Anger at plan to shut castle gate
Outraged traders have criticised a council decision to close one of Lincoln Castle's entrances.
The historic building's west entrance is under used by visitors and will be shut for five years starting on April 1 this year.
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Outraged traders have criticised a council decision to close one of Lincoln Castle's entrances.
But business officials say the closure will dramatically reduce footfall for shops in the Union Road area, which is also home to The Lawn.
Uphill business owner Jonathan Pass said the closure could be the "final nail in the coffin" for some small traders in the area. Mr Pass added he was frustrated at the lack of warning from the authority on the changes.
Lincolnshire County Council made the closure decision.
Its executive member for economic development and culture, Councillor Eddy Poll, said work to build a heritage skills centre within the historic landmark's grounds later this year would have required the entrance to be closed any way.
Cllr Poll added that the east gate entrance was the busier of the two, with 90 per cent of visitors choosing this option.
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by Rachel, Lincoln
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 6:13PM
“I can't agree more about this being a fuss about nothing. It saves us all money whilst still being opening for the same time. You'd think business would be applauding the council instead of kicking them in the teeth. I'd rather see this than closing a hospital. I for one applaud this decision, it seems a no brainer.”
by shop user, Lincoln
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 6:00PM
“It is time for local business to wake up; they are responsible for their own success. To really make us believe that the bottom of the car park business at the Lawn will fall out. Have people tried parking at 9.00am in the Lawn? It is nealry impossible and the castle's not even open. They always blame somebody. Gow up. If they are reliant on the small numbers of people leaving the castle for their livelihood then they are in a mess. Roll on five years when we have free access to the grounds and let's see the bail complain then. A lot of fuss about nothing.”
by Mushroom, Newport
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 4:55PM
“The County council website has a page titled Historic Lincoln where it talks about its role as a partner in the Historic Lincoln project.
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Quote: The HLP's strategic vision is 'To become the first choice Cathedral City for visitors by establishing Lincoln as a world class tourism destination; with our heritage making its full contribution to the economic regeneration of Lincoln, Lincolnshire and the East Midlands'.
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It goes on to say 'The HLP came to the conclusion that the Castle should be its priority project and that the many buildings within the Castle that are inaccessible to the public should be opened up and that this would then enable the grounds to become free access.'
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I fail to see how closing one of the castle gates completely is going to help them achieve their vision!”
by Anne, Lincoln
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 2:59PM
“Have to agree that I don't see the problem here. My question would be, would you be prepared to keep it open by paying more tax? Or would you rather see a library or children's centre close instead? Which roads would you rather not be fixed to make up the money?
Let's get some perspective..... the Castle will still be open, people can still visit and people will forget there was another entrance.”
by Louise, lincoln
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 2:38PM
“me and my family have a hertiagepass and whenever we visit the castle we always use this gate as it's next to parking making it easier, esp when you have small children.”