Will Ayscoughfee Hall be transferred to a Spalding Town Council?

‘Careful consideration’ is needed for the future of a historic museum and playing fields ahead of a major council shake-up say civic leaders.

Spalding and District Civic Society chairman John Bland is calling for a discussion on what will happen to Ayscoughfee Hall Museum and Gardens along with the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field when South Holland District Council is abolished.

County and district councils are being phased out in favour of larger unitary authorities under the first Local Government Reform in 50 years.

Calls have been voiced in the past for Spalding to have a town council in order to manage its affairs but these could be gaining pace after the Government announced its plans in December.

Currently, Ayscoughfee Hall, the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field and other assets are looked after by the district council.

Speaking at the last town forum meeting, Mr Bland said: “I feel there needs to be a discussion to be had on what Spalding assets go to the town council particular in the case of Ayscoughfee Hall and the Sir Halley Stewart Field as they are in a trust and the district council is a trustee.

“I think some careful consideration and thought and debate needs to be had as well as owther matters in the town so there is a degree of informed consent when the town council kicks off.”

Forum chairman Rob Gibson asked for the matter to be placed on the next agenda and added that work is going on in the background.

He said: “It needs to be done as a matter of urgency as it is doubtful that there will be another district council election.”

- Forum member Christine Lawton highlighted that the street scene was ‘enlivened’ by buskers of ‘different types and quality’ but questioned if a licence was needed.

- David Jones also raised concerns about the brightness of the lights on the new benches which have been installed near High Bridge.