Hand in illegal weapons at police gun amnesty

October 29, 2014, 5:18 am

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Gun owners are being invited to hand in their unwanted weapons to police during a two-week firearms amnesty.

Both Humberside and Lincolnshire Police are participating in a national scheme aimed at removing firearms from the streets.

During the amnesty, any unlawfully held firearms and ammunition, including replica firearms, air weapons, BB guns, imitation firearms, component parts and other ballistic items may be handed in at police stations across both force areas.

The amnesty in Humberside runs from 8am on Saturday and 8pm on Sunday, November 16.

Weapons can be handed into five police stations, including Grimsby.

In Lincolnshire, the amnesty runs from Monday until Friday, November 14.

Weapons can be handed into Lincoln, Grantham, Boston and Skegness police stations,

In Lincolnshire, members of the public are asked to contact the relevant police station by calling 101 to inform staff in advance that they will be handing a weapon in.

The amnesty comes just a week after Humberside Police praised a woman for handing in a firearm – which turned out to be a BB gun - at an East Marsh ward councillor's surgery after she found it near Freeman Street Market in Grimsby.

Chief Inspector Neil Pattison, of Humberside Police said: "The two week firearms surrender is a local campaign aimed at local people in the community who may wish to safely dispose of a firearm.

"Whilst we do not have a big problem with gun crime across the Humberside Police area, this is an excellent opportunity to get as many guns off the streets and out of potential criminal circulation as we can so they do not fall into the wrong hands.

"Licence-holders can be reassured that these measures merely enhance their rights and privileges to own firearms, by removing the dangerous ones from the wrong hands. Licence holders are also encouraged to use this amnesty to consider the surrender of weapons they may no longer have a use for.

"The surrender does not provide immunity from prosecution for the life of a firearm. It is intended to provide an amnesty for possession of the firearm at the point of surrender/handover to a lawful authority.

"Thus, any possession or use of the firearm, prior to surrender, may be the subject of an ongoing investigation and as such police may still consider prosecution."

A spokesman for Lincolnshire Police said: "Gun crime within Lincolnshire is statistically low, which is a result of continued efforts from the Force.

"An amnesty has not been held by Lincolnshire Police for nearly ten years. It is just one of a number of measures that is being used to further reduce crime.

"Members of the community can be assured that the amnesty is not being held due to a rise in gun crime, and they also should not be concerned that the amnesty will be an excuse for people to walk around freely with firearms."

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Post Office makes it easier to return unwanted Christmas presents

October 29, 2014, 5:18 am

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With the festive season fast approaching the Post Office has made it easier for people to return unwanted Christmas presents.

Unhappy recipients will be able to return their goods via a new 'drop-off point', situated at the Esso service station on Louth Road, Grimsby.

This is in addition to the returns service already offered at its current branches. 

The site at the Esso service station, which has recently gone live, is one over 150 drop-off points which have been introduced and it is hoped the longer hours and locations of these points will make it more convenient .

In addition, Post Office have announced that Royal Mail's small parcel format has doubled in size, meaning that customers will be able to put bigger or more items into each small parcel. 

A special offer is also running from October 20 until January 18, with the price of sending an item weighing up to 2kg being capped.

Post Office says this will lead to a saving  of £1 at Post Office branches on second class small parcels weighing between 1kg and 2kg.

Martin George, chief commercial officer, Post Office said: "Around one in ten online orders are returned so retailers need to ensure they provide a convenient, easy and reliable returns network."

Grimsby highlighted as being one of Britain's coastal towns "awash with deprivation".

October 29, 2014, 6:21 am

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A national newspaper has named Grimsby as being one of Britain's coastal towns that are "awash with deprivation".

The report in today's Times, suggests that Grimsby - along with Skegness, Margate and Great Yarmouth - is highlighted as having "particularly high" levels of unemployment.

The article, based on figures compiled by the Office of National Statistics - which used census data to compile the support - suggests 13 per cent of residents are unemployed.

However, as reported, the number of people claiming unemployment benefit in North East Lincolnshire has fallen to its lowest level in nearly eight years.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics earlier this month show that the Jobseekers' Allowance claimant count is at a near eight-year low of 4,109 people and the figure claiming in just Grimsby alone was 2,949 – the lowest number of job seekers in the town since November 2008.

