BriggLife news archive

Slow down ...

7 February 2005

... in the area around the schools.

That is the message being put out by recent 'traffic-calming' measures put in place by North Lincolnshire Council over the past few weeks in the Hawthorns and Avenues areas of Brigg. Street map

New 20mph speed limits are in place throughout the whole area between Wrawby Road, Grammar School Road and Barnard Avenue. In addition, a series of speed bumps, width restrictions and no-waiting yellow lines are being installed.

In the first few days, it seems that traffic is indeed travelling more slowly, so the scheme appears to be a success.

Things like speed bumps can be viewed as a nuisance, but when compared to the cost of the life of a child they must be a useful measure. The longer term goal of the North Lincolnshire Traffic group to increase the number of children walking and cycling to school, however, is as yet unproven to work in practice.

Nevertheless, anything that increases safety on the streets of Brigg is to be warmly applauded and is to be encouraged.

Colton Street Bunker

1 February 2005

The future of 'The Bunker' on Colton Street is currently under consideration by our leaders at Brigg and North Lincolnshire Councils.

Two sides of Colton Street
Houses (left) and 'The Bunker' (right)

The buildings which were built in the 1940s have until recently been used as a canteen for the nearby schools. Now that the Nelthorpe school canteen has been finished the buildings no longer have a useful function and are in a state of decay.

What do you think should be done with them?

There are two options:

1. Keep them under council control. North Lincs has announced that it would like to use them for storage. The buildings would, presumably, need to be secured from vandals and refurbished - at a cost to the council tax payer
2. Sell the site for housing. The site could be divided into at least 5 or 6 substantial building plots. This could raise in the region of £300,000 for the hard-pressed council.

Have your say. Send an email to ed@brigglife.co.uk with your views and the option that you think would do most for our town.

More Mystery Signs

Friday, 7 January 2005

Dear Ed,
Further to your mystery sign quiz of grammar school road in November, I would like to enter a quiz quest of my own.

On entering Brigg from Wrawby there is a nice electronic sign advising drivers if they are exceeding the 30mph limit. My wife and I have a little gamble each morning on whether:

1. the sign will be completely inoperative
2. the sign will be stuck on permanently
3. the sign will display either of the letters S.L.O. or W on a steady lamp
4. The red circle around the word slow is illuminated alone.

Amazing isn't it, we can cruise the universe in remotely controlled vessels but an automated speed warning sign? Well that's just a step too far ! :-) gotta have a laugh haven't we.

Ray and Zena, Wrawby

Mystery sign quiz

Tuesday, 23 November 2004

How good is your knowledge of the Highway Code? Can you identify correctly this sign seen on Grammar School Road on a rainy November day? Is it ... ?

1. Weight limit 0 tons?
2. Caution! Hole in the road?
3. Maximum speed limit 0mph?
4. Caution! Badly made roundabout ahead?
5. Warning! Cars with one headlight approaching?
6. Caution! Pedestrians with bloodshot eyes (on Friday nights)?
7. No airships or balloons allowed in an urban area?
8. Big brother is watching you?

Raising Angel

Tuesday, 3 August 2004

On a hot summers morning today in the Market Place in Brigg, the statue of the Angel was raised into place on the front of the Angel Hotel.

Earlier in the year, the trumpet on the Angel had been stolen. This was later replaced. Then, in anticipation of the Brigg Fair on August the 5th, the statue has been restored and regilded (see inset). A crowd of onlookers and dignitaries are pictured witnessing the raising of the Angel back into its rightful position at the centre of Brigg.

See also: Angel blasts back

Spring Fashion Show

Wednesday, 14 April 2004

The Spring and Summer Fashion show was a tremendous success. Organised by the Brigg Morning WI, it featured the fashions from Dancers Plus.

The clothes were displayed with confidence and verve by members of the WI - Molly, Olive, Barbara, Marian and Maggy - to a highly appreciative audience.

Diane Seeley - pictured in the pale trouser suit - of Dancers Plus hosted the event, and gave the members of the audience many hints and tips about getting the most out of an outfit by using accessories. We like to think of our outfits as "Timeless" - you can use and re-use an outfit again and again in different ways and on different occasions.

Brigg Town Meeting 2004

Monday, 29 March 2004

In a relaxed meeting tonight, the Brigg Town Meeting took place with a fair selection of councillors and members of the Brigg Public. Not as many as last year and not the heated atmosphere of last year either.

