Money allocated for town float

A float for the people of Spalding at the town’s Flower Parade took a big step closer last week as funding was secured.

Parish and town councils in South Holland will be allowed to enter one for next year’s event on Saturday, May 6.

In the absence of such a council for the town the Spalding Town Forum is organising one instead.

Its members asked South Holland District Council to draw £10,000 of the reserves leftover by the Spalding Special Expense, the share of council tax only paid by residents of the town, to put towards it.

The council’s cabinet agreed that and that the forum could draw at least another £1,000 if needed.

The forum’s chairman Coun Roger Gambba-Jones, said: “I don’t envisage £10,000 will be overspent but it will be useful to have a contingency.”

Coun Rodney Grocock brought up if there were any thoughts about the parade continuing long term and that he hoped it would be “a raging success.”

“As with all events such as this, immediately following a successful parade, the plan will be to start fundraising almost immediately.

“That’s the plan and Spalding Town Forum will have to do what everyone else does and start planning for the following year and ensure that ideally it’s self-sustaining.”

Coun Elizabeth Sneath said: “It’s turning into a huge success that’s engaging the whole community which is marvellous.

“All parish councils will have their float. It’s important we do this for the people of Spalding as they don’t have their own parish council.”

Coun Nick Worth said: “It’s really nice to see the people of South Holland and the parishes get behind this.

“There’s a lot of effort going in and well done Steve Timewell for getting this off the ground.

“I’m sure he’s had a few sleepless nights and I’m sure there’s a few more before he’s finished, but it’s nice when you have that support around.”