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After close to a year of roadworks and closures, Holdingham Roundabout has officially reopened with new approach lanes and traffic lights.

The £8.25m project, which also includes the development of the A17/A153 Sleaford Rugby Club junction, started in February this year to widen the roundabout and improve traffic conditions in the area.

As part of the works, 24 new traffic signals have been installed, nearly one and a half miles of new kerbing, and over 75 tress have been planted.

Traffic lights will be up at each leg of the roundabout. | Photo: LCC

The timings of the traffic signals will be tweaked in the coming weeks to ensure that they are running as smoothly as possible.

Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said it was “fantastic news for the county” and will make a big difference in the area.

“I’m really happy to say that Holdingham Roundabout is officially back open, with the new approach lanes and traffic signals in full operation.

“This is fantastic news for the county, and I want to thank everyone for remaining patient and bearing with us while these works were being carried out.

“These major changes will not only help to ensure an equal flow of traffic from all directions, but will also improve people’s journey times and support growth in the area over the coming years.

“This project has been a massive undertaking, with 39,000 workforce hours spent, nearly a mile of new drainage installed and over 16,000 tonnes of tarmac, stone and other road-building materials used.”

Cllr Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council, said: “It’s brilliant to see this work to Holdingham roundabout complete and I look forward to the improved traffic flow it’s expected to bring to the area and the wider road network around Sleaford.

“The improvements will help relieve congestion and improve air quality, which is vital for our local environment and our own health, while also saving time for those visiting Sleaford and the many vibrant local high streets and centres in our district for shopping, leisure and more including over Christmas and New Year or looking to travel onwards.

“I thank everyone for their patience while this work to Holdingham roundabout took place, and the teams who’ve worked so hard to bring this forward successfully.”

Council leaders have agreed to move forward with a £10.7million refurbishment of the Deepings Leisure Centre.

South Kesteven District Council’s cabinet voted to support a recommendation by joint scrutiny members last week after examining a series of options for the facility.

The leisure centre was closed in July after rainwater leaks in the roof caused safety concerns, with councillors U-turning on a decision to make the closure permanent after a backlash from local residents.

Councillors on Joint Scrutiny last Tuesday voted to recommend moving forward on “Option C”, which would cost £10.663 million, along with meaningful consultation and a full spending review.

Other options ranged from completely new builds priced between £20-35 million and refurbishment options from £6 million up.

The proposals will see a full remodelling and refurbishment including reconfiguration of the main pool, a new health and fitness gym, two new studios, a changing village, modification of the entrance area and refurb of the sports hall.

Councillor Barry Dobson, executive member for leisure, told senior councillors on Tuesday that it was “an important first step” in bringing the existing centre back into use.

“Undertaking a full refurbishment and remodelling of the current centre will provide the local area with a facility which meets the evidence need, both now and in the future, but also results in improving the leisure offer in the area, providing an enhanced level of facilities and more opportunities.”

During the meeting last week residents said they were “heartbroken” by  the closure, while opposition councillors accused the Tory leadership of “betraying” and letting residents down.

However, the Conservative leadership argued the present situation was far different to what it was during the elections and that there is a lot less money in the coffers.

Councillor Dobson repeated that “a refurbishment of this magnitude and cost will still be a significant undertaking”.

He added any investment would require the council to review its spending priorities.

Council leader Kelham Cooke said it was important that “the much-loved Deepings leisure centre is reopened as soon as possible”.

He said the refurbishment would “not only return it to its former glory, but would also meet the needs of the local community much better than it has ever done before”.

Councillor Robert Reid said the move showed the council had listened to residents and opposition members.

The plans will now go before an Extraordinary meeting of SKDC’s full council next Tuesday.

Young people in Lincolnshire are showing signs of stress, anxiety and low mood following the COVID-19 pandemic health bosses have warned.

Lincolnshire County Council’s executive members heard on Monday that although the impact of the virus itself has been minimal — with one in 15 people aged 0-19 testing positive compared to 1 in 12 nationally — the “indirect effects of the pandemic are undeniable and significant”.

A report to leaders concluded: “Though the hard work and collaborative effort of people across Lincolnshire has eased this burden, we are seeing signs of harm and must continue to do all we can to minimise this and give children in Lincolnshire the best start in life.”

It added: “Most significantly, the pandemic has taken its toll on the mental health of the nation and its impact is no less in young people, who are showing signs of stress, anxiety and low mood. This is particularly pronounced among children with SEND and children in care.”

It noted that the pandemic had “highlighted inequalities and vulnerabilities, and threatens to widen the gap in health and well-being between richer and poorer communities.”

Professor Derek Ward told the executive: “Generally children have a mild disease they recover and it doesn’t have much of a long term impact is what we understand at the moment. But they have to isolate.

“Schools have been closed right the way through the pandemic on and off remote learning. While schools have done a fantastic job to try to continue education for children and young people, they like to be with those their own age and they’ve been significantly impacted over the past two years.

“All of that will have an immediate impact but also a medium and long-term impact.”

The report, however, noted “significant strides” to support young people in Lincolnshire during the pandemic and praised services for adapting rapidly.

Professor Ward praised “excellent service provision” and highlighted the value of Children’s Centres in the county.

It said partners had worked together to “empower parents and educators” in the county.

Council leaders praised the report and the work of the council to support young people during the pandemic.

Deputy leader of the council and executive member for children’s services Councillor Patricia Bradwell said: “Young people have struggled the same as adults have. They couldn’t go to school, they couldn’t see their friends and all their social activities like the football or the dance or the you know, music lessons all stopped as well.

“So their life stopped and I think it has made an impact. Some children have bounced back, but some still do struggle.”

In general, the report said young people were less likely to be physically active and there was an increased risk of becoming overweight.

However, it said that as the council moved into COVID-19 recovery it would aim to open up and protect services such as children’s centres and would look to develop a “child and family weight management service”.