NEL is moving on from ‘crazy’ Labour decisions

North East Lincolnshire is moving forward – and moving on – from “crazy” and “foolhardy” Labour decisions, says the council’s deputy leader.

Councillor John Fenty’s comments came at last week’s full council meeting at Grimsby Town Hall, where he reiterated why he reversed a Labour decision to make changes in Sea View Street, Cleethorpes, which went against traders’ wishes.

As reported, when Labour controlled the council prior to being decimated in this May’s local election, a plan was agreed to move the car park at the Alexandra Road end of the street to create a plaza with seating and event space, and remove the mini roundabout, meaning there would have been no right-turn for traffic towards Kingsway.

Traders were worried about impact on trade, particularly at losing valuable car parking space, and Councillor Fenty held a meeting with them.

The plans were immediately revised to scrap the plaza and removal of the roundabout, much to their relief – and extra positive changes were added. Uneven paving will be fixed and a built-in power supply will be created.

The plan has been approved by Cabinet and the changes begin today. Read more here.

Councillor Fenty is the portfolio holder responsible for regeneration, skills and housing.

At the full council meeting, Councillor Oliver Freeston asked: “Can the portfolio holder explain why he has intervened to reverse a decision to remove the right turn at the top of Sea View Street?”

“Since taking on the regeneration portfolio, it has become abundantly clear, that sensible policy direction, and management had been woefully lacking at best, on some regeneration projects,” Councillor Fenty replied.

“This is a legacy project where designs clearly came forward with no policy direction, or guidance from cabinet members, or account of what scrutiny and members and public were saying.

“Traders did not make a big deal of this element because they were preoccupied by other crazy decisions associated with the scheme, where they too had been ignored.

“Proposals to rip up yet another roundabout, and install an island removing the ability to turn right onto the Kingsway seemed foolhardy.

“Following consultation with the street traders, it was agreed I should intervene to retain a roundabout and therefore, the right turn on to the Kingsway would be preserved.

“I would also like to explain that the Engie partnership has been recalibrated to ensure that the good work they do, is coordinated, follows policy setting, and is managed – yes, managed – by the senior team.

“Gone are the days were Engie get blamed for politician’s inept decisions, and we will be happy to be held to account – unlike Labour.”

Councillor Freeston added: “Can the portfolio holder explain why he has further intervened to reverse a decision to take away the 10 much-used parking spaces at the top of Sea View Street?”

Councillor Fenty replied: “I am pleased that, following meetings with traders and Coast NEL, I was again able to intervene and reverse Labour’s crazy decision to remove the parking spaces at the top of the street.

“We promote a listening council and look forward to moving the borough forward, creating the right conditions, for economic growth and prosperity for all.”