By Action against Grimsby’s neglected buildings
North East Lincolnshire Council is launching a campaign to repair rundown buildings along Cleethorpe Road and Grimsby Road, one of the main and most neglected stretches of the borough.
Named ‘Operation Gateway’, the scheme aims to improve the street scene of the main route into the borough, via the A180.
The project will focused on the stretch between Riby Square in Grimsby and Isaacs Hill in Cleethorpes.
It will see the Council will encourage owners of unkempt and potentially dangerous street-facing properties to make improvements, through a combination of education, advice and enforcement action.
Many of the buildings concerned will require considerable structural and cosmetic repairs.
A statement released by the council this morning reads:
“Most property owners take care of their buildings, but a small number of properties are neglected and pose a risk to the wider area.
“Problems include windows almost falling out of their frames, broken or missing render, flaking paintwork, shrubs growing in brickwork, missing gutters and drainpipes and vegetation in the gutters and on the roof.
“Not only are dilapidated buildings an eyesore, they can also pose a risk to passers-by, harm the value of surrounding properties, and become beacons for criminality and anti-social behaviour.”
Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for Safer and Stronger Communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:
“I’m grateful to all the business and homeowners who are taking care of their buildings, they’re leading the way and setting the right example.
“We need more property owners to take ownership and take pride. If we don’t stop the blight now, it can spread and affect a wider area.
“That’s why we’re taking action to stop these neglected buildings spoiling the area for everyone else.”
Councillor John Fenty added that as around 20,000 vehicles drive along the A180 in Cleethorpes every day, he feels the repairs are necessary in order to make a good impression to local people, visitors and investors.
Chris Gray, managing director at Cool Energy Holding Ltd in Cleethorpe Road, said:
“There are lots of run-down properties bringing the look of the area down. It is the main road into Grimsby and Cleethorpes, and it isn’t a good advert for our Town as it is.
“I think over the years it has been overlooked and money has been invested elsewhere in the town, which is a shame.”
“I believe this location has great potential. The businesses that are already based here have made a good effort with the building’s and the businesses themselves are going from strength to strength.
“We have a nice little business community here where we all look out for one and other. Investment is needed, the run-down buildings need bringing up to scratch. It should be a main road to be proud of.”
