Dredging work continues on River Freshney
A series of works are currently taking place at the River Freshney to improve and keep the water quality in line with requirements.
Works are expected to take 6 weeks to complete and are being undertaken by specialist contractors Ebsford Environmental.
The focus area is the stretch of river between the West Haven Maltings and the ABP Grimsby Docks Pump Station.
Dredging works will involve the removal of silt and other hazardous materials that circulate in the river.
A sizeable 500 tonnes of silt has already been removed from the river and taken away for processing.
The project is part of a £3.7 million scheme funded by the government, and is also covered under the township deal and Humber local enterprise partners.
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, Cabinet member for the environment at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “The work to improve the water quality in the river is being done as a final stage of the Garth Lane project, one that’s already seen a major site in the centre of Grimsby transformed into a lovely natural area.”
It is hoped that dredging the river will help to restore a sense of pride as investment comes into the town, with the township deal promising improved access and transport links.
Locals say they hope the works will be a positive start to a larger problem that needs addressing.
One said: “I hope all of the River Freshney gets dredged this year and not just this small area in town.”
“The river has needed dredging for years. Hopefully there will be some decent fishing on that stretch soon!” added another.
In an update issued yesterday a spokesperson for the council wrote: “A whopping 500 tonnes of silt has already been removed from the River Freshney in the first week of dredging in Grimsby and taken off site for processing.
“We’re already starting to see a difference in water quality.”
Updates to follow.
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