2022 celebrated the end of the hugely successful Single Local Growth Fund programme. LEP projects and programmes have delivered economic growth now for over a decade.  In that time, we have secured £400m of investment for projects in Greater Lincolnshire and have delivered 75 growth projects and programmes.  

Together with our many local partners we have made great progress in raising the aspiration and profile of our collective economic ambitions for our diverse, resilient, and remarkable location. Our congratulations and thanks are extended to everyone involved in these varied and challenging projects and programmes, who in partnership with the LEP, are delivering considerable economic impact across our area. 

Go Skegness is a county council-led transport project aiming to make sustainable travel easier for residents and visitors while also reducing town centre congestion. As Skegness is a major player in Greater Lincolnshire’s visitor economy, the area’s travel links must be supported, maintained and nurtured in order to provide the best outcomes for the public and local businesses. 

The LEP contributed £4 million to the Go Skegness transport project through the Single Local Growth Fund allocation and the project began in September 2016. 

Councillor Richard Davies, Executive Member for Highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said: ”Skegness is an integral part of the country’s economy, which is why we’ve invested over £10 million to improve its roads and make travel in and around the area easier.  

“One of the main things we wanted to achieve through the project was to make it easier for more people to leave their cars at home and to walk or cycle instead.” 

The Go Skegness project was successfully completed in December 2019, meaning residents and visitors have been benefitting from the improvements for over three years. 

In order to improve bus infrastructure in the area, Go Skegness added nearly half a mile of bus lane along the A52, seven bus stop locations along the A52 were upgraded to provide accessible boarding platforms, and two new bus stops were added.  

Dave Skepper, Interim Managing Director at Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “The Go Skegness scheme introduced upgraded bus stop infrastructure and extended bus priority along the Roman Bank between Ingoldmells and Skegness, which allows buses to pass stationary traffic during busy times. 

“This has helped us improve bus punctuality and reduce passenger journey times. Both factors are making buses a more attractive option for local journeys, which encourages modal shift towards sustainable travel. 

“Ultimately this will improve air quality along the east coast and reduce traffic congestion, creating a better environment, which should make the Skegness area a more attractive destination for visitors.” 

Local businesses have begun to feel the benefit of these improvements. Paige Harris, Head of Marketing at Skegness Pier said: “Now more than ever, we know that the UK needs reliable and sustainable transport measures.  

“Since the introduction of Go Skegness we’ve seen an increase in both visitors and seasonal team members arriving at our seaside attractions via buses.” 

Skegness Pier is a popular seaside attraction owned by Mellors Group, which can employ up to 250 people in the locality at peak times. 

Other improvements carried out as part of the Go Skegness project include improved cycle and foot paths to key visitor destinations, enhanced pedestrian crossings and better wayfinding and information for visitors. 

“These much needed improvements are benefitting both visitors and residents,” said Go Skegness Project Lead Tanya Vaughan. “The work is improving movement, tackling congestion hot spots and addressing air quality issues.” 

You can find more information about the Go Skegness transport scheme here. For more information about the Greater Lincolnshire LEP’s Single Local Growth Fund projects, click here.