Just ask the questions! NELC cabinet members eager to be quizzed by electors at online Q&A

                                                                

What future Grimsby Central Library? Does it even have a future?

DO any members of North East Lincolnshire Council's cabinet plan to stand down in advance of next May's local elections?

The eight individual members will have the opportunity to clarify  their intentions at an online Q&A sessions later this week.

All of them Conservatives, they will also be able to advise electors whether they are considering transferring political allegiance - perhaps to Reform - or whether standing as Independents might also be an alternative to remaining Tory.

Cllr Ron Shepherd and Cllr Stephen Harness both represented Ukip before they switched to wearing blue rosettes.

The cabinet members are certain to be quizzed on ongoing NELC schemes  in Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

In particular, callers will demand updates on the troubled Corporation Road Bridge - resumption date for repairs, target date for re-opening and the progress of  litigation, if any, involving  a previous contractor.

Also certain to feature during the Q&A will the Freshney Place leisure redevelopment - particularly if there has been interest from other parties in joining Parkway cinema, Starbucks and Nandos in the party.

And what about the new bus station - or 'transport hub' to give it the posher name preferred by NELC management? When will that open?

Then there is the future of the library service in Grimsby? Why has the pop-up library still not opened? And what future the asbestos-contaminated Central Library building?  

Over in Cleethorpes, what is the latest on the Sea Road amenity building? Any word yet when construction work will start? And which restaurant chain will be the anchor tenant?

Then there is the market place pedestrianisation scheme - is that now a dead duck?

And what about the Pier Gardens revamp? Why have there been so many delays in awarding the contract? Have all issues been resolved? When works start, will the whole perimeter be surrounded by ugly hoarding? Will there be an impact on next year's Armed Forces weekend?   

Finally, the vexed question  of  public WCs in the resort. Will it be a return of temporary portable loos next summer  or will there be more permanent facilities?

The members of the cabinet are: 

Cllr P Jackson – Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills

Cllr S Shreeve – Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care

Cllr M Cracknell – Portfolio Holder for Children and Education

Cllr H Dawkins – Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy

Cllr S Harness – Portfolio Holder for Finance, Resources and Assets

Cllr R Shepherd – Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities

Cllr S Swinburn – Portfolio Holder for Housing, Infrastructure and Transport

Cllr H Hudson – Portfolio Holder for Environment and Net Zero

In order to facilitate comprehensive replies, NELC is asking that questions are submitted in advance to communications@nelincs.gov.uk 

However, based on precedent, it is likely that questions will also be accepted - and answered - during the session.

Says the council leader: "It is important that people know they have the opportunity to ask  my colleagues and me about the decisions we make that will impact on their lives both now and in the future. 

"We will listen to what they say and try to answer any questions they ask. 

"Others may have issues to raise and points to make that we can take away."

The Q&A session is being held via the Facebook social media platform at 6.30pm on Wednesday October 8.

                                           

In Cleethorpes, what's the latest on the Pier Gardens revamp and the proposed Sea Road amenity building?