December 20, 2017 1.17 pm This story is over 74 months old

Lincoln High Street repaving works delayed, again

“We’re very disappointed”

A £800,000 project to pave a new Lincoln High Street pedestrian zone has been delayed for a second time, more than five months after work began.

Lincolnshire County Council confirmed on Wednesday, December 20 that contractors North Midland Construction had put remaining works on hold until January.

They blamed low temperatures for the hold-up.

It the time of writing, the road between St Mary’s Street and Tentercroft Street is made up of part paving, part original surface and patches of temporary black tarmac. 

Patch-up work was intended as a short term fix during the Lincoln Christmas Market weekend, but the look of the area is already beginning to ruffle feathers in the city.

The contractor will continue carrying out night-time works until Friday, December 22, subject to suitable weather, but will return to site to complete the project in January.

Geoff Poyzer, Managing Director for North Midland Construction (Highway Division), said: “Unfortunately, overnight freezing temperatures have affected our ability to lay the remaining paving and have caused a delay to the completion of the project before Christmas. As a result, we will be returning to site in early January to finish the remaining works.

“I’d like to thank the local retailers for their continued patience throughout these works.”

“Very Disappointed”

Lincoln BIG’s Matt Corrigan (left) and Councillor Colin Davie (right) at the start of the project in August. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Councillor Colin Davie, Executive Member for Economy and Place at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Although we recognise that this is essential to getting the works finished off, we are very disappointed, as it means further disruption to businesses, residents and pedestrians in the New Year.

“We apologise for this further inconvenience and thank you for your patience as we work towards getting this project completed.

“When complete, these improvements will strengthen the connection between the area of Lincoln’s High Street with the existing shopping area north of the crossing, as well as the uphill area around the cathedral and castle.

“This will not only attract greater footfall and encourage more people to use local businesses, but it will also create a more open and pleasant space.”