FOREIGN shopkeepers will be made to stick to the letter of the law over their shop windows after accusations there is “one rule for them and another for us”.

South Holland District Council had come under fire from some town traders who claim they are made to abide by stringent rules relating to how they premises look, while many of the new Eastern European mini-markets flagrantly flout the regulations by plastering stickers across their windows.

But portfolio holder for operational planning Coun Roger Gambba-Jones vehemently denies the criticism levelled at the council, saying: “Everyone is treated the same.”

He claims many of the foreign-run shops break the rules “out of ignorance rather than deceit” and says often all it takes is a quiet word with the management to rectify the problem.

He said: “It was raised with the council that nothing appeared to being done about these shops that put up these signs which aren’t in keeping with the local street scene while being heavy handed with other British-run businesses.

“That may have been the perception but I don’t agree with it. We are talking to the individuals and trying to educate them about the process and what they should and shouldn’t be doing.

“We would just urge people to give us a chance as these things take time. If these shops fail to act appropriately we will follow the proper process to bring them into line in a fair and professional way.”

One of those who raised the issue was Spalding pub landlord Pete Williams, of the Punchbowl in New Road, who said many of the shop windows were “garish and tacky” and dragged down the overall appearance of the town centre.

And he said many of the worst offenders were “shooting themselves in the foot” as it made them unattractive to many shoppers who would probably otherwise spend money inside.

Mr Williams said: “I think it would be of huge benefit to them if people could see inside rather than have blacked out windows because it puts people off going in when actually the produce they sell is fantastic.”

THE Little Chef at Long Sutton is one of those earmarked for closure in the restructuring of the group.

In January, Little Chef announced plans to close a number of its sites that were trading unprofitably as part of a broader review of lease agreements as rents on many sites were said to be well above market levels.

However, the Little Chef at Sutterton is not on the list of scheduled closures.

A PENSIONER has died almost two weeks after being involved in a car crash at Crowland.

Jill Cooke (78), of Martin’s Court, Werrington, died in Peterborough Hospital on February 8.

She was involved in a crash on the A16 Crowland bypass near the junction with the B1166 at 5.45pm on January 26.

Mrs Cooke was travelling in the front passenger seat of a blue Rover which was involved in a crash with a green Toyota Yaris.

She was taken to hospital where she died 13 days later.

Both drivers were also treated at the hospital after the crash but were discharged on the same day.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or who has information which could help with the investigation to contact the Collision Witness Hotline on 01522 558855.

POPULAR Spalding and District Snooker and Billiards League life vice-president Ray Perkins has passed away.

Ray, who spent 65 years of his life in the league, first played at Spalding Services in 1947.

He then moved to the Consti Club and was crowned Snooker Scratch Champion in 1970/71. Ray was also runner-up to Colin King in the same event in 1978/79, and played billiards. He was still an active player up until three weeks ago, aged 88.

Susan Lefley, match secretary of the league, said: “Ray was a lovely man. I don’t know anybody that didn’t respect him, he was a real gent.

“Everybody in the league appreciated him and he’ll be sorely missed.”

That’s a view echoed by Ray’s son-in-law Mick Johnson, one of the league’s top players.

“In his heyday Ray was a fierce competitor,” said the Consti cue ace. “He was very competitive – you didn’t play any friendly matches against Ray, that’s for sure.

“He wasn’t a flamboyant player that would make huge breaks, but that didn’t stop him being a champion in the 1970s.

“I’m sure everyone in the league will miss him dearly.”

Ray’s funeral is taking place tomorrow at Boston Crematorium, where family and close friends will say goodbye to one of the finest local men to grace the green baize.

DRAYMAN’S Arms A have been denied the perfect Spalding and District Pool League season – by their club mates.

The Division B leaders had reeled off a flawless 16 wins from as many games, but were handed a shock 6-3 reverse by Drayman’s B.

It was all square at 3-3, but doubles wins from Jon Barnett and Steve Smith, Tony Branch and Vince Webster and Colin Russell and Mick Dolton guided the B team to a superb success.

With tonight being the final game of the season, second-placed Fenway/SHC kept themselves in the hunt for the title.

They crushed Robin Hood B 8-1, with Martin Perkins seven-balling R Andrew in the singles, leaving themselves two points behind the champions elect.

Fenway now need Drayman’s A to lose against Abbey C and must beat Lincoln Arms B.

