Bid to block sale of'¨former school land

Lafford High School in Billinghay closed in 2010 and was later demolished ready for redevelopment by Lincolnshire County Council.

Billinghay Community Group has been set up representing the view of some residents, businesses and groups in the village, concerned that the one remaining area to improve local facilities for the expanding population could be lost if the council goes ahead and sells off a portion of the site for around 16 houses.

The parish council and the Billinghay Community Plan group have spent the last 18 months consulting with residents and other groups about what facilties and business opportunities are needed to help the community develop.

Secretary of the Billinghay Community Group, Kathryn Locke, is also vice-chairman of the parish council and chairman of the Community Plan group. She said they have applied to North Kesteven District Council to have the Fen Road site listed as an ‘Asset of Community Value’ which, if successful, will allow the community time to bid to buy it. The decision from NKDC could take eight weeks.

Mrs Locke said Fen Road is central to the village and the 550 extra homes proposed over the next 25 years in the emerging Central Lincolnshire Plan. Adjacent to the primary school, nursery, Children’s Centre and swimming pool, the Community Group believe it would make an ideal location for further community facilities and space for businesses.

She said: “These new homes need extra infrastructure to support them such as a larger medical centre, car parking for the swimming pool, a gym and shops.”