When the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced a ‘roadmap’ out of the lockdown on February 22 he said: “Spring and summer I think will be seasons of hope.”
Hornsea’s local environmental groups have risen to the challenge of getting the town ready for what businesses are hoping will be a bumper season.
Many people visit the town and enjoy a walk or cycle on the Trans Pennine Trail, Hornsea’s former rail track. Over the last few years various community groups and individuals have helped to improve this Hornsea green corridor. According to East Riding Council’s Countryside Team it’s considered ‘rural’ meaning it falls under highways for general maintenance. The upkeep is overseen by Trans Pennine Trail and Sustrans.
Hornsea group CLiPS have cleared the path of encroachment, a time consuming job that has had a huge impact. They also keep Stream Dyke clear of litter – important not only visually but for the area’s wildlife. More recently we have reported on the pollinator garden area they have created. This was following the installation of new connecting viaduct steps. This new garden includes creature pebble art. CLiPS have also painted the side of the viaduct bridge to tidy the area up. This also helps their newly planted pollinator border stand out.
The Hornsea Urban Gardeners (HUG) group have created three well maintained entrances, the latest one being on Southgate. They also give the viaduct top and railings a new coat of paint once a year. This task has just been completed for 2021.
Keith Whittle working with Hornsea Lions environmental fund has recently fitted 12 new bird boxes. These have been decorated by local residents and children and placed along the trail. He has also made and installed some unpainted bat boxes along the route.
Hornsea Civic Society have previously installed an information board to the Southgate entrance. This depicts how Hornsea Bridge Station would have looked back when it was open.
Paul Hartley, a regular local litter picker, has been joined by his wife Susan. She is adding painted pebble art asking people not to litter on the route.
The effort of all the volunteers has been noticed by photographer Steve Mason from Hornsea. Steve commented on social media: “It’s brilliant to be able to walk around the place you live and feel proud that your part of it. The parks and seafront look immaculate, and the Trans Pennine Trail is now a very pleasant walk too. But what I also noticed was the detail in these areas that show people really care! Many thanks to all who do this work, it’s much appreciated.”
Town Councillor June Greensmith talking about future plans for the trail added: “I am trying to get East Riding Council to add a couple of resting benches, which is proving a little difficult. Once fitted these benches will enable those who need to rest at intervals to walk and enjoy this natural green area.”
It was announced at Hornsea Town Council’s March meeting that plans are in the pipeline to develop La Grande Motte garden on Hornsea’s south promenade. Updating councillors, East Riding Ward Councillor Barbara Jefferson confirmed an officer will attend the April meeting to present four design options. The scheme would then need to secure funding with some funding already ring fenced for the project.