In the top flight, Golden Lion have long since sealed the title. But at the wrong end of the standings, there is still all to play for.

Lake Ross did their hopes of survival the power of good with a potentially pivotal 5-4 triumph at Fenway B.

S Rowbottom and M Pallett clinched the victory – leaving Fisherman’s B and Abbey B in trouble.

BOSTON United Community Football Club are on the look out for new players at under-10 (school year five) level.

The team participates in the Peterborough Junior Alliance on a Saturday morning, with games played at Kirton Middlecott Sports Centre.

For further information, you can email richard.houghton@bufc.co.uk or call 01205 364406.

GOALS from Jamie Stevens and debutant Ollie Ryan fired Holbeach United to a 2-1 UCL League Cup quarter-final win over Deeping Rangers on Wednesday night.

The Carter’s Park clash was the first game in over two weeks for both sides, with Rangers starting the better. Speedy winger Josh Moreman fired into the side-netting early on, while Spencer Tinkler saw an effort flash wide.

Dan Flack then sent a 20-yard strike wide at the other end, before Holbeach keeper Leigh Overton was forced to turn Ciaran Holt’s effort around the post.

The deadlock was eventually broken on the stroke of half time, defender Stevens rifling home after Andrew Tidswell’s corner was flicked on by Matt Warfield.

It was two on 63 minutes, new signing Ryan marking his bow with a smart close-range finish.

Matty Evans, playing his last game for Deeping before joining the Army, fired home a cracker on 83 minutes to get Tuncay Korkmaz’s men back in contention, but they couldn’t find a leveller.

John Chand’s Holbeach, who are already in the semi-final of the Lincs FA Senior Trophy, will now host either St Ives Town or Bugbrooke St Michaels in the last four.

Tigers: Overton, Griffiths (Ryan), Jackson, Wilson, J Stevens, Flack, Warfield (Treacher), Kennedy, Tidswell, A Stevens, J Allen.

Deeping: Doughty, Evans, Jackson, Tinkler, Burton-Jones, Weston, Holt, Ginty (Barber), Gilbert (Bradbury), Heron, Moreman.

More to follow.

A TWO-storey police office and 30-cell custody suite could be built at Sutterton – or on another site between Spalding and Boston – by the world’s largest security company, G4S.

Lincolnshire Police Authority struck a deal with the company that will see its employees take over some jobs handled by police officers.

The outsourcing contract is worth £200million over ten years and it emerged this week that a new ‘police station’ is part of the deal and its construction and staffing will be a nationwide-first for an outside contractor.

Lincolnshire Police Authority refuses to reveal potential sites, but someone closely connected with police matters – who asked not to be named – this week told the Spalding Guardian that the police office and cells are likely to be built at Sutterton or on a site between Spalding and Boston.

The source told us: “It’s down to G4S. They will do what they think commercially is better for them. It’s likely to serve more than one police station.”

Police authority chairman Coun Barry Young said: “Because of commercial sensitivity, we cannot comment until the formal contract with G4S – of which this is only one aspect – has been signed.

“Once a potential site has been identified, a planning application will be made to the relevant district authority. It will be for local planning officers to assess the application to ensure that it complies with national, county and local planning requirements and policies.

“They will also take into account representations made by technical consultees, such as the highways authority and the environment agency, and by the general public.”

Coun Young said Lincolnshire has four “designated” custody suites providing a total of 61 cells with “standby” custody suites offering a further 26.

No firm decisions have been made on whether some existing cells will close once the new complex opens.

The new cells will be built on a “hub and spokes” model so more cells can be added when needed.

Former Lincolnshire Police Authority member Coun Phil Dilks criticised the authority for not naming potential sites when the £200million is coming from the public’s pockets.

He said: “Surely the public who are paying for it have a right to know?”

A MOTORIST who collided with a pedestrian on the A17 at Holbeach has denied causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

Kyle Simpson (25), of Market Rasen Way, Holbeach, pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared before Spalding Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Pedestrian Jason Smith died following the collision on June 1.

The case has now been adjourned for a committal hearing on April 10.

Simpson was granted unconditional bail by the court.

PAT Rayment finally takes charge of his first home game as Spalding United boss on Saturday (3pm) – but admits his side will have their hands full.

The Tulips play host to a Newport Pagnell outfit that have been a model of consistency in the UCL Premier Division over the past few years, finishing in the top six in each of the past three seasons.