Local Jobcentre manager Steve Johnston said: "This is great news for the town, local communities and residents of North East Lincolnshire as more people move into work. It reflects the growing confidence in the local economy.

"New opportunities continue to arise from recent investment in hospitality, retail and production sectors of the local economy. The Grimsby Telegraph and North East Lincolnshire Council continue to support the Jobcentre in promoting local businesses, job vacancies and partner organisations who are helping the unemployed get back to work.

The North East Lincolnshire figure is a 5.5 per cent fall on the figures for August, which recorded that 4,385 people (4.4 per cent of the working population in the borough) claimed JSA.

SIGNING ALERT: Grimsby Town snap up midfielder on one-month loan deal

October 29, 2014, 6:58 am

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GRIMSBY Town boss Paul Hurst has been true to his word – adding a central midfielder to his squad this afternoon. Harry Pell joins the Mariners on an initial one-month loan deal ahead of Saturday's home Conference clash with Dartford. The AFC Wimbledon man has also played for Hereford United, Cambridge United, Bristol Rovers and Hastings United after starting his career at Charlton Athletic. The 23-year-old won't be permitted to play in Town's FA Cup First Round tie against Oxford United next month, however.

FACTFILE: The lowdown on new Grimsby Town loanee Harry Pell

October 29, 2014, 6:59 am

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NAME: Harry Pell DATE OF BIRTH: 21/10/91 PLACE OF BIRTH: Tilbury, Essex HEIGHT: 6ft 4in POSITION: Midfield PARENT CLUB: AFC Wimbledon PREVIOUS CLUBS: Hereford United, Cambridge United, Bristol Rovers, Hastings United, Charlton Athletic (trainee) CAREER APPEARANCES: 143 CAREER GOALS: 12

Property maintenance application developed by Grimsby software house

October 29, 2014, 7:37 am

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A SECOND major product has been launched by a property-focused Grimsby application developer. Invento Software has brought forward Lettingfix, an online maintenance support tool for the huge rental market. It follows on from Lettingcheck, an inventory system released six months ago, and now used on 10,000 homes. John Barton, director, said: "If a letting agent has 100 to 200 properties, every day they will be receiving phone calls from tenants about a range of issues. Some could be serious, some not, from heating and water problems to light bulbs, and it can be quite a big job to manage all that information. Added to that, there are more and more non-English speaking tenants. "This will make reporting faults much easier for both parties." Drop down menus and categories allow accurate details to be reported, with options to include photographs too. Fellow director Louis Harwood said: "It could quite easily save an amazing amount of time involved in physically making a trip out to assess something before calling in help. "Depending on how the agent or landlord wishes to use the system, it may include an in-house maintenance team or even third party contractors." Two local web developers have been brought in to assist as the Alexandra Dock Business Centre-based company builds up the portfolio. "Six months ago it was just Louis and I, but now we are moving on and able to use outside resources," added Mr Barton. This article first appeared in October's Business Telegraph. View the eBook here

Comedian Noel Fielding brings his unique brand of comedy to the Grimsby Auditorium on November 15

October 29, 2014, 8:20 am

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Funnyman Noel Fielding is on his way to Grimsby with his first solo live show for five years and the regular TV panelist will have a few close friends in tow.

There will be muscular support from the loose stylings of brother Mike Fielding and the physical lunacy of Tom Meeten.

The show features stand up, songs, stories and animation - as well as the a half man, half chicken sketch.

The Mighty Boosh star said: "It's great going all around the country, getting further away from London and going to places like Grimsby - it's more exciting."

The comic has said that fans can turn up in fancy dress if they want and many are already taking him up on that offer.

About his regular slot on Never Mind The Buzzcocks he added: "I really enjoy doing the show, where else am I going to have a job where I get to hang out with people like Nicole Scherzinger and Paloma Faith for a bit and then mess about while recording a show - it's brilliant."

An Evening with Noel Fielding starts at 8pm and tickets can be bought for £26 in cash from the venue box office; it is appropriate for those 12 years old and above.

Alternatively you can call 0844 871 3016 or go to www.atgtickets.com/grimsby where transaction fees will apply.

