South Holland District Council celebrates 50th anniversary

South Holland District Council is celebrating a big birthday as it marks 50 years of providing services to the community.

The authority was officially created on April 1, 1974, as part of the last major overhaul of councils across the county, the Local Government of Act 1974.

And the council celebrates its half-a-century as Lincolnshire councils face large change with the introduction of the mayoral combined authority following a devolution deal which has been approved by Linconshire County Council – which was also created as a result of this act - along with the two north Lincolnshire unitary authorities.

While parts of the 1972act were controversial at the time, it was brought in by Sir Edward Heath’s Tory Government to reduce the scale of local government across the country – which resulted in the number of English councils being slashed from 1,211 to 412.

South Holland was created to replace the East Elloe Rural, Spalding Rural and Spalding Urban District Councils.

The act brought about changes in boundaries but also brought about changes in procedures, structures and duties.

Leader Coun Nick Worth along with a number of other senior councillors have celebrated this milestone by sharing pictures of themselves in 1974.

He said: “I am delighted the council has been proudly serving residents in the district for 50 years. It is a real milestone in the history of the district and for the council.

“We continue to deliver high quality services for residents, businesses and visitors and have always been a forward-thinking and innovative authority. The council continues to make the most of opportunities and to enable projects that are transformational for residents, communities and businesses. We remain committed to delivering high quality services and to get the best value for residents.

“Since 2021, South Holland has been part of the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership with Boston Borough Council and East Lindsey. The partnership approach is driving growth and regeneration in the district and giving us greater access to vital Government funding so we can deliver transformative projects and services for our communities.

“On the 50th anniversary, I thank all residents, community groups and businesses for enhancing the district so positively in that time and look forward to what the future will bring for South Holland.”

Chairman, Coun Andrew Woolf, also joined the celebrations by raising the Union Flag outside the Priory Road offices.

Also in attendance were Coun Bryan Alcock, Coun Michael Booth and Coun Chris Brewis who have served on the council for more than 40 years.