A host of businesses in Holbeach have declared themselves as a ‘safe space’ after an incident in the town where a 14-year-old boy was allegedly assaulted.
And members of the community came forward to donate to a fundraiser held for the boy after the incident was viewed on social media.
A total of £960 has been raised and will go towards his further education.
“The community has made a stand to make this a much safer place, businesses getting involved opening shops for safe spaces, people walking their dogs keeping a look-out, offers of walk-rounds at different times. We have all come together to make the change and it is amazing,” said Sarah Richardson, who launched the appeal.
Police are investigating the incident on July 10 in the town’s Carter’s Park and have arrested a 15-year-old boy who is currently on bail.
Legally neither party can be identified and no details of the incident given in order to prevent potential issues should there be a later trial.
“We understand that incidents of this nature can cause considerable concern within our community. Our priority is to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened, and we would urge anyone who has information about this incident to come forward.
“We would also ask members of the public not to share or redistribute footage of the incident,” said Sgt Callum Corder, of South Holland Neighbourhood Policing Team.
A long list of businesses have also come forward in the town and declared the premises as a ‘safe space’ and will be displaying hearts on the windows so they are easily identifiable.
They are: Shoestring Café, Boxes of Hope, Chosen Again Holbeach, WI Hall Holbeach, The Heacham Hub, Holbeach Tyres, Hair by Ruby, Hair by Chloe, The Hair Boutique, Post Office, Co-op, Touch of Ink, Darci’s Sandwich Bar, McKenzies Traditional Barbers, Taylor Made Beauty, Tonwood, Instyle Hair Design, Sue Ryder, Holbeach Meadows, Holbeach Medical, LetsGetYouMoving property sales and lettings, Ram Turkish Grill (hearts pictured above), The Mansion House Hotel, Caffé Aurora, Studio 3, Carters Park Bowls Club, Holbeach Vacuum specialist, Holbeach Memorial Company and TBC Ltd, Fleet Road.
Nearby businesses who have also signed-up include the Rose and Crown, Fleet Hargate, LIncolnshire Pools and Spars Ltd, Whaplode.