The most important and contentious issue was - as ever - the parking. Opinions were divided: some wanted the election pledge of totally free parking honoured, some thought the current two-hours-free an excellent compromise and others questioned why North Lincs Council employees received passes for free parking.

The issue of jobs and business in town was raised in respect of the closure of Trent Foods and the rumours about the closure of another major employer in Brigg. In response, Cllr Sherwood - representing North Lincolnshire Council - said that the council were doing everything they could to encourage business into Brigg but found that they couldn't compete on a level-playing-field with places like Doncaster which could offer rate-free periods.

The efforts of all the sports, arts and social groups was recognised by the awarding of Beacon Status to Brigg for its provision of sporting and arts facilities. A two year study will take place so that other towns can learn from these groups and apply their knowledge and expertise.

The County Bridge is set for a facelift. The Friends of the County Bridge are busy preparing a Heritage lottery funding application so that finances will be in place to enable the bridge to be brought up to standard. Pupils from the Vale of Ancholme School shall be making a video of the construction work and the history of the Bridge.

Top gear ....

Monday, 22 March 2004

... Top fair.

Brigg is changing and Brigg people are interested in taking part in that change. At a well attended meeting tonight, the Brigg Town Council discussed the Brigg North development (see left). In addition the events for the celebration of Brigg's 800th birthday were discussed.

In a surprise announcement, it was revealed that Top Gear presenter - Jeremy Clarkson - shall be coming to Brigg to open the Classic Car evening in August.

There was a lively debate about the increased traffic which may come as a result of the new 300 homes. In addition, the congestion on Grammar School Road was a cause for concern. Other issues discussed were the placement of the allotments and the new school.

The planning process is still underway in the consultation phase. North Lincolnshire planners hope to complete this by the summer this year. It is unlikely that development shall commence before the end of this year. It is not too late to state your views. The closing date for feedback is the 2nd of April 2004. Forms are available in public libraries and council offices.
Feature: Brigg Grows

Brigg grows

Tuesday, 24 February 2004

Your views are being sought by North Lincs Council about their Development Brief for the north of Brigg.

The plan above shows the proposed 300 new homes, new school and new location for the allotments. Road access will be via an extension through the industrial estate on Atherton Way, while Grammar School Road will be blocked to through traffic except for buses at a new junction near the M180 bridge.

There are many ways in which the development will affect Brigg. With 300 extra families there shall be extra revenue (council tax - appx. £300,000), around 300 extra children (equivalent to 1 more school), 450 extra jobs required, more shopping in Brigg, and around 900 extra car journeys per day, etc ... There are many issues, but this new development shall shape Brigg for decades to come.

Copies of the Development Brief and feedback form are available at public libraries and council offices throughout North Lincs. You should make your views known by 2 April 2004.

Fair's in town!

Thursday, 10 March 2004

All the fun of the fair in Brigg this week as Dowses Fun Fair arrives in town. It will be in the Old Courts Car Park until Sunday 14 March 2004. Despite the heavy cost of hiring this site, Dowses wanted to keep the tradition of coming to Brigg alive. Since Smith Parkinsons went into receivership, their old site at the Atherton Way Roundabout is no longer available.

Yellowbelly?

Saturday, 6 March 2004

Are you a proud Lincolnshire Yellowbelly or are you just plain confused about where Lincolnshire is anymore? Read more

Strollin'...

Thursday, 4 March 2004

Spring is in the air and it is time to get those walking boots dusted off, dubbinned and head off into the wild blue yonder Read more.

Potholing in Brigg

Monday, 1 March 2004

Great news for motorists and cyclists! The North Lincolnshire Council pothole team have been in action and have filled in the potholes around Brigg. This team are true Brigg heroes by making travel safe ;-)

Angel blasts back

Sunday, 15 February 2004

For a long time now, the statue of the Angel on the Angel Hotel in the marketplace has been without her trumpet, yet finally the trumpet has been returned to restore the figure to its former glory.

5p to park free

Monday, 2 February 2004

From today, parking in the council car parks is now free for 2 hours ... well at least that's the theory.

In practice, there has been some sort of mix-up with the ticket machines, which is forcing puzzled motorists to pay 5p to get two hours 'free' parking.

A problem with the controlling chip is blamed - which will be sorted out ASAP. In the meantime keep some 5 pence coins handy...

