NORTH East Lincolnshire's two MPs have welcomed the Humber region's approval to go full steam ahead for City Deal status.

Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell has been a staunch advocate of regional Government during his lengthy representation of the town.

He was delighted with this week's announcement that his constituency is part of an area that should be granted certain devolved power and funds in the coming months.

Speaking to the Telegraph, he said: "I think it is a good deal and a good idea, and I think we have done well to get to this status. I was insistent it should be called the Humber City Deal and not the Hull City Deal as we are not part of Hull City – and we don't want to be – but our interests are common.

"This provides us with some limited finance to launch our own initiatives and do what we want to do in light of local needs and local industry. I think that is a big advance."

A supporter of the wider regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, that was culled to make way for local enterprise partnerships, Mr Mitchell also welcomed the area's link-up with Lord Heseltine as a pathfinder area for his localism agenda. Mr Mitchell said: "The Tories have taken what Yorkshire Forward had and parcelled it up for a lot of smaller authorities.

"This is a move in the right direction, and in Lord Heseltine, who at 80 next month, is the most dynamic part of this Government, to have him act on our case and promote this area, is another big coup."

Of the role of the MPs in a deal, which could be settled by the summer, Mr Mitchell said: "We want to act as agents, helping with any problems and assisting in issues, such as the development of the Able UK facility on the South Bank.

"Our job is to promote the region and to clear the bottlenecks. City Deal is best led by business and local government, with us helping rather directing."

It comes the day before another vessel is launched in Grimsby to support the burgeoning offshore wind operations and maintenance sector.

Fjord Avocet – one of a fleet from Essex-based Njord Offshore – will be demonstrated in Port of Grimsby East, with the owners aware of the town's role in the emerging industry.

Mr Vickers, who was keeping up with City Deal developments while on a parliamentary visit to Israel, said: "This City Deal development is a further indication that the Government recognises the importance of northern Lincolnshire and the Humber and is prepared to devolve more power to the area to determine our own future, with particular emphasis on the renewables sector and the associated training and apprenticeships."

BURGLAR and thief Warren Cawley has been given a two-year antisocial behaviour order in a bid to stamp out his crime sprees.

The 19-year-old, of Hainton Avenue, Grimsby, admitted burglary at Fourways chip shop, in South Road, North Somercotes, involving stealing £150 cash, on September 2.

He also admitted stealing a purse containing cash, bank cards and store cards, valued at £142, belonging to Caroline Smith; stealing a bicycle, valued at £100; and possessing cannabis on January 12.

The Asbo was imposed at Grimsby Magistrates' Court.

He was also given a four-month suspended prison sentence and a one-year supervision order.

Cawley told the court he had changed his behaviour, with the help of his girlfriend.

He claimed: "You won't see me again."

District Judge Daniel Curtis told him: "I'd like a pound for every person that's said that to me, but I hope we don't."

The Asbo conditions were not opposed by defence solicitor Roy Foreman.

After the hearing, Inspector Mel Christie, of the neighbourhood policing team, said: "Wayne Cawley is a thief and a burglar and when he commits these crimes, there are victims who inevitably suffer.

"In court, he told the district judge that he would mend his ways and I hope he does.

"He is going to get only this chance. A suspended sentence means that, if he re-offends, the sentence can be activated, potentially in full.

"The district judge has seen fit to impose the Asbo and I thank him for that. It will undoubtedly assist us in controlling Cawley."

Crime news for Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire

REIGNING men's champions Chris Blow and Ben Mills will be back to defend their title in the 2013 Telegraph Golf Challenge.

The rookie pair from Laceby Manor were surprise winners of last year's competition, having knocked out the 2011 champions in the third qualifying round.

"It was our first year in the competition and we just entered it for fun, we never expected to win it," said 14-handicapper Chris.

"We seemed to gel really well. Whenever Ben had a bad hole, I seemed to play well, and whenever I was struggling it was Ben who played well.

"That's just what you want in matchplay really.

"I have won things before in golf, but this was by far the best competition I have been involved in.

"It's really enjoyable. You get to meet other people and play on other courses.

"I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking of entering for the first time this year."

His partner Mills only took up golf seriously last year, starting the Telegraph Challenge as a 28 handicapper, and now down to 24.

They had a roller-coaster ride to the final, with a bye in the first round and an away tie in the second.

They were away again in round three at Forest Pines against the defending champions Steve Dixon and Richard Storey – winning an epic battle in the twilight zone at the sixth extra hole.

"We were more nervous for that match than we were for the final," Blow recalled.

