Local News

A high-tech mobile screening unit helping to save lives through earlier diagnosis of lung cancer hit on potential problems during a recent cold snap. The NHS Targeted Lung Health Check Service had located its mobile unit at Brumby Hall, part of Appleby Frodingham Sports & Social Club – known locally as App Frod Social Club – when the temperatures plummeted. When Miranda Brown, business manager at App Frod, heard about the iced-up steps to the unit being a hazard to people attending, as well as potholes in the car park presenting potential problems, she was quick to act. Miranda said: “We were approached some time ago to see if the service could bring their mobile scanner to our site. We’ve been involved with the NHS previously and offered this facility – it’s a great area locally for the community to use. “It’s a rubble car park and you don’t think about ice settling. When the mobile unit had set up, they said about ice on the steps proving a hazard, particularly to the elderly, and mentioned the potholes – on a car park like this they can soon come from nothing to being quite significant holes. “I spoke to the grounds staff – we only have two and they are marvellous – and they got started straight away, salting, and filling in potholes.” The Targeted Lung Health Check team, part of Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, wanted to record their gratitude to Brumby Hall, where eligible people had been turning up – after first having had telephone assessments with a specially trained respiratory nurse – for a low-dose CT scan on-board the mobile unit. Brumby Hall, part of Appleby Frodingham Sports & Social Club – known locally as App Frod Social Club (Image: appfrod.co.uk) They said: “Miranda and App Frod Sports & Social Club have been very supportive during the recent cold weather snap by gritting around the vans and filling in some of the more obvious potholes in the car park as soon as they could.” Miranda said: “It’s very kind of them to want to note this, but it’s just what we do.” She added: “There are so many people even living in Scunthorpe who don’t know we are here and what we do. We’ve been here for about 100 years, initially for the British Steel employees and their families, but for more than 30 years we’ve been open to the community.” App Frod includes two social clubs, Brumby Hall and Redbourn, and offer lots of different sports and other activities. Miranda invited people to check out the website to find out more. More than 10,000 people in Scunthorpe have been invited to a free lung check, with the NHS Targeted Lung Health Check Service – soon to be renamed the Lung Cancer Screening programme – aiming to help save lives through earlier diagnosis of lung cancer and other conditions. This first phase will see the programme rolled out to more than 22,000 people in North Lincolnshire. A lung health check can help to identify lung cancer and other respiratory diseases early, when treatment could be more successful. Past and current smokers, aged between 55 and 74, were invited in phases and eligible participants, who live in Scunthorpe and are registered with the below, received a letter inviting them to book a phone assessment: The Oak Tree Medical Practice West Common Lane Teaching Practice The Birches Medical Practice The Oswald Road Medical Centre Ancora Medical Practice Cedar Medical Practice Ashby Turn Primary Care Partners Church Lane Medical Centre Cambridge Avenue Medical Centre Eligible participants were then invited for screening in the unit at Brumby Hall. The mobile service is due to relocate to another North Lincolnshire destination in the coming weeks. Dr Stuart Baugh, programme director for the NHS Targeted Lung Health Check programme in Humber and North Yorkshire, said: “The Lung Health Check service is a vital step towards better outcomes for people at higher risk of respiratory diseases. Not only does it help to provide most people with reassurance that their lungs are currently healthy, it also helps to detect any lung conditions early and supports people to stop smoking if they wish to do so.” You can find out more at lunghealthcheck.org.uk Join the FREE Grimsby Live WhatsApp Community Get all the latest stories, sent straight to your WhatsApp – all you need to do is click the link. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe

A talented group of Performing Arts students from North Lindsey College is gearing up for their first public production, bringing their own rendition of ‘A Monster Calls’ to life on stage. The cast features 21 dedicated students from the College’s full-time Performing Arts Acting pathway, including nine final-year students who have collectively secured over 30 progression offers from drama schools and universities nationwide, marking the next exciting step in their journey toward a professional career in acting. The story, originally penned by Siobhan Dowd and Patrick Ness, tells the poignant story of Conor, a young boy navigating grief and the challenges of everyday life as he cares for his ailing mother. Help arrives in the form of a Monster, guiding him through his struggles. This powerful story was adapted for the stage by the Bristol Old Vic in 2018 and brought to the big screen with Liam Neeson in the title role, captivating audiences with its emotional depth and universal themes. Charlie Thompson, who takes on the role of Conor, said: “The course has provided me with everything I need to study at drama school. Tackling plays like ‘A Monster Calls’ has helped me develop my script work, character development, and it has really brought us together as a team.” The production will take place on Thursday, February 6 at Frederick Gough School (Image: North Lindsey College) The production is a collaborative effort involving other areas of the College. Digital students competed to design the promotional poster for the show, with over 20 entries submitted. Among them, Level 3 Creative Media student Tyler’s design was selected. Drawing from his personal experience of loss, Tyler dedicated the poster to his mother, perfectly capturing the tone of the performance. “I’m so ecstatic that my poster was chosen to advertise the production,” he said. Tickets can be purchased by scanning this QR code (Image: North Lindsey College) Laura Dent, Performing Arts Tutor at North Lindsey College, said: “It is such an amazing play centred around some hard-hitting themes and rich, complex characters. Rehearsing a performance of a story that holds so much emotion has allowed our students to really push their performance skills to new heights and come up with new storytelling techniques.” The performance will take place at 6pm on Thursday, February 6, 2025, hosted at Frederick Gough School. Tickets are priced at £5 and can be purchased via the QR code. Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe

A man threw a brick at a car in a fit of rage after he became upset by nothing more than a pregnant woman talking to a friend outside his home. Mohammed Iqbal, 33, of West Street, Scunthorpe became aggressive towards the woman, simply for talking near his home. He admitted affray on September 6 last year, when he appeared at Grimsby Crown Court. Prosecuting, Billy Torbett said the offender remonstrated with the woman. She told him she was pregnant and had only been talking to her friend. But that did not stop his tirade. It escalated into violence when the woman’s partner got out of his car, which was parked nearby. When the aggression escalated the driver got back into his car and attempted to drive off. The prosecutor said Iqbal then took a plank of wood to strike the car and then threw a brick at it, which caused extensive damage. For Iqbal, Ian Durant said: “He now knows what causes his aggression. It is alcohol and cannabis. His future is now in his hands and he does his best to steer away from cannabis.” Iqbal had already served the equivalent of a nine-month sentence while in custody, the defence barrister said. He apologised to the victims and the court on his client’s behalf. Judge Alex Menary said it had been an unprovoked attack . He imposed a 12-month sentence in prison, suspended for 12 months. He also ordered him to do 15 Rehabilitation Activity days and 100 hours of unpaid work. Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe

Police investigating an indecent exposure incident in Scunthorpe wish to speak to the person in these CCTV images. It is reported that at around 2pm on Monday, December 30, a man entered a shop on Jubilee Way and indecently exposed himself. Humberside Police has now launched an appeal and is urging anyone who has information or knows who the individual in the images is, to get in touch. A force spokesperson said: “Officers investigating reports of indecent exposure on Jubilee Way in Scunthorpe are appealing for information that could help identify the person shown in these CCTV images. “On Monday 30 December at around 2pm it is reported that a man entered a shop and indecently exposed himself. Keep up to date with all the latest crime and court news from Grimsby and Scunthorpe with our free newsletter “A number of lines of enquiry have been investigated and we are now in a position to release CCTV images of a man we believe could assist with our enquiries. “If this person is you or know who this individual is, or have any information that may assist our enquiries, you can contact us on 101, quoting investigation reference 24*184114.” Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe

More than 100 new homes could be built in Crowle. Two separate applications have been made in recent days to North Lincolnshire Council for significant developments in the area. 41 homes are proposed on land north of Godnow Road, near Crowland Road. Full planning permission is also sought for 73 homes at Fieldside Nurseries, close to St Norbert’s Catholic Primary School. Initial outline permission has already been granted for this development, in 2022. Applicants Hoober Urban Partnerships and Wakefield District Housing have revised their plans somewhat since then. Instead of 20 per cent of the homes being affordable housing, all will be. Overall, there would be 31 two-bed homes, including five bungalows, 41 three-bed, and one four-bed home. The site would also have a small central park, including a play area, new hedgerow planting, and a pond in the south-eastern corner as part of sustainable urban drainage. Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from Scunthorpe with our free newsletter The 41 homes proposed off Godnow Road is a fresh application, made by Hoober Homes Ltd. They would build on currently vacant former industrial land. It would be made up of 11 two-bed, 24 three-bed, and six four-bed properties. Eight homes would be affordable housing. It would have an area of public space at the heart of the development, and would be accessed via a two-way road, where the plant nurseries building is already. It is argued in a planning document the development will “provide a high quality and attractive development and represent a significant opportunity to secure the positive development of this site”. Together, the developments amount to potentially 114 more homes in Crowle, 81 of which would be affordable housing. Join the FREE Grimsby Live WhatsApp Community Get all the latest stories, sent straight to your WhatsApp – all you need to do is click the link. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe

