September 2, 2021 1.05 pm This story is over 30 months old

Concerns over £36m Grimsby relief road

Plans would see 3,800 new homes built
The Morrisons roundabout on the A46 in Grimsby. | Photo: Google Street View

Residents concerned about a £36 million western relief road in Grimsby have been assured they will have a say in the plans.

The council has submitted a bid to the government’s Levelling Up Fund which could see a multi-million pound road built to bypass Grimsby town centre.

It would create a link between the A46 near Morrisons roundabout and the A1136 junction on the A180.

If it goes ahead, the road would also open the door for 3,800 new homes to be built in four communities across North East Lincolnshire.

Campaigners are worried about the environmental impact of the proposed road.

However, North East Lincolnshire Council says that nothing has been decided yet, and local residents and businesses will be consulted.

Steve Holland, a member of the Friends of the Freshney Valley group, put the question directly to councillors at an Economic Scrutiny Panel meeting.

Asked whether stakeholders would have their say, Councillor Stewart Swinburn said: “There will certainly be consultation with all statutory bodies, parish councils, businesses and members of the public who are affected. Further engagement will come as the parts of the development take shape.

“If the overall bid for £50 million is successful, a lot of work will go into shaping the proposals. But right now, there is little to engage on.”

He added that the road would relieve traffic problems in Grimsby.

“The link road in this location would divert traffic from congested parts of North East Lincolnshire’s network, such as the A16, Bargate and Little Coates Road,” Councillor Swinburn said.

However, campaigners who oppose it fear that the new road would only create more traffic, encouraging people to drive further and more often.

The long-anticipated project has been in the pipeline since the 2018 local plan.

Dozens of people launched a demonstration outside the town hall last month, demanding that councillors ‘Save Freshney Valley’.

They claim it will disrupt wildlife habitat, and potentially create noise, air and light pollution.