Residents positive about Gainsborough's future with £20m on horizon

Gainsborough West – which includes the town centre – was named as one of 75 struggling neighbourhoods to receive the money through the government’s Pride in Place project.

West Lindsey District Council will work with residents to draw up a business case for the funding, which could be up to £2 million per year for a decade.

The town has enjoyed a new cinema and revamped market square over the last few years, and people hope the funding will continue the area’s recovery.

Jenny Bonnett lived in Gainsborough for most of her life before recently downsizing to a bungalow outside the town.

She said: “The town doesn’t have the best reputation, but it’s not fair.

“I’m born and bred here, and I really enjoyed it. It had a very good community.

“The town’s gotten a lot better over the years. The market square was dying on its feet, but it looks really nice now.”

Amy Wells said: “Since the new cinema opened, the town’s been doing really well.

“The high street isn’t struggling more than anywhere else, and I prefer coming here to shop than Lincoln.”

The Pride In Place scheme is intended to provide long-term funding for areas in greatest need – often because of economic decline, health problems and lack of services.

Large parts of Gainsborough are in the top 10 per cent most deprived in the country, according to government figures.

Several people said that improving the high street was the key to reviving the area.

A woman who has lived there for over 40 years said: “Not everyone wants to shop online. There should be something for people who still want to visit the shops.

“I’ve left the town once and came back – it’s just a happy, lovely place, and there’s been real progress.”

A couple visiting from Retford said: “There’s been such a big difference over the last few years.

“People didn’t used to come to Gainsborough, but now Marshall’s Yard and the market is pulling people in, while Retford is dying by comparison.”

The Pride In Place money could be spent on community organisations, public spaces and other long-term investments.

And to help decide where the funding should be spent the West Lindsey District Council has launched a Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board and is recruiting an independent chair.

From April 2026, each board will be led by an independent chair – a respected, communityminded individual who lives, works, or has a strong personal connection to the area they represent.

Chairs will play a vital role in championing their neighbourhood, ensuring that residents' voices guide local priorities and support the development of ambitious plans that will stimulate regeneration and sustained investment.

The council is working closely with the local MP for Gainsborough, Sir Edward Leigh and local ward members and is committed to ensuring the recruitment process is open, transparent and rooted in genuine community involvement.

The council is inviting applications from residents with passion, leadership skills, and a commitment to making a positive difference.

Coun Jeannette McGhee, ward member for Gainsborough, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local people to help shape the longterm future of their own neighbourhoods.

“By appointing an independent chair and board members, we are ensuring that community voices remain at the heart of decision making.

“I would encourage anyone with the passion and dedication to step forward and play a part in delivering real change for Gainsborough.”

The council is encouraging interested individuals to apply and help lead this decadelong programme, ensuring that Gainsborough’s neighbourhoods continue to thrive and evolve through communitydriven leadership.

So if you think that this role might be for you, please see the recruitment pack and job description at www.west-lindsey.gov.uk and complete the expression of interest form and return it to [email protected] by noon on Friday, February 27.

If you have any queries on the Pride in Place Programme email [email protected],