Town centre users are ‘scared’ of walking through Spalding’s Abbey Passage due to homeless people, it’s been claimed.
A meeting of the Town Forum last week was told that rough sleepers in the area had refused help from local services.
As a result, South Holland District Council is looking at the next steps of how it deals with the issue, members were told.
Councillor Mark Le Sage told the forum the area smelled of ‘urine and faeces’.
“For quite a long period we have had mattresses, duvet covers and stuff in a couple of places in the town that have been there a very long time,” he said. “I know the people sleeping there have been offered all sorts of help.
“A few residents have spoken about Abbey Passage where there’s three people living there and drinking.
“I went down there and the place smelt of urine and faeces.
“Though those down there were pleasant enough, and I didn’t feel threatened in any way, I’m an ex rugby playing captain and not in my 80s yet.
“It would appear all avenues have been exhausted and accommodation been refused. How long do we have to put up with that part of the town smelling the way it does?
“I’m all for helping people, but when people are scared to go down Abbey Passage, what do we do and how do we act on that?”
Spalding Town Forum chair, Rob Gibson said: “The correct avenues through homelessness and housing services have been implemented and those departments have done everything they can do to work with clients.
“The leader Coun Nick Worth is looking at ‘next steps’ and has assured me the council is looking to resolve it as soon as possible.”
