By Chaos in Cleethorpes amid road restructuring
Angry Cleethorpes traders have branded the new social distancing measures brought in by North East Lincolnshire Council today chaotic, and a ‘destruction of the town’.
Last week, the Council announced that in line with the reopening of non-essential shops, they would be altering Cleethorpes’ shopping streets to allow for safe social-distancing.
They said that due to the urgency of the works, local businesses had unfortunately not been consulted.
Some alterations to these plans were made following complaints, but traders still aren’t happy.
A statement said that St Peter’s Avenue would become one way for vehicles from Mill Road / Cambridge Street roundabout to High Street, and Market Street would also become one way for vehicles from St Peter’s Avenue to Alexandra Road.
On-street parking bays have been be suspended on both, with barriers installed to allow people to walk safely within the parking bays.
Sea View Street has also been pedestrianised completely.
But, so far most shoppers have stuck to the pavement and not actually used the extra space that’s been created.
One trader reported that many are ignoring parking suspension signs that run until October 16 and leaving their vehicles anyway.
Engie officers and the Council’s cabinet members have been on the scene to help shoppers and businesses transition this morning.
In St Peter’s Avenue, Rob Woolliss from Robson’s Fruit and Veg has already been in discussions with an Engie officer outside his store this morning. He said:
“It’s a bit ridiculous, it’s the destruction of Cleethorpes.
“They’ve made Cleethorpes so dangerous that they are going to scare shoppers off to the supermarkets.
“I just don’t understand the logic, you can ignore all social distancing in the paid car parks but they’ve removed all the extra spaces in town to put social distancing in place, including getting rid of 2 hour parking places on Market Street and replacing them with one hour on a council car park.
“It’s just a complete lack of planning and consideration for local businesses, especially after two years of roadworks. It’s just been one thing after another, it’s been a farce.”
In response to the criticism, Council Leader Philip Jackson said:
“We’re down here this morning to see all the non-essential traders that are now allowed to reopen.
“We have been down Sea View Street and St. Peter’s Avenue and spoken to businesses.
“Some are very supportive of the changes and there are some with concerns. What I will reiterate is that these changes are under review and can be changed if any problems come up.
“But we are open for business and we urge people to come show their support for local businesses and get our economy moving again.”
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