Spalding town centre will be merry and bright this Christmas, as South Holland District Council and Spalding Town Board announce a £70,000 investment in a variety of new festive lights.
The investment comes from the initial funds from Long Term Plan for Towns, a new Government programme providing £20million over ten years to support chosen towns to improve their high streets.
The new displays are designed to last for 10 years and will stretch across the town centre and Market Place, down Francis Street and Hole in the Wall and extending into The Crescent, a key area that businesses and residents have requested to see lit up in recent years.
Investment in the look and attractiveness of the high street, especially tying in with events that bring more footfall, was a popular point raised as part of Spalding Town Board’s recent consultation, where over 500 local residents shared their priorities for the Long Term Plan for Towns funding.
Among the new decorations will be almost 40 column displays that will stretch across the street, new string lights and a star topper for the town’s Christmas tree, column and maypole decorations and around 320 metres of icicle lights.
The official switch-on of the new displays and tree will take place as part of the town’s usual Christmas Celebration, taking place this year on Friday 29 November. More information on the different free events and activities that will be part of the day will be shared in the coming weeks.
Councillor Gary Taylor, South Holland District Council portfolio holder for community development, said: “It’s fantastic that we can make this major investment into getting Spalding looking festive and inviting this Christmas, and for many Christmases to come, and will be able to see the first real, noticeable impact from this significant piece of government funding.
“We know there is a lot of work to take place over the coming months and years to get Spalding to the place we aspire for it to be, and that this covers a much wider variety of topics and issues than new Christmas lights alone.
“However, we also recognise the importance of making the town somewhere appealing and attractive, where residents and visitors can come together to celebrate and enjoy events and support our local traders and businesses. By acting on this feedback to introduce new, beautiful and wider-reaching lights, we are confident that we can help contribute towards this ambition.”
Robin Hancox, Chair of Spalding Town Board, said: “The Spalding Town Board is committed to working with the community to make a difference for the town.
“Our consultation in the summer showed us that whilst there is pride in many aspects of Spalding, there is also a clear desire for a better town centre experience with people wanting to see improvements.
“Funding the Christmas lights is just one small but significant way in which we can add to the town centre’s appeal, and ensure that everyone coming into Spalding during this festive season, and for many more years to come, has an even better experience. We are delighted to be able to support this first investment from the government funding into Spalding.”
Image shows Spalding. Credit: Stock.adobe.com/Steven F Granville
