Skegness Magazine

DETERIORATING gardens in Skegness need urgent attention, say Skegness town councillors.
Councillors have raised concerns more than £1 million funding has been wasted as Tower Gardens are not maintained by East Lindsey District Council to the standards they should be.
Cllr. Gary Ellis pointed out several of the council’s failings, including the waterfall not working, litter, missing ornate fence post tops and drainage.
A question tabled by councillors for the Skegness area committee meeting asked whether ELDC thought the funds spent on the gardens was value for money.
The district council felt it would be better to wait until the annual garden inspection had been completed before discussions began.
Cllr. Stephen Kirk was frustrated the item was not included on the area committee agenda. He said: “We know there is something wrong and we want it on the committee now, not when it suits ELDC.”
Mayor Cllr. Andy Fletcher accused the district council of fraud. He said funding was supplied for a park manager, Colin Bowden, but this manager was also working on the foreshore.

He concluded: “I think I am in the park more than he is!”
The public property committee meeting decided to hold a special meeting, to which an ELDC representative would be invited.
ELDC communications officer Nigel West said: “East Lindsey District Council refutes the suggestion it is employing the park manager of Tower Gardens, Skegness, in duties outside his agreed role.”

Picture: Missing ornate post tops are just one of the problems at Skegness Tower Gardens highlighted by town councillors. Cllr. Ken Holland retrieved this post top before it was lost for ever. Photo Paul Gooch.

Source: Skegness Standard 4th February, 2004.