MARCH START-DATE IN PROSPECT FOR NEW CLEETHORPES LIFEBOAT HOUSE

                                             

The proposed new lifeboat house will accommodate an additional, larger  inshore vessel

WORK is expected to start in March on construction of Cleethorpes' long-awaited new lifeboat house.

This will consist of "advanced enabling works", but the main project will be delayed until September by which time the peak of the holiday season will have passed.

Completion of the project and commissioning of the new lifeboat station is not scheduled until September 2023.

A report seen by the Grimsby News states: "The RNLI is proposing to construct a new lifeboat station on the promenade and beach at Cleethorpes. 

"This project is intended to support the arrival of a new larger inshore lifeboat (Atlantic 85 Class) to support the existing small D Class lifeboat that already operates from Cleethorpes. 

"The new lifeboat boathouse and slipway will provide new and improved life saving services and significantly increase the capability of the RNLI at Cleethorpes."

It continues: "The station will be sited at a location approximately 60m north of the existing launching ramp and will facilitate launching at all states of the tide."

Talks are ongoing with Natural England to safeguard the huge numbers of shorebirds that populate the beach in winter an hour before and after high tides.

A downside of the project is that the new building will bisect the central beach, making it scenically less attractive.

An additional concern that the beach below the ramp might provide a location for antisocial behaviour and accumulation of litter.

However, the project will enable speedier  lifeboat launches - a crucial consideration when it comes to carrying out life-saving rescues.