But, although Rayment reckons the Swans are the blueprint for any side at this level to follow, his plans for Spalding are much bigger.

With the weather wiping out the Tulips’ past two fixtures, the former Peterborough United professional has been busy speaking to potential transfer targets.

Rayment has been hugely encouraged by the responses he’s received – and told the Spalding Guardian he wants Spalding to be “up in lights” next season.

He said: “The break hasn’t been ideal, but we’ve got a young team and often this kind of thing can do you good. I expect a show.

“When I was a player, I always looked forward to getting back on the pitch after this kind of disruption.

“Obviously Newport Pagnell is a tricky game to come back to. They’re perhaps the benchmark at this level, they have a similar team year in, year out, and are always competing for a top six finish.

“They may not play the kind of football that appeals to everyone, but you can’t argue with their methods. It’s a results-based business.

“We have to look to do better at this club, though. I’ve spoken to a number of high-profile players and sold them the vision of myself and the committee.

“So far the response has been encouraging and next season is going to be a big one. I expect Spalding to be up in lights with the plans we have in place.”

While Spalding fans will be buoyed by Rayment’s positive outlook, they’d be forgiven for feeling they’ve heard it all before.

All of the noises coming from the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field in pre-season pointed to a title tilt, following their relegation from the Evo-Stik League.

But Rayment understands the scepticism – and has promised a new beginning at the club.

“Spalding need a fresh start, a new beginning,” added the ex-Deeping Rangers boss. “This is not meant as a dig at anyone who has been here in the past, but things haven’t been done the way I’d like.

“It needs a fresh outlook and I’m excited by the future.”

One player Rayment would like in Spalding’s future is Jake Thompson.

The combative midfielder has been a regular for the Tulips this season, but is struggling with travel arrangements and has fallen away from the first team picture.

Although it looks unlikely he’ll return to the fold, Rayment has not given up hope of persuading him to come back. His role in the side could go to new Sleaford Town recruit Simon Bolland, who is expected to make his bow on Saturday.

The Tulips should have a fully-fit squad to chose from.

• Follow @LFPSport on Twitter for live updates from Saturday’s game between Spalding and Newport Pagnell.

Alternatively, visit www.spaldingtoday.co.uk after 6pm on a Saturday for a round-up of all the weekend’s football action.

WHEN Tom and Lan Ho opened The Golden City in The Crescent in Spalding coming up to 40 years ago there were far fewer interesting eating opportunities for local people.

Tom recalls that his was the only Chinese restaurant and there were just two Chinese takeaways in town in the early 1970s when they first opened.

In the intervening years many others have opened – and some have closed – but Tom and Lan, whose first name is Kwai, have continued to serve up what they call “Anglicised Chinese food” to what has grown into a loyal and enthusiastic following.

The Cantonese cuisine on the menu is more authentic, but Tom points out: “If we did 100 per cent authentic Chinese I think 99 per cent of our customers would say, ‘What’s that?’.

“In the 1970s, how many people would know about Chinese food?

“If you gave them meat or fish with a bone in it, would they like it? We learned by working for other people, so we didn’t invent the Anglicised Chinese food, but we have our own tastes and style. We are very unique in our own way, taste-wise.”

Their focus has always been on cooking up the sort of healthy food for their restaurant and takeaway customers that they enjoy at home, and which perhaps explains how the pair have managed to stay so fit and young-looking despite the fact that Tom will be 65 in August, while Lan is 60.

One of the main differences in their food is the fact they don’t use monosodium glutamate (MSG), a food enhancer commonly found in Chinese dishes, but which they consider less good for human health.

“I eat what I cook,” says Tom. “Our food has a distinctive taste, more natural and healthy with fewer additives.”

Lan and Tom take turns at cooking, and Lan describes her cooking style as “more delicate”.

She adds: “We try to keep it as natural as possible, that’s why we drink green tea every day. We like everything natural and fresh. That’s why you can taste the food. I want to look after the public’s health as well as our own. We try anyway.”

Their food has certainly found favour with customers.

Tom says they are beginning to get the fifth generation of some families coming into the restaurant and adds: “You should see the customers’ reaction when we shut for a month at Christmas! We have really nice customers, we are very lucky. They are very loyal and we thank them.

“We have people travelling from Bourne and Boston who wouldn’t go anywhere else and people from London, Scotland and Yorkshire who always drop in if they are here.”

