A huge Spalding landmark is finally to be repainted later this year.
Anglian Water has confirmed it will soon start work on sprucing up Chatterton Tower.
Repainting of the building in Winfrey Avenue was the subject of a 2,000-signature petition in 2010, in a campaign spearheaded by Spalding Castle district councillor Gary Taylor and clean-up campaigner Sandra White, who has since left the town.
Anglian Water promised to carry out the work after discussions with South Holland District Council back in 2015, and it’s now scheduling the work with contractors. The repainting will include the window frames and doors as well as the walls of the tower.
An Anglian Water spokesman said: “We knew this project was important to people and we listened to what they had to say.
“After discussions with the council we promised to do the work as part of our annual investment programme in 2017/18. That time has arrived, and we’re now just finalising the work plan and schedule with our contractors. As soon as we have that detail we’ll let the people of Spalding, and the businesses in the nearby area, know more.”
Coun Taylor is delighted with the news that the work will begin this year.
He said: “It’s such a prominent Spalding landmark. It’s one of the first things people see when they arrive in the town by bus or train.
“With the improvements going on at the railway station too, this is another good step for the town. I’m pleased that Anglian Water has finally taken note of people’s concern.
“It does show that strength in numbers works. People must keep reporting things.”
Coun Taylor acknowledged the work of district council officers Paul Jackson and Emily Spicer in securing the onset of the work.
The tower, which was built in 1955, stores treated water for supply to domestic and commercial customers.
