People said to be ‘scared’ to walk down Spalding’s Abbey Passage due to homeless people sleeping rough

‘Next steps’ are now being considered to remove rough sleepers from a town centre alley after attempts to help them have failed.

Three men have been living in Spalding’s Abbey Passage on mattresses and duvets - which is reported to have made some people ‘scared’ to walk down there.

South Holland District Council says it has offered help to the men and is now looking at what action could be taken next.

Across the district there are 17 rough sleepers and 31 individuals or families living in temporary accommodation, according to figures released by the council last week.

Concerns about the impact of the rough sleepers living in Abbey Passage were raised by Coun Mark Le Sage at last week’s Spalding Town Forum meeting.

He said: “For quite a long period now we have had mattresses and duvet covers in a couple of places in town. I know people sleeping rough there have been offered help.

“Residents have approached me about Abbey Passage. I went there the other day and three people were there drinking. The place smells of urine and faeces. They were pleasant enough and were not threatening in any way. I’m an ex rugby second team player for Spalding and I’m not in my 80s yet.”

Coun Le Sage stated that he understood the men had been offered accommodation but this had been refused.

He added: “How long do we tolerate the town looking and smelling how it does when we get people refusing help?

“I’m all for helping people, but when people are scared to go down Abbey Passage how do we act on that?”

Forum chairman Coun Rob Gibson said that housing and homeless reduction teams have offered help to the men living in Abbey Passage.

He said: “These departments have done everything they can do to work with the chaps there and in the town centre and nothing has come to fruition.

“I had a meeting with the leader this week and it was brought up by Coun (Nick) Worth and he is looking at next steps.

“He assured me that the council is looking to resolve this as soon as possible.”

We have approached the district council for comment on this issue.

Homelessness has been an issue for the council in recent years. In 2023, the authority was facing a £353,000 projected overspend after seeing a rise in the number of people seeking help for homelessness.

The council has been highlighting its work in this area to mark World Homelessness Day, which was held on Thursday last week.

Council social media posts stated: “In South Holland, there are currently 17 people sleeping rough, and 31 more individuals or families in temporary accommodation. Tackling homelessness is a priority for South Holland District Council, and we're working every day to reduce these numbers and help those in need find safe, stable housing.

“At South Holland District Council, we offer a range of signposting to services to support individuals facing homelessness. From emergency accommodation to mental health and addiction support, we are committed to helping those in need.

In the past year, we've are approached by approximately 500 households at threat of homelessness due to a multitude of reasons and therefore need to tailor our approach and connecting them with vital support services.”

The council highlighted that it works with 13 organisations to help provide services like food, temporary housing, and emotional support.

Abbey Passage, which links Bridge Street with Vine Street, is also earmarked for a £35,000 flower parade themed Flos Pompa mosaic.

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