August 22, 2019 1.27 pm This story is over

Former Sincil Bank play area to get new lease of life

The community wants to reopen it
St Andrews Close in Sincil Bank which will be reopened under new plans. Picture: Nick Rawsthorne.

A former play area in Sincil Bank which was closed off by City of Lincoln Council looks set to be brought back to life.

St Andrews Close was gated off after concerns from local residents over anti-social behaviour.

Now, following a grant of £25,500 from the government, Sincil Bank Community Land Trust looks set to lease the land from the city council and reopen the area.

The project has been led by the community who have asked that the new area include benches, pathway and a safe place for children to play.

Senior councillors will be asked to approve the measure at an executive meeting next week.

The trust, which was formed in June 2018, wants to turn the area into a “pocket park” meaning it would be used as open social space for the community.

Councillor Chris Burke, who represents Sincil Bank on the city council. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Councillor Chris Burke, who represents the area on the city council, said the plan was an “important small part” in the regeneration of Sincil Bank.

“It’s part of a wider regeneration project,” he said.

“We have got one of the highest density areas in the city and it’s about creating more green space.

“There were difficulties in policing the area and concerns over how it was being used.”

The site, which is between Playzone and the children’s centre, was fenced off when the play area was built, but was then locked in response to anti-social behaviour complaints from residents.

From there, the dilapidated play equipment was removed by the local authority.

Councillor Burke said he hoped the move to reopen the land as green space would be “positive” and prevent further problems in the area.

A 25 year lease is expected to be handed to the trust as part of the plan.

The project comes as part of other regeneration plans in the area, including a community hub on Portland Street and the introduction of CCTV cameras.

£235,899 was awarded by the government earlier this year to help improve the Sincil Bank area.

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