£20m set to revolutionise transport and travel in Barton
Barton is set for a transport revolution – including a new link-road – after £19.7m Government levelling-up cash was confirmed.
The cash from the Government’s latest Levelling-Up funding will build a new link road, almost 10 miles of new cycle lanes and major improvements to the railway station including new cycle parking, an extension of the car park, and bus shelter upgrades.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “There can be no doubt that levelling-up is happening here in North Lincolnshire – the cash will make a huge difference to Barton, Barrow and other communities.
“It is really pleasing the Government has backed these ambitious plans that will have a huge impact on the lives of people across our county.
“We are determined to improve local infrastructure, to create new futures for our towns and this latest money will do just that.”
The money comes as one of 100 projects nationally which have been awarded a share of £2.1bn from Round 2 of the Government’s flagship Levelling Up Fund. Across Lincolnshire alone, six schemes have received more than £100m.
Cllr Waltham added: “We are continuing to work closely with the Government around many other projects as we seek to get more cash for residents – the Government is working with us, it is listening and helping to shape the plans to ensure other projects get the backing they need.
“This latest round of funding sees Lincolnshire share more than £100m, this is great news for our partners – and the people and communities – across the county.”
Nationally, the cash includes £672m to develop better transport links, £821m to kick-start community regeneration and £594m to restore local heritage sites.
This latest money for North Lincolnshire is in addition to the near £20m towns deal, £10m Future High Streets, £75m for a new port development, £5m for the A15 enhancements, around £10m for two new motorway junctions, £6m through the Shared Prosperity Fund, investment in the new university campus, tens of millions for education and the £200m plus paid to support jobs throughout the pandemic.
Standing in others’ shoes for Holocaust Remembrance
As an ordinary person, can you put yourself into the shoes of those other ordinary people who have suffered – and continue to suffer – the consequences of prejudice and hate?
Can you fathom the scale of loss of the millions of ordinary people whose life journeys have been cut short by the devastation of holocaust, genocide, and persecution? And can you imagine the journeys millions of ordinary people have been on in securing the safety, security, freedoms or confidence in identity they enjoy today?
For Holocaust Memorial Day, North Kesteven District Council is holding a commemorative event that invites ordinary people to pause, reflect, remember and commit themselves to standing up against prejudice, intolerance and hatred.
In identifying ‘ordinary people’ as its theme for this Holocaust Memorial Day, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust is making the point that ordinary people like us have the capacity to both facilitate genocide by turning a blind eye, believing propaganda or being suspicious of difference; but also the capacity to stop it by standing up to hatred, speaking out against persecution and challenging prejudice.
Council leader Cllr Richard Wright said: “By understanding the plight of others, having awareness of their journeys and making the right choices with regard to the marginalised or misrepresented, ordinary people today can achieve extraordinary things through their actions.
“We are seeing that across so many areas of community life right now; in the selfless ways ordinary people are supporting each other through current financial challenges and the exceptional warmth and unquestioning generosity of hundreds of people in welcoming displaced Ukrainians into their homes.”
From 4pm on Thursday, January 26, you are invited to join in a short event in the Courtyard of the Council offices at Eastgate, Sleaford – putting yourself into the shoes of those who have been displaced by war, conflict and genocide and whose lives have been cut short or impacted by prejudice, persecution or exposure for being ‘other than ordinary’.
Taking shoes as a symbol of the journeys millions of ordinary people have been on – including long hard journeys of displacement from their country as evacuees of war, or journeys of self-identity simply to be themselves – attendees are asked to bring used shoes to place in a commemorative gesture.
These could be:
- old, worn-out shoes that have reached the end of the road but tell of a journey;
- worn shoes with potential to begin another journey, to be donated to the British Red Cross to continue bringing hope for someone in need or for sale to extend humanitarian aid; or
- out-grown but still functional school shoes for onward donation to a family in hardship to help a child on their journey of education and discovery.
Transformational £14.8m government grant backs Boston regeneration vision
Boston Borough Council has successfully secured £14.8m from the Government Levelling Up Fund to kick-start regeneration and secure further investment to the heart of the town centre.