As a result of the warm welcome they have always received, Tom and Lan, who have a son Paul (Pak Ming) and two grandchildren, regard Spalding as their home.

Tom points out he has spent more time in the town than in Hong Kong, where he grew up in the same street as Lan. He moved to this country at 16 because there was no work for youngsters at home, starting with lowly kitchen jobs in Dudley and Liverpool.

He ended up working at Lan’s father’s restaurant in Stamford, where he was reunited with Lan.

They married and were living in London when Lan’s father let them know the restaurant had come up for sale in Spalding.

The couple maintain their links with the wider Chinese community through the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, of which Tom was vice-chairman for six or seven years.

It’s a social club which does charitable work and supports a weekend Chinese school.

Tom and Lan have no thought of retiring and say, with the help of their good staff, they will carry on as long as they can because “it’s nice to have something to do”.

The restaurant is open on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Call 01775 768282.

A POWER cut which hit 1,700 homes and businesses in Holbeach on Valentine’s night made couples dine out by candlelight, like it or not.

Popular restaurants on the south side of the High Street were fully booked on Tuesday night by couples intent on sharing a romantic evening for two.

Many were halfway through their meal when that side of the street was plunged into darkness for up to 45 minutes, along with much of the town centre including Fleet Street.

The cut started at 8.38pm, mid-way through the evening’s serving at the Dragon Pearl restaurant on the corner of St John’s Street.

Manager Steve Ha said: “We had to stop cooking for at least half an hour, so we turned away customers ringing for a takeaway.

“We took out candles for the tables but I wouldn’t describe it as a romantic candlelit dinner – it was too dark for people to see the food!”

Watthana Prasertsri of the Krua Thai restaurant in High Street said: “We were fully booked and some customers who’d had their starters didn’t want to wait for the power cut to finish. Those who stayed had drinks by candlelight until we started cooking again.”

Western Power was still investigating the cause of the power loss yesterday. Only three customers were still without power by the early hours of Wednesday.

DARTS legend Martin “Wolfie” Adams will cut the ribbon to make the official opening of Spalding’s new-look Wilkinson store.

The Holland Market shop will be closed next Wednesday ahead of the re-opening on Thursday, February 23, at 9am.

The ribbon-cutting will take place at 9.30am when Martin Adams will join Wilkinsons’ head of property Ian Cutts and store manager Jason O’Lloyd to unveil the new layout, product ranges and a brighter shopping experience.

The first 50 shoppers will each receive a goody bag and staff will be hosting a raffle.

One lucky customer ill win a hamper full of gardening goodies.

AN explosive week in the Spalding and District League saw the title races hot up in three divisions.

Defeats for Division Three leaders Services A and fourth tier table toppers Consti J blew the race for silverware wide open, while just five points span the top six in Division Two.

Starting in the third tier, Services A saw their advantage cut to a solitary point after a shock 5-1 beating at lowly Whittlesey C.

Mike Knight’s (O7) 21 break was little consolation for the Spalding side.

That allowed Consti H to close the gap at the summit.

They knocked off Bourne SC C 4-2, thanks to frame wins from Jason Houghton (scr), Mark German (O14) and Seb Grimston (O28).

Bourne SC A also picked up a 4-2 triumph, as their upturn in form continued. Steve Doughty’s (R21) 25 clearance was the highlight of a 4-2 success at now third-placed Holbeach B.

Down in Division Four, Long Sutton C upset leaders Conti J 4-2. A black ball triumph from Gavin Shinkin (R7) and further frame wins from Dan Mayfield (O14) and David Lefley (scr) sunk the title hopefuls.

Whittlesey D took advantage of the slip-up, cutting the gap at the top to three points.

They knocked off Consti C 4-2, with Pam Slaughter (R21) sealing the success on the final black of the final frame.

Meanwhile, it was a great week for Division One table toppers Pyramid F.

A 4-2 home return against BSC A sent them five points clear of the rest, Spencer Dawkins (O49) making a 27 break.

Donington C slip to third having been handed a 4-2 home reverse by Tulips A, despite a super 42 break from Neil Reynolds (O49).

That result allowed BSC B to sneak into second spot, having dispatched Crowland D 5-1. Chris Dunmore (O21) and Scott Dunham (scr) both won black ball games for the high-fliers, while Martin Spencer (O7) trousered a 23 break.

