It's Official, West Lindsey Still In Growth Despite Recession

The latest figures recorded by the district council on business rates show an increase of 1.23% which equates to thirty-two additional businesses that have begun trading in the last financial year.

Chairman of the Economic and Regeneration Committee, Cllr. Malcolm Parish, Conservative (Welton Ward), said:

"The whole country has suffered a down turn during the recession and West Lindsey has been no exception to that.

"However, these figures show that overall our district is still growing and that is a tremendous feat which really does bode well for the future as trading conditions begin to ease."

Cllr. Parish was optimistic that growth would continue throughout the district - and particularly in Gainsborough.

"A £3 million facelift for the town centre is already underway which will make Gainsborough an even more attractive proposition for businesses and retailers.

"Key features of the plans are the use of York stone paving on the footpaths and in the pedestrian areas, timber seating, a performance area in front of the old Town Hall, improved lighting and signage, 'pop up' electricity supplies for the market and events, and new canopies for the market stalls.

"The project will reinstate the Market Place as a key focal point and provide a vital link between Marshall Yard and Riverside Walk and make the whole town even more attractive."

Gainsborough has been granted Growth Point status by the Government and the town is set to double in size over the next 20 years.

Free Car Parking on Saturday Afternoons

Shoppers in Gainsborough are to enjoy free parking on Saturday afternoons starting this week.
All the town centre car parks are covered by the scheme which is designed to support shops and market traders during the £3,000,000 refurbisment of the Market Place.

Chairman of West Lindsey District Council's Economic and Regeneration Committee, Cllr, Malcolm Parish, Conservative (Welton Ward) said:

"The new-look town centre will be a fantastic improvement for Gainsborough which will be enjoyed by local people and be an added attraction for visitors.

"But in the short-term there will inevitably be some disruption and we feel that by making parking free from 1pm on Saturdays we are going some way towards helping traders in what is already a difficult economic time."

The refurbishment work is scheduled to last until June, and the free parking concession is expected to cost the Council between £3,000 and £4,000 in lost revenue.

Cllr. Parish added: "

The car parks which will be free after 1pm on Saturdays are: North Street, Ship Court, Roseway, Bridge Street and the multi-storey in Beaumont Street.

"Clear signage is being put up to stress when payment is not necessary and I am sure people will take advantage of the opportunity to shop without having to pay to park."

The town centre refurbishment scheme is already underway and will provide a new-look Market Place with something for everyone.

New features will include designated seating areas, access to wifi and a space for entertainment by performance groups.

Cllr Parish said:

"Since Marshall's Yard opened in 2007 more and more people have been visiting Gainsborough. Now we want to bring the rest of the town up to the same standard and really show what we have on offer."

The project will initially focus on Market Place, Silver Street and Lord Street and further work will take place in Market Street and Church Street subject to funding.

Tour of Regained Gainsborough for County's VIPs

Regeneration work in Gainsborough and plans to make the town even more attractive for local people, investors and visitors have been showcased in the town.

Chairman of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Jessie Milne, welcomed guests including High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and sister of the late Princess Diana, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Tony Worth.

Also on the VIP list was Chairman of the County Council, Roy Chapman, Vice Chairman Peter Bedford, Mayor of Lincoln David Gratrick, Sheriff of Lincoln Lance Pennell and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development at South Kesteven District Council, Frances Cartwright.

Cllr Milne said:

"There is tremendous interest in how Gainsborough has been transformed by the creation of the Riverside Walk and Marshall's Yard and the work that still has to be done to refurbish the Market Place and town centre.

"We took all of our visitors on a walking tour accompanied by Regeneration Services Manager Suzanne Fysh who was able to explain in detail how such a massive improvement had been achieved.

"All of our visitors were very impressed with what they saw and went away with a very positive view of the town."

Cllr Roy Chapman, Chairman of Lincolnshire County Council, said:

"The developments in Marshall's Yard are most impressive, and the range of shops and facilities is quite amazing. The use of the old machinery, such as the gantry at the entrance, shows real imagination.

"The transformation of Whittons Mill was quite staggering - what had been patently industrial is now residential and attractive. The Art Gallery and Restaurant were particularly pleasant and appealing also, and it was wonderful to see such a wide variety of shops in the Market Place.

"The town has shown quite dramatically what can be done, and there was a distinct atmosphere that this is something of a beginning with lots more to follow."