Council snub for petition that seeks halt to contentious Pier Gardens transformation scheme

                                                          

Controversy continues to simmer over the Pier Gardens revamp project 

THERE was short shrift for a petition calling for a halt to the controversial revamp of Pier Gardens during last night's meeting of the full North East Lincolnshire Council.

Most of the trees, shrubs and lawns have already been felled, and the robins and blackbirds have long flown.

So where would be the merit in halting the project, paying off contractors Maylim and effectively leaving a building site?

There was no debate on the petition  after a brief statement from council leader Oliver Freeston (Reform UK) whose Croft Baker ward accommodates the gardens.

He acknowledged the dismay of many at the loss of green space but ruled out a pause at this stage of the project.

"It's too late in the day,"he declared.

Despite the disappointment of many residents and visitors at the destruction of the garden in their present form, there are probably just as many - if not more - who look forward to the transformation into what effectively will be a plaza with recreation facilities and  an adjacent skatepark.

The petitioner was not present at the meeting, held in Grimsby Town Hall, so her document was read by the mayor, Cllr Marian Boyd (Con, Park), below.                                          

Only time will tell whether the scheme, which is funded by Levelling-up monies from Whitehall, enhances the resort or diminishes it.                                                 

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