Local community benefits from 10 years of funding

Boston Borough Council extends a heartfelt thank you to Boston Big Local for their incredible support over the past 10 years.

In 2014, Boston was awarded £1 million from the Big Lottery Fund to be spent on projects in Boston Town Centre, as decided by the residents living in the area. The Boston Big Local resident group was formed to manage the allocation of this funding over a 10-year period, ensuring the money was used for initiatives that would greatly benefit the local community.

Many community groups and organisations applied for grants to fund a wide variety of projects aimed at enhancing the area. Boston Borough Council was fortunate to collaborate with Boston Big Local on several of these projects, particularly to improve play spaces within the town centre. These improvements included the installation of small play equipment in various areas and some remarkable larger pieces, such as the inclusive wheelchair-accessible swing in Central Park, the pirate ship in Woodville Road play area, a zip wire, slide, and swings in Broadfield Lane play area, and the three-part ship in St John's Play Area.

In addition to these physical upgrades, Boston Big Local made the decision to organise free community events for all to enjoy. Over the years, these events have included the annual beach built in Central Park during the school summer holidays, family fun days, teddy bears' picnics, "Fun in the Sun" events for those with additional support needs, "Golden Time" for over-50s and those living with dementia, and Active Boston, showcasing healthy activities available locally. Other memorable events included a cycling roadshow, a 1940s event, and a Skate Jam at Central Park's skate park.

Cllr Dale Broughton, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Town Centre, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Boston Big Local for their unwavering support and commitment over the past 10 years. Their dedication to improving our town and enhancing the lives of residents through their generous funding has truly made a lasting impact.

"The projects and events made possible by Boston Big Local have not only strengthened our community but have also created lasting memories for people of all ages. On behalf of Boston Borough Council, I extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in this incredible initiative."

Over the 10-year period, Boston Borough Council was awarded a total of £322,307 in grants from Boston Big Local. These funds supported a wide range of projects, all of which have made a lasting impact on the local community.

To learn more about Boston Big Local and the projects funded through the £1 million Big Lottery Fund, please visit https://bostonbiglocal.co.uk.