Council shines spotlight on Caistor and Yarborough Ward

Ward Councillors Owen Bierley and Angela Lawrence were delighted to share what makes them most proud of the area.

Coun Bierley said: “Caistor and Yarborough ward is a truly special corner of West Lindsey, and our residents are incredibly proud of where they live. What has always stood out to me, and continues to, is the community spirit, people here work together, volunteer together, and care deeply about strengthening and celebrating the places around them.”

Coun Lawrence added: “The Caistor and Yarborough ward has always demonstrated resilience, ambition, and a real appetite for improvement.

"Whether it’s enhancing our town and village centres, supporting small businesses, or looking after our green spaces, our communities consistently show what partnership can achieve. There is a lot of pride here, which means residents continue to take care of their community and its future.”

That pride is rooted in a place with a remarkable story. Caistor is one of the most historic settlements in the district, once home to a Roman fortress and now recognised as one of West Lindsey’s most significant conservation areas. The town boasts more than 56 Grade II listed buildings, two Grade I listed buildings, a scheduled ancient monument, medieval fishponds, and over 160 archaeological finds.

One of the ward’s most recognisable historic buildings is 2-4 Market Place, known as The Old Co-op, which is currently undergoing a major transformation. This complex set of five interlinked listed buildings set over three floors with numerous corridors and staircases, remained empty. That was until the Caistor and District Community Trust (CDCT) announced it had raised £3million to begin the restoration and transformation of 2-4 Market Place in a phased approach.

West Lindsey District Council is among one of the many key funders who are supporting the project recognising the impact the buildings were having on the town and the community.

The project includes new retail units, a permanent home for Caistor’s archives, holiday accommodation, office and craft units, and a new first-floor community space. This regeneration effort is expected to breathe new life into the town centre, stimulate local business, and provide new opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Coun Bierley explained: “Projects like the Market Place redevelopment are more than just building works, they are vital catalysts for economic growth, social activity, and long-term sustainability.”

West Lindsey District Council approved £1.3 million in funding for 2025/26 to support community projects, green spaces, arts engagement, and town-centre improvements across the district.

Here is a snapshot of some of the grants allocated:

- Keelby Parish Council received £20,000 to refurbish a play park for the over fives including adult agility equipment.

- Caistor Town Cricket Club received £10,000 to purchase and install new cricket practice nets at Caistor Sports Ground.

- Great Limber Parish Council received £3,365 to plant a community orchard.

- Caistor Town Council received £6,000 to refurbish the roof of Caistor Town Hall.

Coun Bierley said the work taking place across the ward was important for the area’s future. He said: “What excites me most is the momentum we’re seeing through regeneration and investment across the ward. Our priority now is ensuring that residents continue to have their voices heard as we shape the next chapter of Caistor’s story.”

With support from West Lindsey District Council, residents, community groups, and local leaders work collaboratively to deliver projects that make a difference.

Below is a quick look at how the two Councillors representing the ward have used some of their allocated Councillor Initiative Fund to help:

- Keelby Village Hall received £660 to fit a new carpet.

- Caistor and District Lions Club CIO received £1,500 to purchase two-way radios for use at events for health and safety.

- Keelby Under 9’s football club received £400 to purchase equipment for the team such as balls, clothing, and cameras

- Caistor Grammar School received £516 to purchase 50 Highway Compliant traffic cones for use at events

Coun Lawrence said: “Funding like this is absolutely vital for our communities. It enables local groups, volunteers, and parish councils to deliver the projects that matter most to residents, whether that’s improving community facilities, supporting young people, or enhancing our shared spaces.

“These investments strengthen pride that define places like Caistor, Keelby, Great Limber, and the surrounding villages, helping to ensure our communities continue to thrive long into the future.”

The council recognises that businesses also need some support. Through the Retail Champion Project - funded in part by West Lindsey District Council - local businesses in Caistor have benefited from tailored support to help them adapt, grow, and increase footfall. This work has strengthened the visitor economy and encouraged new enterprises to emerge in recent years.

This part of the district is a great tourist destination. Its hillside setting on the Viking Way, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary, makes it especially popular with walkers and visitors exploring the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Visitors can see see fragments of the original 4th-century Roman fortress wall in Caistor which still stand. It is most visibly along the southern boundary of St Peter and St Paul’s Church. The former Roman campsite is a scheduled monument. The church itself dates back to Saxon and Norman times, with later medieval additions.

The churchyard sits beside Syfer Spring, an ancient holy well.

And in Great Limber, you can see St Peter’s Church which Is a Grade I listed building. It is a Norman and Decorated-style church featuring a 13th-century chancel arch, Victorian restoration work, and an 1890 Kempe stained-glass window. It is one of the most architecturally significant churches in the area.

Coun Bierley said: “From our historic marketplaces to the wonderful walking routes that weave through the Wolds, the area has a unique charm that continues to inspire people of all ages.