One interesting side-issue: do season ticket holders get a reduction equivalent to 2 free hours in an 8 hour day (i.e. 25 percent)?
Related article: Strange sighting

Update (29 Feb 2004) Shortly after this article appeared the controlling chips were reprogrammed. It is now possible to park in Brigg for free.

Green shoots

Tuesday, 27 January 2004

The long-awaited replanting of trees on the Newlands Estate is well under way and is expected to be completed in a couple of days.

Kevin and Frank are seen here planting a maple tree in the verge at the corner of Ash Grove and Redcombe Lane. Efforts have been made to choose tree species appropriate to the street names, but in some cases this has not been possible for horticultural or safety reasons so other species have had to be substituted.

Winter arrives

Thursday, 29 January 2004

Winter always seems to come as a surprise here. How many of you remember the shirt-sleeve weather last February last year?

On the left is an excellent snowman which appeared outside the Vale of Ancholme Technology College.

The winter arrived with a bang on Tuesday night with very heavy snow falls. On the right can be seen the first falls of snow at 11:30pm Tuesday 27 January.

New Years Heroes

Thursday, 1 January 2004

There are many people who have helped improve our town over the last year but three people deserve special praise. Heartfelt thanks for a job well done to Lawrence Hartmann in Neighbourhood Services for keeping the town centre clean and to two enthusiastic fishermen Mick Capp and Mark Dunderdale for clearing out the shopping trolleys from the Ancholme. Congratulations, Gentlemen.

Happy New Year!

Wednesday, 31 December 2003

We are all looking forward to the Charter 800 celebrations next year in 2004. It is hard to imagine the changes which have taken place in our town since the 13th century. 2004 is sure, however, to be one of the greatest of these years and one to remember.

Looking good

Saturday, 25 October 2003

Jacqui Edwards of VG & MJ O'Brien opticians, is pictured here next to one of her splendid window displays. This month there is a Halloween theme, yet every month throughout the year, she makes the shop window a talking point in Wrawby Street.

Always imaginative, creative, stylish and interesting, the displays brighten up our town. When asked about where she gets the inspiration for her designs, she taps her head modestly. From here, she says. Something of Jacqui's natural style, creativity and elegance is, clearly, put into her shop's window. O'Brien's Opticians can be contacted on 01652 653 595.

Fish week

Wednesday, 8 October 2003

This week (6-10 Oct) is Fish Week. Pictured here is Vera from the Central Cafe on Coney Court.

The Cafe is taking part by offering free samples of Red Haddock and Coley - while stocks last. Both fish are delicious: the haddock fresh, white and firm fleshed - the coley darker and succulent. Well worth a visit.

Viking Radio will be broadcasting a series of interviews with the public about their fish eating habits tomorrow (9 Oct) before 7am or after 9am.

Business in Bloom

Tuesday, 23 September 2003

During the Town Council meeting yesterday, the Black Bull inn on Wrawby Street won the 'Business in Bloom' for the third successive time. Congratulations to Tony and everyone else at the pub for brightening up our town.

Civic Award 2003

Monday, 22 September 2003

Martin Robertson (right) is seen here after receiving the Civic Award for his work - together with his colleagues - in restoring the Yarborough Hunt Public House.

The award recognises the many years of work put into the restoration and is thoroughly deserved. The pub is now a 'landmark building' for our town and is fast becoming a tourist attraction. Congratulations, Martin, Penny, Dave and everyone who helped ...

Good news...

Sunday, 14 September 2003

The pub cat, Pompoey, from the Lord Nelson Hotel on the market place has been found alive and well after several weeks in Hibaldstow. She is once again back with her owner, who is naturally extremely relieved.

Strange sighting

Monday, 8 September 2003

There was something odd in the carpark. I couldn't put my finger on it. What was it now??

The shopper went over to the parking meter and put some coins in, then waited for the ticket. Nothing odd there, you may think. But wait. On May 1, 2003 the car park charges were meant to be removed. And here it is 8 September. 130 days later. The charges are still there.

Some rough, rule-of-thumb calculations give an estimate of £19,000 in parking fees for that period - and that is not counting the lost trade. It is costing our town dear.

We all know that North Lincs unitary authority is busy, so BriggLife is happy to volunteer to put some black bags over the meters and some stickers to show they are no longer in use - as promised in the May elections. Easy peasy.

Boozy old town...

