£100k for village improvements

A £100,000 scheme to deliver ‘integrated initiatives’ which would improve Sutton Bridge have been discussed by the county council.

The proposal could see the money spent ‘enhancing its appearance’ to residents and visitors, a report to Environment and Economic Scrutiny Committee said.
Improving the ‘physical and visual links, between the riverside, bridge, moorings and the village centre’ would, says the report, support the village.
The fact Sutton Bridge is a gateway to the county is also highlighted.
The report says that the project could create the conditions to increase footfall between the marina and local businesses and services.
The project is two interlinked elements which, says the report, will be supported by online promotional initiatives.
Pedestrian improvements from the riverside and moorings to the village centre, new steps from the riverbank and a new ramp and dropped kerbs are included.
“The proposal is to create a series of features, such as perch seating, waymarkers and pedestrian signage, which aim to engage the audience with the riverside environment. These features would create a trail to encourage people to follow the route from the village centre to the riverside,” says the report.
“There’s a number of assets in Sutton Bridge and surrounding area we want to capitalise on,” Simon Wright told the committee. “There are real gems in the village, the only flint church in Lincolnshire, the connections with Peter Scott and the natural heritage of The Wash which is so unique to our area.
“These works will not only serve visitors but they are very important to the residents of Sutton Bridge.
“It’s not a particularly friendly place for pedestrians so if we can get residents as well as visitors to exercise and enjoy the area it is to be recommended.
“We want to make this pathway a much more engaging thing for the people using it and create a sense of place.”
The £100,000 equates to £75k from the county counci with the remainder from the Sail The Wash initiative and the project is designed to be delivered within the limit.
The meeting was told the authority leases the riverbank from the Henry Smith Charity but had received permissions from that and the Environment Agency. The council is also being supported by the University of Lincoln’s Transported Arts team to deliver public realm features to be created as part of a community participation process.
Completion of the project will see a ‘festival type’ celebration centred around a theme unique to the area, scheduled for May or June of next year. A further consultation is due to take place in the New Year with construction starting in March or April.