The Levelling Up Fund is specifically designed to secure capital investment in infrastructure that has the potential to improve lives and give people pride in their communities. Boston’s Rosegarth Square masterplan, forming part of PE21, seeks to revitalise and repurpose the area between the River Witham and the bus station – particularly focusing on the area of the former Dunelm/B&M building and the vacant Crown House building.
A new public park, spanning the area between the river and the Len Medlock Centre will provide a new place for people. New green spaces, improved pedestrian routes, artwork and other features seek to create an inviting, safe, accessible and enjoyable place for all, as well as offering significant environmental enhancements.
Alongside this, works to convert Crown House to provide a mix of residential and other uses to support young people and families, will see this building visually improved and positively enhance its presence.
Works to demolish the existing B&M building as enabling works to future re-development will also be undertaken; taken together these interventions will improve the appearance of the area and address some local challenges from anti-social behaviour and crime.
In conjunction with the proposed works, a programme of community engagement will be undertaken, including a linked archaeology project, to better understand the history of the site, influence the emerging designs, and link the area’s past to its future.
Collectively these interventions are intended to be high-quality, and make significant impact both for the short and longer-term. They will revitalise this large brownfield site and act as a catalyst for further positive inward investment and the regeneration ambition for the area. The aim is to change the character and appearance of this area, create opportunities for new uses and homes, create jobs, support the economy and the community, and create a place where people want to live, work and enjoy.
Securing this level of public investment, supplemented by further match funding, will act as the catalyst for the wider re-development of this prominent, and unique place so that it makes a positive contribution to the area and becomes a place people can be proud of and which complements the setting of Boston Stump and the core of the town centre around the Market Place. It comes on top of Boston Borough Council’s successful bids to the Towns Fund.
The proposal was initially submitted in August 2022, and the Council will now seek to mobilise quickly to access and draw down the funding from Government and seek to re-engage with partners to move the scheme on to the detailed design and delivery phases. Further engagement will also be undertaken as the proposals are developed.
Cllr Nigel Welton, deputy leader and portfolio holder for economic growth at Boston Borough Council, said: “Since submitting the bid in early August, we have been eagerly awaiting to hear the result – and we are absolutely thrilled to be able to say that we have been successful in our bid, and have been allocated £14.8million from the Levelling Up Fund.
“This is another great example of the public and private sector working together to help bring investment into Boston. This forward-thinking council is focussed on doing all that it can to help improve the economy, create new job opportunities and install a sense of pride for residents in the town. This is an ambitious scheme which we hope to bring real change for Boston for future generations. We want to continually improve the town and help to raise aspirations and this investment will play a key role in that.”
The funding announcement comes as several regeneration and improvement projects start to take shape in Boston following Town Deal funding from the Government, also part of the Levelling Up agenda.
Historic shop fronts are being renovated as part of plans to attract more investment; improvements at Boston Railway Station are proposed; and other projects to transform the health, wellbeing and education through the Boston Leisure and Mayflower projects all seek to create new opportunities for residents as well as attracting new visitors to the area.
Matt Warman, Member of Parliament for Boston and Skegness, said: “The government has backed the Council’s bold, ambitious vision for Boston, and awarded major funding that many other towns were also bidding for. The success of Boston Borough Council in securing their full £14.8 million bid in the face of stiff competition across the UK demonstrates the transformative quality of this comprehensive plan to regenerate a currently neglected and run down part of our town in a sustainable way.
“Linking with improvements made within the £21.9 million Boston Town Deal, residents and visitors to Boston will see their route through the town renewed with both new high quality building projects and sympathetic renovation and reinstatement of historic features.
“Council leaders and officers have worked in partnership with government and business to bring contemporary housing, hospitality and retail options within a newly created urban green space. And with every £1 of public money spent here bringing a benefit of £2.80 to our local area as well as creating jobs it’s great value for taxpayers too.”
The Council hopes this investment will unlock further opportunities in this area to deliver homes, health-facilities and new employment spaces.
The Government is supporting all the LUF projects put forward by the whole of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership with £14.8million awarded to Boston Borough Council, £20million to South Holland District Council and £8million in East Lindsey.