For more coverage see tomorrow's Grimsby Telegraph.

Seven North East Lincolnshire Council wards to become controlled drinking zones

October 29, 2014, 8:32 am

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Seven of North East Lincolnshire Council's wards are to become controlled drinking zones. Members of the authority's cabinet have today approved recommendations that West Marsh, East Marsh, Park, Heneage, Sidney Sussex, Croft Baker and South are made these zones to reduce the potential harm caused by alcohol and alcohol-related antisocial behaviour in public places. Over a twelve week period earlier this year, residents, licensees, business and community representatives were asked for their views on giving the police and nominated council officers the power to control the consumption of alcohol across North East Lincolnshire. The survey enabled respondents to tell the council their concerns, the places where alcohol related anti-social behaviour is an issue and how often the problem occurs. The decision to launch the consultation followed concerns expressed by elected members around the prevalence and visibility of people drinking alcohol in public places in the borough. Councillor Hazel Chase, cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said: "Following the wide ranging evidence gathering and consultation exercise, it was concluded that there is insufficient evidence and support to substantiate a borough wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). "However, evidence and public feedback does indicate that a number of wards will benefit from the introduction of a PSPO and this approach has been agreed today. This decision is also likely to gain the support of key stakeholders, particularly the Police. "The number of reports of individuals drinking alcohol in public places by ward, identifies West Marsh, East Marsh, Park and Croft Baker are most prevalent and problematic. "Heneage, Sidney Sussex and South also show higher levels than other wards but it is clear that the remaining wards are not reporting significant levels of anti-social drinking in public places. "Anti-social behaviour and alcohol related problems are key issues for us and tackling them through our partnership with Humberside Police and health colleagues, is a priority for us all this year. "I'm confident that by using the new PSPO legislation we can make real progress in areas most plagued by these issues."

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Police appealing for help in locating 18-year-old girl from York reported missing in Grimsby

October 29, 2014, 9:07 am

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Police are appealing for help in locating an 18-year-old girl from York who is currently missing from the Grimsby area. Katie Free left Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital where she was receiving in-patient treatment at 12.45pm on Sunday. Katie has not been seen since then and police are growing concerned for her welfare due to an existing medical condition. The girl is described as being white and of pale complexion with blue eyes and red hair often worn in a ponytail. She is 5ft 7ins tall and of thin build and is a spectacle wearer. When last seen she was wearing black leggings with boots and a blue coloured top and a coat over the top. Katie is believed to be in the company of her boyfriend Will Gilligan (pictured with Katie) who is from the Darlington area and it is thought they may have traveled together to the east coast area of North Yorkshire. Chief Inspector Mark Bishop in charge of Operational Policing for North East Lincolnshire said: "Katie's welfare is our main priority and as time moves on our concern is growing due to her ongoing health issues. "It is important that we locate Katie as quickly as possible so that we can ensure she receives the support she urgently needs. "We are appealing to Katie to make contact, either with her family or the emergency services at the earliest opportunity. We would also ask the public to help us by calling us to inform us if they see Katie and provide us with details of her whereabouts." Katie or anyone with information as to her whereabouts is asked to call Humberside Police on 101 quoting log number 371 of October 26.

Tesco placed under criminal investigation after overstating its profits

October 29, 2014, 9:54 am

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Shopping giants Tesco has been placed under criminal investigation following its discovery of a £263-million hole in profit expectations. It comes after Tesco chairman Sir Richard Broadbent announced he was to step down after the firm overstated its profits. Tesco confirmed that profits were overstated by £263 million in the first half of the year. Pre-tax profits at the company have also plummeted to £112 million in the same period, down more than 90 per cent on the same period in the previous year. It also comes after a probe for Tesco by accountants Deloitte and law firm Freshfields found the accounting error was worse than first thought and that the supermarket had been overstating its earnings for years. In a statement, the group said: "Tesco confirms that it has been notified by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) that it has commenced an investigation into accounting practices at the company. "Tesco has been co-operating fully with the SFO and will continue to do so. "Tesco has been notified by the Financial Conduct Authority that, in light of the SFO investigation, its investigation will be discontinued." The SFO confirmed that its director David Green QC "has opened a criminal investigation into accounting practices at Tesco plc".

Costs of services at Grimsby crematorium going up as new woodland burials are approved

October 29, 2014, 12:30 pm

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The cost of services at Grimsby crematorium are going up. North East Lincolnshire Council cabinet members agreed to increase the fees. They also approved the creation of a new burial site at Woodlands which is part of Scartho cemetery. Relatives will be able to bury their loved ones in a "greener" environment. For more details see the Grimsby Telegraph tomorrow.

South Bank power plant build is a sweet venture

October 30, 2014, 12:34 am

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CONSTRUCTION is on track at a new £100 million-plus South Bank power station, as it nears the halfway point in the build.

The Brigg Renewable Energy Plant aims to generate 40MW of electricity – enough to supply 75,000 homes – from the former sugar factory site, through the burning of straw.

It will create scores of jobs, as well as providing maintenance opportunities for existing contractors in the area.

It is being brought forward by a Danish business, Burmeister & Wain Scandinavian Contractor, together with a pension fund.

After installing the foundations, the steel framework for one of the two feedstock barns and the boiler room is now in place.

Colin Jones, general manager of BWSC North Lincs Ltd (BNLL) – the company set up for the project – said: "The contract was signed on November 1 last year and we established the site in the first week of December. I am very pleased with how it has gone so far.

"Normally on a project this size, the unknowns of soil conditions are big issues and that has gone as planned.

"It was difficult, but there were no surprises. Everything with the piling went to plan, but we overran by three weeks because we were trying to reduce the noise pollution for the area.

"We have recovered that time now and the aim is we will be commissioning from March or April and generation will start in December 2015."

Mr Jones said around 120 contractors were currently on-site, which will rise to a peak of around 300 in the spring.

Recruitment for permanent jobs at the power station is also set to begin in the spring, with BNLL to provide more details about job opportunities then.

Mr Jones said the next milestone in the project would be lifting the boiler into place, with work ongoing on the construction of it. He said: "That is the crucial part and it will be done in three stages.

"It will be done over a number of weeks, probably five or six, and will take us up to the new year.

"We will then be starting the construction of the second straw barn and the turbine arrives in the first quarter of next year."

New roads will also continue to be built on the site to ease movement of construction materials and traffic, with safety lighting in place as daylight hours reduce.

Mr Jones also thanked residents for their co-operation during the project so far.

He said: "We can't thank our surrounding community enough for all the support and understanding they have shown us since we started work on the plant, particularly through the cable laying phase and the inevitable disruption to traffic caused.

"We will continue to do everything we can to minimise the impact of our work, but encourage people to come to us with any problems they may experience so we can work together to resolve any issues."

ON THE WEB: For the latest on developments in the area, log on to www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business

Ambulance service accused of wasting public money

October 30, 2014, 12:34 am

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EAST Midlands Ambulance Service has been accused of wasting public money after plans to introduce a series of regional super hubs were scrapped. Unison members also said the trust had not listened to its concerns and those raised by members of the public over the controversial proposals. As reported on www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk, East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) announced that it had decided not to continue with the scheme, called Being The Best, following a meeting on Tuesday. The programme was set to see 18 ambulance stations across the East Midlands shut, while three new "super hubs" were to be built. The move was an attempt to help EMAS meet response time targets. In March this year, the Telegraph reported how the plans had been put on hold after intense criticism. In a statement, EMAS said: "The board agreed not to progress the previous 2012 Estates Strategy (Being the Best)." And representatives of the EMAS branch of union Unison have said that while they welcome the news, they have submitted a Freedom of Information request to find out how much money has been spent on contractors during the plans. Branch secretary Lee Goddard said: "It's good news that they have scrapped the plans but it is also disappointing that it has had to get to this stage. "If they had listened to us, their own staff and members of the public then all this could have been avoided and a lot of money could have been saved. He added: "If the money had been spent on the correct areas, such as the fleet and staff, the trust would be hitting targets more with fully reliable vehicles in the right places at the right time. "I understand the trust would need 46 new ambulances and 51 new cars to get the fleet back up to par because of its ageing vehicles. "This also impacts on staff morale from the trust not listening to the information from staff." EMAS chief executive Sue Noyes said: "Since pausing our estates plans in October 2013, we have talked with and listened to our staff, colleagues, the public, our patients, and stakeholders across the East Midlands. "We will continue to do this as we develop all of our strategies over the next few months to make sure they make sense for the future."

