhill. The youth of today just get a telling off!

We had two cats poisoned in 2011 and to walk the streets here is scary; to have property stolen in the early hours, where are the parents – and the police?

If we don't pay our council tax, bailiffs would be here but if drug addicts or vandals cause mayhem then nothing is done – it is all so wrong!

R Bushnell, Scartho, full address supplied.