Calls for punts on Spalding's River Welland to boost tourism

Independent councillor James Le Sage said more should be done to promote activities on the River Welland

Introducing punting on the River Welland in Spalding would help boost visitor numbers to the area, a Lincolnshire councillor has said.

South Holland councillor James Le Sage, 55, said punting would provide a boost for the local economy, which had suffered as a result of the pandemic.

Although it would not rival Cambridge it could "offer a different insight to the town," he said.

A river taxi service however has said the river was "too deep" for punting.

Mr Le Sage, Independent, told BBC Radio Lincolnshire the town should do more to encourage greater use of the river.

"Spalding has lots to offer, I do not see any reason why we should not open the river to more people kayaking, canoeing, punting and paddleboarding.

"We all have to get behind ideas to try and make Spalding a better place to visit and live," he said.

"We should be promoting the river more, we cannot compare ourselves to Cambridge, but we still have lots of things to offer," he added.

Mr Le Sage said punting would help attract visitors to Spalding as it does in Cambridge

A river taxi has operated on the River Welland since 2007.

Anthony Grunwell, 65, who runs Spalding's Water Taxi, said he appreciated efforts to promote the town, but believed punting was not a viable option.

"It is not the right type of river for it because the water is too deep, you need shallow water for punting" he said.

"One of Spalding's biggest assets is the river, and I support people thinking about promoting it, but I do not think it is a suitable river for punting," he added.

However, he said the river might be suitable for paddleboarding and canoeing.

Mr Le Sage said he was working hard to gather support for his idea.