Council shine a spotlight on the Gainsborough East Ward
From grassroots sport and scout facilities to community celebrations, safer public spaces and creative reuse workshops, Gainsborough East is a ward where local groups are helping residents connect, take part and feel proud of where they live.
As part of West Lindsey District Council’s Spotlight on Our District series, district councillors Matthew Boles, Jacob Flear and David Dobbie reflected on the people, places and community spirit that make Gainsborough East an important part of the town.
A busy urban ward with residential neighbourhoods, local facilities and active community organisations, Gainsborough East has seen investment support a wide range of local ideas. Recent grants have helped improve places to meet, play and learn, as well as backing projects focused on public safety, sustainability and community pride.
For the ward councillors, that variety is part of what makes representing the area rewarding.
Coun Matthew Boles said: “Gainsborough East has a real sense of community, and you can see that in the number of local groups putting their time and energy into improving the area.
“Whether it’s sport, recycling, youth activities or public safety, these projects help make a practical difference to people’s lives.”
Some of the most visible improvements are happening in the places residents use week in, week out.
Gainsborough Town Tennis Club received £1,230 through the Community Facilities Fund to support plans to resurface a hard tennis court and extend the patio area, helping make the club more welcoming and accessible for local players.
Community facilities have also benefited from larger grants. A £5,000 award to 3rd Gainsborough Scout Group is helping refurbish toilet facilities at its headquarters, while Gainsborough Men’s Shed received £10,000 to support the delivery of events, activities and support services.
Coun Boles said these spaces play an important role in everyday community life.
He said: “Places like scout headquarters, community workshops and clubs give people somewhere to meet, learn and take part. They are the kind of local assets that help people feel connected to where they live.”
Alongside improvements to facilities, funding has helped bring people together through events and celebrations.
Laybo’s Legacy received £2,500 through the Community Action Fund to support delivery of Laybo’s Fest in Gainsborough, while GAPA received two £400 Councillor Initiative Fund grants towards its 50th birthday celebrations.
Coun Jacob Flear said the strongest projects are often those that grow from the community itself.
He said: “Our role is to listen, support and help groups access the funding they need so they can turn good ideas into something residents can enjoy and benefit from.”
He added that celebrations and local events have a lasting value beyond the day itself.
He said: “They give residents the chance to meet neighbours, support local organisations and celebrate the positive things happening in Gainsborough East.”
Other projects are focused on making neighbourhoods safer and more sustainable. Brooklands Management Ltd received £3,625.77 through the Community Action Fund to install a public space monitored CCTV camera on Brooklands in Gainsborough, supporting wider work to help residents feel safer in their local area.
Coun David Dobbie said: “Feeling safe in your neighbourhood matters. Projects such as improved CCTV can help support residents, reassure communities and complement the work already taking place with local partners.”
Sustainability is also part of the picture. Riverside Training and Access Service - ACIS received Councillor Initiative Fund support towards its Reduce, Reuse, Upcycle - Re-create Project, including contributions from Coun Boles and Coun Flear. The project will host workshops for local residents focused on repairing, repurposing and reusing items that would otherwise be sent to landfill.
Coun Boles said the project is a strong example of practical community action.
He said: “It helps people develop useful skills, reduces waste and encourages residents to think differently about what can be reused rather than thrown away.”
Coun Flear said it was encouraging to see projects that combine environmental benefits with opportunities for people to come together, learn and share ideas.
For the councillors, the range of projects supported across Gainsborough East shows how council funding can help local organisations deliver real improvements, whether that is through better facilities, new activities, safer streets or opportunities for residents to build confidence and skills.
Coun Dobbie said: “Small grants can have a big impact. A contribution towards a community celebration, a facility improvement or a sports project can help volunteers achieve something that benefits the wider ward for years to come.”
Community groups and organisations across Gainsborough East have benefited from support through West Lindsey District Council’s grant funding programmes, including the Councillor Initiative Fund, Community Action Fund and Community Facilities Fund.
GAPA received £800 through Councillor Initiative Fund grants towards its 50th birthday celebrations; Gainsborough Town Tennis Club received £1,230 through the Community Facilities Fund to resurface a hard tennis court and extend the patio area; 3rd Gainsborough Scout Group received £5,000 through the Community Facilities Fund to refurbish toilet facilities at its headquarters; Laybo’s Legacy received £2,500 through the Community Action Fund to support delivery of Laybo’s Fest; Brooklands Management Ltd received £3,625.77 through the Community Action Fund to install a public space monitored CCTV camera on Brooklands; Gainsborough Men’s Shed received £10,000 through the Community Facilities Fund to support events, activities and support services and Riverside Training and Access Service - ACIS received Councillor Initiative Fund support towards its Reduce, Reuse, Upcycle - Re-create Project.