The bridge has been closed to motorists since February 2023
Ivan Morris Poxton Local Democracy Reporter
05:00, 03 Jan 2026
Corporation Bridge, Grimsby, in the Summer(Image: Jon Corken)
Calls have been made for an independent audit into North East Lincolnshire Council ‘s Corporation Road Bridge repairs project and to explore the possibility of special financial help for nearby affected businesses. The Grade II-listed Grimsby bridge has been closed to motorists since February 2023.
Repairs are not expected to be completed until December 2026. Recently, some councillors called for an independent audit and the local authority to be more proactive with affected businesses.
Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson (Conservative – Waltham Ward) has not rejected the idea of an audit. However, he felt it “would not be appropriate” to have an independent audit until the bridge’s completion.
At December’s full council, Independent Group leader Cllr Steve Holland (Freshney) raised the impact of the bridge’s closure on nearby businesses, who were “understandably angry and frustrated. It is not an exaggeration to say that some of them are in despair.”
Cllr Holland claimed it is “not a problem of their making, it is a problem of this council’s making”. He asked Cllr Stephen Harness (Conservative – Humberston and New Waltham), portfolio holder for finance, resources and assets, to “commit to use his best endeavours” to ensure the council contacts businesses directly to explain their rights to seek possible business rate reductions, and to “also explore the possibility of other direct means of financial support”.
Cllr Stephen Harness, pictured, stated: ‘I have every sympathy with affected businesses'(Image: North East Lincolnshire Council)
“I have every sympathy with affected businesses,” said Cllr Harness, adding he recalled the way work on the Toll Bar Roundabout challenged the existence of businesses in New Waltham. But he said it was up to businesses to contact the council or their ward councillors. The bridge lies in West Marsh Ward.
“I am not aware of any business in the vicinity of the bridge that have raised concerns directly with officers,” Cllr Harness said. On business rates, he confirmed each affected business could appeal with the Valuation Office Agency if they believe the works are affecting their property’s value.
Any decision was for the Valuation Office Agency to make. “The business rates team manager has personally offered to speak to affected businesses to explain and try to help.”
Cllr Harness added many businesses in the borough receive 100 per cent small business rate relief. Cllr Holland followed up to ask “would it not make sense” for the council to proactively contact businesses. Cllr Harness repeated he felt the best way forward was for businesses to contact the council directly, or West Marsh Ward councillors.
Ahead of the meeting, Cllr Paul Henderson (Independent Group – Yarborough) called for an independent audit into “to look at what has happened from the very start of this fiasco”. He added in the meantime there needed to be monthly cost updates.
Cllr Jackson told Grimsby Live : “The relevant scrutiny panel is receiving full and regular updates on progress with Corporation Road Bridge, with as much information as possible considered in the public domain.” The council has an all-party regeneration programme oversight group that also gets and analyses “regular, detailed progress reports” and recently did a ‘deep dive’ review.” Cllr Henderson is a member of this group.
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“If the council was minded to commission an independent audit, it would not be appropriate to do so until all work of the bridge is complete and we are in possession of all the relevant information.” New contractors Taziker have commenced work.
The project had a cost cap of £12m, which was lifted on the basis it would be temporary when finalising the contract with Taziker. The final spend figure with the previous contractors remains to be resolved.
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