Man tragically died in park floodwater on 55th birthday

INQUEST INTO DEATH ADJOURNED TO LATER DATE

A MAN tragically died in flood water in Grimsby’s Ainslie Park on his birthday.

John Ewels was was found submerged in the water on August 22 last year - his 55th birthday. An inquest into his death was formally opened at Grimsby Town Hall yesterday and adjourned to a later date.

North East Lincolnshire Council has now had security fencing installed to keep people away from the water.

Following the tragedy, the park was cordoned off with tape and new signs were erected warning visitors of the flood water. Engineers pumped vast quantities of water last year but the heavy downpours over winter resulted in further flooding.

A spokesman for North East Lincolnshire Council told the Grimsby Telegraph: “Ainslie Street park floods naturally when rainfall is high.

“There is a natural spring in the area and the level of water in the park mirrors the natural water table.

“We monitor the water and the water depth does not normally exceed 10 inches, even during severe weather.”

He added: “Last year, we tried pumping away water for several weeks in an attempt to lower the water level in the park but it made little difference. “The area used to be a cemetery and this prevents any form of excavation to improve drainage. “We are investigating other longer-term solutions, such as re-routing the path, and last week put up fencing across the affected paths to keep people away from the water.

“There are also swans nesting in the area and the fencing will help prevent them from being disturbed.

“We advise people to keep out of the standing water. Signage is in place to let people know that the foot path is closed and to use other routes.”

Following Mr Ewels’s death, officers from the Regional Marine Unit of Humberside Po l ice searched the flooded area of the park. North East Lincolnshire Council officials put up signs and tied tape around the affected area which still has water several inches deep in parts and stops people using the footpath linking Ainslie Street and Wintringham Road. The play park remains open for children to use.

The area used to be a cemetery and this prevents any form of excavation to improve

drainage. Council spokesman

Officers from the Regional Marine Unit search Ainslie park, Grimsby, in August last year, following the discovery of the man’s body.

The new security fencing to block off the path through Ainslie Park, Grimsby.