What you need to know about Stamford's Red Lion Square road closures
Work beginning in the historic town centre will cause disruptions until late August
Now work is underway resurfacing Stamford's iconic Red Lion Square, there's plenty to know about what routes are being closed off until when.
With 22,500 new stone setts ready to be laid, the development project is a big one that's set to cause closures for road users for a fair few months, here's the key info:
From Sunday 8 May until mid-July:
Full southbound closure of Red Lion Square and St John’s Street with a signed diversion route in place via:
- A6121 West Street
- A6121 North Street
- A6121 East Street
- A1175 Brazenose Lane
- A1175 St Leonard’s Street
- A1175 Wharf Road
- B1081 St Mary’s Hill
- B1081 St Mary’s Street
- B1081 St John’s Street
- Red Lion Square.
Northbound traffic will remain unaffected
A full road closure of Red Lion Square and the western end of the High Street will be in place for up to three weeks during the scheme. However, dates and details are still being finalised and will be shared closer to the time.
Councillor Richard Davies said: "To keep disruption to a minimum, we’ve planned the works so that northbound traffic can pass through the square throughout most of the project with only southbound vehicles being diverted. There will also be a three-week period later in the scheme when the entire square will need to be closed so the team can safely pave the junction onto the High Street and the area near pedestrian crossing.
“Residents and businesses can rest assured that we’ll be doing all we can to maintain access for pedestrians, shop deliveries and the emergency services throughout the project.
A controversial but necessary decision
There's been some debate over how the famous cobbles should be resurfaced, with Stamford Town Council voting in favour of tarmacking over the square earlier this year.
However, Lincolnshire County Council made the decision that plans should keep in line with the historic aesthetic of the town, it's shops and surroundings.
For that reason, 22,500 new stone setts will replace 620sqm of current paving in order to make the ground sturdier and safer.
Councillor Richard Davies told Greatest Hits Radio: 'This piece of work desperately needs doing. Stamford's one of the most iconic Georgian towns in the country, it's an iconic location, and I think it deserves the treatment to keep it looking its best. Not only for the tourists that visit the area but also for the residents and businesses.'
'Somewhere like Stamford, a more standard approach of tarmac just wouldn't be appropriate, which is why we're investing this significantly more expensive solution to keep Stamford looking its best.'