‘We are ready to deliver the Prospect Plaza’

The details and aspirations of the group were revealed at last week’s town council meeting.

The group currently has around 12 members. It is chaired by John Whelan and includes 17-year-old Lyra Waters ,whose campaign triggered enormous support for the development.

The title for the project is ‘Prospect Plaza’ as the site is close to Prospect Street.

Councillors voted unanimously to back the group which will now take overall control.

Several councillors voiced their support for the community group but questioned whether Prospect Street is the right location.

Coun Alan Lockwood (pictured) said: “I truly believe in this – and in what you are doing – but have you got the right site?

”I am minded that this area is quite small and is surrounded by housing.

“You have to admit skaters enjoy their sport.

“There will be noise and people congregating together.”

Coun Lockwood went on to outline other potential sites which will come under town council control when an asset transfer from East Lindsey District Council is finally completed at the start of next month.

He outlined the possible benefits of a skate park– and other facilities – at the Wong (one of the assets).

Community group chairman John Whelan said they had considered the Wong but there could be issues with planning permission, particularly in view of potential archeological sites in the immediate vicinity

He said Prospect Street was ideal but accepted the group did ‘share some concerns.’

The group will work closely with the council and Coun Matthew Wilkinson and deputy clerk Michelle Moss will be members.

The duo were leading figures in the council’s own ambitious bid to develop the site which was baulked by funding issues.

Councillors agreed to continue to earmark £50,000 to support the project and are hoping the group will finalise plans over the next three months, before any money is released.

The group – and councillors – believe community involvement will boost the chances of ‘outside’ funding for the £250,000 development.

The group will also work with specialist company Freestyle who previously helped the council initiative.

The plaza will feature a skate park which, it is understood, could cost up to £100,000 of the final figure.

It will also feature ‘something for all ages’ including an outdoor gym, playground seating areas, planting zones, lighting and CCTV.

Exactly what will be included – and when – will rest with the group although plans will need the endorsement of the council.

The group does have concerns over the council’s previous plans start the development with a footpath, followed by an outdoor gym.

Mr Whelan told councillors: “Our group has concerns over the (council) plan and objects to the way would be delivered.

“We will put forward an alternative to make sure local need is met. We want to work together with the council to deliver this for Horncastle.

“We’ve got people who experts in applying for funding, grants, marketing... professionals, I’m an engineer who works in construction.

“We feel we have the skill set and the passion to deliver it.”

Mr Whelan went added the group will investigate how the new area could help with mental health issues and poverty.

He added: “It’s been a 20 year project. We want to help you and you (the council) can help us.

“We want to take control but work with you.

“We do feel strongly that the money that has been allocated should be re-appropriated to a wider scheme.”

Ms Waters said discussions with Freestyle had been positive and added the group appreciated the work the council had put in.

She said: “We don’t want to waste all that. We have the time and the skills to deliver this. If the council can’t, we can.

“It really important to get this off the ground. It has been talked about for 20 years. It’s older than I am! We’ve lost at least one generation of skaters.”

The group says it will work with residents living close to the site and will take all concerns on board, including flooding and noise.

It is open to alternative sites but points out all previous consultations identified Prospect Street as the best choice.

Mayor Coun Fiona Martin led support for the project saying: “We appreciate everything you have done in a short period of time. It really is excellent.”

Coun Wilkinson said: “I’m really pleased this group has come forward.

“We (the council) have struggled with this project – and, let’s face it, struggled to get exterior groups involved, as they need to be.

“It (the project) is now in a much stronger position.

“I am happy to lend my support and will help in any way I can.

“I am also pleased they chose Freestyle as a company to hlp with this and I fully endorse them being involved.”

Mrs Moss added: “I’ve been in touch with Freestyle and they have given a brief of what happened in their discussions with the group.

“They were really impressed with make up of group and the attitude , the determination and the level of skill which is being demonstrated locally.

“If any group can make this happen then, surely, it is this group.

“I have a huge amount of trust and respect for them.

“It’s a no brainer. A community group taking this forward is what we have wanted all along”

Mr Whelan said the group would report back to the council every month.

Mr Whelan admits securing funding from outside bodies is key to the entire Prospect Plaza project.

He said the fact the town council had earmarked £50,000 of financial support was vital.

In regard to funding applications, he said: “If we didn’t have access to a positive banks balance, it would be nigh on impossible to get funding.”

Mr Whelan confirmed the group planned talks with major funders like the Lottery and Sport England and were also keen to explore the possibility of ‘match funding’.

He added: “We want to provide the best solution - in the space available.”

Consultations have indicated there is overwhelming support for a skate park and an outdoor gym.

Lyra Waters (pictured) revealed her recent appeal on Facebook had produced more than 500 messages of support for a skate park to be included – and only 17 against.

She said: “There has been overwhelming support from all ages.

“The town wants this to happen.”