Minutes:
Before commencing the civic proceedings for the evening, the outgoing Chairman, Councillor Angela Lawrence took the opportunity to share with Council some of the highlights from and successes achieved during her year in Office, and to notify Members of some exciting news in terms of Gainsborough’s regeneration.
Councillor Lawrence stated it had been a delight and honour to have held the position of Chairman of West Lindsey District Council. It had had been a busy and successful year, with many highlights. Before sharing these with Members, Councillor Lawrence was delighted to announce that on 13 May the Council had successfully completed a complex procurement process to secure a development partner for West Lindsey District Council. There had been strong interest from five national developers in response to the Council’s INVEST programme, launched in 2016. Through the competitive process the bidders had been narrowed down to two. The final evaluation had resulted in the selection of Muse Developments, a blue chip commercial developer with expertise in town entre regeneration and heritage. Muse were well respected by Government bodies and sat on the Board of English Cities Fund with Homes England. The Council were therefore well placed to continue to attract grants funds on top of the £8 million plus already secured. The first phase of works would concentrate on the development of Gainsborough town centre, around the former Guildhall and enhancement of Whittons Gardens. This would follow on from the completion of the hotel and Roseway quarter opening in September of this year.
Success and highlights from the year included the re-location and opening of the Lidl store in the town centre, as well as the Authority having secured the new Well Being Contract. She thanked all those Officers and Members involved for their hard work. West Lindsey had also hosted the Scampton Airshow and the International Scout Jamboree at the Lincolnshire Showground. Many more events were planned across the District as momentum built towards 2020 and the celebration of the 400th Anniversary of the Pilgrim Fathers.
During the year, at the Guildhall, the Chairman had had the pleasure of hosting a very successful Junior Council, and commented on the ability and confidence the young people involved had had in expressing their views and opinions, there were a number of likely budding politicians in the making. A Diamond Wedding Afternoon Tea had also been hosted and had been a most pleasurable and delightful day.
Travelling around the District the Chairman advised she continued to be amazed and heartened by all the work and effort residents put into their communities. It was the people that helped communities thrive and flourish, as exemplified at the recent and wonderful Community Awards Evening. She expressed thanks to all the volunteers, clubs and organisations working tirelessly across the District.
In concluding Councillor Lawrence spoke of the positive comments and thanks she often received regarding the services the Council provided and its efforts to “strive for the gain of all”. She thanked all those Officers and Councillors who had helped and supported her throughout the year and wished the Chairman elect every success for the coming year.