Changes planned to £4.5m Cleethorpes Market Place project
Its being scaled down
Revisions to the transformation of Market Place, Cleethorpes, could risk not satisfying anyone, the former council leader has said. The project is set to be revised, including a scaling down of the level of pedestrianisation planned, and 12 parking spaces saved that would otherwise have gone.
It follows the new Reform-led administration of North East Lincolnshire Council carrying out a review of the £4.5m scheme, which is funded by Government Levelling Up Fund cash. Works on site began in mid-May, before they took over.
Cllr Philip Jackson (Waltham Ward) is the Conservative group leader and was the council leader until last month’s AGM. He previously warned of the cost consequences of scrapping the scheme.
This followed Reform UK suggestions a few weeks ago that they would try to stop the project. New council leader Cllr Oliver Freeston (Reform – Croft Baker) told the LDRS on local elections night: “We’ll scrap it if we can because it’s a waste of money.”
The recent review concluded scrapping it was not worth the cost of terminating the works contract. Instead, revisions are planned, including to make Market Place semi-pedestrianised, and a two-year trial of one hour’s free parking at nearby car parks. It is due to be discussed at the next council economy, culture and tourism scrutiny panel.
“During the election campaign, Cllr Freeston promised to scrap the Cleethorpes Market Place scheme so this is clearly a major U-turn,” said Cllr Jackson. “Cllr Freeston and his colleagues are now realising that running the council is much more difficult and complex than deceiving the electorate with undeliverable election campaign promises.”
Cllr Jackson said the Conservative group will consider the amended proposals when there is more detail “as part of the proper governance processes: scrutiny, cabinet and maybe Full Council”. He added: “The danger of Cllr Freeston’s compromise proposals is that they don’t satisfy anyone and negate the benefits of the scheme.”
Cllr Jackson also said they will want to see the outcome of any consultation that has happened on the new proposals, and will seek “assurance that this has been undertaken thoroughly”. He said they supported the free parking trial, adding this had been under active consideration before.
There has also been a recent update by Cllr Freeston on progress on Corporation Bridge’s repairs, where he detailed a project risk. Cllr Jackson said his successor as council leader was not saying anything he and then-transport portfolio holder Stewart Swinburn had not said when the Conservatives ran the council.
“We openly sympathised with those who had been inconvenienced by the bridge’s continued closure and shared the general public’s frustration.” He said they “were as open and transparent as possible” at council meetings about problems and delays with it, “though there were legally privileged and commercially sensitive matters that could not be discussed”. He added the then-cabinet was also open about costs increasing and the need for better oversight, which was obtained by taking the project’s management into council hands.
“Cllr Freeston is telling us nothing new but it’s good to know that we are still expecting a December opening, though that’s not down to him and his colleagues,” he said. “As in so many other areas, Reform are now realising the challenges of actually running the council rather than just mouthing worthless soundbites during an election campaign,” concluded Cllr Jackson.
Reform response and Labour ward councillor engagement with residents and businesses
“We’re doing politics differently,” said Cllr Freeston. “If the Conservatives want to criticise that, that’s their choice, but I’m focused on delivering for residents rather than playing political games.
“The electorate gave a clear verdict at the ballot box, and my advice to Cllr Jackson would be to reflect on why that happened. Our focus is on getting things done, and the feedback from residents so far has been very encouraging.”
Labour & Co-op Croft Baker Ward Cllr Malcolm Morland said he shares the concerns of residents, businesses and the wider public about the Market Place project. “The issue is not only important to those directly located in and around the Market Place, but also the wider community, local businesses, and the tourism economy that Cleethorpes depends upon.”
He said an initial notification period of five days to businesses was “wholly inadequate”, and he had worked closely with affected businesses and contractors to address immediate concerns, including around deliveries.
“Following these discussions, a more robust communication system has now been put in place,” he said. Cllr Morland added there was a continued commitment from all parties to work collaboratively to enable Market Place’s pedestrianisation “to progress in a way that is both practical and beneficial for the area”.
“I will continue to engage with residents, businesses and stakeholders to ensure that their voices are heard and that this project is delivered in a way that supports the long term success of Cleethorpes.”