Bringing back Grantham Carnival and the River Witham raft race among missions for Grantham Independent councillor Tim Harrison
A new district councillor known to be outspoken on Grantham issues has written his first Journal column, in which he reflects on what Grantham once was and what he hopes it can be again. Independent councillor Tim Harrison writes:
I am a Granthamian, born and bred. I grew up on the Earlesfield/Harrowby estates in the ‘60s and ‘70s before travelling the world, returning in ’96.
In a nutshell, I dislike what Grantham has become but I am in love with what it could be.
The Grantham I grew up in was a thriving, bustling industrial/market town. I remember when the football club had 600 men and boys exiting at full time to meander down London Road and meet the wives and mums who had been shopping.
When we had a leisure centre in the middle of the town that was a focal meeting point, children were dropped off whilst parents went into the town.
I remember the glory of the George Hotel with its magnificent ballroom and feature revolving door entrance. The market stretched from the bottom of Dysart Road all the way down to the Conduit. You couldn’t walk through without bumping into everyone you knew. I want that feeling back.
People tell me it cannot be done because times have moved on. It can; it needs nurture, drive and infectious enthusiasm.
Geographically, Grantham is the envy of the country. On the main East Coast Main Line, the main north/south arterial road, within two hours of five airports and smack bang in the middle of the country. We should be thriving.
So what do we, the Grantham group of councillors, hope to bring to the table?
I’ve embarked on a research project with the market traders and workmen, getting ideas from the horse’s mouth. This highlighted that lack of seating and toilet facilities are a big stumbling block in increasing footfall. The High Street fund will be looking to provide some seating.
I am currently in talks about reopening the Conduit toilet block, or at least looking to transfer ownership to the incoming town council.
I’ve initiated a Market Stall Highlight programme, which is working well reaching large audiences.
I also approached Grantham College with a view to repairing the Nativity so it can again take pride of place on St Peter’s Hill; they’ve agreed to investigate this.
In future years I’d encourage other schools to compete to put another Nativity scene in the Market Place.
Outside of the market, I’d like to work on seeing the revival of the Carnival parade with floats, finishing with an afternoon at Wyndham Park. Then the return of the old Witham raft race, encouraging schools and businesses to compete. Spectators could utilise the beautiful walk along the Witham.
If we can add the return of Gravity Fields into the mix, we have a winner.
You see the issue currently with Grantham is we’re in a catch-22 situation. Traders won’t come to the town because of poor footfall, customers won’t come to the town because of the lack of traders.
First, we must encourage the footfall. How do we do that? Entertain you. Give you something to come out for.
We are here to work for you, please engage with us. Help us help you.
Contact me at: Tim.Harrison@southkesteven.gov.uk
