In a meeting called by the Waddington Parish Council at the Village Hall on the evening of Tuesday 27 June, the Highways Portfolio Holder, William Webb, plus officers of the Council faced questions from the general public. There was a very good turnout for the meeting and we estimate an audience of 175 people.

Unable to come up with any satisfactory answers or explanation for their actions, the panel also faced a fair amount of angry jeering. Apart from saying they "had every concern for the problems this would cause to some Waddington residents" they seemed indifferent and indeed, uninterested in the huge difficulties this scheme is causing villagers already, and will continue to cause for many years to come.

Cllr William Webb conducted himself neither eloquently nor with any degree of charm. Cllr Martin Hill, leader of the Council appeared to swing between feeling uncomfortable and exasperated, especially when a representative of BBEG (Boston Bypass & Economic Growth Pressure Group) stood up to pledge support for Waddington’s fight against this uncaring and unhearing local authority. Cllr Hill badly let himself and his team down by casually coming out with the line "but this is something that may never happen" – as if to say I don’t understand what you are all getting so upset about!! People are already suffering over the notion of a road running either beside or right across their properties, many are in distress at being burdened with a house they want to sell but have no possible hope of doing so. Well we have news for you Mr Hill, the road may never happen but the associated problems started months ago and continue on a daily basis.

Questions from the floor included a reference to the compromise proposal which was floated recently in the Echo by Councillor John Marriott for a Relief Road from the A46 at Pennell’s roundabout up to the A607, mid-way between Waddington and Harmston. Such a road could be built much earlier than the proposed bypass as it would be a fraction of the cost and would give much needed relief from traffic congestion to the villages of North Hykeham, Waddington, Harmston, Auborn and Haddington. Despite desperately trying to side-step the issue, Cllr Hill eventually agreed that the LCC would spend some money on making preliminary investigations into the viability of such a scheme.

Also in attendance was Cllr Christine Talbot, Lincolnshire County Councillor for Bracebridge Heath and Waddington who pledged her continued support to finding an alternative to Route 2C. WASBO were very disappointed that not one of the District Councillors representing the electorate of Waddington saw fit to attend this important meeting.

It is to be hoped that the LCC, represented by Cllr Martin Hill, Cllr William Webb, Richard Wills, LCC Director of Development and John Whyld Project Manager, LSB - having finally faced up to the wrath of the residents of Waddington, will go home and think very carefully about what they have already done and what they propose to do in the future.