By Plans to merge Grimsby and Cleethorpes constituencies met with outrage
The boundary commisson has opened a new consulation which recommends that Grimsby and Cleethorpes merge together to become one constituency.
This would mean that both towns would be under the same MP.
Scartho, Humberston and New Waltham would be grouped together with Immingham, Barton and Brigg into the South Humber constituency.
However, these plans have received major backlash, with the majority of residents providing negative comments.
The plans, which are currently under consulation, have received masses of comments from locals sharing their opinion on the proposal.
“The boundary commissions proposals to have Grimsby and Cleethorpes in one constituency is madness. I have lived in Cleethorpes all of my life and our area is unique to that of Grimsby. It is linked to the wider Lincolnshire area historically,” one wrote.
Another felt that the two towns have different focuses and therefore have different needs: “Grimsby, Immingham, Cleethorpes and the Villages are very different in terms of their needs. Cleethorpes and the Villages are rural and have a focus on Tourism and agriculture. Grimsby and Immingham are potential industrial power houses that can generate jobs and wealth.
“By having Cleethorpes and Grimsby In one constituency you risk the needs of Cleethorpes being overlooked for the industrial needs of Grimsby.”
A Cleethorpes resident wrote: “I was born and brought up in Cleethorpes and am proud to say it is my home TOWN…that being the operative word! Cleethorpes is a town in its own right, not an appendage to Grimsby, and should therefore be treated as such in any boundary considerations.”
However, a small number have come forward in support of the proposal, with one stating: “I support the proposed Grimsby and Cleethorpes constituency. Fishing and commerce have linked the North East Lincolnshire area since the Roman and Saxon times.
“The two towns and their suburbs are also in the same local authority area, so it makes sense to twin them into the same constituency.”
Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers backed the proposal, saying: “The recommendations deal with local sensitivities as best as possible within the guidelines by which they are governed and, I believe, will lead to minimal disruption for local people.”
However, he suggested that the name ‘South Humber’ be swapped for Northern Lincolnshire, “Local opinion is quite clear; people regard themselves as from Lincolnshire and use of Humber or Humberside is widely disliked and is not acceptable.”
The goal of the merger is to balance MP’s seat sizes so that each has roughly 74,000 electors, ensuring votes have equal weight.
This second round of consultations will run until April 4 and locals can have their say on the website.
What do you think of the plan? Let us know in the comments!
(Image: Boundary Commission Review)
