Residents of Chapel St Leonard’s near Skegness welcome £9 million of funding to fix road plagued by potholes
Residents of Chapel St. Leonards, near Skegness, have welcomed an additional £9 million in proposed funding to address the road they deem “too dangerous” to drive down.
A report to be presented at the Lincolnshire County Council budget executive tomorrow (Tuesday) outlines six priority projects for capital funding as part of the Greater Lincolnshire devolution deal, with the costliest being road improvements on Old Roman Bank.
Coun Colin Davie (Conservative) confirmed that the stretch of road being addressed extends from the North Sea Observatory in Chapel St Leonards all the way through to Sandilands.
He said: “The proposal to improve the old Roman Bank between Chapel Point and Sandilands, utilising devolution funding underlines the importance of this route for residents and visitors alike and reinforces the county view that the entire coastline in this location presents a huge opportunity to support our natural environment whilst providing a new destination for Lincolnshire’s visitors of the future.
“With a newly improved road surface and new cycle ways and footpaths, this investment will deliver our ambition to see the newly named Queen Elizabeth Memorial Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park flourish as a Natural environment destination that is known, far and wide.
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“This will support an extended season for visitors and our long term ambition to see the entire coast designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, which recognises our global strategic importance to the natural environment we must protect and preserve for future generations.”
LCC’s report describes the current roadway as “sub-standard” and “a significant barrier to accessing the environment,” calling for a fresh road surface and the construction of a separate footway/cycleway.
Dudley Smith, 78, who lives on the stretch of road, said: “The road is not safe,” citing the numerous potholes and excessive speeding traffic.
He pointed out that despite the posted 30mph limit, many drivers still reach speeds of 60mph on it.
Mr Smith also noted that he, along with several other local residents, make an effort to avoid driving down the road altogether and instead opt for a complete detour.
“If I go to Sutton on Sea or Mablethorpe, I will not go down that road — it’s too dangerous,” he explained.
One neighbour, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared similar sentiments, saying: “It’s quite rough; you don’t really want to take your car down there if you can help it.
“Some brave it down there, but if you don’t want to keep breaking your suspension, you have to go a different way.”
Chris Allsopp, 64, who is in the process of moving into his new home just opposite the North Sea Observatory, celebrated the news of the additional funding, stating that the road in question was “atrocious.”
He added: “On one of the bends, the camber pushes you into a field.” Nevertheless, he acknowledged that road issues were not solely confined to Lincolnshire, remarking: “The roads need improving all around; it’s not just here.”
Pamela Robinson, Chairman of Chapel St. Leonards Parish Council, pointed out that the additional funding was very much needed, despite recent repairs over the years.
“It’s a long stretch of road that is literally falling away on both sides,” she said, highlighting the danger it poses to cyclists.
“It’s been in a poor state for as long as I can remember.”
She insisted that the additional funding will help improve tourism in the area, stating: “Our USP here is our fabulous beaches, paths, and walks, so anything to enhance this is very welcome.”