Town Council votes not to sell Boston Road Recreation Ground for road scheme
SLEAFORD Town Councillors have voted not to sell the section of Boston Road Recreation ground which had been earmarked for a road.
In a special meeting behind closed doors because of the sensitive financial nature of the business being discussed, councillors (many of of them newly elected in May and unaware of the details) looked at the history of events since 2004.
They learned that the original intention for the link road was for the development of the Bass Maltings and several retail opportunities. The current proposal involves increased tree loss and land take and only a single retail outlet on the former Advanta site - Tesco.
The current proposal may now involve the closure of the Southgate Level Crossing and councillors remain concerned about the adverse effect this may have on accessibility and traffic flows in and around the town. These views were previously expressed formally to the relevant authorities in December 2008 and again in May 2009.
According to the clerk, Shelagh McIntyre, after a full and detailed discussion councillors resolved that: “The Sleaford Town Council wishes to retain the Boston Road Recreation ground in its present form as a public asset for recreational purposes, now and in the future. As a consequence the Sleaford Town Council will immediately inform North Kesteven District Council and the media of this decision and also terminate any acquisition or monetary negotiations with them and other third parties.
“The Sleaford Town Council will develop strategies for the use of its open spaces for the benefit of the people of Sleaford and for all age groups.”
Leader of the Council Brian Watson told the Standard there would be a further meeting of the Strategy and Finance Committee to discuss the council’s intentions for the recreation ground and its play areas.
It was unknown whether this may now lead to a compulsory purchase order being served to force the plan through.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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