Monday, 8 September 2003

... would you expect to see a dog's kennel with two bottles of spirits next to it. This kennel was seen in the carpark of the Black Bull public house. Our boozy old town lives up to its reputation ... ;-)

Quiet Sunday ...

Sunday, 7 September 2003

On a Sunday in Brigg there isn't a great deal to do. Particularly this Sunday as one source of amusement has been taken away. The pedestrian crossing lights on the Old Courts junction traffic lights are stuck on red.

If you spot anything wrong with the traffic lights, you need to get into contact with the Highways department at North Lincolnshire Council on 296686.

Anglers are a hardy bunch, and this was shown today by the exertions of two of their kind. Two figures stripped to the waist had been busy digging fishing spots into the river bank just north of the bypass bridge. Over 30 positions have been dug in preparation for the arrival of the long-rod fishermen.

No more short cuts

Monday, 18 August 2003

It took a long time coming, but the pedestrianisation of the market place is nearly complete. Today, two bollards were installed at the junction of Bigby Street and Elwes Street to block the access to the marketplace. (See picture right). This blocks the illegal shortcut for traffic from Bridge Street to Elwes Street (and Cadney).

Last week, a lorry struck the Lloyds TSB bank on this junction with such force that the collision could be heard several streets away. As a result the bank was closed through fear for safety of the staff and customers of the bank. The bollards should ensure that such an incident doesn't happen again.

Nein, oh nein!!

Wednesday, 6 August 2003

... so is the reaction in Brigg - and surrounding villages - to the threatened removal of the 909 bus service. The cry is out to preserve this important link to Grimsby, Hull, Scunthorpe and Doncaster ... but is there a better solution than just keeping the status quo?? BriggLife thinks so ... read more

Railway work underway

Monday, 28 July 2003

Those of you going down the road alongside the river to Cadney, may have noticed the works taking place next to the railway line. A new lime-stone road has been laid from the Cadney Road through the adjacent wheat field to a site office consisting of a number of portacabins.

This access road has been put in place to allow renovation and strengthening of the railway viaduct near Brigg station. This is being done in preparation for works on Gunness rail bridge when freight trains will be re-routed through Brigg. Additional work will be done to cover the dyke. The contractors are due to be working on the bridge for ten weeks. After this, the roadway will be removed.

Yorkshire in Bloom

Tuesday, 15 July 2003

Brigg is a town which has a wealth of good citizens who volunteer their time - and money. The DONKEY group has been very busy recently improving the appearance of our town by planting and setting up decorative floral displays. Pictured here is the excellent display on the Wrawby Street entrance of St John's church.

At the top of the picture you can see a banner. It reads: 'Yorkshire in Bloom'. What has happened to our county of Lincolnshire? It seems like the officials at national level have forgotten that the county exists.

Brigg's symbols stolen ...

Friday, 11 July 2003

The human mind is a funny thing: it is easy to spot something new, but something that has vanished escapes our attention. Those of us who travel down Barnard Avenue might have noticed that the symbols of Brigg: the feral fowl - are not around in their usual numbers.

BriggLife has heard from reliable sources that certain two legged vermin have been taking them and selling them on Stennet's market. It's a real shame that a person should stoop so low as to steal these unique creatures to sell for slaughter.

Word about Brigg's feral fowl has spread far and wide, and visitors to our town find them a fascinating attraction. After all, what other town has its own breed of chicken which has adapted to living within the town? A group of Americans couldn't believe their ears when they heard about the wild-living chickens and had to make a special trip to see them with their own eyes.

If someone was taking our ducks on the Ancholme there would be an outcry, yet it seems as if it is acceptable to poach what are effectively wild creatures to make a paltry profit.

Parachute murder at Hibaldstow

Sunday, 6 July 2003

On Friday the death occurred of Stephen Paul Hilder - a 20 year old officer cadet from Hereford - in an horrific incident at the Hibaldstow airfield a few miles from Brigg. In a skydive drop from 13000 feet by Mr Hilder, both main and reserve parachutes failed to open leading to his death. The cords which opened the main and reserve parachutes had been deliberately cut according to a police spokesman.

BriggLife would like to pass on sincere condolences to the family and friends of Stephen Hilder.

Other news sources

News and information about Brigg is also available in print form in the Scunthorpe Telegraph on Monday and as an excellent two-page spread in the Market Rasen Mail on Wednesdays.

Useful news links

Click4Choice - Click 4 Choice

Mysearch7.com - Mysearch7 internet search engine and directory