Let us build here – and protect jobs
BUSINESSES have issued a plea to councillors to back a development, saying hundreds of jobs are at risk if the plan cannot go ahead.
Larkfleet Homes wants to use land off Manning Road, Bourne, for a development which would be a mix of residential and business properties.
The site has been earmarked for industrial use and town councillors have already opposed the plan but Larkfleet manager director Karl Hick warned jobs in the town rely on a scheme with housing.
Mr Hick said: "Hundreds of jobs depend on this. It is important that South Kesteven District Council gives us support."
Larkfleet employs around 50 people at its South Road headquarters, up to 300 on a variety of sites and many sub-contractors' livelihoods could also be hit if the scheme was turned down.
Mr Hick said: "There are 15 businesses which could rely on this scheme to keep going next year. We are desperate for this to go through.
"We are trying to survive and a scheme like this is really important. This will help to keep our suppliers busy for 15 to 18 months."
Paul Neal's business, Burghley Plasterers, is one of the firms that relies on Larkfleet projects and is looking for the proposed 6 million scheme to keep them afloat during the recession.
Mr Neal said: "I have been in business for almost 28 years and it has never been as bad as this. I have 25 men and 80 per cent of our work is for Larkfleet."
Mr Neal, who says he has already laid off seven employees, added: "It's a community thing. This could keep us all in work and it affects other people because we all shop or go for a drink in Bourne."
Richard Bostock, of General Roofing, said failure of the scheme to get planning approval would have "a serous impact" on his business, which employs 20 people.
He said: "It is ideally placed for that kind of development. It is within reach of the town centre and close to the industrial area of town. This would support their green policies."
But Mayor of Bourne Shirley Cliffe remains opposed.
She said: "Thirty years ago it was stated there would be no houses and it would be for industrial use. That does not need to change.
"There are sufficient homes within the town already and a lot of homes up for sale that cannot be sold."
South Kesteven District Council is due to decide the application on January 5.
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Weather for Bourne
Friday 25 May 2012
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Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
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