LONG TERM BRIGG PROJECT COMES TO FRUITION TODAY

The Brigg Arches Project that has been in the pipeline for a number of years has now started to become a reality with the erection of the first of a series of planned installations of the designated yard and alleyway arches, writes Ken Harrison, of Brigg Matters Magazine.
The initial signs were erected at the entrances of College Yard in Brigg during Wednesday morning (today - October 23) and officials and some of those involved in project's planning, design, finance and structure were on-site before many of the local Brigg shops were open for business!
The aim of the project is to increase Brigg's ambiance and intrigue as an significant centre for independent shops and as a core for business and enterprise.
Initially, an objective of the Brigg Town Business Partnership  (BTBP), which, latterly, for strategic and administratively  purposes, has been assumed by Brigg Town Council (BTC).  Funding for the projects has originated from various sources; Brigg Town Business Partnership, Brigg Town Council, North Lincolnshire Council, private donations and fund-raising events.
Certainly the project has been a team-effort; the initial site plans and stress calculations were undertaken by ex-Brigg councillor and civil engineer, Chris Dyson, and the simple, but impacting design was achieved by art students from North Lindsey College, Scunthorpe.
Local signwriters who have already been praised for their Shipley's and Steel Rooms artwork,  Ivy Design, finalised the creative drawings.
Each planned arch will incorporate an historically-related symbol. For example, 'College Yard' depicts the outline of the coat of arms of Clare College, Cambridge, one-time property and landowner in and around Brigg.
The fabrication company, Scunthorpe-based Quibell, are planning to erect the next pair, School Court, on Friday.
One of their operatives indicated: "We have to choose our times and days carefully. Thursday is market day; Friday is a quieter day for us to work."
Further arches are planned to be installed over a phased period, subsequently adding further character and appeal to the centre of Brigg town.
Pictures also provided by Ken, to whom we extend sincere thanks.

Between the contractors (extreme left and right)... David Fox North Lincolnshire Council engineer; Brigg Town Mayor Cllr Sharon Riggall; Town Clerk Dinah Lilley; Chris Dyson - former town councillor and retired civil engineer; Cllr Jane Kitching; Leader of North Lincolnshire Council Cllr Rob Waltham, also a member of Brigg Town Council.