A dog owner from Scunthorpe is urging people to be vigilant after her dog was “savagely attacked” by three others and is “lucky to be alive”. Aimee Lawrence was left “absolutely distraught” after her Cocker Spaniel Maggie, 7, who she named after her late mother, was set upon by three Bull Terriers whilst out for a walk on Bottesford Beck. Vets said the little dog had “fought for her life” after the incident earlier this month, during which she sustained deep wounds to her left leg. Aimee that Maggie had been taken out by somebody else and as her house backs onto the Beck, she was nearby when it happened. She said: “I suddenly heard her screaming. A few minutes later she was brought back and there was blood everywhere, she jumped onto the sofa where I was and she was crying and shaking. I was absolutely distraught. “Two Bulldog Terriers had gone for Maggie first and the third one was in the river, but then that one came out and joined in on the attack. One of the dogs went for her throat, but luckily she sustained open wounds to just her leg.” Maggie’s injuries following the incident (Image: Submitted) Aimee wrapped Maggie up in a blanket and rushed her to Rase Veterinary Centre in Scunthorpe, where she said the support from the vets was “absolutely amazing”. “Three vets came out as soon as I got there and reassured me that she was going to be alright. She’s like my little shadow and we’ve got such a special bond because she was my 21st birthday present to myself. When the vets took her away it just broke my heart – but the support from the vets was absolutely amazing,” she said. Maggie – who was “in shock” as a result of the attack – was sedated before tests were carried out and kept at the vets for several hours. Luckily, she made a full recovery, and vets told Aimee that the little dog had “fought for her life”. Aimee and Maggie – who she has had for seven years and named her after her late mother (Image: Submitted) She continued: “The vets told me she was lucky to be alive and that she had fought for her life. I thought I’d come back with Maggie in a box and have to bury her in my garden, so she was really lucky. I’m not sure how she’s alive because she’s so small and innocent, and she somehow survived a three-on-one dog attack.” Maggie was unable to walk for three days, but soon got back to her normal self. Aimee said she now wants to raise awareness of what happened and is urging other dog owners to take care. “I always have Maggie off the lead, she just runs by my side, but going forward I’m going to be a lot more cautious because not all dogs are friendly,” she said. Maggie on Bottesford Beck (Image: Submitted) “She’s never been attacked in seven years, not even close, so to go from that to three dogs at once is crazy. I want to spread awareness that dog attacks need to stop happening and urge people to put their dogs on a lead and muzzle them if they are aggressive. “Dogs aren’t just pets, they are family and she has got me through some dark times in my life.” Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe

Part of the M180 will be closed every night for almost three weeks while concrete and bridge joint repairs are carried out. The westbound carriageway will be shut between junctions 3 (Midmoor) and 1 (Tudworth) between 8pm and 6am seven days a week from Tuesday, January 21 until 6am on Saturday, February 8 while the work takes place near junction 2. There will also be single lane closures during the daytime to allow the concrete to cure. A National Highways spokesperson said: “The programme of work will include concrete bay replacement, crack repairs and thin bond repairs on the existing concrete carriageway on the westbound carriageway. “In addition, we’ll carry out a bridge joint repair on the westbound carriageway on the bridge over the River Trent as well as resurface the route in this area. “The scheme will extend the life of the concrete surface and keep the carriageway safe and serviceable for the travelling public. It will also ensure the continued safety of road users on the bridge over the River Trent.” Diversions will be in place directing traffic onto the M181 northbound and A18 westbound. When the M180 junction 2 westbound entry slip is closed, traffic will be diverted to use the A161 and A18 westbound. Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from Grimsby with our free newsletter Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe

