Gates go up on Wisbech passageway used for 'urination, defecation, drugs, drinking and sex’

A passageway that links Norfolk Street and West Street in Wisbech has been closed permanently to help reduce anti-social behaviour.

The passageway which had become a “hotspot for urination and defecation” was closed following public consultation held in January and formally agreed by Fenland District Councillors at a cabinet meeting in February.

Councillors unanimously agreed to block the town centre cut-through, which was also used for suspected “drugs, drinking and sexual activity” by the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).

The councillors’ decision was supported by police, while residents and local businesses were also fully aware of the problems with the passageway.

Councillor Steve Count told the cabinet that the issue was taken up after members of Fenland’s Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which includes local police as well as councillors, spotted a “male person urinating in the passage” during an “environmental audit” of the area.

The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was officially introduced at the end of last month when locked gates were finally installed.

Residents during the consultation said they felt restricting access to this area would reduce persistent antisocial behaviour occurring in the passage and lessen the negative impact it has on the immediate area.

However, there were also concerns the closure would simply move the trouble on and there were also suggestions that the reasons why people were using the passage as a toilet should be investigated.

Public comments included: “Any action to clean up the streets and feel safer walking them is highly appreciated” and another adding that the “only solution” to the antisocial behaviour in the passageway is to close it.”

In a report recommending the PSPO, council officers said the passage was a “hotspot for antisocial behaviour, namely litter, urination and defecation with further reports suggesting it has been used for drugs, drinking and sexual activity”.

They added that introducing the PSPO would not cost the council or cut off access for vehicles (for which the passageway is too narrow).

Breaching the PSPO can result in a Fixed Penalty Notice or summary conviction carrying a fine of up to £1,000.