COUNCIL PLANS SECURITY FENCING TO DETER CLEETHORPES LIBRARY'S ROUGH-SLEEPERS

Cleethorpes Library - rough-sleepers often spend the night under the canopies

PLANS are afoot to install security fencing outside the front and side of Cleethorpes Library.

It will most likely have a negative visual  impact both on the building and on the seafront, but North East Lincolnshire Council? Engie  are keen to deter rough-sleepers who regularly take refuge from the elements by spending nights under the canopies at the front and side.

The proposed fencing will be 2.4-metres high with an access gate to which library staff will have the key.

The initiative is subject to planning consent.

The style of fencing proposed by the council

* The Grimsby News says: This is a shameful idea by the council. It will dismay both residents and visitors. The proposed fencing will detract both from the building and from the seafront conservation area. Even worse, this crude and uncaring initiative is uncharitable to the point of callousness. No one wants to spend the night trying to keep warm in a sleeping bag on a cold pavement outside a library. Now anyone unfortunate enough to be in that position will be forced to look for an alternative refuge  which may well be far harsher. Instead of being so wantonly cruel, the council should be pulling out all the stops to ensure appropriate shelter for those who find themselves homeless.