Clearance of seafront maze has opened up views of estuary - but where have all the songbirds gone?

 

Removal of the maze has opened up a spacious view of the Humber Estuary - but at what cost to nature? 

The clearance of a long-established hedge maze on Cleethorpes seafront has prompted anger among some residents.

Although it had become dated as a leisure attraction, the privet maze was still popular with young children.

On social media, there have also been protests that, for songbirds such as robins, wrens and blackbirds, the hedge has long been a precious all-year roosting habitat because it is cool on hot nights and provides shelter on cold nights.

These birds have now been displaced as might also be the case with certain privet-loving  pollinating insects (and, if any still survive on the foreshore, possibly hedgehogs, too).

North East Lincolnshire Council has not said  if the hedges, which were taken out by their roots, will be accommodated elsewhere.

The controversial action  marks an   early phase of a project to revamp the whole length of Pier Gardens.

It is thought the space will be paved over to provide a viewing rostrum for organisers of air shows and other seafront events - and for their VIP guests.

It is not known if objections were raised by any of the three Croft Baker ward councillors or by any members of NELC's tourism scrutiny panel.

The maze as it always was - until the start of this week