Spalding resident worried Abbey Passage rough sleepers gives town negative image

A pensioner is worried that an alleyway becoming a ‘no go’ and ‘intimidating’ area will leave visitors with a negative image of the town.

Abbey Passage in Spalding, which links Vine Street and Bridge Street, has had a spate of environmental and anti-social behaviour issues.

The town is set for an influx of visitors over the weekend when Spalding Flower Parade takes place.

South Holland District Council leader Nick Worth previously stated the authority was looking at ways to sort the problems out.

The resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “It should not be a no go area - it is our town and it is a disgrace.

“I passed on one occasion and there were four men clearly living there with mattresses and rubbish spilling out.

“It smelt of urine and with the tulip parade coming soon we should be ashamed.”

Rough sleepers are currently living in the alleyway with rubbish bags piled up alongside a mattress, duvet, pillows and a wooden broom.

The resident, who is nearing 90, has lived in Spalding for 50 years and feels that these men should be moved on by authorities.

The rough sleepers had reportedly been offered support and accommodation previously and turned it down.

The resident said: “If they weren’t prepared to take the option they should be asked to move on.”

She added that the alleyway had become a ‘slum’ and was intimidating for women to walk through.

She added: “I am proud of our town but I feel that it is going downhill.

Ideas to improve the alleyway have been suggested such as CCTV, better lighting or gating it off.

Back in November, ahead of the Christmas lights switch-on, SHDC leader, Coun Nick Worth, said: “We are working with Hills and the police to find a solution to that as soon as we can.

“I would like it sorted before the Christmas Lights switch-on, whether we are able to do it I don’t know but I would like a target.

“We have got short, medium and long-term action plans for that area.”

South Holland District Council has been approached for comment.

Abbey Passage is also due to be adorned with the flower parade themed Flos Pompa mosaic thanks to a £35,000 project thanks to funding from the Arts Council England and South Holland District Council.

What do you think? Post your comments below.