Spalding Western Relief Road opposition group is dissolved

A group set up in opposition to plans for a £100million relief road in Spalding has been closed down.

SPARR (Spalding Pinchbeck Against Relief Road) was set up in March 2019 to represent residents fearful of the impact a four-mile road between Spalding Common and Spalding Road, Pinchbeck, would have on their homes and lives.

But co-founders Stacy and Petra Barneveld-Taylor have decided to disband the group after "some significant life changes which require our full attention for the foreseeable future".

In a statement to SPARR members, Stacy and Petra thanked them for their "unwavering support, friendship and the time you have invested" since plans for the Spalding Western Relief Road (SWRR) first attracted public concern in March 2019.

Catherine and Frank Roberts, who feared their home in Bourne Road could be demolished to make way for the SWRR, said: "On behalf of the Bourne Road residents, we cannot thank the members of SPARR enough for their unending support.

"Whilst we had different battles to fight together, we became a formidable force as Stacey and Petra have spearheaded the group with tenacity and drive.

"We can appreciate that the fight has been very time-consuming and required a lot of energy.

"Priorities have changed and we fully understand the need to step back at this time."

The threat of up to nine homes in Bourne Road having to be demolished was lifted in January this year when Lincolnshire County Council decided to alter the route of the relief road's central section.

Amanda Halifax, also of Bourne Road, said: "I'm sorry to hear of SPARR dissolving but they all did an amazing job and we were very grateful for their support as Bourne Road residents.

"We are still so happy to have saved our homes and thank those councillors involved in helping us."

Coun James Avery, chairman of Pinchbeck Parish Council and also a South Holland District Council member for the village, said: "Stacy and Petra have been motivated, passionate and vocal about this development.

"I will miss their tenacity."