£550,000 heritage grant scheme launches for Louth, Wragby and Horncastle

A new funding scheme aiming to transform the historic environment and boost the local economy in Louth, Wragby and Horncastle is now open to applications.

Funded through the East Lindsey Investment Fund, the Heritage Grant Scheme will be administered by Heritage Lincolnshire, and will offer medium and small grants to retail businesses in the market towns for the repair and reinstatement of their historic buildings.

Eligible works include exterior improvements to shopfronts, signage, upgrading the appearance of upper floors, and reinstating historic features.

There is also funding available to improve public areas, and to explore future investment and development options for vacant or neglected sites in these areas.

The project builds on the success and popularity of the previous Healing Horncastle Town Centre grant scheme, funded by East Lindsey District Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund.

Works completed as part of the Horncastle scheme include shopfront repairs, new signage and window replacements, alongside town centre conservation work on ghost signs, landscaping and redecoration in Market Place and St Lawrence Street car park, free gutter clearance for more than 40 properties in Horncastle town centre, and pigeon proofing.

All three towns are designated as Conservation Areas, and are currently included in the National Heritage At Risk Register, though it is hoped that targeted investment and improvements could see them removed.

Councillor Craig Leyland, Leader of East Lindsey District Council, described it as "a fantastic opportunity for us to work together to improve and preserve buildings which should be celebrated".

"It's important for us all to work towards conserving our historic towns, not just for our visitors but also the people who live and work in them," Cllr Leyland said.

"By making our market towns more attractive, and highlighting our unique heritage, we should see greater footfall, more attractive shopping areas and an improved sense of civic pride," he said.

"The works in Horncastle have already made a difference, and the town has a pipeline of projects ready to carry out works to improve the condition of a number of properties," Cllr Leyland said.

"We believe that by extending the project to cover Louth and Wragby, even more businesses and residents across our district will benefit," he said.

Alice Ullathorne, Head of Heritage at Heritage Lincolnshire, said the organisation is "pleased to be able to support people in Wragby, Louth and Horncastle to be able to get a grant to improve their shops".

"This builds on work through the Healing Horncastle project that has helped improve the condition of the conservation area as well as supporting small, local and independent businesses to flourish," Ms Ullathorne said.