June 17, 2019 3.33 pm This story is over 63 months old

Approval to close off ‘intimidating’ Lincoln drug alley

It was described as a ‘focal point’ for drug use

St Peter’s Passage, which was described as a “focal point for drug use” in Lincoln, will finally see a gate installed after the city council gave the go-ahead.

Plans have been approved to close off the “intimidating” Lincoln passageway following concerns over anti-social behaviour.

Council officers approved the 40mmx40mm steel gate, which will be fitted onto either side of the passageway.

Lincoln Business Improvement Group submitted the plan after senior councillors at the authority backed a public space protection order for the area in October 2018.

An example of the type of gate that will be installed onto either side of St Peters’ Passage.

The historic passageway, which connects Mint Lane with the High Street, will be gated for three years under council plans.

Authority officials said they wanted to “break the cycle” of anti-social behaviour and that they had “significant pressure” from local firms to tackle the issue.

Others said the area is often used for drug use and that human faeces have had to be cleared by staff at local firms.

Meanwhile, councillors described the passage as “not the city at its most glorious”.

The move comes as the city council has stepped up efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour by introducing an intervention team as part of a wider authority strategy.

Further funding is expected to be granted to the project which was launched last year at a cost of £61,000.

City councillors are expected to back the team with another £65,000 next week.

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