Get cyclists off our footpaths

One of the most frequent discussions on social media here in Spalding seems to be about anti-social issues in the town.

At the forefront of many local citizens’ minds is how they now must dodge out of the way of cyclists who seem to have taken over our town’s footpaths. Yes...you heard correct....’footpaths’.

Maybe our authorities need to be getting out and about and see just how bad things really are, as their views seem a world apart from those of the locals who, time and again, state that the town has got worse for anti-social issues.

Let me enlighten those in authority with just an example from a weekday early evening.

While awaiting for some fast food on Winsover Road last week at around 5pm I was noticing just how many cyclists were using the pavements both sides of the road. I actually sat there and counted them in the ten-minute wait for my food. Seventeen in total passed by, and I witnessed several pedestrians forced to the side of these footpaths!

This really cannot be acceptable, can it? Imagine if a pedestrian was to fall into the road because of this, I dread to think of the outcome. It is only a matter of time before a tragedy happens.

Now...imagine if we had any form of a crackdown, even if it was just for one week solid within the town. On the spot fines issued for the offence. That would send out the correct message.

Why is there no enthusiasm from our police and council to do such a thing?

Locals should not have to walk around the town in fear of being shoved out of the way by these anti-social pavement cyclists.

Our elderly and young are the most vulnerable. Surely our law enforcement team, backed by the local council, should be looking into this issue more and rather than announce through yet another press release that

locals should contact the police when seeing such things. They should decide that a crackdown is needed with a zero tolerance approach such as seen in other towns and cities up and down the country, which have proved to be a success.

Mr Garner

Spalding

Frustration over delays

I write with an update to the article ‘Education leader’s frustration over delay in opening Spalding special school’, in the Lincolnshire Free Press of August 28.

I can confirm that Wellspring has received confirmation from the Department for Education of a delay to the proposed opening date. This is a source of considerable frustration to all concerned. A revised date for opening is not yet available, but will be communicated publicly as soon as it is.

Both Wellspring and the Department remain fully committed to the opening of the Springwell Alternative Academy Spalding at the site. In addition to this letter, I have written to local residents, headteachers, the county council, our own staff and John Hayes MP to update on the situation and ask for

patience as the Department goes through its processes for securing a contractor and commencing the necessary works.

On a positive note, I am delighted to say that the three other projects in the county that will complement Springwell Spalding to provide four excellent facilities to benefit learners in Lincolnshire, have commenced.

Mark Wilson

Chief Executive Officer

Wellspring Academy Trust