"But we came through and then won a home tie in round four to reach the finals.

"We did not expect to win the competition. Our aim was simply to try and make sure we scored on every hole.

"But I probably played some of the best golf I have ever played and with the help of Ben we finished as champions.

"It was a surprise to us too – but we will certainly be back to defend our title this year – and hoping to reach the final again.

"But we know that we will be the ones up there to be shot at this year, so we will have to wait and see.

"To be honest, Ben and I have not played much golf together since last year's final but we are looking forward to the 2013 Challenge.

"It's a great competition and I would like to thank all the organisers and sponsors."

Blow also hopes to have a new ace up his sleeve for this summer.

"I was shanking some of my shots last year but I got a new set of irons for Christmas, so hopefully that will help me cure that problem," he added.

A FIRST-TIME mayor has suggested changes should be made to the way the role is elected.

Louth Town Council has always endorsed a tradition that a mayor should then become the town's deputy mayor the following year.

Most other town councils, such as Horncastle and Skegness, do the opposite in that the person who is to be elected mayor has been the deputy mayor first, gaining experience in the civic role.

This suggestion made by Mayor of Louth Jill Makinson-Sanders was met with criticism from her fellow members who have previously been elected for the civic role.

She said: "I would like us to look at how we select the mayor but also at having a deputy mayor before becoming mayor.

"I think it would have been helpful to know what I was doing before I became mayor.

"I cannot find anybody else who does it this way."

Councillor Trevor Marris, who has held the role twice, said: "Whenever you speak to other councils they are quite jealous of the way we do it.

"A mayor who becomes deputy can give advice and help and can step in at a function, already knowing what to do. If it is a deputy mayor who has not done it before, we will have a problem."

Councillor Fran Treanor agreed, stating: "It's the mayor's role to set out their own stall."

Another former mayor, Councillor Margaret Ottaway said: "It is common sense. You represent the town, meeting people and knowing about your town.

"We are all right as we are."

Councillors Laura Stephenson and Sue Locking were in favour of changing the format.

Councillor Stephenson said: "For someone who has not been mayor before you are just thrown in the deep end. If it is changed you are ready for the role."

Councillor Locking said: "There are very few councils that do it this way.

"Those who have been mayor in the past and become mayor again, know what is going on and the protocol.

"It is more difficult for someone who has not been mayor before."

The council will further debate this proposal at a future meeting.

WITH Simon Ford seemingly out of the Grimsby Town picture, do the Mariners need more competition to keep Ian Miller and Shaun Pearson on their toes?

The joint bosses seem happy to let Ford leave Blundell Park after the 31-year-old nearly sealed a move to a team in Ireland earlier this month.

Derby County defender Tom Naylor was linked with a move to Cleethorpes but those rumours were quickly quashed by Paul Hurst – although the 21-year-old hasn't appeared at another club just yet.

But is another defender what Town need to keep a back four – that has, on the whole, been superb this season – firing on all cylinders?

Pearson has been one of the main reasons behind the Mariners' defensively solidity this season while Miller has stepped-in superbly following the departure of former loanee Nathan Pond.

The presence of another centre half - providing more competition for a starting berth in the back four - would serve to keep them both sharp and avoid any complacency creeping in at a crucial time in the season.

Or do the Mariners need to strengthen in other areas to further strengthen their title tilt?

Share your views by using the comment facility below.

Registered children's Charity When You Wish Upon A Star, that makes dreams come true for the region's children who suffer from terminal and life threatening illnesses, has announced its date for the annual fundraising Ball.

The Black and White Ball, which will celebrate the charity's 18th year of fundraising and wish granting in the region, will be held at Forest Pines Hotel on Saturday 11th May 2013.

Guests will enjoy a three course meal (plus coffee) and will have the opportunity to take part in a raffle and auction.  Cost per person is £45, with a few tables of 10 and 12 still available.  The Charity may be able to accomodate smaller parties on shared tables too.

Says Joanne Heywood of the Charity, "This is always the highlight of our fundraising calendar and this year is no exception.  We believe it is going to be a wonderful night, with lots in store to treat our guests to an amazing night.  It always sells out very quickly though, so we would urge people to get in touch as soon as possible if they are interested in coming along and helping us to make a few dreams come true!"

Hull vocalist Lee Davison will be entertaining guests into the early hours. 

For information and/or a booking form please contact joanne@whenyouwish.org.uk or call 01472 827100.

Other regional events may be viewed at www.facebook.com/joatwish

AN INQUEST has opened into the death of a keen cyclist who died following a crash near Market Rasen.

As reported, Christian Brown, 40, of Kirton-in-Lindsey, near Scunthorpe, died after sustaining head injuries in a fall from his bike, which may have been caused by a pothole.

Yesterday his family said they were too distressed to speak.

The incident happened on Tuesday, February 12, on the A631 at North Willingham.

Mr Brown was airlifted to Hull Royal Infirmary by the Air Ambulance where he later died on Monday.

Coroner's officer Neil Jones said: "The incident is being investigated by the Road Safety Department.

"What happens now is a statement will be taken by everyone involved in the incident.

"We are expecting it to take three or four months.

"Nothing will be ruled out in the investigation, including the condition of the bike, the roads and what the weather was like at the time."

Mr Brown was a member of the Lincsquad Cycling Club and dozens of messages of remembrance have been left on the club's website.

Member Kevin Antwhistle said: "You will always be there, just that little bit in front of me at every session keeping me on my toes.

"Your efforts inspired us all and you are what this club is all about and you are desperately missed already.

"Thank you for your friendship. It will last forever."

FLY-TIPPING is still blighting East Lindsey – even outside the gates of waste tips and recycling centres.

Since April, East Lindsey District Council has dealt with 1,503 cases – including 12 incidents where items were dumped at the gate of the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Louth.

Last April, the centre's opening hours were reduced from seven days a week to four.

Councillor George Horton has expressed his concerns to Louth Town Council.

He said: "I travel the district fairly regularly and one of the upsetting things I find is fly-tipping. I have seen it quite bad. Speaking as a member of the public, I thought the district council would be clamping down on it but, to me, nothing seems to be done.

"You travel down the A16, you see it in hedgerows and I have seen it outside the tip on the industrial estate. It does bring down the standard of our town, particularly to visitors."

Councillor Pauline Watson, who is also a district and county councillor, said 30 people were "dealt with" after being filmed on CCTV leaving waste outside the tip in Louth.

Councillor Andrew Leonard said culprits should be reported to the police, as it is a criminal offence.

Councillor Brian Burnett, who used to be the portfolio holder for recycling, said: "I know officers do look through all fly-tipping waste for any identification which could lead to a prosecution.

"It is something they take very seriously but they can only do something about it if people see it and report it."

Councillor Eileen Ballard added that perhaps people are not aware of the tip's opening hours and that it is still fly-tipping if they leave it outside the gates.

The portfolio holder for the environment at East Lindsey, Councillor Tony Bridges, said: "The council takes the issue of fly-tipping very seriously and, where hard evidence is available as to who is responsible, action is taken. Over the past year there has been a significant increase in the number of fly-tips in East Lindsey and the council continues to work proactively."

In North East Lincolnshire, the Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs says there were 1,543 fly-tipping dumps in 2010/11.

Report fly-tipping in East Lindsey to 0800 195 5228. In North East Lincolnshire, phone 01472 324500.

THE underdogs clinching glory in a Wembley final thanks to a goal in the final minute of extra-time.

It sounds like Roy of the Rovers stuff, but Mariners centre-back Ian Miller has lived that dream – and wants to do it again.

The 29-year-old was part of the Darlington team which claimed the FA Trophy in 2011 thanks to a 120th minute winner.

Now the defender is on the verge of a Wembley return as Town head into tomorrow's semi-final second leg with a three-goal lead.

And, while the former Ipswich man refuses to take anything for granted, he admits it's difficult not to look ahead to March 24 and the final.

"Going to Wembley is like a drug that you want more and more of," he told the Telegraph.

"Playing there, experiencing it and being part of a winning team really is something special, and we won't get a better opportunity.

"Hopefully, we won't need to go there in the league play-offs and we'll get automatic promotion.

"It's a great opportunity to go there and win a cup competition, so we're looking forward to making that happen."

Mark Cooper's Quakers came through a tricky semi-final of their own two years ago to reach Wembley – and Miller remembers it as if it was yesterday.

"We had a tough semi-final against Gateshead where we were losing at one point but pulled it back and drew at that place to get through to Wembley," he said.

"The whole 'getting suited up' and build-up to the final was fantastic. We travelled down two days before and trained at QPR – the set-up and the way we were treated was spot-on.

"Mansfield took more fans than we did and it was the hottest day I can remember in a long time, while the pitch was immaculate because they had the Champions League final on there a few days later.

"It was 0-0 at full-time and we managed to score in the 120th minute. It was everything you could dream of.

"We felt such a buzz – even though there were only 25,000-26,000 in there, we were playing at the home of English football and I'll never forget it."

