by Sam Hawcroft
A temporary surface is being installed in Withernsea’s Valley Gardens after delays meant the recommended window for reinstating its central grass circle was missed.
Withernsea Town Council said delays surrounding the installation of the new micro-business kiosks had affected plans to lay turf or sow grass seed in the gardens.
Proceeding outside the recommended growing period risked the grass failing to establish properly, potentially leaving the area unusable for summer events and resulting in further expense.
Town mayor Cllr Kristina Richardson and East Riding ward councillor Jon Dimberline both said they had received concerns from residents, businesses and community groups about the condition of the area.
The new kiosk operators felt it was not as welcoming or attractive as it could be during the busy summer season, while organisations planning events said the space was unsuitable for some of their planned activities.
Following discussions involving the town council, Cllr Richardson and Terry Storey, of Storey’s Funfair, external sponsorship and support have been secured for a temporary surface.
A spokesman for Storey’s said the company had been approached because it has operated its funfair in Valley Gardens during the summer holidays for almost a decade.
He said: “We will be occupying the space over the summer holidays, as we have done for the past nine years, but when other events are planned we remove our rides and equipment unless they are booked as part of that event.”
The council said the temporary surface would improve the appearance of the area and make it safer and more suitable for residents, visitors, businesses and summer events.
Cllr Richardson said: “I am delighted we have been able to find a temporary solution. Being unable to execute the original plans for the grass reinstatement was not ideal and was disappointing for everyone involved.
“However, I hope this will mean we can continue to enjoy Valley Gardens, support the new kiosk businesses and have a full events calendar.
“Listening to our community and trying to find suitable alternatives is so important, and I am so grateful that, through listening, proactive conversations, wider connections and relationships, we have been able to find a workaround.
“I would also like to personally thank Terry for his support with the process and his financial contribution to the planned temporary works, alongside others.”
The artificial turf is not intended as a permanent solution, and work is being planned for the next suitable seeding window.
The council hopes the central grass circle will be fully reinstated as originally intended by 2027.
It thanked residents for their patience and said the temporary surface would provide a more attractive and usable space during the town’s summer programme of events including Withstock and Blue Light Weekend.