Boston roadworks welcomed even though they will take five-and-a …
People say a five-and-a-half month project to lay 3,500 York stone paving sets in an uneven Boston[1] street lined with independent shops is definitely needed – even though it will take a long time to complete. Lincolnshire County Council is to begin the job in Dolphin Lane on May 15 with the aim of finishing by the end of October.
Bollards will be repaired or replaced and a new bin, bench and four cycle stands installed. The current paving is unlevel which poses problems for people with pushchairs or mobility issues.
Trader Jade Hickey, 46, who runs Piercings by Jade, said: “I’m sure it will look beautiful once it’s finished. It’s not ideal that it will take so long.
Poll – Is the government doing enough to help with the cost of living?[2]
“The summer holidays, when 14-to-17-year-olds are out of school, is my busiest time. My only worry is access for people getting in. I think they are going to put in some gulleys in the help surface water drain away. If they can sort out the water issue, that would be great.”
Barista Abbey Young, 29, who works at Caffe Delfino, said: “We are pleased the work is being done, not at how long the work is going to take, but it needs to sorting out. We’re concerned that customers will be walking through a building site but it’s just one of those things.”
Retired nurse Caroline Coupland, 59, who lives in Pump Square, said: “The paving will look nice when it’s done. Dolphin Lane will never be what The Shambles in York is but there is that vibe, with a lot of the shops still on the medieval footprint.”
Jade Hickey
Councillor Richard Davies, executive member for highways at the county council, said the project will not only help create a more attractive retail environment in Boston, but will also hopefully lead to higher footfall for the businesses in Dolphin Lane thanks to better links with the Market Place.
He said: “As part of the works, we’ll be improving the heritage ambiance in the area by replacing the current bricks and concrete slabs with roughly 3,500 aesthetically-pleasing York stone setts. We’ll also be taking the opportunity to improve the general ambiance here by fixing the bollards and replacing the old bench, bin and cycle stands with new.
“During the works, we’ll be closing sections of Dolphin Lane in phases. However, it will be business as usual, with pedestrian access maintained at all times. We’ll also be tailoring our working hours around Dolphin Lane’s businesses to help ensure as little disruption as possible.
“When complete, these improvements will no doubt give Dolphin Lane and all its businesses a new lease of life.”
Caroline Coupland
The Dolphin Lane works, which are funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Lincolnshire County Council and Boston Town Deal, will create a consistent appearance between Dolphin Lane and the Market Place. Neil Kempster, chairman of Boston Town Deal said: “The works on Dolphin Lane will play an important role in enhancing and adding to the town centre’s appeal, which will ultimately help to bring people into Boston.”
References
- ^ Boston (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Poll – Is the government doing enough to help with the cost of living? (xd.wayin.com)