JOBS – and not dog walkers – take priority in a row over a Cleethorpes footpath, says council leader Chris Shaw.
Martin Vickers met campaigners Robert Palmer and Alan Johnson, who aim to resolve a 14-year saga with North East Lincolnshire Council and Associated British Ports (ABP) over the old Clee Sidings footpath.
As reported, Mr Palmer objected to his own planning application for right of way to the footpath – which runs where the new Seafood Village will be built on ABP-owned land – claiming NELC's map modification order placed the path in the wrong place. Mr Vickers has now requested the co-ordinates from NELC.
"We are spending far too much time and public money on this," he said. "There is no reason why the council can't tell us co-ordinates."
He will also write to the Crown Estate to find out if the North Beach, which campaigners want to clear of rubbish, belongs to the Queen or ABP.
The council has banned the campaigners from clearing the beach of glass and metal, fearing an insurance claim if a volunteer injured themselves. Mr Palmer said: "We have willing volunteers to clear this up. We have tools and a rota. Surely it is more dangerous to leave the beach how it is? It is so frustrating."
NELC's leader, Councillor Shaw, believes there is little chance the footpath appeal will go in the campaigners' favour now they have objected to their own application.
He said: "I got Mr Palmer a footpath. The planning inspectorate will see his objection and throw it out.
"His footpath runs through ABP's land, which has permission for the Seafood Village.
"This will create new jobs and I am more concerned with that than providing somewhere for people to walk their dogs. There are more important things to worry about."