Each scheme will see projects which will be transformational for each district for generations to come, through job creation, new opportunities, driving inward investment and supporting the health and wellbeing of residents.
More than £18.4m Levelling Up funds awarded to Cleethorpes
Plans to continue with the reinvention of Cleethorpes have taken a major step forward as North East Lincolnshire Council has secured more than £18.4m of Levelling Up grant monies for the resort.
Delighted council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, said work would now begin at pace to kickstart this section of the Cleethorpes masterplan, which was spearheaded by Wayne Hemingway MBE of HemingwayDesign and extremely well received locally.
“This is absolutely brilliant news for the resort, which is fast becoming the jewel in the crown along the east coast of our country and is attracting growing numbers of people who want to not only visit here, but live here too. Over the last few years, we have seen the start of the Cleethorpes transformation, with the Coastal Communities Fund work and that around the heritage properties on Alexandra Road. This successful LUF bid means that transformation can continue.”
The Cleethorpes bid incorporated schemes identified in the Cleethorpes’ Masterplan as important strategic development locations, and deliverable within the timescales.
The area of focus for the bid was Market Place, Sea Road and Pier Gardens, which were three initial projects identified in the “Think Cleethorpes” Masterplan, developed alongside the local community to deliver the projects that they wanted to see, and adopted last year.
The key vision is to reintroduce the historic Market Square, creating a safe and flexible space that can accommodate markets, festivals and associated retail events, which will encourage outdoor dining, and provide a healthier, more pleasant environment.
The successful funding bid will also support the redevelopment of the Sea Road site which received planning permission for a new building and is currently being marketed.
There is an opportunity to change Pier Gardens, retaining the Victorian heritage and feel, but making it more attractive. In the masterplan consultation, people wanted to see more made of the gardens, with additional seating, planting to increase biodiversity, and improved areas for children’s play, events and performances, and spaces for reflection and contemplation.
Cllr Jackson continued: “Over the last few years, we’ve secured in excess of £70-million into North East Lincolnshire, underpinned by an ambitious vision for the growth and regeneration. We’re working hard to make sure that the money spent in this borough is to the benefit of everyone living and working here.
“The changes we continue to spearhead in the resort, and which we can now continue with the support of the LUF monies, are also vital when it comes to reflecting the aspirations of our residents and visitors, for our young people to enjoy positive futures, and in our ability to attract new and retain good businesses in an attractive coastal town.”
East Lindsey District Council to make Horncastle its HQ as it opens shared facility with Boston College
East Lindsey District Council is moving to a new, energy efficient and more central headquarters from Monday 23 January 2023.
After 44 years, Tedder Hall in Manby will close and the council will officially mark a new era in its history when it moves to the Hub in Horncastle.
The Council has been working with Boston College to help provide a campus in Horncastle to fill a learning and skills gap. The Hub is a shared facility with the college who have been providing a range of 18+ courses for people in Horncastle and the surrounding area from the campus since November.
The project was supported by The Greater Lincolnshire LEP who contributed £1.2m for the College campus.
The Council funded the remaining £6.23m of the project cost in recognition that it would be a cost neutral project over a maximum of 15 years when factoring in the sale of Skegness Town Hall, Tedder Hall and the reduced running costs of the new building. Given the significant increase in utility prices, this payback period has now significantly reduced to around eight years.
The Hub supports the Council’s commitment to reducing CO2 and minimising its impact on climate change.
The sale of Skegness Town Hall was completed last summer, with the sale of Manby Park which includes Tedder Hall, completed in December.
Cllr Craig Leyland, leader of East Lindsey District Council, said: “Monday marks a new chapter in East Lindsey District Council’s history. The project has helped Boston College fulfil an ambition to provide a Campus in Horncastle. More people are able to access a range of courses without the need to travel far.
“The Hub has been built to ensure it is as energy efficient as possible, in line with our other ambitions around sustainability and the response to climate change.
“Both Tedder Hall and Skegness Town Hall served us well for many, many years but both buildings had high running and repair costs which were expected to keep on increasing over time. The Hub also provides staff who work across the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership a more central base to touchdown in as well as other touchdown points located in Skegness, Louth and Mablethorpe.
“Being more central in the district also provides a better experience to our partners and members of the public coming to hear decisions made in the council chamber. We also expect footfall to increase for Horncastle businesses and services with more council staff, PSPS colleagues and the College, bringing more people to the town.”
£8m secured to transform at-risk heritage and cultural sites in East Lindsey
Three historic sites are set to benefit from £8m Levelling Up funding from the Government.
The Government has announced East Lindsey District Council has been successful in its bid to support ambitious regeneration schemes for Alford Manor House, Alford Windmill and Spilsby Sessions House.
The funding will help transform these culturally significant sites, attract new visitors and enhance their uses. The Levelling Up Round 2 investment will create a financially stable future for the three at risk heritage assets and will have a beneficial impact on the entire Lincolnshire Wolds tourism economy.
The Levelling Up Fund is specifically designed to secure capital investment in infrastructure that has the potential to improve lives and give people pride in their communities. The fund is one component of the Government ‘Levelling Up’ ambition.
The Government is supporting all the LUF projects put forward by the whole of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership with £14.8m awarded to Boston Borough Council, £20m to South Holland District Council and £8m in East Lindsey. Each scheme will see projects which will be transformational for each district for generations, through job creation, new opportunities, driving inward investment and supporting the health and wellbeing of residents.
Spilsby Sessions House is to be supported to bring the building back into use as a theatre and as a community-owned space. The listed building also has a significant place in history, for its past use as a jail, and funding would allow the building’s old police cells to be opened to the public, creating a new visitor attraction.
£2.5m is going to Alford Manor House to create a permanent function space as well as the relocation and improvement of the tearoom and kitchen, freeing up space for improved displays within the museum.
£1.1m is secured for Alford Windmill to help save the historic mill which is now on the Heritage at Risk register. Work will see the mill restored and reopen as a major attraction, including a new visitor experience, café and shop.
All these projects have been developed in partnership with the local community and through East Lindsey’s commitment to its Vital and Viable programme which supports businesses in our market towns with initiatives aimed to drive footfall.
Cllr Adam Grist, portfolio holder for market towns and rural economy at East Lindsey District Council, said: “It is fantastic news for Spilsby and Alford to be awarded this funding which will revive facilities which are historically and socially important for both towns.
“The funding will truly be transformational for these heritage sites and the communities they support. New tourist attractions which enhance the current offer will be created which will help secure their use for generations to come.
“These projects are vitally important for supporting the tourism offer in the Lincolnshire Wolds and wider East Lindsey. Enhancing the district’s visitor offer as a whole will help the market towns attract visitors and holiday makers from our coastal towns.
“Securing this funding is a great day for the community groups and a celebration of partnership working. There are so many hardworking people committed to these cultural facilities and I am so delighted the Government has recognised this and is supporting us to help keep these facilities thriving.
“I would like to thank everyone who was involved in this bid and all the community groups who wrote letters of support.”
Bruce Knight, heritage & arts co-ordinator at Spilsby Sessions House, said: “We are so pleased about the Levelling Up decision. The Spilsby Sessions House charity will now be able to realise the vision of fully repairing the Grade II listed heritage site and transforming a theatre at risk into a visitor attraction and community arts venue for all.
“The impact of this project will be a huge boost for the local community and for East Lindsey as whole. It will complement the Town Deal investment the District Council has already achieved for the coast and will create something that people across the region can be proud of.”
Dennis Bell of Alford Manor House and Alford Windmill said: “The purpose behind the Levelling Up fund application is the transformation of Alford by establishing a viable tourist product to attract the tens of thousands of tourists holidaying on the coast to visit Alford.
“This extra footfall will boost the local economy and provide jobs for the future.”
Victoria Atkins, MP for Louth and Horncastle, said: “I am delighted by the news that Alford and Spilsby will benefit from a boost of £8million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. This transformational funding will bolster the cultural offer to constituents and visitors and support the local economy.