At the other end of the standings, a fine 52 break from Adam Barwell (O42) helped Long Sutton A see off Holbeach A 4-2 – and edged them away from the drop zone.

Division Two is shaping up to be the closest of the four leagues. Boundary A missed the chance to return to the top, having lost 4-2 to promotion hopefuls Holbeach C. Mark Gregory (O14) racked up a 24 break for the winners.

In another clash between two of the leading half dozen, Boundary B crushed third-placed Gosberton B 5-1.

Jackson Andrews (R7) won his frame with a super 22 clearance, while Dan Smith (O14) pocketed a smooth 29 break.

Elsewhere, Robert Adams (O14) made a 33 break as Consti F beat Sutton D 4-2.

Market Rasen v Pinchbeck United (Saturday, 1.30pm): IAN Dunn is demanding focus from his Pinchbeck players ahead of this Lincs Junior Cup semi-final.

United go into the clash with struggling Lincolnshire League outfit Rasen as massive favourites – having dumped out a Skegness United side that are 26 points better off than their opponents in the previous round.

Player/boss Dunn is refusing to take anything for granted, but is relishing the chance of reaching the first final of his managerial career.

He said: “Everyone is confident, we’ve certainly got the ability to get the job done.

“But that’ll count for nothing, we need to go there and do ourselves justice.

“Some of the lads have never played in a semi-final, but I hope our quality shines through.

“I’ve had them watched and understand it’ll be a physical game. With the pitch likely to be bad, it won’t be pretty.

“They’ve got some old heads in the side – especially in midfield – and won’t be a pushover.”

Keith Gray (hamstring) and cup-tied duo Danny Maddison and Jonny Butler are Pinchbeck’s only selection concerns.

• Pinchbeck will visit Sleaford Town for a friendly match on Tuesday night (7.45pm).

RED-HOT Archers from Spalding’s Silver Spoon Bowmen cranked up the heat at the sixth Fenland Archers Portsmouth event on the coldest day of the year.

The team travelled to Whittlesey to compete against archers from Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire – but the Bowmen were too hot to handle for the rest.

Craig Shinkin, competing in the senior gents’ compound, shot an impressive two personal bests (PB) to win both the single and double events, with John Fisher coming second in both.

The four scores shot by the Silver Spoon duo and exceeded all the other senior gents’ compound competitors.

Lynn Fisher repeated the trick in the senior ladies’ recurve, clinching both the single and double competitions. Again, both her scores beat all those shot by her competitors.

Elsewhere, Steve Prior equalled his PB in the senior gents recurve event as he placed second, before his consistency shone through and helped him him win the double competition.

Steve’s son Ian Prior then capped a great day for himself and the club by emulating his father. He came second in the individual junior boy recurve event and took first place the double.

The Bowmen also placed a creditable third in the team event. The squad of Craig Shinkin, Steve Prior, Lynn Fisher and John Shinkin were eight points off first place.

Great credit goes to John Shinkin, who scored well against some very experienced long bow archers to ensure the Silver Spoon team had a chance of competing for the medals.

Paviors RFC v Spalding RFC (Saturday, 2.15pm): AFTER going three weeks without a game, Town’s return to action couldn’t really be at a more daunting venue.

High-flying Paviors handed Spalding a humbling 73-6 beating back in October, which remains their biggest loss of the Midlands One East campaign.

But Town skipper Harry Sharman insists that his side are a different proposition now – and has backed them to set the record straight on Saturday.

“Pavs are a big, physical side and they really hammered us last time,” said the talismanic captain. “It’ll be a tough test, but we’re a different side now and seem to shine against the better teams.

“It’s been a bit of pain over the past few weeks. We’ve been able to train at the Spalding Grammar School sports hall, but haven’t picked up a rugby ball in ages.

“With Paviors being so far ahead of us, you could say that the pressure is off. We can go there and express ourselves and maybe we’ll catch them cold.”

With neither side having played since January 28, the formbook goes out the window this weekend.

However, Paviors have enjoyed an imperious 2012 so far, boasting three wins from three – only shipping 29 points in the process.

As always, Town’s away form suggests there will be no shocks for the promotion hopefuls. Sharman’s boys have yet to register a victory on the road this season, last tasting an away league success at Dunstablians almost exactly one year ago.

Spalding have no new injury concerns for the trip, but do welcome back George Brown to the first team after a number of successful outings with the Development squad.

