NELC leader 'excited' about Grimsby Top Town's 'far better than expected' Riverhead Square revamp

Upbeat - Cllr Jackson (right) and cabinet colleague Cllr Stewart Swinburn at Riverhead Square which is now almost fence-free

THE leader of North East Leader Council has sounded a jubilant note about Grimsby's Riverhead Square overhaul which is now nearing completion.

Beams Cllr Philip Jackson : "It is great to see this scheme nearing completion. 

"Since the work started early last year, it has been exciting to see it come to life and the finished product is far better than I could have imagined."

Most of the area is comprised of paving, but following pressure from the public, the original design was changed to incorporate more greenery.

It may not seem that many trees, shrubs and flowers have been planted, but, according to the council, the figure - which probably includes hidden bulbs - totals 11,000.

Says a spokesperson: "The tree species have been selected for their contrasting characteristics, including leaf shape, colour and canopy spread.

"Evergreens are being combined with deciduous specimens for year round seasonal interest, providing blossom in spring, colour in autumn and berries in winter."

There also used to be lime trees at Riverhead, but these have been removed and will be replaced in due course with semi-mature field maple trees which have a reputation for thriving in urban settings.

 The shape of the flower beds and seating and the curved flow of the area leading to Frederick Ward Way have been designed to represent Cleethorpes'  coastal sand dunes.

The council is keen that  the area should be utilised for  events and festivals, with details to be released once bookings have been finalised.

The last of the security fencing is likely to be removed by the end of summer.

Returning to NELC's leader, he expressed confidence that the revamped square will be a "valuable asset to the community".

He continues: "This is just the start of the council's plans to transform Grimsby's town centre in order to attract families, visitors and businesses to our borough. 

"We are determined to make this a place people enjoy coming to and feel safe doing so."   

The council has not revealed whether there will be an 'official' re-opening of the square, perhaps with a celebrity such as Tony Blackburn, invited to cut the ribbon.

According to the council, the beds accommodate 11,000 plants, though some of these are probably hidden bulbs which will not shoot until spring