Lancaster Bomber sculpture off A46 could be beacon for Lincolnshire

A team of ambitious local visionaries are working on plans to build a Lancaster Bomber sculpture next to the A46 which would act as a landmark welcome symbol for Lincoln.

The structure would be located on a field next to the A46, Norton Disney, where more than 30,000 drivers a day would pass it – through the gates of Bomber County.

It is hoped the project would be brought to fruition alongside the 100th anniversary of the RAF in 2018.

The vision is begin developed by the Bomber County Gateway Trust, which has been promised land close to Hill Holt Wood.

Planning permission would still be needed from North Kesteven District Council and donations totalling between £100,000 and £200,000 to bring the sculpture to life.

Another design the trust has in mind for the sculpture.

Ken Sadler from the trust told The Lincolnite plans are still in the early stages, and the team is asking for help and ideas from artists, structural engineers and financial backers.

Anyone interested in helping with the project can find out more and contact the trust on the Facebook page here. 

Ken explained that not only would the structure be Lincolnshire’s equivalent to the Angel of the North, but it would also mark the county’s role in World War II.

“The Lancaster represents Lincolnshire’s inextricable link to military aviation and the readiness of Lincolnshire people to identify with, and be quite possessive of, this heritage.

The proposed location of the structure off the A46.

“The second factor is that Bomber Command, as everyone knows, has been unfairly snubbed ever since the end of the War despite its obvious vital contribution and the sacrifice of more than 60,000 of its men and women.

“Around half a dozen planes crashed while making approaches to RAF Swinderby during the War – many in Norton Big wood just off Wood Lane.

“Our research shows that one particular Lancaster, R5689, crashed on September 19, 1942 in Thurlby Top Wood which is literally the other side of Folly Lane and Hill Holt Wood.

“A Canadian crew member, Sgt J R Gibbons lost his life in the incident. The plane that we hope to recreate will feature the markings and number of that particular Lancaster in tribute.

“We’d like to think that the site can be viewed from the lay-by on the A46 right opposite where we would also like to install an information board to tell the story of those people.”

Ken added a pre-application has been submitted to NKDC to gauge the likelihood that permission would be granted.