River Freshney water quality project starts next week

Work is due to start next week on a key project to improve the water quality of the River Freshney in Grimsby.

For around 6 weeks, a specialist contractor, Ebsford Environmental, have been appointed to undertake dredging of the river between West Haven Maltings opposite Frederick Ward Way and the ABP pumping station.

Dredging is the removal of accumulated silt to make the river channel deeper and disposing of this either in deeper sections of the river or removing the silt off site. This work will allow the water to flow much more freely in the town centre section of the river.

Specialist contractors, Ebsford Environmental, based in West Yorkshire, will be undertaking this work for the council. The company has dealt with river dredging projects for a number of years, working with several local authorities.

With advice from ecology colleagues, and in order to minimise any impact on local wildlife, the works are being done during the winter months to protect local wildlife and spawning fish. Additionally, there will be no birds, including the swans, nesting in the reed beds at this time.

The works will be done during daylight hours, there will be minimal impact on residents and businesses in terms of noise and disruption, and the site compound will be off the main highway. There may be some occasions where large items of equipment are being transported into the area and roads may be slow while this is happening. However, no road closures are currently anticipated.

Cllr Stewart Swinburn, Cabinet member for the environment, said: “The work to improve the water quality in the river is being done as a final stage of the Garth Lane project, one that’s already seen a major site in the centre of Grimsby transformed into a lovely natural area.”

These works are part of the £3.7m Garth Lane site scheme funded by Central Government, through the Town Deal and the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership.