Plans to improve Sutton Bridge and make it a fixture on the tourist trail are set to be discussed by the county council next week.
The proposed scheme will see an improved route for pedestrians from the riverside and moorings to the centre of the village.
The upgrade includes new steps from the riverbank near the bridge, a new ramp near the moorings and dropped kerbs at all crossing points on the main road.
The project will cost £100,000 with money also being spent on a community arts project, says a report to the council’s environment and economy scrutiny committee.
The art project will also include bespoke features in co-ordination with the community and the University of Lincoln’s Transported Arts.
Alongside the county’s £100,000, further contributions have been attracted, including £650 from South Holland District Council, £2,500 from Transported and £1,250 ‘in kind’ from a local carving group, the report reveals.
“This project seeks to enhance the village’s major assets, the river, the historic bridge, the riverside moorings and its position as the gateway to Lincolnshire,” the report says.
The scheme also aims to ‘take advantage’ of tourism potential with the Sir Peter Scott Lighthouse and links to the famous 617 ‘Dambusters’ squadron of the RAF which trained in the village.
“It would build on the area’s potential for tourism now that it is on the route of the England Coast path,” the report says.
“This project would deliver much needed improvements in a Lincolnshire village that is the gateway to the county, enhancing the area for local businesses and services, visitors and residents,” the report concludes.
