Rising bollards in Grimsby town centre

According to the council, the move will also improve social distancing measures and help to manage the number of vehicles accessing the area.

The bollards will be raised each day between 10:30am and 4pm.

Outside of these hours, they will only be lowered for maintenance or in a state of emergency.

Any vehicle found to be entering this area between the hours of 4pm and 10:30am without a valid reason may be subject to enforcement action.

Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:

“We understand this may cause an element of disruption to businesses, but these bollards are critical for pedestrian safety and our ongoing COVID-19 response.

“We are committed to working with businesses affected and ensuring they can continue with minimal disruption when they come into operation next month.

“This shouldn’t come as a new addition to the town centre, but unfortunately, due to equipment issues, the bollards have been out of action for a few years and we’re now pleased to see them back in action.”

Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, added:

“The purpose of these bollards is to restrict vehicle access on our pedestrianised high street and provide increased levels of safety.

“As part of the work to bring these bollards back into use, we have liaised with colleagues in the police and Freshney Place. Both organisations are supportive in the re-introduction and the enhanced safety it will provide in the town centre.”

Working alongside local businesses, the council’s regeneration partner ENGIE will monitor the bollards in the coming months.