“Since being elected, I have championed our market towns and have worked with community groups on reviving and enhancing much loved heritage sites that are at the heart of our communities. I have pressed the Government to invest in our corner of Lincolnshire and was pleased to support this bid in partnership with East Lindsey District Council.
“On top of the landmark £24million Mablethorpe Towns Fund, this substantial funding will help ensure the constituency of Louth & Horncastle continues to be a bright place to live, work and visit for future generations.”
£20m secured to transform health and wellbeing in South Holland
£20million of major investment has been awarded to help transform health and wellbeing in South Holland, after the District Council secured Government Levelling Up funding for the Castle Sports Complex site in Spalding.
After submitting a bid in August, the Government has this week confirmed the success of the application, which will look to create a new and improved offer focused around health, wellbeing, leisure, sport, recreation and community spaces.
The ambitious plans the Council submitted included proposals for a new 3G floodlit football pitch to allow play all year round, a changing pavilion, a multi-use games area for a variety of other sports and three new swimming pool facilities including a large pool, a teaching pool and a splash pad.
The bid also sought funding to provide community rooms and space dedicated for use to provide a health and wellbeing hub including services for mental health, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and dementia support, as well as an Extra Care housing scheme for the District’s older residents.
The Levelling Up Fund is specifically designed to secure capital investment in infrastructure that has the potential to improve lives and give people pride in their communities. The fund is one component of the Government ‘Levelling Up’ ambition.
The District Council worked closely with a number of partners on the submission, to ensure that as many residents and community groups would be able to benefit from the project. The submission also received support from Sir John Hayes, MP for South Holland and The Deepings, who formally sponsored the bid and helped to make the case for it to the Government.
With funding secured, the next steps will now begin to get the project planned and underway, with such a major piece of work expected to take several years to complete due to the scale and complexities of the proposal for the site.
Councillor Nick Worth, deputy leader and portfolio holder for people, places, economy, said: “The success of this bid is a momentous moment for the whole of South Holland, and provides vital funding that will be truly transformational for helping to improve the lives of our residents.
“This was a highly competitive process, with over 500 bids submitted across the country, and is recognition of a District punching above its weight. We have a forward-thinking proposal that can provide enormous benefits for people of all ages, backgrounds and interests, and that will enhance and diversify the services and activities on offer in Spalding town centre.
“Thank you to everyone who has helped to support and form the bid. I am delighted that the Government has recognised the hard work, thought and collaboration that has gone into it, and now cannot wait to start the process of making these plans a reality.”
Sir John Hayes MP also celebrated the announcement, saying: “Bringing such significant funding to South Holland is fantastic news for the District, which can help to make a real, positive difference for residents for many years to come.
“An enormous amount of work went into the excellent bid that won the day. Local understanding and the strong case for why Spalding was deserving made our unique case a success when pitched against hundreds of other worthy submissions. I was pleased and proud to play my part in that work. The decision to make this substantial investment and to help remodel and improve our local service provision is a major and welcome statement of support from the Government that will benefit my constituents in so many ways.”
He added: “This is a victory for Spalding and South Holland and demonstrates what can be achieved when an MP and the local council work seamlessly for the good of their residents.”
The Government is supporting all the LUF projects put forward by the whole of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership with £14.8m awarded to Boston Borough Council and £8m in East Lindsey. Each scheme will see projects which will be transformational for each district for generations, through job creation, new opportunities, driving inward investment and supporting the health and wellbeing of residents.
New Armed Forces Hub opens in North Lincolnshire
A brand new Armed Forces Hub has opened in North Lincolnshire, signposting the local Armed Forces community to support with health and wellbeing, housing, employment and skills.
Situated at 186 High Street, Scunthorpe, The North Lincolnshire Armed Forces Hub, which was funded by North Lincolnshire Council, will serve as a one stop shop for the Armed Forces community.
Open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10am to 3pm, the hub will provide a welcoming environment where people can meet others from the Armed Forces community.
Holly Mumby-Croft, MP for Scunthorpe, who officially opened the hub, said: “It is a pleasure and an honour to be opening the North Lincolnshire Armed Forces Hub. There is a need for a hub such as this that will support so many of the Armed Forces community, whether it’s with advice and guidance or simply as a place to meet and talk with other families within the Armed Forces community.