• Town hope to rearrange last weekend’s postponed Memorial Field clash with Coalville for next Saturday (February 25).

JOHN Chand reckons that Lewis Brooks’ surprise Holbeach United exit will keep his players on their toes.

The talented left-sider was released by the Tigers on Monday – and his since joined UCL Premier Division rivals Boston Town.

Brooks – who signed up for a second stint with the Tigers over the summer – was unfortunate to suffer an injury against Deeping Rangers in an FA Vase tie back in October, which ultimately cost him his place in the starting eleven.

Holbeach boss Chand, who considers Brooks a fine player and an even better friend, admits he can’t guarantee anyone a place in his side.

“Looking at it on paper, Lewis was vying with Adam Jackson and Phil Newton for a place in the starting line-up,” said Chand, who has guided his side to third in the table. “With that kind of competition, nobody is sure of a start.

“Lewis was first choice earlier in the season, but injury and work commitments saw him slip behind Jacko, who hasn’t looked back.

“It was the same with Loz Lambley and Nick Brown, who have also gone to Boston.

“We have similar competition all over the pitch and everybody knows they’re only one injury, suspension or missed game away from losing their place.

“Competition is healthy at any level of football.”

Chand will face the best kind of selection dilemma at Yaxley on Saturday (3pm), with a fully-fit squad to choose from.

Midfield maestro Paul Goodhand did miss Wednesday’s 2-1 League Cup quarter final win iver Deeping at Carter’s Park, but should return at Leading Drove.

Striker James Wilson will also be involved, with the Tigers extending his loan from Lincoln City for a further month.

The Cuckoos have proved something of a bogey side for Chand during his Holbeach tenure, but currently find themselves in a relegation dogfight.

Chand added: “I’ve always found Yaxley a tough game. They’ve really turned things around lately, Clippo is working his magic there.

“They’re not to be underestimated and, but for a keeper error in the game at Carter’s Park, would have got a result.”

SPALDING police want to trace a man who was being “abusive and aggressive” to ambulance crews attending to a patient who suffered a suspected heart attack yesterday (Thursday).

The patient was in a car park between Gore Lane and Hole-in-the-Wall Passage, Spalding.

A police spokesman said officers were alerted at 3.45pm, but a man who was being abusive to ambulance crews left the scene before they arrived.

The spokesman said anyone with information should call police on 0300 111 0300.

A BIG-NAME supermarket and cinema could be on the cards for Spalding after a site was secured on the edge of town.

Richard Garvie, the man behind plans to regenerate Spalding, says he has national chains on board after reaching an agreement with the landowner of the site opposite the town’s McDonald’s on the A151 near its junction with the A16.

Mr Garvie, of Sustainable Spalding, hopes to reveal the names of the chains within a couple of weeks when he plans to launch a public consultation to ask residents what else they would like to see on the possible retail park.

He says the 12-acre site was highlighted as being the preferred choice by the people of Spalding during a consultation with 3,300 residents last year and talks have been ongoing since then.

He said: “It should only be a couple of weeks before we are ready to consult the public, but suggestions so far include a multi-screen cinema and a KFC drive-thru.

“But there is space on the site for other retails stores such as PC World or Matalan, for example, if that’s what people want.

“But the whole reason for doing this was to benefit Spalding town centre, so we are still open to ideas of putting the cinema elsewhere to improve footfall in the town.”

Mr Garvie hopes a planning application could be submitted in July or August and if things go smoothly work could begin by the new year.

The land which Mr Garvie is focusing on belongs to Paul Turnell, whose home is one of three on the site.

He has confirmed he has reached an agreement with Mr Garvie over the site acquisition, adding: “The developer still has a great deal of work to do and must liaise closely with the local authority going forward.

“However, if the proposed development/retail park can boost the local economy and create employment opportunities for the people of Spalding and surrounding areas then it has my support.”

Mr Garvie believes his proposal is streets ahead of others which are also in the early stages, including Corbo’s plans for Holland Market, which it is rumoured could also include a supermarket..

He said: “I have said from the start that any new supermarket development must be in the interest of the town.

“The site at the Sir Halley Stewart Field will not lead to any new investment in new facilities for Spalding, whilst my proposed development at Holbeach Road will generate millions of pounds worth of investment in new facilities in Spalding, will pay for the running costs of a regeneration company for five years and will also give significant additional funds to the district council by way of Section 106 money.”