Success for campaigner as Spalding appears on BBC Look North weather map

It’s official! Spalding is on the map.

Before Christmas South Holland District Council’s vice-chair Jan Whitbourn was set the challenge of getting the town’s name to appear on the BBC Look North weather map.

With neighbouring Boston and Bourne there for the region to see, it was felt that the Spalding also deserved its place.

And after encouraging the public to join in with the campaign, Coun Whitbourn has been successful in convincing TV bigwigs to add the town’s name… even if weatherman Paul Hudson is not convinced.

“What I’ve decided to do, I’m going to keep Spalding on the map until viewers complain Spalding’s on the map too much,” Mr Hudson, a viewers’ favourite due to his sharp, witty banter, told viewers on Monday.

While Mr Hudson has appeared less welcoming to the idea of adding Spalding to the map, presenter Peter Levy has backed Coun Whitbourn’s challenge, which has included inviting a TV crew to the town to see the many good things it has to offer.

“It as a bit of fun to start with,” Coun Whitbourn said.

“Spalding’s on the map. That was the idea and why not? It was a challenge for Christmas and it’s gone a bit mad.

“But we got it done and that’s the main thing.”

Responding to Mr Hudson’s comments, Coun Whitbourn continued: “Paul asked if he could get viewers to call in saying they don’t want Spalding on the map. This will go on for a bit now, I’m sure.

“He’s been a bit rude about me but that’s fine. I can take it and I’ll get my own back down the line.”

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In what be an act of stubbornness, Spalding’s name currently appears on the national map but not on the local map on Look North.

Forms dished out to locals asking them to get behind the campaign served a dual purpose as they also asked residents what they liked about Spalding and what they wanted to see improved.

“When I’ve collated them we can look at the answers at the (Spalding) Town Forum and see,” added Coun Whitbourn, the forum vice-chair.