The Conservative leaders of Lincolnshire County Council, North Lincolnshire Council and North East Lincolnshire Council have suggested the county goes from ten councils to just two in the future. Cllrs Philip Jackson (North East Lincolnshire), Rob Waltham (North Lincolnshire), and Martin Hill (Lincolnshire) have written to Deputy Prime Minister and Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner, after a government call for local government reorganisation proposals. While not a detailed proposal, the trio have made an expression of interest for Lincolnshire to have just two unitary or upper tier authorities. If it happened, it would result in all of Lincolnshire’s district councils being scrapped, and potentially the merger of the two northern Lincolnshire councils into one. The council leaders state in the letter they are open to deferring 2025 scheduled local elections in Lincolnshire. For North East Lincolnshire, it is requested consideration is given to also calling off all-out elections in 2026 after boundary review changes, if a move to two councils across the whole county is progressed. Before Christmas, the Government set out its intention for widespread reorganisation to get rid of ‘two-tier’ council systems, where there are district councils, and made recommendations as to the size and structure of unitary authorities. Councils were invited to come forward by January 10 to be considered for the first phase. The trio’s letter, dated January 9, states they are keen to work with government officials to progress opportunities. However, it is recognised that currently Greater Lincolnshire does not meet criteria to be a priority for local government reorganisation. Read More: Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from Grimsby with our free newsletter Cllr Jackson said: “Our determined and constructive work with Government in recent years has achieved an extremely good outcome with the creation of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority and this can now continue as we look to work with the recommendations and very clear message to the entire local government sector set out in the white paper. North East Lincolnshire is achieving much as a unitary authority and a priority is that the people who live and work here benefit from continued delivery. “I wish to reassure everyone that, if there is any change, we are determined to ensure that our area must continue to grow.” Cllr Waltham, who is standing to be Greater Lincolnshire’s new Mayor in May, noted devolution plans are well under way. “We have responded to the Government’s agenda to reduce the number of councils. Our only ambition is to create efficient services that are responsive to local residents and provide value for taxpayers’ money. Devolution is a real opportunity to bring well paid jobs to the area and improve transport for residents across Lincolnshire.” Cllr Hill added: “Although we do not meet the criteria for the priority programme, we don’t feel our devolution deal should be a barrier to seeking reorganisation, in fact we are well placed to fast track reorganisation for Greater Lincolnshire. “The trio’s letter says all “have always been clear that we are supportive of reorganisation once we have achieved our ambitions for devolution”. They also express confidence that their proposal for two unitaries across the county would get support. “We are clear that moving to a unitary model for Greater Lincolnshire would deliver considerable financial savings to the public purse and enable essential services to be protected,” the letter states. Join the FREE Grimsby Live WhatsApp Community Get all the latest stories, sent straight to your WhatsApp – all you need to do is click the link. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe

More hospital beds across the North East and Yorkshire were occupied in the week ending January 12 than at any other point this winter, with 94 percent occupancy of adult general and acute hospital beds. According to new data, there were 16,974 beds in use, with one in seven (2,270) of these taken up by patients who were fit to be discharged. As a result, the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust (NLaG) have implemented the ‘Flow’ project, which focuses on reducing unnecessary hospital stays and admissions and was first launched in July last year. The project will streamline every stage of a patient’s progress from Emergency Departments until they are well enough to be discharged from Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby or Scunthorpe General Hospital. Discussing how the ‘Flow’ project works, a spokesperson for NLaG said last year: “Specialist AI software will be introduced where available to prepare X-ray reports or read blood test results to create tailored treatment, freeing doctors to provide more “hands-on” patient care, and teams will share ideas and best practice to improve patient flow throughout the hospitals. A generic view of Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby. “Rapid assessments will be undertaken by consultants as soon as seriously ill or injured patients arrive at Emergency Departments, with patients moving to specialist assessment units for same day treatment and short stay admissions or transferring to wards for hospital care lasting longer than three days. ““Patient Packs” will be issued within 24 hours of arrival at hospital, outlining expected treatment such as scans, tests or surgery and estimated dates of discharge. “Enhanced board rounds will review every patient daily before 10am to check treatment is on track, discharge dates are appropriate and patients going home can be moved to Patient Discharge Lounges. “Nursing and medical staff, therapists and pharmacists will coordinate care with teams in transport, portering and administration so people can go home as soon as they are well enough, avoiding health complications linked to lengthy hospital stays. “Community health providers, mental health teams, local authorities and home care services will work with the hospital group to provide home care packages and minimise delays in getting people out of hospital as part of the region-wide project, supported by Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care System.” Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from Grimsby with our free newsletter Caroline Wood, Director of Operations and Delivery, said: “Our teams across the region have worked tirelessly to innovate and streamline patient discharge processes. These initiatives are not only reducing delays but also improving patient experience by ensuring people get home or to the next stage of their care more efficiently. This work reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional care while optimising resources to meet increasing demand.” Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe

A popular Scunthorpe community pub is temporarily closing to undergo a major £330,000 refurbishment. The Iron Forge pub on Burringham Road is set to be closed from Monday, January 20 until Thursday, February 13 while the revamp is carried out, in which more than £334,000 has been invested. The makeover will include a newly-created bar area with 4K big-screen TVs, Sky Sports and TNT, as well as a new dartboard and state-of-the-art AV system. There will also be a new dedicated and inclusive family lounge, designed around the needs of families. The much-loved pub – which is operated by Marston’s – will continue to serve its carvery buffet with slow-cooked meats and vegetarian options, homemade Yorkshire puddings, crispy roast potatoes, stuffing and unlimited vegetables. Its kids’ menu will also continue to serve up little servings of pub favourites for over 5s and a ‘build-your-own’ option for under 5s. An artist’s impression of the inside of the Iron Forge pub following the makeover (Image: Marston’s) General manager Alex Crowe said: “We’re thrilled to share the news about the transformation of Iron Forge, creating a welcoming space for our community to enjoy for any occasion. “From grabbing a quick drink at the bar to catching up with friends, or savouring a family meal together, there’s truly something for everyone.” Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe