A public meeting about travellers’ sites has heard threats of “World War Three” in Grimsby, as angry residents said they would make the potential tenants feel “very unwelcome”.
People living on the Nunsthorpe Estate, which has two sites on North East Lincolnshire’s shortlist, attended a meeting organised by South ward Councillor Jane Bramley to air their views.
Councillor Bramley said the sites on Wootton Road and Winchester Avenue were “absolutely ridiculous” because they were either side of a new housing estate.
She had concerns over the nearby residents’ safety, particularly those of the care facility currently under construction.
She raised fears of clashes between residents and the tenants and said that she had told those in charge of the decision that: “If you put them on here it’s going to be World War Three. There’s going to be out-and-out war and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.”
Councillor Jane Bramley addresses the meeting. Photo: Daniel Jaines
She feared petrol bombs were already being prepared.
Councillor Bramley told residents the 15-peg site would see travellers pay £14 a night and would be restricted to 14 day stays, however, residents responded with scepticism over whether they would leave the site after that time and how it would be policed.
She added previous conversations with traveller groups left her feeling the community itself would prefer another solution on the outskirts of town.
Residents feared an increase in crime, including littering and fly tipping, referring to previous experiences with travellers in the town.
They suggested that years of trying to rid the estate of a negative image could be set-back by the move.
One of the proposed sites on Torksey Drive. Photo: Daniel Jaines
They accused the council of not listening to residents and queried why out-of-town sites, including one on Waltham Aerodrome, had not been considered – despite being offered.
One angry resident who left before the meeting finished, called out: “Let them come. We’ll make sure they don’t stay.”
Bob Handley, however, had a calmer measure in mind and said: “The day they arrive, we’ll throw them a welcome party. Like the protestors in London – peaceful. They can’t move in if we’re laid in front of them. On the day they arrive we’ll throw them an unwelcome party.”
A call was also made for councillors and campaigners to meet with representatives of the traveller communities to find out what they want.
Councillor Bramley said the last time she had spoken to them, they had told her they did not want to be inside the town, but on the outskirts, in open fields.
Angry residents at the meeting. Photo: Daniel Jaines
The five sites selected by North East Lincolnshire Council are:
Former youth club on Wootton Road, Nunsthorpe
Torksey Drive and Toynton Road site, off Winchester Avenue
Land under the Cleethorpe Road flyover
Garibaldi Street car park
The car park off Wellington Street
No-one from the ruling party was at the meeting, and residents expressed anger that Councillor John Fenty, deputy leader of North East Lincolnshire Council had not attended.
Following the meeting Councillor Fenty said in a statement: “I need to remain neutral on any potential site issues in this matter until we can consider it at Cabinet and as I’ve said on several occasions, I’ll be happy to receive representations and views from local people and ward councillors if and when the issue goes out to public consultation.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.