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.”
by Ian, Lincoln
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 1:59PM
“Mr Pilchard, Lincoln, slowly moving west
Who is your incoherent rant directed to, the city or county council? Most of your pints are issues for the city council.
What golden goose is going to be killed? They are only shutting a back gate.
The whole this seems to be making a mountain out of a molehill.”
by business owner, lincoln
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 1:55PM
“it is obvious that lincoln council have a very short sighted approach to the future of lincoln. they are slowly making it more and more difficult for businesses to operate by slowly eroding any support for them. first the closure of the tourist info centre, selling the lawns rather than develop it into a thriving tourist destination and now the closure of the west gate. why not make both entrances open for people to walk through free of charge and only charge for access to the castle buildings. this would encourage visitors to use the west side of the castle and the business owners would benefit. Lincoln is fast becoming tourist unfriendly and a more unapealing place to live and work, the only way that we can change this is with our votes and to voice our oppinion against the decisions that are made without our approval.”
by Spoon, Lincoln
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 1:17PM
“Lazy repropting yet again!! How hard would it have been to say County council throughout this article rather than juct council. To read this you would think that "the council" includes the city as well. Not the case. Please get it right Echo”
by Mr Pilchard, Lincoln, slowly moving west
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 12:41PM
“YOU IDIOTS.
Why are you making is so hard for tourists and other visitors to spend their money?
Why have the car parks in the castle area got a limited stay (or they did last summer) when people want to spend the whole day there?
Why have you closed down the tourist information office?
Why isnt the bail area pedestrianised?
Why are you making Lincoln into a dying town, fit only for the creation of Polish shanty townships and the ripping off of foreign students? Neither group appreciating the history that tourists would be willing to pay to see.
I would be intrested to see the access plans for the Christmas market?
Youre killing the Golden Goose.
YOU REALLY ARE IDIOTS”
by Ian, Lincoln
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 12:32PM
“Don't be dim, the gate will obviously be opened for the Xmas Market.”