Councillors say street closure in Louth over Horncastle smacks of favouritism

Town councillors Alan Lockwood and Richard Barker say the decision smacks of favouritism.

They have been leading figures in an 18-month battle to close St Lawrence Street in Horncastle and create a similar scheme to Louth

However, Horncastle’s attempts have been stonewalled by Lincolnshire County Council and East Lindsey District Council.

Now, those two authorities have backed the scheme in Louth’s Cornmarket.

Coun Lockwood said Louth’s claim that it was a ‘unique’ scheme for the county again ‘rubbed salt into the wounds’ of Horncastle.

Coun Lockwood accused Horncastle’s county and district councillors of failing to fight for the town.

He said: “How did Louth achieve this when we seem unable to have any success in our endeavours?

“Sadly, the finger must be pointed at our representatives at district and county level and their lack of any energy to do what is needed for us.

“The town is very poorly served by its current county councillor.

“Potholes and street works are routinely mismanaged but the county is never taken to task by the town’s representative.

“I have highlighted problem areas in the town to no avail but this ‘favouring’ of Louth is the last straw.

“Similarly, our district councillors need to decide where their priorities lie

“You are there to fight for us. Sadly, recent history shows there is little evidence that you actually do.”

Coun Lockwood revealed he had submitted a Freedom of Information request to the county council, asking for full details of the Louth decision-making process.

Meanwhile, Coun Barker has written to MP Victoria Atkins, calling on her to intervene.

Coun Barker said: “Coun Lockwood adequately sums up the frustration we both have regarding the inability of both our county councillor and our district councillors to secure the closure of St Lawrence Street.

“The situation in Louth is exactly what Horncastle has been asking for over 12 months.

“This is unacceptable and will not help Horncastle recover as we move towards the easing of (lockdown)restrictions and provide a café culture to be encouraged for the same reason as Louth.”

Horncastle Town Council is seeking legal advice as to whether it can proceed with the closure St Lawrence Street without the permission of the county council.

Town councillors are also fuming that a decision on St Lawrence Street was taken by the county council at a site meeting which they (town councillors) were not invited to.

Coun Bill Aron has already confirmed there are no minutes of that site meeting.

The Cornmarket in Louth will be closed to traffic for up to four days a week.

The project, led by the Independent Traders’ Association, will feature outdoor tables, buskers, bunting and flower displays to create a ‘special atmosphere.’