Spalding bus station crossing would cost £200k, but improvements for site ‘moving in right direction’

A crossing linking Spalding bus station with nearby shops would cost up to £200,000, campaigners have been told.

Members of Spalding Town Forum have been pushing to make life easier for pedestrians to get between Holland Market – where Sainsbury’s, Halfords and Poundstretcher are located – and the station.

During the last forum (January 30), Coun Rob Gibson read out an email from Lincolnshire County Council’s head of highways asset and local management services Richard Fenwick, outlaying the cost of a potential crossing.

“A signalised or zebra crossing with beacons, is tending to cost £150,000 to £200,000,” the message read.

This led Coun Gibson to add: “You can see cost is an issue for that type of project.”

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However, during the meeting forum members reiterated their desire for a crossing.

“The crossing between the toilets and bus station really does need some attention,” David Jones of cycle action group Pedals said.

Coun Liz Sneath, who also sits on the county council, added she has a meeting about the site arranged with highways representatives.

Mr Jones added that ‘things are moving in the right direction’ regarding the bus station, highlighting a number of positive moves forward.

He explained South Holland District Council officer Marc Whelan has secured a sign to show visitors significant locations in the area.

“It will be useful for passengers arriving by bus who don’t know the place, because it’s a most unwelcoming place as it is at the moment,” he said.

Mr Jones added that there remains a need to signpost travellers to the relevant bays they need.

“We do still need, for people going towards the bus station, a notice saying whereabout you catch your bus to Boston and King’s Lynn from, which stand it is,” he said.

“But we’ve now got departure timetables in the 505 bus shelter, IT (IntoTown) 1 and 2 bus shelter and in the Boston bus shelter.

“The bus station was the only bus stop in Spalding where no timetables were displayed. It seemed ridiculous.”

Forum member Chrsitine Lawton described it as ‘shocking’ that the service from Spalding to Peterborough remains two-hourly.

However, Mr Jones did highlight another travel positive, pointing out connection to Peterborough via other parts of the town have been made easier.

“On the plus side you can now catch the Peterborough bus from Springfielods, West Elloe Avenue and the Johnson Hospital, which is a remarkable improvement.

“Before last November you’d need one ticket to the bus station and another from the station to Peterborough.

“Some things are an improvement.”

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