Funding row threatens beauty spot

The park has just celebrated its centenary

A Lincolnshire beauty spot could be closed to the public if a row about its maintenance is not resolved.

East Lindsey District Council has said it will no longer pay for the upkeep of Louth's Hubbards Hills and the town council must take over.

But the town authorities have said they do not have the funds to cover the £35,000 yearly cost of keeping the area tidy and in good repair.

They have warned they will shut the gates if help is not given.

Hubbards Hills is a 35-acre, partly wooded park, with play areas, a car park and cafe.

Opened in 1907, the area needs regular work on its paths, open areas and to keep the river clean.

Options available

Andrew Leonard, from Louth council, said the problem stemmed from a lack of consultation.

He added: "We could look after it if we had been properly warned about what was happening.

"Unfortunately we have literally had it dumped on us with no forewarning, no letter of notification or intention, nothing at all."

Ian Bustin, from East Lindsey District Council, said the change was necessary as they did not fund town parks anywhere else.

"We are saying to the town council that there are ways of looking after the park with willing partners.

"We think they should come to the table and discuss those options with us."