Lindsey Lower School site issue to go to council scrutiny panel
A DECISION on who will become the new owner of Lindsey Lower School will go to a council scrutiny panel before it is made by council officers.
As reported, various bids have been made for the old secondary school in Clee Road, ranging from plans to demolish it and build houses to turning it into a state-of-the-art facility for the disabled by asking North East Lincolnshire Council to hand it over to charity for free.
-
Site of the former Lindsey Lower School. Picture: Jon Corken
The scrutiny panel for policy, performance and resources will be responsible for making recommendations before presenting it to the cabinet in December.
Usually, decisions on the disposal of assets only go to cabinet if they are considering an offer below the market value – which is £750,000 to £1million.
Urgently seeking two / four bedroom properties for our lengthy list of possible suitable tenants with the lowest fees in town and excellent turn around rate for sourcing and managing.
Terms: Terms and Conditions Apply
Contact: 01472 355 553
Valid until: Thursday, June 20 2013
The council has received more than 1,000 signatures in support of the Rock Foundation’s bid to turn it into a facility for the disabled but not offering any money for the site. Council officers came under pressure last week from councillors who were furious about the sale of the old Salvation Army property in Brighowgate, Grimsby, for £225,000 without the knowledge of councillors.
Councillor Chris Shaw, leader of the council, said: “A number of petitions have been received from the public regarding the disposal of this site and therefore to give all petitioners the opportunity to express their concerns before any decisions are made. The scrutiny panel will be able to take all matters into account and make appropriate recommendations to the cabinet as to the disposal of the site.
The evaluation of the bids is expected to be completed by September 30, after which a report will be submitted to the scrutiny panel.
Comments
by Grimbarian
Friday, September 14 2012, 5:04PM
“If the council have any vision at all for Cleethorpes as a holiday resort and for keeping our historical buildings standing, they would accept the offer to turn it into a luxury hotel and spa... knock it down for housing it is then.”
by Davex66
Friday, September 14 2012, 4:33PM
“I wish I could share the optimism of people on here. All of the Labour members of the scrutiny panel will vote the way they are told like they always do - they do have a majority on the panel after all!
If by any chance the scrutiny panel doesn't do what cabinet wants they will ignore it anyway”
by 7Cs_of_rhye
Friday, September 14 2012, 12:50PM
“I hope all of you contributing comments on this article are going to be reasonably complimentary about the council; we want the facility to comment to still be in tact at tea time and beyond.”
by AlanBarratt
Friday, September 14 2012, 12:40PM
“Lest hope the scrutiny panel have time to look into the Grimsby Swimming pool situation as well, with all the less than open dealing that has been going on latley, they are going to be busy!
Alan Barratt”
by Beagleyes
Friday, September 14 2012, 10:48AM
“In light of the grubby dealings over the salvation army hostel glad to see Cllr shaw taking control of the issue from its partners Betty Balfour
Granted without doubt these are very tough times for local authorities with funding issues and people appreciate that disposal of vacant properties is required but what local people want to see is that each sale is done in an open and transparent fashion and raises as much money for the authority -
A hotel and spa would be a very welcomed addition to the local economy and it is encouraging to see that the issue will be going thru scrutiny
Remember those words Cllr Shaw - transparency ....”
by KimJun_IV
Friday, September 14 2012, 10:43AM
“This is good news. I would ask the question as to why this decision is being correctly passed to scrutiny, whereas the Salvation Army and Thrunscoe buildings were sold off secretly via a third party? I'm quite sure (Shaw) those sales were illegal and done via the back door.
Well done to the Lib Dem and Conservative Councillors who have kicked up a fuss about the above sales and shone a light on the at least questionable practices of the current administration.”
by MeggieDave
Friday, September 14 2012, 10:21AM
“About time too - asked for this detail on September 2. Hotel and spa please!”