Partnership to award more than £1.2million of funding to community projects across Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland in third round of UK Shared Prosperity Fund grants

The South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership has announced that fourteen organisations, community groups, initiatives and events across the area have been awarded more than £1.2million from the third round of funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural Prosperity Fund.

Projects in Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland will all benefit from the grant awards, which are part of a Government programme designed to build pride in place, provide high quality skills training and increase life chances across the sub-region.

A total of £1.25million will be distributed among:

Boston Woods Trust Project – Supporting the development of a new nature reserve at Dion’s Wood through an investment in new car parking surfaces, new footpaths, information boards and biodiversity.

Boston Christmas Lights – Funding for the purchase and installation of a refreshed and revitalised set of Christmas lights for Boston Town Centre, to be match funded by a significant contribution from Boston Borough Council’s own funds. The lights will be more efficient and will have significantly lower energy consumption. The display will draw residents and shoppers alike to Boston Town Centre – and it is hoped that the increased footfall will benefit our local businesses.

High Street Regeneration in Kirton – A major scheme investing in Kirton, Boston’s historic buildings and architecture. This aims to revitalise the local area’s appearance and improve price in place.

Let’s Move East Lindsey – A pilot programme focussing on signposting and communicating more than 150 opportunities for sport and physical activity via a digital platform to residents across East Lindsey, enabling them to live healthier and more active lives.

Matthew Flinders: Bring Him Home – To promote and progress returning the remains of Matthew Flinders to Donington – the place of his birth – for appropriate celebration and reburial. This will be supported by a programme of events promoting links between South and East Lincolnshire and Australia, with a focus on trade and the visitor economy.

High Toynton Renewed – Supporting the restoration of the church tower at High Toynton, alongside a substantial revenue-funded programme to encourage the community use of the heritage asset and diversify audiences for this unique, rural heritage asset.

Boston 400 – A series of events in the lead-up to the 400th anniversary of the founding of Boston Massachusetts in 2030. This involves the creation of business networks and infrastructure (to support increased private sector investment), as well as tourism events and initiatives prior to 2025.

NBV Start Up, Scale Up – A project which will provide business support interventions for people exploring self-employment, new start businesses and established small businesses with growth potential. There will also be a grants programme to support new start businesses with essential start up items such as IT equipment and tools.

Community Catalyst Care Worker Pipeline – A project to support individuals in rural communities to ‘become their own boss’ and start small businesses as self-employed care workers serving the local community.

Freiston We’ll Meet Again Museum Spitfire – A project to purchase a life-sized spitfire replica for the museum, supported by a substantial programme of events that celebrate our area’s unique contribution to the defence of the country in the Second World War, targeted at increasing visitor numbers across Boston Borough.

Horncastle River Enhancement – A programme of environmental remediation for Horncastle’s River, with investments in biodiversity, as well as physical improvements to the riverscape, supported by a programme of engagement with local schools and the local community, focussing on environmental learning.

South Holland: The Land We Forgot – A creative, arts and digital research project with local school-age pupils in South Holland, encouraging them to explore their area’s local culture and history, resulting in the production of a series of creative pieces.

Spalding Brass Plaque Trail – An expansion of the Spalding brass plaque trail, already mostly delivered with significant match funding from the Arts Council.

Cultural Community Bridge – A series of extensive arts and education programmes for adults and young children in the Eastern European community in Boston, to include English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and traditional theatre and events.

Wolds Community Transport – Investment in a new bus for the project which is supported by a long-term business plan and a series of affiliate organisations who will use the bus long-term.

These decisions are subject to call-in*.

Additionally, parishes will receive nearly £1.3million, the first share of which is being distributed in this round of funding to parish councils, village halls and small community groups which have already shown a high demand for grants.

The Lincolnshire Community Foundation (LCF)’s Levelling UP Community Grants Programme will distribute £1,291,500 across Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland to go towards supporting rural communities and parish councils.

This announcement follows two previous rounds of funding which were distributed to projects including the Long Sutton Youth Shed, Holbeach Medieval Festival and The Old Bolingbroke Gas House.

Leader of Boston Borough Council, Councillor Anne Dorrian, said: “This funding grant is a great opportunity for local organisations and communities to take another vital step in developing our aspirations for the Boston area.

“The grant will be well received by not only the projects but the businesses, residents and visitors it benefits. I am excited to see the successful projects develop and grow as we continue with our ambitions to regenerate the town.”

From East Lindsey District Council, Councillor Steve Kirk, portfolio holder for The Coastal Economy, and Councillor Adam Grist, portfolio holder for Market Towns and the Rural Economy, added: “It’s wonderful to see some fantastic projects and organisations in East Lindsey receiving support from the UKSPF.

“This funding will continue to play a huge role in making a real difference to the district and this is an exciting time for East Lindsey. We hope that these grants, alongside our other major funding including our Skegness and Mablethorpe Town Deals and £8million Levelling Up funding, will benefit generations to come.”

Councillor Paul Redgate, portfolio holder for Finance, Commercialisation, Levelling Up and UK Shared Prosperity Funding at South Holland District Council, said: “It’s great that we are able to continue supporting important projects across South Holland with this vital funding.

“We have already seen several successes with this funding throughout the district, including the very well attended Holbeach Medieval Festival and the busy Long Sutton Youth Shed which is thriving.

“This funding will continue play a huge part in boosting our economy and pride in all parts of our district, while supporting our communities, culture and heritage.”