Speakers play rule reminders in town centre

Not everyone paid attention to the reminders about cycling rules in Grimsby town centre

A trial which will see messages played over a speaker system in Grimsby to tackle anti-social behaviour has started.

The announcements, reminding people not to cycle in the pedestrianised areas, are being played every 15 minutes at the Bull Ring and Victoria Street South.

The messages being played out include "please respect others and enjoy your visit here today".

North East Lincolnshire Council said the system could be rolled out to other parts of the area if the trial is successful.

North East Lincolnshire Council said the speaker system could be rolled out to other areas if the trial is successful

Councillor Ron Shepherd, the council's portfolio holder for communities, said the system had been "informative" but admitted only "one or two" people had taken notice.

He said: "I'm hoping and I'm confident it will work but I'm not responsible for people's actions."

The loudspeakers are the latest development to tackle problems around anti-social behaviour.

A public space protection order prohibits cycling in Victoria Street South and also covers street drinking, foul language and climbing buildings.

Paul Caswell, service manager at North East Lincolnshire Council, said the system had seen a positive start after seeing "people get off their bikes and walk".

Brianna Yeung told the BBC that cycling in the pedestrianised area of Grimsby is a concern for local businesses

Brianna Yeung, 24, who works in a jewellery shop in the street, told the BBC: "I hope it makes a difference.

"We see people going past quickly and it's a huge concern with all of the children and elderly who walk here."

Other shoppers were sceptical about the impact with some claiming "it would make no difference at all".

Zeph Brown, who was busking in the area, joked the authority could have found a cheaper solution.

He said: "They should be paying people like me to give out the information.

"There are quite a few people here. We should have more music and a bit less Tannoy."

Follow BBC Lincolnshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]