Town set to gain new car park to ease congestion

A derelict site is set to be turned into a public car park to help reduce congestion in a Lincolnshire market town.

The location on Kesteven Street, Sleaford, has stood empty for several years after formerly serving as the town's ambulance station.

At a meeting on Thursday, North Kesteven District Council said it intended to redevelop it as a car park after it purchased the land.

The local authority said it hadn't yet determined how many spaces could be created at the site, but councillors said it could help to ease existing parking and congestion issues in the town centre.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, concerns had been raised about anti-social behaviour on the current site.

Businesses have recently been critical about a lack of parking in the redeveloped and pedestrianised Market Place in the town.

Parking at the new site on Kesteven Street would be free for up to one hour, £1.50 for three hours and £3.50 for any longer.

Parking at weekends, bank holidays and between 18:00-08:00 would be free, the authority said.

Councillor Ian Carrington said: "I'm pleased to see the charges at an affordable level.

"It's important to encourage visitors to market towns like Sleaford and provide ample parking in walking distance of the centre, but not gouge customers."

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