Show your gratitude to fallen at Grimsby service

October 30, 2014, 12:38 am

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THE Salvation Army in Grimsby is inviting you to join in remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The charity's citadel, in Duncombe Street, will be opening its doors to the public for the annual Salvation Army Festival Of Remembrance.

The event takes place at 6pm on Remembrance Sunday, November 9, and will include performances by the Salvation Army songsters and timbrelists, among others.

Special guests will be the Grimsby And Cleethorpes Orpheus Male Voice Choir.

Deputy Mayor of North East Lincolnshire Councillor Cliff Barber and deputy mayoress Sally Barber will be among the dignitaries attending.

Great Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell and Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers will also be present.

Although the event is open to all members of the public, a particular invite is extended to the representatives of military organisations, who are encouraged to bring their standards to parade at the festival.

Event organiser Ivan Stead said: "When I did my first service 38 years ago there were lots of ex-servicemen still young enough to attend the festival and pay tribute to their colleagues, but over the years the number has decreased, and that is why, if we are able to attend, we should do so to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

"There has been many other conflicts other than the two world wars where servicemen and women have lost their lives and it is important that we remember them.

"Every day I am reminded of such people when I travel down Mathew Telford Way, in Scartho.

"The festival is a community and family occasion and almost every family has a relation or friend or knows of someone who has died in service."

Admission to the event is free, however a donation collection will be made on behalf of the Royal British Legion.

For more information, call Ivan on 01472 501031 or e-mail ivanstead@virginmedia.com

ON THE WEB: Read more about the work of the Salvation Army in Grimsby at www.grimsbytelegraph .co.uk

Weather warning: Lincolnshire may experience coldest winter in 100+ years

October 30, 2014, 12:39 am

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Some experts are suggesting Lincolnshire folk may be about to endure the coldest winter seen in Britain for 100 years. Snow, gales and very low temperatures could be on the way within weeks. The October Pattern Index points to freezing air, heavy snow and strong winds by mid-November. Particularly bad winters were experienced across Lincolnshire in 1947 and 1963.

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Right of people to take pictures in public defended by Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell

October 30, 2014, 12:45 am

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FEARS of a Mumbai-style terror plot taking place in the UK must not prevent photographers from taking photos in public places, according to MP Austin Mitchell. The Grimsby Labour veteran and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group For Photography said it was "ridiculous" for paranoid security guards to "get het up" over a photographer. His comments were made in relation to Bob Riach who was stopped by a security guard outside Princes Quay shopping centre in Hull, East Yorkshire, last week. The amateur photographer from North Lincolnshire was taking evening shots of the centre at around 8pm last Thursday, when he was approached by a security guard. Mr Riach told Amateur Photographer (AP) magazine that he was with a local professional photographer at the time of the incident: "We thought it would look quite nice with the reflection on the water." But the guard told him he was "not allowed to take photographs" of the building, as "we are on security level 3". The photographer claimed the guard specifically referred to concerns over an attack from the terror group Isis. Mr Mitchell, pictured, himself a keen photography enthusiast, told AP: "I think there is a kind of jitteriness at the moment about security and about individual terror attacks. "It's silly because the man stopped in Hull was using a tripod and a professional camera … and because we are the most photographed nation on earth with security cameras all over the place. "We are all carrying mobile phones and photographing each other, so alarm now about security would, itself, be ridiculous." Mr Mitchell suggested that reported threats of a Mumbai-style terror plot occurring in the UK had contributed to a climate of fear and paranoia. He said: "I think that's part of it, and these fears arise when something hits the headlines like the Canadian mess [Ottawa parliament shooting]. "But I think we should keep our cool and maintain the view that photography is a right." He added: "We have a right to take photographs in public places and just not get het up about it." It is not the first time Mr Mitchell has spoken out against the terror threat being used against photographers. In 2008, his House of Commons petition condemning police actions against lawful photography gained widespread support.

