The history of a saga that won’t go away

Councillors have been campaigning for months for St Lawrence Street to be pedestrian only as part of plans to transform the Market Place into a Mediterranean style plaza.

They say it would enhance the town and provide facilities for outdoor dining that would give a much needed boost to local businesses.

However, the county council - which is responsible for all highways matters - disagrees and says there is no justification for closing the street.

Town councillors, angered by that decision, are now weighing up the possibility of going ahead with the closure, without LCC approval.

Coun Angela Birchall, speaking at this month’s town council meeting, said the decision appeared to have been made in an ‘executive meeting’ at County Hall.

However, she called for the minutes of that meeting to be made public - so everyone could see how the county council arrived at the decision.

She added: “Who are the executive? What local knowledge did they have? Is there even anyone on that committee who is familiar with Horncastle?”

The town’s county councillor Bill Aron defended the decision - and his own role in the long-running closure saga.

He said Highways officers -together with Executive Councillor for Highways Richard Davies - had made a site visit.

Coun Aron stressed it was not just a ‘paper exercise.’

However, Coun Richard Barker said: “The who saga is a disgrace as far as county council’s role in this is concerned.

“We are being held to ransom by highways officers who don’t understand the town.

“ Businesses will suffer and the town will suffer.

“If I was in charge, I would close the road and argue the case afterwards.

“They have not consulted with us and I’m afraid councillor Aron has failed on his duty to this town.

“If this had been actioned last March - and Coun Aron had done what we asked - it (the closure) would now be in place.

“We should take legal advice as to any options that are open to us to by-pass the County Council.”

Coun Aron interrupted Coun Barker to say ‘there weren’t any options.’

Coun Barker replied: “Excuse me, I haven’t finished speaking. How do you (Coun Aron) know that.

“You sit there and make these statements. Give me evidence of what you have said.”

Coun Aron said: “I put forward the town council view. I can’t do any more than that.

“The officers were determined they weren’t going to put a closure in place.

“You have to be realistic. I fought the corner but was unable to win the battle”.

Coun Alan Lockwood said: “We have asked for something to enhance our town and businesses - and for everyone to enjoy.

“This is something I feel very passionate about.

“This so called inspection that went on with Councillor Richard Davies - we’re so privileged he visited our town!”

Coun Dominic Hinkins said he believed the town council had ‘missed the boat.

He added: “It’s really sad we’re in this position when it’s quite clear there was a boat we could have caught - if we’d had full and proper discussions with LCC sat the start of all this. I hope it doesn’t happen again. Horncastle doesn’t deserve it”

Mayor Coun Fiona Martin proposed taking legal advice, adding: “I don’t think it’s an option but let’s at least see.”

All councillors backed the proposal, except Coun Aron. Clerk Amanda Bushell will report back on the request at next month’s council meeting.

Town councillors say residents and businesses support their call to close St Lawrence Street.

They add the proposal was first muted in the much-lauded Neighbourhood Development Plan which included a public consultation on the matter.

The proposal reappeared on the council agenda last year, following the first lockdown.

The County Council agreed to back the closure of the road outside the town’s Post Office - but have refused to a request to close St Lawrence Street.

While welcoming that initial closure, councillors point out it only benefits one business (a cafe) which can utilise outdoor seats.

Councillors formed a highways working group, partly in a bid to end the deadlock with the county council.

At a meeting last month, councillors believed highways officers had given them three options to consider re-the closure.

However, since then, a highways officers has apologised to the town council, saying there were no options and outlining why the street should remain open to traffic.