Apr 13, 2004
Bridge Street facelift set to go ahead
An important but run-down part of Horncastle's townscape heritage is set for a major boost, thanks to a grant of £667,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
The tumble-down appearance of properties on Bridge Street in Horncastle has angered and exasperated local people for many years. The state of the area has not been improved by the scaffolding and protective fencing which now surrounds it and this part of Bridge Street is frequently referred to as an eyesore.
"Heritage Lincolnshire has been deeply concerned about the Bridge Streetbuildings for some time", said Paula Judson, who is responsible for the restoration of historic properties for Heritage Lincolnshire. "They are of historical value and deserve to be protected. We have been working with the local authority and potential funders, including HLF, to secure a solution. Our hope has been that one way or another the buildings could be saved and put back into use, whilst retaining their historic charm and interest."
"Happily I can now report that an offer of £667,000 funding for the project has been secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund and now all the funding is in place we can finally proceed with our plans to repair and refurbish these important local buildings. This is fantastic news for Horncastle and we are delighted."
"Experience with other historic buildings in Horncastle suggests this kind of project is well worth the effort. It would be a shame for every town centre to become identical; we do need to look after and protect the character and identity of our regional market towns. There are many attractive and interesting buildings in the town, and it is worth raising your eyes above the shop fronts to appreciate the quality and variety of the local architecture."
"It would be impossible for us to consider such a project without the help of many partners. We are especially pleased to have the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, East Lindsey District Council, Lincolnshire Enterprise and the Architectural Heritage Fund – without which the project would not be going ahead. I would like to thank our supporters for helping us turn the vision into reality."
Sheila Stone, Heritage Lottery Fund Regional Manager for the East Midlands, said: "Bridge Street forms part of the heart of Horncastle, and we're delighted to give this grant to help save these important buildings. Best of all, when they are fully restored we hope they will make a major contribution to the regeneration of the town."
Notes for Editors
- The Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire exists to protect, preserve, promote and present the rich heritage of the county for the benefit of local people and visitors.
- The Trust, a charity, is supported by County and District Councils, national heritage bodies, through commercial activities and sponsorship, and welcomes donations [including gift aid] and legacies.
- The Trust's purpose is to:
- Investigate and record the county's historic and archaeological heritage and make it available to all
- Save and renovate threatened historic buildings and make them suitable for new uses
- Encourage private individuals, local societies and the business and commercial sector to work with the Trust on imaginative heritage projects
- Help the people of Lincolnshire, young and old, to understand and take pride in their county
For further information, contact:
Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire
The Old School
Cameron Street
Heckington
Sleaford
Lincolnshire NG34 9RW
Telephone: 01529 461499
Fax: 01529 461001
Email: info@lincsheritage.org
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse heritage. From our great museums and historic buildings to local parks and beauty spots or recording and celebrating traditions, customs and history, HLF grants open up our nation's heritage for everyone to enjoy. They have made more than 14,000 grants worth £2.8billion across the UK.
