Horncastle Market Square - Find a freedom of information request

Horncastle Market Square

Three or four bollards were placed along the street in Lawrence Lane to prevent access to the car park. Some were installed in a day, then a day or so later they were removed, then a day or so after that they were replaced.

1. What was the reason for that?

2. What was the cost?

3. What was the purpose?

4. If they are designed to pedestrianize the market square, what evidence do you have that they were needed for safety purposes?

5. What about providing additional parking for disabled people?

There are only 3 in the main car park, and 2 in the Square on 3 days a week. Church Lane has 2 spaces for Police Vehicles which are rarely used, plus several more that could be dedicated disabled.

Bollards have also been installed along the High Street and on the corner of the Bull Ring into North Street.  Everyone wanting to use the car park has to navigate this tight corner and turn left into Conging Street, another narrow and

usually congested road. This has always been a very narrow and difficult corner, but it is now a whole lot worse because of the higher volume of traffic forced to use this route.

Parking in the square is prohibited on Market days Thursday and Saturday, many shops close on Wednesday, all close on Sunday, which leaves only 3 days a week for the local shops to trade. You have done nothing to encourage trade in the town.

6. What consultation took place with residents and local shops for these changes?

I can confirm that the information requested is held by Lincolnshire County Council. I have detailed below the information that is being released to you.

1. Bollards have been placed at the extents of St Lawrence Street, not to restrict access to any car parks, which remain the responsibility of East Lindsey District Council, but to pedestrianise St Lawrence Street in order to allow for increased active travel and pedestrian movements around the town centre. The installation of removable bollards was so the market which is organised by East Lindsey District Council could remove them during market set up and take down on market days. During the first market set up following the installation, ELDC operatives were unable to replace the bollards, which meant this area was left without them for short period while they were replaced.

2. Traffic Regulation Order works: £6,000. Bollards installation: £3,500.

3. To pedestrianise St Lawrence Street, Horncastle.

4. Traffic is to be restricted in these areas of St Lawrence Street in order to improve safety for pedestrians and to provide a protected area for events and pavement cafes. The scheme has been generated through support from ‘Former’ LCC Cllr William Gray, the Town Council and East Lindsey District Council.

5. There has been no restriction of parking as a result of the recent pedestrianisation works.

6. Statutory and Public consultation took place throughout 2024 with stakeholders, public and business owners. Statutory consultation started on 3rd January 2024 and Public consultation followed this.