Petitions against excavation works at Pier Gardens
Rosslyn Miller organised the petitions on Change.org to oppose the works.
Excavations at Pier Gardens, Cleethorpes, are necessary to install a range of playground equipment, a North East Lincolnshire Council spokesperson has said. A Lincolnshire resident has launched several petitions against the regeneration works, one calling for a pause, and another focused on opposing the excavations.
The £7.9m transformation is being carried out by contractor Maylim, and is part of three Levelling Up Fund-backed council projects to regenerate parts of Cleethorpes. Works are scheduled to be completed in April 2027.
Rosslyn Miller organised the petitions on Change.org to oppose the works. The excavation-focused one has over 250 signatures and the more general petition, opposing the re-design of Pier Gardens, has just over 450 supporters.
“I’ve done all my homework on this. It would appear that lots didn’t feel consulted,” she said. Her main contention, though, is the rejuvenation works did not require the gardens’ excavation.
“I do feel they could have done other options,” she said, noting anti-social behaviour cited behind preliminary changes, such as the removal of the maze two years ago. Suggestions she mentioned included park rangers, and opening the former golf course to make that section more attractive.
“They didn’t even explore those options before this aggressive action and excavation,” she said. “To see a flat ground and concrete, it just doesn’t feel right to be honest.”
Ms Miller was a regular visitor to Pier Gardens and Cleethorpes until a couple of years ago and has had a 45 year association with the resort, as her family ran a Market Place restaurant when she was a teenager.
“The gardens were absolutely beautiful,” she said of before the works. “There are places in Cleethorpes, and it does need doing up, that would have benefitted more from the changes than the much-loved Pier Gardens.”
“I’m not going to stop fighting for it.” She is hoping one of her petitions, viewable here, reaches 1,000 signatures and can be presented to a council meeting later this year.
Excavations necessary for play equipment
A council spokesperson emphasised Pier Gardens’ rejuvenation was conceived as part of the Cleethorpes Masterplan, adopted in 2022 and which had more than 2,600 responses to it. Further consultation occurred between 2022 and 2025 to take the masterplan level concepts to detailed designs.
“These collective public views have been the driving force behind the redevelopment of Pier Gardens and shaped the new design, which is currently being constructed,” the spokesperson said. They stated the plans seek to balance the traditional character of the gardens with opportunities to increase enjoyment and usage, by introducing new elements like the skate park and play areas, alongside a reflective area.
“The skate community were engaged in the project and there was a keenness for them to have a facility. It is well designed and will be providing something for skaters to do, adding vibrancy to the area.
“We acknowledge this requires careful management which is why we engaged with that community so expectations were set and it is the case there are a broad range of ages that skate so that will assist also. This level of public consultation is something that has been a part of the whole project from start to finish to ensure what is being built is what the public and its communities want.”
On the excavation works, the spokesperson said: “As stated, we are looking to introduce a range of play equipment into the finished site. For this, excavation is necessary.
“First, to ensure the ground is of adequate condition to be constructed upon, but also to allow for solid foundations – ensuring the longevity of the structures that are being introduced, hence the need for such groundwork.” They emphasised: “Not one decision has been taken lightly or without speaking to the various stakeholders.”
Ms Miller also raised flood risk concerns in relation to the excavations. “It’s a potential flood risk,” she said, for Alexandra Road properties or Sea Road area, citing potential for the ground to subsist and proximity to the sea.
“The site is not at risk of immediate flooding,” the council spokesperson said, adding surveys and tests were carried out. Contractors Maylim “are fully aware of the challenges that these projects can present,” the spokesperson said, and have carried out due diligence so any potential risks are managed successfully.