Spalding Town Board has been reflecting on its first year of working together for the town as it publishes its annual report for 2024 – 2025.
The Board, which is chaired by local businessman Robin Hancox, met for the very first time in March 2024 after multi-million pound government funding was announced for Spalding.
Now, the Board’s annual report details the progress that has been made over the first twelve months, in line with changing government requirements including a complete restructure of the funding programme.
Early actions taken by the board and outlined in the annual report are:
- investing in a Hot Spot Policing initiative, a three month pilot scheme that will see more targeted police patrols in key identified areas of the town centre;
- funding for new Christmas lights to enhance Spalding’s appeal during the festive season, and
- providing a match funding contribution for the Spalding Gentlemen’s Society museum which has been key in enabling the Society to secure additional development grant funding from the National Lottery.
All these actions have been taken in direct response to feedback from local people that safety and security is a priority, alongside a desire for a better town centre experience. In addition, community consultation – taking place in summer 2024 – revealed strong interest in fixing up and improving Spalding’s historic sites and buildings, and in particular, providing support / funding for the Gentlemen’s Society Museum.
Robin Hancox, Chair of Spalding Town Board said: “The Board was set up to oversee the multi-million pound funding that was announced for Spalding and work together with the community to ensure this is invested to meet the needs of our town.
“From the very beginning, the Board has been keen to get to work and use the early funding to make a tangible difference and we have made decisions that directly reflect what the public has told us in our consultation.
“The projects that have been supported so far have received funding because we know these are priorities for local people.”
The Board has been working within evolving government requirements following last year’s general election and the reset of the programme as Plan for Neighbourhoods in March 2025.
The Plan for Neighbourhoods programme – which replaces its predecessor Long Term Plan for Towns – focuses on three goals: thriving places, stronger communities, and taking back control. Programme delivery funding will begin from 2026, with the funding allocation for the first year set to be lower than in subsequent years.
This year, Spalding Town Board and South Holland District Council will develop a Regeneration Plan, which sets out a vision for the funding, and a four year investment plan, building on the work that has taken place to date and shaped by community feedback.
Robin Hancox added: “We want to deliver for Spalding within the clear parameters set out by government. Over the coming months, we’ll be continuing to closely involve local people, businesses, partners, and stakeholders so that together we can shape the future of Spalding together.
“We’ll be developing a robust regeneration plan and investment plan for Spalding that sets out a clear vision for the town that will be ready to go once the main funding begins from 2026.
“There will be opportunities to take part in consultation and engagement activities and I would urge local people to please get involved, share your thoughts and ideas, and help us to make sure that this significant opportunity is realised for Spalding.”
Cllr Nick Worth, Leader, South Holland District Council said: “It is great to be able to reflect on the important work already done by Spalding Town Board in these early stages of the programme, meeting the government’s key focuses and, more importantly, tackling the priorities that our residents and businesses have told us about.
“There is so much work going on behind the scenes to ensure this significant funding can start to make a difference as soon as it arrives, and to work alongside our other investment and initiatives to help the town to be protected, promoted and prospering on the scale it needs, now and for many years to come.”
Sir John Hayes, MP for South Holland and The Deepings added:
“The town board brings an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our area through engagement with those who are as determined as I am to build on Spalding’s strengths and make the improvements that local people tell me are so needed.”
The Spalding Town Board annual report can be read here. Copies are also available from South Holland District Council offices , Ayscoughfee Hall, Boston College, and South Holland Centre. Anyone who would like a copy can email Spalding.TownBoard@sholland.gov.uk