Route to more prosperity and less congestion
A scheme to develop local highways means that the communities of North and South Hykeham will be better connected to the region and country as life returns to normal in the months to come. By Melanie Burton.
Dissected by the main Lincoln to Newark Road and in close proximity to the A46 with its easy access to the A1 when travel is permitted, both North and South Hykeham remain popular places to live.
Plans are still being progressed for a North Hykeham Relief Road which would connect the A46 to the A15 Lincoln Eastern Bypass. Lincolnshire County Council was allocated £110m government funding last November towards the £155 million scheme. The cash will come from the Department for Transport’s Large Local Majors programme after the scheme was included in a submission from sub-national transport body Midlands Connect last year.
The scheme was the only new road project announced in the Government’s National Infrastructure Strategy.
Richard Davies, the council’s executive member for highways, said: “We’re incredibly pleased that central Government has acknowledged the important role the North Hykeham Relief Road will play in better connecting Lincolnshire to the rest of the East Midlands region and country.
“Not only will it better connect the A46 between the Midlands through to the Humber ports, but it will also form part of Lincolnshire’s coastal highway, making it easier for people from all over to get to our beautiful coast.
“And locally, it will help us meet the area’s growth target and cut traffic in and around North Hykeham, Lincoln and the surrounding villages by forming the final section of a complete ring road around the city.”
The current scheme cost, included in the council’s outline business case for funding, is £155m. The council said it will fund the remaining cost, alongside developer contributions, which it will forward fund.
Cllr Davies added: “We used the Government’s industry-recognised road cost estimation process to determine the expected cost of the new relief road, and the total that came out was £155m.
“However, based on past experience with managing projects like the Lincoln Eastern Bypass and the unexpected issues that can arise, it’s possible that the cost estimate of the road will go up before we break ground.
“We’re well experienced in delivering major infrastructure projects so are preparing for this potential and are ready to cover additional costs that arise as we progress things further.”
The DfT has told the council that its contribution is fixed and will not increase if the project cost rises.
Cllr Davies said the next steps on the project will be completing detailed design, purchasing land and submitting a planning application, with construction planned to start in 2025.
Simon Statham, Midlands Connect’s head of technical programmes, said: “Midlands Connect prioritised this project last year in a submission to Government, seeking funding for the most critically important highway improvements.
“This route is hugely important for local businesses and exporters, as it will reduce congestion on the nearby A46 and ease access to the Humber Ports, which act as a vital international gateway for many exporters.”
When built, the scheme will see a new dual carriageway built, linking the A46 Pennells Roundabout to the newly constructed Lincoln Eastern Bypass, creating a complete ring road around Lincoln.
As part of the project, new roundabouts will be built at South Hykeham Road, Brant Road and Grantham Road and a number of bridges will also be constructed, including at Station Road and over the River Witham.
North Hykeham is officially a town but it is not so long ago that it was a village the same as South Hykeham is now.
The old village dates back to the Angles, Germanic invaders who occupied much of Britain after the Romans left in 400AD and according to the Domesday Book (1087) it consisted of just 15 households and a 52-acre meadow.
North Hykeham didn’t achieve town status until 1973 and in 2006 North Hykeham Town Council was immensely proud to be awarded Quality Council status and received re-accreditation in 2010. According to the 2011 Census, approximately 13,884 people lived in North Hykeham.
North Hykeham has seen extensive property developments over the past few years and now has an enhanced retail sector as well as leisure facilities and open spaces literally on its doorstep. It can also boast its own theatre, swimming pool and leisure centre, and is home to two major national supermarkets.
Neighbouring South Hykeham has also enjoyed ongoing new build housing and even though it is a village, it has its own school and an increasing number of businesses including an ever-expanding and well-established family run garden centre, major car dealerships, pubs, eateries and a national chain hotel complete with beauty spa.
Shops and businesses are generally located at three specific locations in North Hykeham – around the village green, at the Forum shopping centre, which has the Asda superstore nearby, and at the crossroads where Moor Lane meets Newark Road and Station Road. In fact, Station Road has the largest concentration of commercial and light industrial premises in the town.
Education wise the area is well served with a number of primary schools and two large secondary schools.
Robert Pattinson School’s reputation has gone from strength to strength over the past year and it now has almost two applications for every place, as well as a thriving independent sixth form.
Ofsted also recognised the school’s impressive improvements and in its most recent report produced at the end of 2019 inspectors hailed the school in Moor Lane as ‘calm, happy and caring’.
Head teacher Dale Hardy, who joined the school in 2018, together with the deputy head was praised by inspectors for ‘raising expectations in relation to pupils’ attendance, behaviour and achievements’ and making ‘many improvements’. The report concluded: ‘pupils flourish as a result of the good quality of education and the opportunities open to them.’
As well as a positive attitude on the list of the school’s priorities, security is also high on the agenda and a £400,000 project to install new fencing, new gates and 90 new CCTV cameras is well underway. A £1.2m project to re-roof the entire site was also completed in late 2020.
SIR ROBERT PATTINSON ACADEMY REFLECTS ON ITS HISTORY
Duringrecent development work carried out at the North Hykeham school, a collection of old photographs and an article previously published in the June edition of County Councils Association Official Gazette, were discovered dating back to the opening of the school in 1953, which was built in the grounds of Hykeham Hall.
It seems fitting that as Sir Robert Pattison Academy completes another year of improvements and progress it reflects on the early days of the school.
While much of the fabric and the education provided by Sir Robert Pattinson Academy has evolved some things have never changed.
The ethos and values of the school have built on the solid foundations of ensuring students fulfil their potential and are prepared to play a positive role in their community and society.