He added: "Every kid wants to play at Wembley and it's the pinnacle of everyone's career – to date it's been the highlight for me.

"But I think there are better days to come and hopefully at least two of those days can come playing in a Grimsby Town shirt."

COUNCIL tax in North East Lincolnshire has been frozen for a fourth successive year.

Councillors last night approved the zero per cent increase as they voted 24 to 13 to adopt the authority's 2013-14 budget.

The budget, which will see the council make savings of £14-million next year, was unanimously backed by members of the ruling Labour group.

However, it was opposed by both the opposition Conservative and Liberal Democrat groups amid concerns at the ruling party's proposal to fund last-minute amendments by dipping into the council's reserves.

The sole UKIP councillor, Ron Shepherd, also voted against.

As previously reported in the Telegraph, the Labour administration unveiled a series of changes to the budget earlier this week, including:

Deferring a planned increase in charges for meals on wheels for two years – at a cost of £68,000.

Deferring an increase in taxi licensing fees – £12,000; and deferring the introduction of new-style taxi plates – £5,000.

Making further investment in promoting the area as a tourist destination, with £100,000 for events and £75,000 for marketing.

Scrapping the proposed transfer of half of one full-time Trading Standards officer into the licensing department, and funding a fixed-term post in licensing at a cost of £7,000.

Spending £30,000 on hosting the Britain In Bloom awards ceremony in Cleethorpes.

The changes will be funded by cutting ward funding in each of the 15 wards by £2,000, and by using £267,000 from reserves.

Council leader Chris Shaw said: "This budget shows the support that this

administration will give to the vulnerable and to business."

He added that taking £267,000 out of reserves was a "prudent use of funding".

However, leader of the Conservative group Keith Brookes said the council was on a "slippery slope" by spending so much of its reserves to prop up the budget and warned that it would "come back to bite when the money runs out".

And leader of the Liberal Democrat group, Andrew De Freitas, described proposals to work with a private company to clamp down on dog fouling and littering as "nonsense".

Both expressed concern that Labour had been able to make last-minute amendments without them going before the scrutiny panels.

Councillor Brookes said: "There is a lack of detail in the budget on many issues and also delegation given to Councillor Shaw and officers to make decisions at a later date.

"Questions that have been given to officers have not been answered and it leaves us without the information needed."

The freeze means the charge for a band D property will remain £1,246.87. However, this does not include the precepts for police, fire and parish councils.

The total bill for each parish in the borough will be published in tomorrow's Grimsby Telegraph.

A FURIOUS "neighbour from hell" threatened to kill a couple and their children and hurled a hammer through their window – over claims they were making too much noise.

Grimsby Crown Court heard James Miles, 23, had "completely lost the plot" when he embarked on the drink-fuelled rampage on Farebrother Street.

Michael Rawlinson, prosecuting, said at the time of the attack Miles was living next door to Heath Heelas, his wife Angela and their children.

He became enraged after what he told the court were repeated requests for them to keep the noise down went unheeded.

He started kicking the door and told Mr Heelas: "I'll kill you," before throwing punches at him and grabbing him by his clothes.

He warned Mr Heelas: "I'll kill you and I'll kill your kids. I have had enough."

Mr Heelas pushed him over a small wall but Miles later hurled a hammer through a window, showering Mr Heelas and his wife with glass.

Miles snarled: "I'll kill you. I'll kill you all."

He hit the glass five or six times and yelled: "I'm not scared. I'm going to have you."

He was extremely aggressive and was "out of control", said Mr Rawlinson.

Miles, who no longer lives in the area, admitted making threats to kill, possessing a claw hammer as an offensive weapon, using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and damaging a window on August 2.

He claimed he had previously been round four or five times to ask them to keep the noise down.

Stuart Lody, mitigating, said no actual violence was used and Miles had no previous convictions.

"It must have been terrifying for the poor inhabitants of that house," said Mr Lody.

"He is sorry. This was an isolated, albeit deeply frightening, incident."

Judge David Tremberg told Miles: "You lost all sense of proportion and proper control. You completely lost the plot.

"You made vile and repeated threats to kill him and his wife."

The incident was "ugly, unpleasant and terrifying", said Judge Tremberg.

Miles, who had been in custody, was given a 20-month suspended prison sentence, a two-year supervision order and an indefinite restraining order banning him from contacting the family or entering their property.

He would be moving to live with his mother in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, the court heard.

The Heelas family said they did not wish to comment and simply wished to put the issue behind them.

Crime news for Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire