Farndon Cricket Club has become the first organisation to benefit from new community funding provided by the team behind the planned dualling of the A46 Newark Bypass.  

As well as providing money for local projects, the National Highways’ social value fund is part of a wider commitment to ‘give back’ to the area by providing volunteer time or materials and arranging career-related activities in schools and colleges. 

National Highways Senior Project Manager for the A46 Newark Bypass improvement Phil Boffey said: 

“Our community fund has been set up to deliver benefits for local people, the environment and the economy.  

“We’ve always built social value into every aspect of our network. From economic prosperity to preserving natural habitats, we know how important it is that we make a positive difference to the communities where we work. 

“That’s why we’re delighted to be able to offer support to organisations in the Newark area and we congratulate Farndon Cricket Club on being the first successful applicant under this initiative.” 

The club has been awarded just over £6,800 to buy covers to lay over the pitch which will enable more matches and events to go ahead despite any adverse weather. 

Farndon Cricket Club Chairman Mark Everington said: 

“The funds we have received will make a huge difference to our club. It will enable us to provide more opportunities to play cricket which in turn will benefit the local community as a whole. Without this funding we wouldn’t have been able to afford the new equipment we are currently purchasing. Everyone at Farndon Cricket Club would like to pass on their thanks for the donation.” 

Now other organisations are being encouraged to get in touch to find out more about how the fund can help them, whether they could benefit from a financial award, materials or volunteers to help complete a project. 

A drop-in session is being held on Thursday, 1 June at the Bean Block Café, Unit 24, St Marks Place, Newark, NG24 1XT, from 11am to 2pm.  

Representatives from Skanska, National Highways’ delivery partner undertaking the design and construction of the bypass improvements, will be on hand to explain more about the help the project team can provide and hand out application forms. 

Alternatively people can email A46newarkbypass@nationalhighways.co.uk  for more details and a form. 

Applications are welcome around the four themes of National Highways’ social value framework: 

• Economic prosperity 
• Improving the environment 
• Community wellbeing 
• Equality, diversity and inclusion 

More information about these themes can be found on the National Highways Social value webpage  

The A46 Newark Bypass improvement will upgrade a stretch of single carriageway on the A46 which is used by, on average, 17,000 drivers every day as the key Trans-Midlands Trade Corridor connecting the M5 with the Humber Ports.   

This will help to create a continuous dual carriageway from Lincoln to Warwick which will have national significance for travel and the economy as well as easing congestion on the outskirts of Newark.   

Proposals for the bypass include:   

• A flyover junction at Cattle Market with the A46 elevated to pass over the roundabout. This will separate through traffic from local traffic improving safety for all road users including pedestrians and cyclists   
• Winthorpe junction will be enlarged with traffic lights to connect the new A46 link   
• A short section of new dual carriageway over the A1, including slip roads to Brownhills roundabout and a new bridge to the north of the existing A46 bridge over the A1.    

• A new single lane carriageway between Friendly Farmer and Winthorpe roundabouts providing links to the A17, A1 and Newark.    
• Adding traffic lights to Farndon junction to improve flows during peak hours.