Cash for town centre improvements announced

Some of the cash will go towards improvements to the market area, officials said

Plans have been announced for an £880,000 town centre improvement scheme in a Lincolnshire market town.

South Kesteven District Council has approved plans for a number of projects in Grantham including the installation of power to Market Place and Westgate along with planters, benches and cycle parking.

Work to mitigate damp and improve environmental conditions for exhibits at Grantham Museum has also been agreed.

Officials said the scheme would be funded using money left over from other projects funded through the government's Future High Streets Fund.

Other proposals include new signs for the railway station and other points of interest along with improvements to the public space and the conservation area of the cultural quarter.

At a meeting of the council's cabinet, council leader Ashley Baxter said: "The prospect of even more investment in Grantham town centre is great news for residents, businesses and visitors.

"These projects will be funded from a windfall resulting from an underspend against the budget for the recent Market Place and Station Approach improvement works," he added.

Work was completed in the market area in September last year after complaints of traffic chaos caused by multiple roadworks in the centre of the town.

Last week, the council offered businesses a free spot in the market as part of a four-week trial.

Council officials said the project would give traders "a feel for trading on Grantham Market" before deciding whether to sign up for a regular spot.

The new projects must be contractually committed by the council by 31 March and be completed by the same date next year under the terms of the fund.

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