Lincoln businesses down a notorious alleyway have called for it to be gated off because they are sick of seeing people use it to defecate, take drugs and even have sex.
St Peters At Arches, just off the High Street, is a hotspot for antisocial behaviour over the years, but businesses based down the alley claim it has worsened in recent months.
When The Lincolnite sent a reporter to the alleyway just before 12pm on Monday morning, a man decided that it was acceptable to start urinating, but quickly finished up when he saw cameras.
Earlier that week on Monday Lincoln Snooker Club shared footage of a person “casually doing their business on the drain.”
The pair acknowledge the camera multiple times.
Phillip Cross, the club’s owner, told The Lincolnite that he has previously chased people away when he has caught them using the alleyway as a toilet.
He said: “One guy was urinating down here and I saw him do it. I went to challenge him and he started running while trying to pull up his pants.
“This is something that has been going on for years but has gotten so much worse recently, we really need some action to stop it affecting businesses.
“Luckily the snooker club has a loyal fan base that won’t be put off by it, but what about those people who want to come down for the first time?”
St Peter At Arches has hit the headlines recently. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Anna Bociaga, the manager at Lincoln Aesthetic, has had to ask people taking drugs on her business’ doorstep to move on.
She said: “I have seen people vomit, wee and poo right outside my door. This is a beauty clinic, the odour from this alleyway puts my reputation at risk.
“This is a small business and I cannot afford to lose clients for that reason. I feel unsafe, particularly when I work in the evening.”
Both of the businesses are calling for a gate to be installed on either side of the alleyway, which they will only shut during the night.
Francesca Bell, public protections and anti-social behaviour manager at the City of Lincoln Council, said: “We have received complaints of anti-social behaviour in this area of the city and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators.
He has seen sex, drugs and loo roll outside his snooker club. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
“Once identified, we will take robust action against them and we encourage all businesses to report any further incidents to us immediately.
“We are also working with the police to deal with individuals whose behaviour could have a detrimental effect on other people’s quality of life.
“We want people to enjoy Lincoln and for it to remain a safe and welcoming place to be.”
A spokesperson for Lincolnshire County Council said: “If the city council applies to have gates installed, this is something that could be investigated.
“However, before introducing any changes, we would need to ensure that any nearby premises and utility companies would still have the necessary access, as it is currently a public right of way.”
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Update: Lincolnshire Police said on June 30 that Benjamin Flatters has now been detained.
A 31-year-old Lincolnshire man is wanted by police in connection with a serious assault, just months after he was given a year-long prison sentence.
Benjamin Flatters, 31, was sentenced to 12 months in prison in December 2021 after he frightened a woman and her grandson by arming himself with a knife he’d taken from the room of another resident at a motel he was staying at.
He admitted two charges of affray and possession of a bladed article after this incident, and it is not the first time he has been in trouble with the law.
Flatters was given a two-week jail term in 2013 when he posted offensive comments on Facebook regarding the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in London.
He had sent messages of a “grossly offensive” nature, aimed towards Muslims and extremists, while also being charged for allegedly sending messages of a sexual nature to underage girls and offering to supply drugs via social media.
He is now wanted by officers in connection with another serious assault, and if you have seen him or know where he is you should contact Lincolnshire Police on 101.
A Lincoln village pub which has been shut for six years is set to get a big refurbishment in the hopes of securing its future.
The Horse and Jockey on Waddington High Street could get a bigger beer garden, interior redecoration and extensive improvements to the outside.
Operator Stars Pubs and Bars wants to find a new operator for the country pub once work is complete.
The list of proposed changes include a new canopy, alterations to the conservatory, a 70% bigger patio, a replacement main entrance, external redecoration, internal alterations, an electric vehicle charging point and an accessible toilet.
The application says: “The premises are currently vacant and have been so for approximately 6 years. The proposals are designed to re-instate a viable public house operation and to make best use of the premises and its existing facilities.”
It adds that the building needs “considerable investment in order to address ongoing wear and tear”.
The pub’s owner hopes to find a new operator | Photo: Google
The Grade II listed building is located on the junction of High Street and Manor Lane.
Parts of the building date back to the 18th century, with various extensions added.
It closed around 2016 as many pubs found trade increasingly difficult.
Bridgeway Contracts have drawn up designs for refurbishing the country pub and making it appealing to customers again.
A report into the application says that the changes would “protect the heritage asset, reduce any potential negative effects on the Conservation Area from a significant building being unoccupied and to mitigate risks associated with medium term vacancy such as vandalism and theft.”
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