“We value the relationships we have with local businesses and employers, place strong emphasis on work experience and ensure our pupils understand the important role they have in the local community,” says a school spokesman.
“That is why it is important to remember the history of the man after whom the school is named.
“Sir Robert Pattinson was a successful businessman who carried out numerous important building projects across the UK, including developing the rail lines at King’s Cross, but he also understood the importance and responsibility of playing a role in his local community.”
Sir Robert served as a member of Lincolnshire County Council for half a century, was a JP, an MP, deputy lieutenant for the county and its High Sheriff. He died the year after the school was opened, but his legacy lives on.
LINCOLN SERVICE SPECIALISTS
LVS AG Ltd are a dedicated team of specialists for Audi, Volkswagen, Seat and Skoda. Setup back in 2006, LVS are committed to providing an alternative solution to using the main dealer with the aim of being cost effective, without compromising quality of parts or workmanship. They are located south of Lincoln on Lincoln Enterprise Park, Newark Road, just off the Pennells roundabout on the A46 heading towards Newark.
“For all your servicing requirements, diagnostics, MOT work, engine remapping, alignment and tyres, we like to think we can cater for most requirements. The ethos of LVS is to make it our mission to ensure that you, the customer, always experience a professional, friendly service with the familiarity and facilities you expect from a main dealer environment, but without the hassles and cost! Our facilities have everything to offer that the main dealers do, from a comfortable waiting area with TV, free Wi-Fi and hot drinks, to brand new Loan Cars which are available to hire if required.
“Our workshop is equipped with dealer trained technicians, who are constantly kept up to date with the latest advance in technical training, backed up with the latest diagnostics equipment, and a wide range of VAG specific tooling to ensure your work is carried out correctly, and professionally. Even if you have a brand new Volkswagen Audi Group vehicle, LVS can still service your car as we will always fit genuine service parts to ensure you keep your manufacturer’s warranty.”
If you have any questions then please feel free to contact a member of the LVS team on 01522 500 745 or visit the website www.lvsag.co.uk
RESIDENTS THANKED
NKDC leader Councillor Richard Wright and chairman Councillor Mrs Susannah Barker Milan both thanked residents in the district for all they had done to keep their friends, neighbours and families safe during the pandemic and urged them to continue to adhere to the lockdown measures.
“For us all to be moved into a new national lockdown so swiftly after the escalation into Tier 4 was a stark indicator of the increased risk posed by rising infections and the more rapid transmission of the new coronavirus variant,” Councillor Wright said.
“It is essential that we follow all the guidance and legislation in place – staying at home as much as we can, not meeting with others unless it is absolutely critical and only going out for legitimate purposes – in order to protect the NHS and save lives.
“The coming weeks may be the hardest yet. But with each vaccination that takes place we are turning the tide against the virus.
“After such a long time dealing with this, and just when we have the hope offered by the escalated rollout of the vaccine, we must not let our guard down, or the sacrifices of the past months will have been for nothing.
“I hope that we can all see that through full compliance with the revised guidance, this new lockdown is an essential measure, given the situation at this time.”
He said as a district council it was already reviewing the measures it has in place to support the most vulnerable and impacted residents and affected businesses, redoubling its efforts along with partners in the Lincolnshire Local Resilience Forum to ensure communities are protected and well provided for.
“I thank you for all that you have done in recent times to protect yourself, your communities and those around you, and implore you to carry this forward over the coming weeks. Stay safe, stay well and stay connected.”
Councillor Barker, who is ward member for North Hykeham Mill, also thanked everyone for all they had done in keeping people safe, secure and shielded, supported, protected and well provided for.
“From our healthcare workers, those working in food factories, in shops and those delivering ongoing public services, through to those who have initiated and enabled pop-up community Covid support groups or just reached out individually to neighbours in need, I thank you,” she said.
“As manager of a specialist dementia care home, I know all too well the pain of loss and I see and value every day the sacrifices that are made in the care of others.
“So many people give so generously of their time and comforts in support of others and we especially thank everyone who contributes to the welfare of others in their neighbourhoods and communities.
“Good old-fashioned neighbourliness is a strength of life locally and one of the many things that makes North Kesteven such a wonderful place.”
AWARD WINNING TEA ROOM
North and South Hykeham are well served with a number of unique businesses that have characters all of their own. One of the many hidden gems is The Garden Tea Room situated in a conservatory off Moor Lane, behind Flowers by Suzanne.
Owned and run by Jade Hawkins since 2017, The Garden Tea Room is a friendly award-winning café which takes pride in being part of the local community while delivering special afternoon teas, cakes, pastries and light bites. It also has a summerhouse named the Potting Shed, which offers extra seating.
“We’re not just a grab a coffee and go type place,” explains Jade. “We try to accommodate everyone as much as we can, hosting parties (when we’re allowed) and taking a genuine interest in our customers and their lives. We know when our regulars’ birthdays are and know about their families, so for us everyone is special.
Our aim is to offer a place of solace where everyone is welcome for a nice cup of tea or coffee, a slice of delicious homemade cake and a friendly chat.”
Jade, who received Taste of Excellence Gold Citations in 2018 and 2019 and won 2020’s Best Sweet Treat award, spent five years developing her own recipes, starting in hospitality when she was 17 after a failed Army application.
“I can’t remember what made me think this is what I wanted to do, but couldn’t be without it now. I love everything about working in this industry – it’s definitely the hardest job I’ve had but also the most rewarding too!”
Jade launched a delivery and takeaway menu just after the Easter weekend last year and through lockdown, the team strived to provide customers with an extra special service.
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