The executive councillor in charge of heritage services at Lincolnshire County Council has said he’s “surprised” by the City of Lincoln Council’s objection to proposals for the Usher Gallery.
Councillor Nick Worth suggested he would consider handing back responsibility for the running of the attraction to the city’s local authority as tensions grow over its future.
The city council, which owns the historical building and provides a lease to the county council, had been quiet about plans that would see the space used for weddings, events, a small art space and to house Coroner’s Court.
Up to £4 million in external funding would be sought in the heritage shake-up to create a new exhibition space at The Collection Museum, where much of the existing works at the Usher would be relocated.
He said: “We believe it is important to keep the Usher Gallery for the purpose it was originally designed, remaining true to the bequest of James Usher.”
Councillor Nick Worth, executive member for heritage services at Lincolnshire County Council, told The Lincolnite: “We’ve been in discussions with the City of Lincoln Council, who own the gallery and 49% of the art collection, about future plans for a number of months.
“I’m a little surprised they’ve taken such a firm stance now, before hearing all the views of the public.
“If they wanted to take direct responsibility of running the Usher Gallery, we would consider it.
“We will, of course, take their letter into account along with the all other comments from the consultation.
“We are still welcoming comments from the public until the consultation period ends on April 24.”
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Villagers in Fiskerton remain cautious yet optimistic in the face of potential flooding, a month after they were advised to evacuate following a considerable amount of rainfall.
Several residents have continued to vigilantly monitor the River Witham’s water levels, prepared with sandbags outside their homes as a precaution after Storm Babet damaged two sections of the riverbank. But, despite the looming threat, there is a prevailing sense of confidence among the community, suggesting that further flooding is unlikely.
News that a £165,000 improvement project on the Handley Monument in Sleaford will commence early next year has been supported by local residents, who feel it is a much needed addition to the town centre, but it hasn’t come without its fair share of criticism.
North Kesteven District Council unveiled its plans for the historic Handley Monument in Sleaford, with a view to improving the surrounding area and also lighting up the monument to attract more attention to its role in the town’s history.
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