Exciting plans to create a continuous walkway stretching from Morton to the Trent Bridge is underway in Gainsborough.
The project, which has been eagerly anticipated by residents in the area will connect two sections of the footpath along the stretch of the Riverside. However, West Lindsey District Council has explained the project has been delayed by some technical issues involving the finish of the tarmac surface along the stretch of the pathway but is working with our partners to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
Assistant Director of Planning and Regeneration, Sally Grindrod-Smith at West Lindsey District Council said: “We know many of you are looking forward to the opening of the walkway. Please be assured that the Council wants to have this new section of path open as soon as possible.
“We know this long-awaited project will bring so many benefits to the town. Improving pedestrian and cycling connectivity along the Riverside and to other parts of Gainsborough is part of our long- term vision for a green and accessible town.
“By connecting the town in this way, we continue to work on our ambitious plans for the town, continuing to strengthen the position of Gainsborough being an exciting place to live, work and visit. The walk way is one small piece of the puzzle to unlocking ‘a thriving Gainsborough’ as we gear up delivery of the £10 million Levelling Up Programme.”
As previously reported in October, the Council was successfully awarded £10,274,858 from Central Government as part of its plans to create a ‘Thriving Gainsborough’. The national scheme was created to support town centre and high street regeneration, local transport projects, and cultural and heritage assets.
The Council will continue to keep residents updated on progress and would like to thank you all for your patience during this time.
The development of the walk, funded with a contribution from the Greater Lincolnshire LEP Single Local Growth Fund and Council resources, follows further investment in the town. Last year it was announced that local company Acis Group intends to invest £20 million into developing new homes along the riverfront, working with the council, to regenerate land off Bowling Green Road.
The Riverside Walk Project – which has included the purchase of land to connect the walkway – will include a new tarmac footpath, as well as street lighting, CCTV, new fencing and bollards, and repairs to the main path adjacent to the Riverside Approach houses.
The walk, which will be just short of two-miles, is another example of the Council’s commitment to its corporate plan, in particular its focus on people (improving residents’ health and wellbeing), as well as its priorities and focus on places (continued investment in the District), and the Council (working with external partners to enable future development).
Further communications on an official opening date will be released in due course.