Rallying call to transform plot of abandoned land
Residents of streets close to derelict land in Spalding are being invited to turn it into a green space for community activities.
A leaflet drop organised by South Holland District Council is trying to revive some of the enthusiasm that saw an abandoned area of Green Lane cleared and become a hive of activity for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Nearly 100 members of the community enjoyed the party, raising £313 for Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital cardiac unit.
Police officers joined local residents in clearing the area, but since then interest in maintaining it has dwindled.
Town beat manager PC Paul Smith said: “There had been a lot of anti-social behaviour in that area and the fire service was concerned because people were sleeping on old settees and lighting fires to keep warm.
“We cleared it and the party was a huge success – but since then no-one seems interested.
“It’s surprising because it would make some great allotments and there’s a waiting list for them in town.
“All it needs is a group to form a committee and then they could apply for funding to transform it.
“It’s important for communities to have somewhere like this – especially for the youngsters. They need somewhere to keep them off the streets.”
A spokesman for the district council said: “A productive discussion has taken place between members of the community, the police and representatives of the council regarding the future of land close to the railway footbridge, off Green Lane.
“A number of issues need to be resolved before any further progress can be made toward utilising the area as a potential green space for the community. This includes eradicating the Japanese knotweed at the site and investigating whether there are species of great crested newts native in the area which would need to be protected.”
If anyone has any ideas for the future of the land they can contact Claire Court by emailing community@sholland.gov.uk
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Weather for Spalding
Sunday 19 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 10 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: North
