By Over 100 buildings get makeovers to smarten up Grimsby and Cleethorpes
More than 100 shops and buildings in Grimsby and Cleethorpes are looking smarter following a council campaign.
North East Lincolnshire Council launched Operation Gateway in June 2020 to improve the street scene on the A180 between Riby Square in Grimsby and Suggitt’s Lane in Cleethorpes.
As the project is coming to an end, many property owners responded to calls to fix up their business premises and residential buildings.
Project officers contacted the owners of 227 shops and buildings in Cleethorpe Road, Freeman Street, and Grimsby Road.
Officers wrote to all properties in each area to explain the aims and objectives of the projects.
Advice was offered to owners of properties who needed to make improvements, followed by legal warnings and ultimately court proceedings if they fail to take action.
Improvements including window frames, broken or missing render, and flaking paintwork have been carried out at 130 buildings in the target area.
Although most property owners take care of their buildings, some properties were neglected and posed a risk to the wider area.
According to the council, problems included windows almost falling out of their frames, shrubs growing in brickwork, missing gutters and drainpipes, and vegetation in the gutters and on the roof.
Officers liaised with colleagues in the planning team to look at ways to bring some neglected buildings back into use.
Cllr Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for Safer and Stronger Communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Since we launched Operation Gateway in June 2020, we’ve seen big improvements to the street scene along one of the main routes through Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
“I’m grateful to all the property owners who responded to our calls to fix up their buildings and improve the street scene in Cleethorpe Road and Grimsby Road.
“For so many to get behind what we’re doing is an excellent result and I’d like to thank the project officers for the difference they’ve made.”
Cllr Callum Procter, portfolio holder for Economic Growth, Housing, and Tourism, added: “We have big ambitions for North East Lincolnshire and the A180 is the gateway to the towns of Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
“There’s a massive amount of passing trade, we’re capitalising on that and making a positive impression.
“I’m grateful to the project officers for their dedication and persistence with Operation Gateway and to the many property owners for making the place look better.
“These are great results and show that by working together we can build business confidence and make it a place to be proud of.”
