LETTER: Do they know what they’re doing?

The front page story in the Spalding Voice states that the memorial for the RAF pilot will have to be moved to protect it from potential damage by contractors heavy machinery.
When the public consultations were held there was no mention of any construction work whatsoever on the Spalding side of the Vernatts Drain. Later it was announced that Two Plank Bridge would be replaced as part of the SWRR project.
Coun Davies suggested that piling may be required for the new footbridge, followed by a statement from LCC Highways that piling may not be necessary. Now they say that they need to bring in piling rigs and cranes etc. so therefore the memorial has got to go.
What is going on? Do they really know what they are doing?
The memorial was only built and dedicated six months ago with at least six or seven local councillors in attendance, including the leader of SHDC Lord Porter. Did they know at that time that it would have to be moved? Apparently the removal costs are included in the SWRR budget so surely someone must have been aware of it.
We know that both the local council and the county council do not like to keep us mere mortals in the loop, now I am wondering if they even converse with each other.
I feel sorry for the pilot’s daughters, they get a memorial after almost 70 years, only for it to be removed within a year. What a shambles.
The Voice also states that fencing will be erected next week for work to be commenced in June. Why does it need to go up in February when the work Is scheduled for June?
We have had the footbridge and lane closed for six weeks now with nothing being done in that vicinity, so here we go again!

John Batterham
Angelica Drive
Spalding