£159 fine for Grimsby crematorium funerals that go on too long

October 30, 2014, 12:59 am

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MOURNERS are to be fined £159 if a funeral service exceeds its time limit at Grimsby's crematorium. And in a double blow, North East Lincolnshire Council will also increase the cost of services and burials. Councillors said the financial pressures on the budget had forced the increase in the costs. In a report to members of the council's cabinet, the assistant director of the environment department, Tony Neul, said funeral services were running over their 40 minute allocation up to four times per week. He said: "If a 9am service runs over by ten minutes then it would put back the remaining services on that day, which means every mourner attending a funeral will be kept waiting. This can cause unnecessary distress at a very difficult time. He said funeral directors, clergy and celebrants are fully aware of the time frame involved in a service and are expected to keep to it. He told cabinet members other authorities fine funeral directors. This cost is then added to the total cost of the funeral, meaning it's the grieving relatives who foot the bill. Mr Neul said he hoped the new powers will "focus minds more". But a spokesman for the Association of North East Lincolnshire Funeral Directors said it should be the vicars or officials conducting the service who should get the fine. He said council officials had not consulted with funeral directors over the penalty, nor about the increase in fees for burials and cremations. The spokesman said: "I am glad the Telegraph has told us because no one else has. "We feel that if times are being abused it should be the officiant who should pay the fine. We organise the times and the music, but it is the minister or celebrant who is in charge of the service." He added: "We can make arrangements if a vehicle breaks down. The minister can usually bring it round so we get back on time. "There isn't usually any distress if a delay is explained to people properly." The spokesman said large funerals are booked to take two appointments at the crematorium. Mourners will get a bill of £159 if they exceed the 40-minute service by five minutes. The cost of burials will go up £175 next year from £579 to £754 for exclusive rights of burial. The fees will go up again in 2015 to 2016 by a further £176. Councillors agreed to remove the costs of private services for non-viable foetuses, with exception to exclusive rights of burial. Members also agreed to open up the Woodlands burial site at Scartho Cemetery. A single burial plot including internment will be £800, with a reserved grave plot costing £470. A plot for ashes will be £300. The charges are expected to bring in a total of £56,000 to the council with a further additional income of £40,000 from Woodlands. The authority has to find savings of £20 million over the next two years. Deputy council leader, Councillor Mick Burnett said: "We are now having to do things to balance the books. People need to know it is about reducing the budget pressure. It brings in new revenue. The Woodlands is a good idea." He welcomed the decision, approved in January, to create a pet cemetery at Woodlands for owners to bury the remains of their cremated pets. According to the report, the average cost of funeral services in the UK including probate, headstones, flowers and the burial or cremation fee is now £8,427. In North East Lincolnshire, fees and charges levied by the cemetery and crematorium service have remained low in comparison to national figures and neighbouring authorities.

'We won't let troublemakers ruin Halloween and Bonfire Night'

October 30, 2014, 1:54 am

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Make sure Halloween and Bonfire Night go with a bang for all the right reasons.

That's the message to residents in North East Lincolnshire looking forward to enjoying the forthcoming festivities.

Agencies including Humberside Police, North East Lincolnshire Council and Humberside Fire and Rescue have teamed up to prevent a small minority of troublemakers ruining the fun for the majority.

Inspector Andy Parsons said: "Our aim through Operation Kincorth continues to be to make sure the public can enjoy the festivities at this time of year safely and without having to put up with the sort of anti-social behaviour that a small minority of people were responsible for carrying out in previous years.

"As ever, officers in North East Lincolnshire will be working closely with our partners and communities to ensure that those who want to have fun on Halloween and Bonfire Night can do so without the small minority of trouble makers causing problems and potential hazards during the run up and on the nights themselves.

"I would also ask the public to think about their homes and valuables when leaving the house, or parking their cars to go and watch a display. Sadly trick or treaters may not be the only potential visitors looking to come away from your house with a prize, or to have a quick look what you might have left in your unattended vehicle.

"Please make sure your doors and other easy access points are securely locked, even if you are in your garden enjoying fireworks or simply in another part of your home and this could greatly reduce the chances of becoming a crime victim.

"Finally we particularly ask that while enjoying the Halloween and Bonfire night period, all members of the public look to do so in a way that will not harm or upset others. Parents and those with caring responsibilities for children have a very important part to play and should know where their children are, what they are doing and ensure that they have an understanding that not everybody will be wishing to take part in the 'festive spirit' and to respect their privacy and wishes accordingly."

