Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers warns potential loss of funding for regeneration projects

Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers has expressed concerns that funding allocated for the area's regeneration could be lost if new council leadership decides to halt ongoing projects.

Improvements to the marketplace and Pier Gardens have already commenced, aiming to enhance tourism and attract families to the resort.

Vickers warned that if these initiatives do not continue, the money might be redirected elsewhere in the country.

He says that reversing the plans would not benefit Cleethorpes or its taxpayers, potentially resulting in the funds being allocated to areas like Skegness or Scarborough instead.

The MP highlighted the substantial efforts that went into securing the levelling up funds from the previous Conservative government, including public consultations and lobbying ministers.

"Whilst it's perfectly reasonable for a new leader of the council to look at all existing projects. The fact is that this work has already begun. It was part of the levelling up funds that were allocated by the previous conservative government, and an enormous amount of work went into this, both with consulting with the public, and at council level, and officer level. This took up an enormous amount of time and likewise the, uh, I was involved in lobbying ministers," Vickers said.

Vickers also mentioned the contracts already signed, pointing out that cancelling these developments could incur costs and urging the new administration to reconsider its stance.

"There are legitimate concerns of some of the businesses and the council should work with them to reassure them and mini minimise their concerns. But the fact is that the area around Cleethorpe's marketplace, for example, and along Alexander Road, the Pier Gardens, is in urgent need of an upgrade," Vickers added.

He reiterated his belief that the area's future hinges on attracting younger families to the resort, with environmental improvements and pedestrianisation projects vital for the tourism and leisure sector's prosperity.

Cllr Freeston told the LDRS the new Reform council leadership was “elected to deliver common-sense local government and listen to residents and businesses”, and that was why it was reviewing the scheme.

“Many local businesses raised serious concerns that the loss of parking would further damage an already struggling high street. To blindly proceed with a scheme pushed through following poor consultation would have been irresponsible.

“We understand the Levelling Up funding requirements and are exploring all available options,” he said, adding they would not take action “that would create unacceptable costs for local taxpayers”. “One option we are considering is proposals for flexible pedestrianisation using pop-up bollards to balance accessibility with public space.

“Frankly, there is little sense in having the Market Place pedestrianised on a cold Tuesday morning in November, for example, so we are looking to improve the scheme through this review.” Cllr Freeston said previous Conservative administration plans for full-time pedestrianisation were “clearly out of touch” with local businesses and the parking needs of shoppers. Impressions show current plans include mostly fixed bollard barriers.

“Comments from Martin Vickers criticising the review miss the point entirely,” continued Cllr Freeston. “Listening to businesses, reviewing concerns, and improving flawed plans is responsible leadership.”

“Our priority is simple: protecting Cleethorpes’ high street while delivering sensible and cost effective improvements for residents, businesses, and visitors.” He added the new Reform administration is “also conscious of the timetabling of projects which always appear to happen at the wrong time. We will be reviewing future arrangements to ensure where possible, disruption is kept to a minimum.”