Praise for roadworks in Lincoln’s historic Bailgate
High praise for council staff as historic Bailgate facelift works successfully completed.
A shop worker in Lincoln’s historic Bailgate has heaped praise on Lincolnshire County Council teams carrying out the area’s £1.7m improvement project.
Sales assistant Faye Geoghegan says she has always felt ‘blessed’ to be able to work in the Bailgate area and counts herself lucky to be working among the wonderful independent shops and businesses.
However, the pharmacy worker admits to being ‘concerned’ when she discovered that work was to be carried out on various parts of the historic area in uphill, Lincoln.
“Once I heard about the roadworks I did think, “oh no” what with the winter blues, dark evenings and now this work. I thought there will be noise, mess, dust, and disruptions to our daily routines, not to mention the road closures and traffic congestion.
“However, the communication from the council was honest, clear and really helpful, right from the start when they held a meeting in the White Hart Hotel. There were obviously many concerns, not just from residents in the area, but also from the people who make their living from the small independent shops.
“Every week we received an email with a very in depth update including any road closures, diversions in place and times of works being carried out. There were times when it was cold and wet, but the workmen seemed very hard at work and would always smile and were always very polite.
“One day, when it was extremely cold, I suggested to my manager that we took out some little aftershave samples as a treat! They were so happy and really appreciated our kindness. I believe behaviour breeds behaviour!
“The roadworks have really smartened up the Bailgate, not just aesthetically but for safety too. I’ve driven many times through the Bailgate and it’s been pretty bumpy in places. You could feel the loose cobbles underneath. I’ve also seen people trip over them, so it is wonderful that they are now all fixed.
“The fact that the work is completed enhances the footfall, not only to the Bailgate area but to all the local businesses too as it looks so much cleaner and smarter. The Bailgate area is a popular destination for thousands of tourists every year, so it can only have a positive impact for Lincoln. The prettier it looks then the more people will visit.
If I were to hear of further roadworks coming up, I certainly won’t worry in future as I’ve seen how the county council operate.