September 12, 2019 5.01 pm This story is over 54 months old

Glimmer of hope after “summer from hell” for Spalding relief road campaigners

The county council could reveal all in the next two weeks
Catherine and Frank Roberts outside their forever home on Bourne Road. Photo: Daniel Jaines

Residents have said they have lived through the “summer of hell” as they await a decision on the new route of the Spalding Western Relief Road.

Lincolnshire County Council has said it could reveal all in the next two weeks.

The north and south sections of the road were approved by Lincolnshire County Council in July, but were called in by the Secretary of State after calls from local residents.

The third is being re-looked at after revelations it could go through residents’ homes caused public outcry.

Examination of six alternative routes were due to be finished by the end of summer, but LCC says it’s “taken longer than expected”.

A map showing the original two central routes of the proposed £100 million Spalding Relief Road. Picture: Lincolnshire County Council.

Catherine Roberts, who was left in limbo in February after finding out her Bourne Road home sat in the way of the original route, said: “I think the residents would describe this as the ‘summer from hell’ and we have all been on tenderhooks waiting for some news.

“As September drew closer I actually became more nervous about the possible outcome we might hear, although desperately wanting to know our fate, and from there, if the news is not good, we look to further ways to fight.”

A 1,300 signature petition was this week handed to Lincolnshire County Council with a copy due to go before South Holland District Council next week, and Mrs Roberts says it “truly reflects the wealth of support from the town”.

On Monday, scrutiny councillors at Lincolnshire County Council will receive an update on the progress of the project.

A highways spokesperson said: “It’s taken slightly longer than expected to complete our assessment and feasibility study.

Residents at a public meeting on the plans back in February. Photo: Daniel Jaines

“However, we expect to have it finished in the next two weeks, at which time we will contact those potentially affected to arrange one-to-one discussions.

“Once complete, the report will be put forward to the Highways & Transport Scrutiny Committee for discussion and then to the council’s Executive for a final decision.”

The campaigners have the support of MP John Hayes. The campaigners have also taken their case to the Local Government Ombudsman.

In May South Holland District Council offered no objections to the plans, despite opposition claims the two sections would create cul-de-sacs which would “cripple” traffic for the next 10 years.

Lincolnshire County Council hopes to begin work on the road in Spring 2020.

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