Council applies pressure to get former Birds Eye factory site cleared

DEMOLITION contractors are back on site at the former Bird's Eye factory after continued pressure from North East Lincolnshire ward councillors and building control officers.

Works to clear the Ladysmith Road site in Grimsby have restarted and will take several months to complete but the contractor, BJP Plant of Marshchapel, has given assurances that they will stay until the job is done and have increased security on the site by employing night-time patrols.

Councillor Steve Beasant said: "Councillors have been working behind the scenes to make sure that a contractor capable of clearing the site was taken on.

"The residents of East Marsh and Heneage wards have endured many problems over recent months but hopefully, in the not too distant future, this site will be regenerated for housing which has to be good news for the area."

Councillor Steve Hocknell said: "Residents will be pleased to see action on this site at last. We are assured that the contractors will stay until the job is finished although we realise this will take some time.

"It is reassuring that the contractors are providing a nightwatchman to stop the illegal entry to the site which has been a problem in recent months. They have also pledged to keep dust and noise levels to a minimum while the work is carried out.

"We look forward to being able to celebrate the start of the construction of affordable housing on this site, which the area desperately needs."

Dean Oglesby, business manager at LIncs Building Consultancy (LBC), who has been monitoring the site for the council, said: "LBC consultant surveyor, Barry Ward, has been in discussions with the demolition contractors for some time about the lack of progress and the security of the site.

"I am pleased that these discussions have been successful, with demolition contractors back on site this week to restart site clearance and also increase security."