AT last – central Government has recognised that North East Lincolnshire needs financial assistance in a bid to reinvent itself.
For years now this area has fought a long and hard struggle to win Government recognition for what it has tried to do.
The fishing industry was decimated, and left a community without a future.
However, unlike other areas – look at Scunthorpe just 30 miles down the road – the Grimsby area did not become the centre of Government attention and funding streams were not forthcoming.
That meant that the work to get this area back on its feet was done alone.
Fortunately the fishing industry did leave a frozen food legacy and that has been the saviour for many – it is still a thriving industry employing around 14,000 people.
But help was still needed and now it has come.
Council officers do come in for criticism.
However, on this occasion a lot of hard work and determination has seen staff at North East Lincolnshire Council lead and win this bid.
And this award is not just about the financial boost that it will clearly give.
For, it also sends out a message to the rest of the country, and Europe, that North East Lincolnshire has been recognised by the Government as the centre of off-shore wind operation and maintenance functions.
And that is extremely important if a national hub is to be created.
Companies will look at this as a sign of commitment and confidence in the area – a place where they should come if they want a piece of the off-shore action – and that is a very good thing.
Comment on this below