Lincolnshire Archives workers 'hurt and threatened' outside building

Lincolnshire Archives staff have faced threats and even violence as they leave work, a planning application says. The building on St Rubold's Street, near Lincoln city centre, has asked for better security to protect employees leaving and arriving.

The application says there has been a steep rise in anti-social behaviour around its entrances, along with rough sleeping and suspected drug use. It seeks approval for fencing, gates and security shutters around the building, which holds the public records of the former Lindsey, Kesteven and Holland councils.

One of the problem areas is the Rosemary Lane car park entrance. Staff have faced "threatening behaviour, altercations and even harm" while using the entrance early in the morning and late at night, the application says.

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The Friars Lane car park entrance has also become a hotspot out of view of CCTV cameras, with staff being threatened as they enter and leave. Fire escape routes on Friars Lane and St Rumbold's Street are also listed as areas attracting anti-social behaviour, where people are potentially blocked from leaving.

Planning documents state: "There are a number of areas to the perimeter of the site which are not currently within the secure fence line and provide recessed areas which are being misused for suspected illegal activity (drug use) and rough sleeping." The application to Lincolnshire County Council, which is currently out for consultation, says the changes would make the premises safer for staff.

It is likely to be approved, with the City of Lincoln Council and Lincolnshire Police both saying they don't have any objections to it.