Council to press ahead with market place changes

A council has approved changes to a £4.5m regeneration scheme in Cleethorpes.

The Market Place was originally set to be pedestrianised, with most parking removed, but plans were reviewed after Reform UK took control of North East Lincolnshire Council in May.

At a cabinet meeting, councillors voted to proceed with revised proposals, including up to 12 seasonal parking bays, despite repeated calls from scrutiny councillors for a public consultation.

Council leader Oliver Freeston said cabinet members had considered the scrutiny panel's views but believed "the public just want some clarity".

The revised scheme also includes plans to introduce a two-year trial of one hour's free parking at Victoria Street and the Old Vic car parks.

Concerns were previously raised about how seasonal parking would operate and whether it could conflict with events in the pedestrianised area, such as Christmas celebrations.

Councillors also asked for greater transparency over funding, particularly in regard to the free parking trial, which is expected to cost about £145,000 in lost revenue over two years.

However, Freeston said a formal consultation would "only cause more dither and delay", adding residents were "fed up of the back and forth" over the proposals.

He said the aim of the revised plans was to create a flexible public space that could still accommodate events.

Speaking after the meeting, he said: "This is the very best decision for everyone, and I now look forward to seeing work progress."

Funding for the free parking trial would come from council reserves, with any extension requiring future budget approval.

A review of any changes would also be carried out after 12 months.

The plans would also be subject to a statutory consultation through Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and road safety audits, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The proposed parking bays would be located between Blend Coffee & Bar and the Market Tavern.

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