Councillors voice opposition to new bus lane in Grimsby
North East Lincolnshire Council has consulted on the creation of a new bus lane
East Marsh councillors are opposing plans to create a new bus lane in Grimsby.
As part of its bus service improvement plan (BSIP), North East Lincolnshire Council has consulted on the creation of a new bus lane in Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby.
This would involve the removal of free on-street parking spaces between Freeman Street and Victor Street.
The aim is to improve bus service punctuality. However, East Marsh ward councillors have voiced their opposition.
“We’ve already seen shops on Cleethorpe Road shut down recently, and this proposal could push even more to the brink,” argued Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe (Liberal Democrat – East Marsh).
She called the idea “short-sighted”.
“These parking spaces are not a luxury – they are a necessity. Businesses on Cleethorpe Road rely on them for customer access, stock deliveries, and day-to-day operations, as many do not have private courtyards or delivery bays.”
She also had concerns about accessibility with people having to walk from further away. “Some people simply cannot park further away and walk long distances.”
“The council should be making it easier for people to shop locally, not harder. This proposal must not go ahead.”
Cllr Aisthorpe also criticised the council for not doing enough to engage with business owners. She said “many traders feel they have not been properly consulted.”
Cllr Steve Beasant (Lib Dem – East Marsh) called the bus lane proposal “completely out of touch”. He said: “Taking away these vital parking spaces could drive customers away, making it even harder for businesses to survive.”
“We all want better public transport, but changes must work for everyone – not at the expense of businesses already under immense pressure,” he said, calling for a rethink. The council’s plans for a bus lane on the road broke when letters were sent out to affected traders for a pre-consultation phase.
A North East Lincolnshire Council spokesperson said: “The consultation for this proposal has now ended. We will review the comments made by the public and businesses that have responded and take these into consideration moving forward to understand the needs and requirements for the proposed area.”