Clarification on funding for roadworks in Grantham was given at this week’s Executive meeting.
Cllr Sean Matthews, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “I must be clear. We have not taken £2 million away from Grantham.
“This money, which was allocated to Grantham as part of Lincolnshire’s devolution deal, was used towards improvements to Dysart Road, Alma Park, and the B1174 during the 2024/25 financial year. This was a decision by the previous administration and satisfied central Government’s spending requirements.
“We understand the plight of the people of Grantham, so I want to re-assure them that we are committed to revisiting these potential works in the future, once the relief road has opened. With the benefits of the relief road not yet realised, and local government reorganisation not far off, committing money to this project now wouldn’t be prudent.
“However, I must be clear again. If we choose to invest in improvements to Grantham’s High Street, we will not be borrowing money for this. We absolutely will not provide a debt promise for future years when one of our main goals is to balance the books in Lincolnshire.”
Below is background information about the situation:
- The county council was allocated £20 million in capital funding as part of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority devolution deal.
- This funding allocation needed to be spent during the 2024/25 financial year.
- A part of this capital funding allocation was earmarked towards roadworks that would improve and enhance Grantham town centre.
- During 2024/25, three improvement projects were carried out in Grantham using this money:
Dysart Road – £3.4 million
Alma Park Road – £600,000
B1174 – £570,000
- The county council’s 2026/27 budget proposal will be put to full council on 20 February 2026.