Cllr Mark A Kirk

I am pleased to note a North Lincolnshire Council study into the Lincolnshire Lakes project has revealed that the scheme is technically and financially feasible. The report has looked into the reality of the Lincolnshire Lakes scheme, taking into account the ways the area is currently being used and how best to develop the land for maximum impact.

The project plans to create a series of lakes at the western edge of Scunthorpe. These lakes are hoped to create a whole new economy, which will include the potential for green tourism and the creation of hundreds of new jobs. The scheme aims to incorporate the different uses for the land - leisure, housing and business - and how to incorporate these together in an ecologically sound environment.

The council has produced a master plan that sets out how the scheme will progress. The Lakes study area runs west from Scotter Road to the Trent in the east and from Messingham in the south, up to the northern boundary of Scunthorpe. Phase one of the plan is in the south-east corner of the Lakes study area.

The master plan also sets out:

• Where the inter-connecting canals will be
• A new road layout.

There could also be a potential new train station for the Lakes area. To progress further, the project must next obtain approval from the Environment Agency. The recent report will show that this development is needed in North Lincolnshire and that the location has been researched and is justified. This stage will be completed by November. Residents in North Lincolnshire will be given the opportunity to have their views heard as part of a public consultation, which will take place later this year.