Oyez, oyez! You must obey the rules if you want to come into Grimsby town centre

                                               

Cllr Shepherd - "We must educate the wider audience"

NORTH East Lincolnshire Council is to trial an electronic 'town crier' system aimed at "reducing antisocial behaviour and informing the public of the rules in place across Grimsby town centre.

Tmorrow Wednesday,  July 24, the Tannoy system will be trialled for the first time.

A voice from beyond and on high will warn people that biking along Victoria Street South is prohibited under a  Public Space Protection Order.

Announcements will be played as frequently as every 15 minutes - yes, every 15 minutes! - informing the public of the rules.

Anyone deemed to be doing wrong will be at risk of  a £100 fine.

Announcing the brainchild, NELC cabinet member Cllr Ron Shepherd said: "The council has a zero tolerance policy on crime and antisocial behaviour.

"Grimsby town centre is a key area for our borough, and those causing nuisance  in the area need to be made aware of what they are doing and reprimanded accordingly.

"Additionally, this new Tannoy system will be a way of educating a wider audience as visitors and residents go about their daily business.

"Should the trial be a success, we look forward to expanding it in the future."

It has not been revealed if The Voice on the Tannoy will be that of a man or woman.

The Grimsby News says: On the face of it,  this does not seem like the brightest of ideas. It smacks of Orwell's Big Brother. What has become of society? What has become of community? What has become of friendly interaction and trust? Far from deterring nuisance behaviour or making shoppers feel safer, this oppressive imposition is more likely to create a sense of alarm  and to put everyone on edge.  How will that encourage footfall and increased business for traders? Time will tell.