“I’d like to extend a big thank you to all those involved in developing this hub and to our council leader who I know is very passionate around this area and also express my gratitude for all those within the Armed Forces.”
The council now want to hear from current and former members to help shape the future design of what the hub can offer so it can develop and be tailored to deliver what is really needed.
Cllr Elaine Marper, Armed Forces Champion for North Lincolnshire Council, said: “I am a strong advocate for the Armed Forces community and want to ensure that they are recognised for their sacrifices and dedication.
“This hub isn’t just for veterans; it is for absolutely everyone within the Armed Forces community. We really hope that families and children will come and use this as a social space and a place to interact with others.
“How this hub continues to develop is in the hands of the families that use it, it’s a place for sharing, caring and helping.”
North Lincolnshire Council have signed the Armed Forces Covenant to show their commitment to the local Armed Forces community and have been awarded the Gold Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
The Armed Forces Covenant ensures that anyone who has served in HM Armed Forces is not disadvantaged for having done so.
Winterton’s multi-sports pitch set for £250,000 makeover
The multi-sport community pitch in Winterton is set for major overhaul with £250,000 cash confirmed to create a new playing surface.
Plans have been developed by North Lincolnshire Council and the community for a new pitch that supports the widest array of sports – including football, tennis and hockey.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is a significant investment in expanding and updating the sports facilities in Winterton, ensuring a whole host of clubs, community groups and children from the local schools can play as wide an array of sports as possible.
“It is the latest investment in the community and follows cash for the town council to expand the play facilities in West Street Park and a new gym and library only a few years ago.
“This investment in the community will create a modern facility that can be used by many groups, clubs and families.”
North Lincolnshire Council is paying £100,000 towards the pitch with a further £148,000 taken from cash secured by the council from developers.
While the pitch is already used by Winterton Community Academy, Barton Hockey Club and a range of other community sports groups, the investment in an improved surface will open up the pitch to attract new users.
The refurbishment will be completed through the Football Federation Framework, fast-tracking the development and ensuring the highest standards.
Enviro-crime enforcement contract awarded for Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland
The South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership has awarded a three year contract, with the provision to extend for up to another two years, to Kingdom LA Support Ltd to carry out environmental crime enforcement work, commencing in January 2023.
This contract award is a key strategic milestone for the Partnership in addressing enviro-crime head on across each authority as littering, dog-fouling, fly-tipping and other enviro-crime offences continue to blight the communities.
Kingdom will provide foot patrols and overt CCTV surveillance across the Partnership to tackle littering, dog fouling and fly tipping. Officers will also be able to enforce offences in areas under Public Space Protection Orders.
Cllr Deborah Evans, portfolio holder for environmental services at Boston Borough Council, said: “The partnership brings huge benefits by coming together to deliver the best possible outcome and service for the people of Boston, this is an exciting time.
“Kingdom have already made a great impact on our town by helping us crackdown on environmental crimes, and we look forward to seeing continued improvements as time progresses.”
Cllr Martin Foster, portfolio holder for operational services at East Lindsey District Council, said: “By working across the Partnership, Kingdom can work with the councils to help deliver our key education messages to all our residents no matter where they live over such things as fly-tipping and litter.”
Cllr Anthony Casson, portfolio holder for public protection, at South Holland District Council, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to deliver a cost-effective way to tackle enviro-crime issues collectively for all of our residents.
“Good enforcement is the key to public confidence and we are pleased to have Kingdom on board.”
Michael Fisher, Managing Director of Kingdom Local Authority Support, said: “We are delighted to have been afforded the opportunity to work in partnership with Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland authorities on a project designed to reduce instances of fly-tipping, littering and other environmental crime.
“This will be a multi-faceted operation using experienced Environmental Enforcement Officers together with our highly successful technology to enforce as well as educating through engagement and explanation to the community.
“We patrol with consent and our aim is to contribute towards keeping the streets and public spaces cleaner and safer to reside in and visit.”
