A row has broken out among councillors over whether details surrounding the cost of Corporation Bridge should be discussed publicly.
The project — delayed by almost three years and now budgeted at more than double the original £5 million — has continually drawn frustration and criticism over what many see as a lack of communication with the public. Despite this, the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Infrastructure and Transport, Councillor Stewart Swinburn, has insisted the scrutiny process has been “open and transparent”.
The issue came to a head at a meeting of the full council held yesterday, Wednesday 12 November, where councillors debated whether updates should be discussed behind closed doors or publicly.
Councillor Swinburn proposed that the latest financial details be moved into a closed session, excluding press and public — a move met with strong objection from opposition groups. Labour councillor Matthew Patrick branded the wider situation “shameful and disgraceful”, arguing the matter is firmly in the public interest and that the council should be showing greater transparency.
Councillor Matthew Patrick echoed many of the same questions raised by Gi Grimsby News — which the council has so far failed to provide clear answers for — on accountability, overspending, and whether the delays could have been avoided. He stressed that the public deserves answers and called Councillor Swinburn’s position “untenable”.
Calls to keep the discussion in open session were supported by Reform, Independent and Liberal Democrat councillors. The motion to move into closed session was ultimately carried, with Conservative members voting in favour by 17 to 15.
Addressing the outcome of the meeting, Councillor Patrick said: “Last night was an example of both residents of the borough and councillors being treated with contempt. There is no greater issue of public concern than the Corporation Bridge farce and at last nights meeting, members were effectively stopped from making any proposals and effectively gagged. Once the public were kicked out, we were all told in effect to sit down and shut up. Democracy died on our council last night.”
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.