The Leader of the Labour Group has called for the Council Leader and the Portfolio Holder for Highways to be held accountable for the lengthy delays and spiralling costs surrounding Corporation Bridge.
The long-running project has seen its expected reopening pushed back by another year, while budgets have more than doubled — now exceeding £12 million.
Council Leader Councillor Philip Jackson and Councillor Stewart Swinburn recently issued a joint statement describing the situation as “unacceptable,” insisting they have “taken charge” and are “clear on accountability.” They said they are taking “the right steps to ensure a situation like this doesn’t happen again.”
However, some believe their assurances fall short, arguing that years of disruption have already taken a heavy toll on businesses and residents.
Councillor Emma Clough, Leader of the local Labour Group, suggested Councillors Jackson and Swinburn should be held directly responsible for ‘mismanaging’ the project.
“Where is the accountability for Cllrs Jackson and Swinburn,” she questioned. “Regardless of who carries out the work, it is North East Lincolnshire Council that commissions it and this administration must be held responsible for the mismanagement, secrecy and endless slippage that have defined this project.”
She continued: “The hypocrisy of Cllrs Jackson and Swinburn expressing anger over a situation that has unfolded entirely under their watch is galling. Their administration has presided over delay after delay, with the reopening date now pushed back once again to December 2026…. Grimsby residents and Cleethorpes businesses deserve honesty, accountability and a bridge they can rely on not more excuses, secrecy and spiralling costs.”
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.