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| Cleethorpes Library - the perimeter will be 'caged in' so as to exclude homeless individuals from sleeping under the canopy |
SECURITY fencing is to be installed around the perimeter of one of the most attractive buildings on Cleethorpes seafront - the town’s library on Alexandra Road.
The controversial initiative is aimed at excluding homeless people who sometimes bed down, either at the front or side of the building, because they have nowhere else to sleep.
It follows representations from female library staff on behalf of themselves and library users.
They say they feel "vulnerable" - particularly when arriving for work or leaving.
The application by North East Lincolnshire Council/Engie did not go before the planning committee but was determined under delegated powers by senior case office Lauren Birkwood, herself an employee of NELC/Engie.
However, her council colleague, Louise Jennings, the authority’s heritage officer, has been dismayed by the decision.
Her particular objection is that the 2.4-metre high barrier-fencing, with access gates, will ‘industrialise’ the library and adversely impact the pleasing nature of this part of the conservation area.
Says Ms Jennings: "Especially with all the improvements that are being made in Cleethorpes, to erect something that looks like a security barrier will be a mistake and will harm the conservation area.
"It needs to be appropriate to the surroundings, not just utilitarian."
In her decision statement, announced earlier today, Ms Birkwood says: "It has been demonstrated that Cleethorpes Library has suffered from 'sleepers' congregating under the existing canopy which in turn has left visitors and members of staff feeling significantly vulnerable when leaving and entering the premises.
"Evidence has been provided, including a report from Humberside Police, stating the need to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
"Thus, the benefits of the application are clear and justified.
"The proposal has not been put forward lightly but due to the pressing need to address security issues at the site which have been well evidenced.
"Whilst there will be a visual impact to the conservation area, it is considered to be justified and minimal in this instance and the overall character will be retained.
"The proposal seeks to address crime and disorder issues to support the important community use of the building as a library which in itself is important to the conservation area."
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The type of security fencing to be installed - it is described by the council's own heritage officer as 'utilitarian'
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The Grimsby News comments: This is a shameful, heartless decision that reflects extremely badly on NELC/Engie. How fortunate that neither organisation was in charge of that stable in Bethlehem.
No one wants to sleep on a cold, hard pavement outside a public building on a freezing January night, but some desperate individuals, perhaps experiencing mental as well as financial issues, feel they have no choice.
Why do they have no choice? Because NELC has failed to tackle the problems faced by rough sleepers.
No one should feel 'significantly vulnerable' or in fear of their safety when they arrive for work. If this is the case, the premises should be opened and closed by a security officer.
But let's be honest - no one is more vulnerable than a person who has to sleep out in the cold.
With this proposal, NELC/Engie are using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
Furthermore, the heritage officer is quite right - the proposed fencing will look grotesque and will dismay most residents.
The decision should be called in forthwith either by the ward councillors for this part of Cleethorpes or by the opposition group.
Churches should also speak out on such an insensitive and unchristian proposal.
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