Seaside traders call for rethink of one-way system
BBCBusinesses have warned that a proposed one-way traffic system in the centre of Cleethorpes is "an accident waiting to happen".
It is part of plans to pedestrianise the Market Place in order to create space for outdoor seating, market stalls and events.
Ian Stead, who owns Steels Corner House Restaurant, said delivery vehicles would have to navigate narrow Cosgrove Street, which was "not suitable for that kind of traffic".
North East Lincolnshire Council said it was listening to concerns, but believed that the project would benefit businesses, residents and visitors in the long term.
Mr Stead, whose suppliers deliver a tonne of potatoes two or three times a week, said the area was already struggling to accommodate lorries.
"Just last week, a member of our staff was parked down Cosgrove Street and a lorry came down and parked in the middle of the road to unload and she couldn’t get out of her car for 20 minutes," he added.
Aggie Singh owns Silesiana beauty salon, in Osborne Street, which would also be part of a one-way system. She said she was now considering moving.
"My business is about tranquility," she added. "I don’t see how that could be possible with big lorries passing.”
Mark Lyall, who runs Town and Country Cars in Osborne Street, said: “If we get a delivery of a broken-down vehicle, which could be half an hour unloading, that is going to stop the flow of traffic for people.
"It’s going to be so difficult for us to contend with it all.”
Traders have also raised concerns about the loss of parking spaces from the market square under the pedestrianisation plans.
They fear that it will discourage potential customers, including those with mobility problems.
North East Lincolnshire Council said it was having “ongoing discussions” with businesses about the changes to the market square.
“We are still in the final design stages for the Market Place project, testing out traffic possibilities, and have been talking with local businesses regularly to get their views and make amendments to the scheme where we can," a spokesperson said.
The proposed design for Market Place had "30 lay-by" parking spaces, and there were plans to create a new car park "less than five minutes’ walk away" behind the Old Vic pub.
“We know that there are mixed views about this project from the businesses, which is why we’re meeting with them regularly to test out ideas and seek feedback, but we believe that this project will benefit not only businesses, but also our residents and visitors in the long term,” the spokesperson added.
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