New leader of council poised to scupper proposed pedestrianisation of Cleethorpes Market Place

                                                     

Under threat - artist's impression of how proposed pedestrianisation might look on a summer's day  

THE plug may be pulled on the £4.5-million project to part-pedestrianise Cleethorpes Market Place.

The new leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Oliver Freeston (Reform UK, Croft Baker), believes proposed restrictions on access and parking could suck the trading vitality out of this important part of town.

"Why fix something that doesn't need fixing?" he demands. "I'm all in favour of investment and improvements but not to the detriment of businesses." 

Now Cllr Freeston, who was elected  NELC leader yesterday evening, has asked officers to investigate whether it is permissible for the £4.5-million - monies allocated out of Whitehall's Levelling-up Fund - to be redirected elsewhere in the borough.

He also wants clarification on whether breach-of-contract compensation might need to be paid  to C..R Reynolds which has already closed off the market place ahead of works.

Cllr Freeston says he will consider calling an emergency meeting of his cabinet to discuss the way forward.                                   

Above and below: closed off - but work has not yet begun on revamping market place