September 2, 2015 2.18 pm This story is over 102 months old

Closure plans for Lincoln passageway used for defecation and sexual activity

‘Detrimental’: A consultation has been launched over proposals to close a busy Lincoln passage-way, following several reports of anti-social behaviour.
Photo: Google Street View

A consultation has been launched over proposals to close a busy Lincoln passageway, following several reports of anti-social behaviour, including defecation and sexual activity.

St Peter’s Passage links High Street and Mint Lane, with a number of bars and nighttime venues branching from it.

The consultation launched on Wednesday, September 2 seeks views to install gates at either end, with access limited to businesses and emergency services.

The four-week consultation will end on Wednesday, September 30. Responses need to be submitted by 5pm.

The results will be presented to the council’s Policy Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, October 20. If agreed, the closure would be enforced through a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).

Councillor Fay Smith, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services and Public Protection, said: “It has been recognised for a while that the anti-social behaviour taking place in St Peter’s Passage is having a persistent and detrimental effect on the quality of life of those living and working in the area.

“We need to do something about this and I would encourage anyone with an interest in the city centre environment to put forward their views during the consultation.”

Sam Barstow, Service Manager for Public Protection and Anti-Social Behaviour at the city council, added:

“We’ve heard several reports of urinating, defecating and even sexual activity in this area. It’s anti-social and not something we want to see as we look to improve the attractiveness of our city centre.

“There are two alternative routes nearby so the benefits of gating the passage appear to far outweigh those of keeping it open.”

The proposed order would contain the following text:

PROHIBITIONS:
1. Members of the public are prohibited from access to the [Exclusion Zone] by way of [locked] gates and by the terms of this Order.
2. Access to the [Restricted Area/Exclusion Zone] is permitted to the staff and clients of adjacent businesses and to those persons whose access has been authorised by the City of Lincoln Council.
3. In the case of an emergency the gates to the [Exclusion Zone] will be unlocked and general access [by members of the public/emergency services] will be permitted.

The order would restrict access for up to three years, when it may be renewed following a review.

Landowners and businesses close to the site have been consulted directly and showed widespread support for the proposal. People can also register an interest in speaking at the council’s Policy Scrutiny Committee on October 20.

To take part in the consultation people can go online.

Paper copies are available at City Hall, Beaumont Fee, Lincoln, LN1 1DD or by contacting [email protected]