Sleaford Civic Trust warn old post office could harm town centre revamp plans

A few years ago the Post Office closed on Southgate when the lease expired and the premises has stood empty, deteriorating ever since.

The Sleaford Civic Trust is a group dedicated to preserving a good quality environment in the town and identifies buildings that have become neglected, encouraging owners to restore and bring them back to use.

Now, North Kesteven District Council is planning to spend around £165,000 to enhance the Monument Gardens outside the museum and around the Handley Memorial itself, using UK Shared Prosperity Fund money from the Government.

Back in 2021 the civic trust contacted the old Post Office’s management company, Telereal Trillium, and were told the remaining lease was due to expire in March 2022 when the building would be renovated, but no progress was made. The trust awarded the building the Mess of the Year a second time in 2022.

David Marriage from the trust said: “Since that time there has been no progress. With little confidence of anything happening, the Civic Trust has now awarded the Old Post Office the Mess of the Year for a third time.

“We feel the front of the old Post Office building must be improved, as the UKSPF work will be greatly spoilt by what can be seen as the ‘scar’ of the old Post Office immediately next to the Handley Memorial.”

A spokesperson for NKDC said: “We would hope that the investment and outcomes of the project would inspire all landlords and property owners to consider themselves what contributions they could make to the enhancement of the street scene.”

They said a key aim is to build ‘pride of place’ and enhancing a significant gateway to the town was an important part of that. They added that grants are available to restore or replace historic shop frontages.

Telereal Trillium has been approached for comment but had not responded at the time of going to press.