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| Access barred to pedestrians, but perhaps not for much longer - the Suggitts Lane crossing |
THE Prime Minister may be invited to attend start of work on the proposed footbridge over the railway crossing at Suggitts Lane in Cleethorpes.
Even during the pandemic Boris Johnson has maintained a keen interest in the project which is due to be approved in principle at a meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council's cabinet next Wednesday March 10.
If he agrees to make time in his diary, the PM will be handed a ceremonial shovel to get digging, his sleeves rolled up.
Funding for the scheme - estimated to cost £3.6-million - is expected to be forthcoming from Network Rail and the Department for Transport.
It is understood a short public engagement period will begin on Thursday March 11, with visual plans and further details about the proposed bridge being shared with the public.
Following the engagement with local people, the plans will have to be submitted to the formal planning process before construction begins.
Assuming the bridge is constructed - the construction would take about 32 weeks - it is almost certain that the PM will be invited back to Cleethorpes to cut the ribbon for the opening ceremony.
Below is a section of the report to be considered next week by the cabinet (NELC's - not the one that meets at Downing Street).
Installation of the proposed Suggitt’s Lane footbridge will allow the delivery of projects and activities which contribute towards the council’s Stronger Communities outcome by promoting physical activity, reducing transport related carbon emissions and supporting accessibility.
In addition, it contributes to the Stronger Economy outcome by enabling and encouraging safe and sustainable access to employment.
The level crossing was used by the public for pedestrian access from the end of Suggitt’s Lane, across the railway, on to the concrete promenade which is an integral part of the sea defences.
This pedestrian-only promenade links the resort of Cleethorpes to areas of Grimsby to the north.
Due to documented instances of both accidental and deliberate misuse, as well as the fact that no public right of way exists at the crossing, it was permanently closed, by Network Rail, to the public in April 2019.
Since the closure, objections have been received from local residents including those recorded on a 4,000-signature petition.
This was presented by Martin Vickers MP, to the House of Commons on the April 8, 2019 and has since been discussed a number of times with the Prime Minister.
Several alternative options for public access between the Suggitt’s Lane area and the promenade have been considered with Network Rail and a footbridge of the type envisaged is favoured.
The anticipated duration of fabrication and construction is 32 weeks, including 22 weeks for works on site.
It is hoped that the construction contract will be awarded to a local firm.
The Grimsby News says: The progress on this project owes a lot to the behind-the-scenes lobbying of Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers. He may not be the most flamboyant of parliamentarians, but he is personable, principled and pragmatic. What is more he has a happy knack of getting things done with the minimum of fuss. The next time there is a Cabinet reshuffle, a place should definitely be found for Cleethorpes' own 'Mr Safe-pair-of-hands'.
* Previous Grimsby News report: From canaries to rottweilers: Council aims to 'lead the way' on pet cremations
brilliant news this if it goes ahead but whats going to happen to fuller street bridge as this is just as important to residents and buisness.
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