Spencer Hunt, safer and stronger communities manager at NELC, said: "We've put into place a number of measures in the build up to Halloween and Bonfire Night to ensure that businesses, the community and agencies work together to ensure that young people, families and vulnerable people enjoy the season.

"We don't want to spoil people's fun but this is about ensuring that they do this responsibly and not at the cost of other people's well-being. We will be issuing a host of advice over the following weeks but initially we want people to start planning what firework and bonfire displays they will enjoy. We would like to encourage people to attend organised events rather than putting on their own displays as often this is where problems can occur."

Grimsby teens locked up after attack leaves victim with bleeding on brain & fear of leaving own home

October 30, 2014, 2:13 am

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A MAN was left with a bleed on his brain – and now fears leaving his own home – after being attacked by a gang after he asked youths to stop throwing things at his window. Grimsby Crown Court heard Dean Dowler had been left as a "borderline agoraphobic" following the "sustained" attack on Grimsby's Laceby Acres estate on June 4. The court heard he had been in "excruciating pain" as he was repeatedly kicked and punched by multiple attackers and even hit with a piece of wood – losing consciousness at one point. Two of the gang, Macauley Ryan, 18, of Pershore Avenue, and Corey Ford, 18, of Wroxham Avenue, admitted section 20 grievous bodily harm. Ford also admitted being in breach of an Asbo. Prosecuting, Megan Rhys said the pair had been "at the forefront" of the attack, although both claimed they had not been the one to wield the piece of wood, which was later found by a neighbour in a wheelie bin. She said Mr Dowler had been relaxing in his living room at 9.30pm when something hit the window and he spotted two figures outside. He ran outside and saw two young boys and an older youth running away. Miss Rhys said the group then stopped and began shouting abuse at Mr Dowler and the older youth told the younger boys to go and fetch other people. She said: "He went to a wheelie bin, opened it and pulled out a long piece of wood. He raised it in a threatening manner. "Others appeared on the street and Mr Dowler said he did not want any trouble, put his hands up and made to walk away." However, as he glanced back he saw a man holding the wood coming up behind him and just managed to deflect a blow aimed at his head. Miss Rhys said he took two "powerful blows" to his left arm, which left him in "excruciating pain". He was repeatedly punched and fell to the floor, where he endured further punches and kicks. He did not know what had caused the attack to stop, but managed to get home and call an ambulance. A CT scan at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital revealed the bleed on his brain and he was admitted for four days. He also suffered cuts to his head, bruising, skin missing from his right ear and a swollen left wrist. The court heard a neighbour had seen "two youths" standing over a motionless man and had called the police. She also found the wood in her bin the following day and, believing it to be similar to the one she had seen used in the attack, again called police. Both she and Mr Dowler picked out Ryan and Ford from a line-up, after Ford told police he had not been involved at all and Ryan said his only involvement had been to break up the fight. Mitigating for Ford, Andrew Bailey unsuccessfully argued his client had been 17 at the time and should therefore be dealt with as a "nominal 17-year-old" with a lower maximum sentence for the offence. Describing Ford as "immature", he added medical evidence submitted to the court said Mr Dowler had no long-term injuries as a result of the attack. Craig Lowe, mitigating for Ryan said his client had not been before the courts since he was 12 and that the attack was "very much out of character". Recorder Jonathan Sandiford said residents of the estate had been left fearful of gangs of youths roaming about and causing trouble – a fear incidents such as this only reinforced. Both were committed to a young offenders' institution, Ford for three years and Ryan for two years and four months.

Media appeal helps to track down teenager who went missing from Grimsby hospital

October 30, 2014, 2:29 am

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AN 18-year-old girl who went missing from Grimsby's hospital has been found safe and well as a direct result of a media appeal to track her down.

Katie Free, of York, left the Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital where she was receiving in-patient treatment at 12.45pm on Sunday.

Police were growing concerned for her welfare due to an existing medical condition.

However, Katie has now been located in the North Yorkshire area, where appropriate care and support is now being provided to her.

A spokesman for Humberside Police said: "We would like to thank the public and the media for their help in the search for Katie."