Spalding Pubwatch and Shopwatch co-ordinator Stuart Brotherton says everyone has a role to play in reviving the town’s fortunes

Spalding has a positive future ahead – but everyone has to play their part in its regeneration, according to a key figure.

Pubwatch and Shopwatch co-ordinator Stuart Brotherton feels that there are ‘huge opportunities’ ahead for Spalding town centre- with the £20million Levelling Up money which will be spent by the town board – but is calling on people to ‘muck in’.

He has also disagreed with comments from the Planning Inspectorate, in its ruling on Merkur Slots’ application, that Spalding does not have a nightlife but says that the cost of living crisis and pandemic have had an impact on peoples’ spending power.

The planning inspector’s comments were raised during a recent meeting of South Holland District Council’s planning committee when members debated the Lighthouse Pentencostal Church’s bid to change the use of the former Coneys store in Spalding.

Mr Brotherton said: “There is no doubt - there is a nightlife in Spalding.

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“Youngsters are youngsters - 18 to 30s will all still find time and resources to go out and enjoy themselves.

“It was busier years ago but the cost of living crisis and after effects of covid have had a significant impact but there is still a nightlife in Spalding for the younger generation. It’s not as busy as it was.

“What we haven’t got is the atmosphere of going out. People are more frugal with money. You have got to look across the country as every month there is a pub or restaurant closing as they can’t make ends meet. It is extremely difficult.”

Last year the Government made a surprise announcement that Spalding was among 45 places in the country to receive ‘left behind town’ money. Spalding will receive £20million over the next decade which will be distributed by Spalding Town Board – which is being chaired by local businessman Robin Hancox.

Mr Brotherton feels that there is hope for Spalding but it needs to attract all generations – young and old.

He said: “The way Spalding town centre is going to improve in the future by everyone mucking in.

“With footfall, the South Holland Centre could be better than it is now. It has to offer more to offer as a focal point in Spalding town centre.

“This is a huge opportunity for Spalding.”

He said the town centre has got to be clean and well signed but also felt that having buses dropping off passengers in town would help.

Mr Brotherton said: “People in Spalding need to understand that this isn’t down to the council - it is down to everyone to chip in.”

What do you think? What can be done to help bring more life into Spalding town centre? Tell us your views in the comments below.