Public demand inquiry into ‘monstrosity’ bridge in Pinchbeck that won’t be fully used for a decade with Spalding Western Relief Road set to be mothballed

Frustrated residents have slammed the ‘road to nowhere’ incomplete relief road project — and demanded an inquiry into the situation.

Work is due to finish on the near-£50 million northern section of the Spalding Western Relief Road, as contractors complete work on a bridge over the railway.

No funding is in place for the middle or southern sections — meaning the bridge won’t be used as part of a bypass for a long time and will stay fenced off once it’s finished.

The whole project has sparked controversy ever since it was first floated — but is the only scheme put forward to try to alleviate traffic issues caused by Spalding’s several level crossings.

Following a special report last week, our readers have had their say on the scheme.

Stephen Timewell said: “I have written to our MP demanding a public inquiry into the incompetence of LCC. Poor planning, poor use of public money and total failure. I am also questioning the procedure that has been followed regarding the development of housing on that site.”

Sally Slade, a district councillor for the area, posted: “What a surprise. I called it the road to nowhere at the first consultation, and said that the housing development would be a giant cul-de-sac. And lo, here it is. A massive blight on the landscape.”

Stu Smith said: “£50 million pound would’ve been better being invested in the town of Spalding, now just a waste of concrete that leads to nowhere. Let’s be honest they’re never gonna do a proper bypass, if it was a normal company wasted that much money the people that okayed it would’ve been looking for new jobs but not Lincolnshire County Council they can just waste money that we haven’t really got.”

Richard Simpson added: “Truth be told, the options for bringing an HGV from Bourne to Spalding are unacceptable for operators and residents en-route. Businesses are desperate for the road to be completed, yet here we are with a road to nowhere. Hopefully the Enterprise Way big dipper will be fixed in time to welcome the through-traffic.”

During the works, Two Plank Bridge has been removed and will be replaced before the end of this year. In the meantime, a popular walking route has been lost to parents, pet owners and residents.

Michelle Gibson said: “People warned this, Sir John Hayes tried to make them listen to our concerns, regarding the extra traffic, extra population for a town with struggling doctors, dentist, schools overflowing…

“What a monstrosity simply to a new housing development and they used our taxes for this.

“Meanwhile they cut off local children (friendships) that used the little bridge to meet friends over the water, not leaving a safe alternative route (what parents allow young kids to cycle near the Johnson main road bit).

“Its near the nature reserve and being honest the wildlife in that area was lovely but now absolutely ruined. It was a lovely area but this whole concept has been laughable yet shameful the disgust at the amount it cost absolutely ridiculous.”

Many residents simply no longer believe the project will ever happen — and that the only benefit will be felt by housing companies who build on the land next to the new bridge and roundabout.

Sonia French said: “I think we all know this road will never be completed.”

Vickie Andrew said: “Think we’re due a refund.”

Stan Bolton said: “It’s been built for the new housing estates that will be built along it! There will never be a relief road built.”

Pat Wensor said: “People really ought to look online and find the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan to see the exact reasons why it’s being built - and why it’s not actually any kind of ‘relief road’ around the town.”

Others wish the money had been spent elsewhere.

Keith Welch said: “That flyover should been built over A16 allowing traffic non local traffic to travel unrestricted at the Springfields roundabout. It's all a white elephant it wants looking in to.”

Deb Arnold added: “Can we spend £50 million on a bridge when we can't fix the sink holes and potholes in Spalding? There’s one in Hereward Road that needs to be fixed.”

Peter Bird labelled it: “A monument to LCC's planning department's ineptitude.”

Darren Biggadike said: “There will still be potholes on it within a year.”

Dean Murray wondered: “Has anybody resigned is a question that really should be asked.”

Paul Andrew said: “The whole very expensive fiasco just leaves me speechless, people who make these wild ideas up, are they qualified in planning?

While James Kingston said: “Spalding, the town that keeps being left behind. Complete joke”

What do you think? Let us know your views in the comments below…