Businesses and residents react to revamped Sleaford Market Place

Businesses are optimistic about Sleaford’s revamped Market Place, but some shoppers think it’s been a “waste of money”.

North Kesteven District Council has turned it into a car-free paved plaza for events and outdoor dining.

However, some residents are unhappy that parking spaces have been removed, with blue badge bays available for only two hours, three days a week.

The traditional market has been moved by Sleaford Town Council to Eastgate car park until further notice.

Despite residents’ criticism, businesses have been positive about the changes and hope it will boost visitor numbers.

Ola Sowa, who runs From Poland With Love opposite the marketplace, has seen both ups and downs since she opened 18 months ago.

“A lot of customers used the car park and mentioned they might not be able to back in,” she said.

“But now that it’s finished it looks great – fresher and more inviting. In summer people will sit outside.

“Sleaford residents haven’t been too impressed from what I’ve heard, but people from out of town like it.

“They often drive past in the one-way system then walk back and come for a drink.

“If the council keeps doing events like the lovely Christmas one and the Valentine’s decorations, people will keep coming back.”

The entire square has been repaved, and new benches and bike parking have been installed.

Sarah, the manager of the Market Square restaurant and café, said business was returning to normal after the disruption.

“It’s been difficult while work was going on and some customers have been finding it trickier to come,” she said.

“But it’s been a few weeks and they’re coming back bit by bit.

“It’s a better view than seeing cars and vans parking right outside the window.

“There’s been a bit of negativity in the town, but we’re staying upbeat and will hopefully recover from the time when not many people were coming.”

However, John and Gill Clarke, who used a blue badge to park in the marketplace, said they will come into the town less as a result.

“It’s so restrictive – you can only park for two hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday,” John said.

“It’s done more harm than good. It’s been a waste of money that hasn’t achieved anything for the town.

“It’s not the sort of picturesque area that people will sit in – it looks more like a skating rink.”

Keith Thrower, a former market stallholder in Boston, said: “It doesn’t look like a traditional marketplace at all. We would have been better off with the car parking.”

Another local resident who asked not to be named said: “It looks very nice, but isn’t too helpful for the town as a whole.

“Older people have been struggling to get to services and functions at the church due to parking difficulties.”

Blue badge access for St Denys’ Church can be arranged in advance.

North Kesteven District Council Leader Richard Wright said: “Now free from parked cars on weekends and key weekdays, Sleaford’s Market Place is restored as a central space where people can meet and move freely around its shops, businesses and restaurants without having to avoid moving cars.

“Its new seating creates space for people to relax fully and spend time appreciating its historic features including the War Memorial and St Denys’ Church, and markets and community events can take place with space to grow more easily and better visibility.

“It being a truly multi-purpose place –including prioritised, dedicated mid-week Blue Badge holder parking which was not the case before and another disabled space being added this month on Eastgate to make three by the library opposite – better supports the long-term future of Sleaford.

“As a flexible space enabling a wider range of uses it can be used to encourage people to make repeat and regular visits into Sleaford – including the potential being expressed for further community-led events and uses in future together with nearby businesses and partners – and that is important at a time when online shopping continues to impact high streets and destinations everywhere are increasingly competing for footfall.”