The man appointed to oversee where £20m a year of government funding goes for Spalding has said it will be spent ‘wisely’ and for the ‘maximum benefit’.
Robin Hancox will chair the new board being formed to spend the money being given to the town as one of 55 in the country identified as being ‘left behind’.
Robin says he was approached to chair the board as the position has to beheld by a local businessman.
“It’s too early to say,” what the board will be looking at, he said.
But it has to be finalised by April and funding for the first three years detailed in a business plan by August.
“I’ve been in Spalding for 44 years and been lucky enough to be able to establish two businesses locally in Lincolnshire Field Produce and Fresh Linc,” Robin said.
“A lot of hard work has gone in to getting us to this stage and it’s still too early to say where the endowment fund, plus any other money we can attract into the town, will go.
“Ideas are being formalised ahead of the August deadline for the financial plan to be submitted and the money to be released.
“There’s numerous deadlines we have to meet, so we have to be tight in that way and provide projects that are good value for money but that bring the maximum benefit.
“I’ve always enjoyed being in Spalding as I think there’s a work ethic here.
“Unemployment levels are generally low and many of the local businesses have a tremendous reputation for a range of industries, particularly the food sector.”
South Holland District Council will be responsible for the board and has been given £50,000 to set it up.
Council leader Coun Nick Worth is likely to be on the board as the representative of the district council which will be the responsible body to approve the funding.
“Not only has he (Robin) one of the biggest farming businesses in the area but he has quite a few properties in Spalding town centre,” Coun Worth said. “He’s very passionate about Spalding and will make an excellent chairman.
“It’s some serious money for once.
“We had the town fund which was £250,000 but you can’t realistically do much with that sort of funding. With £20m you can.
“It’s an endowment style fund so hopefully in 10 years there still is money in that fund.
“The board can use that money and generate with it at the same time.
“We’ve seen more detailed guidance and it concludes pretty much the whole of Spalding, not just the town centre, which is good news.”
Others looking likely to be on the group are Coun Gary Taylor representing Lincolnshire County Council.
“As only 55 towns received this funding we need to seriously welcome this.
“We’ve a long term plan for Spalding and this boosts that.”
Coun Andrew Woolf said: Not a week goes by where we don’t read something that’s negative to the town but we know there’s a lot of people with good will and hearts that want to do different things.
“They’re dotted all over the place though but the key is to reach out.
“£20m probably won’t come through again so we’ve got to make sure we spend it wisely, “
Coun Bryan Alcock, said: “The rest of the district have an interest in the improvement of Spalding town centre.
“I hope they get a move on and do something with it, not only long term wins but quick wins,” he said.
“There’s a lot around the town that can be changed for example getting weed growth out and sorting grot spots or shop fronts.”
