Agenda item

Lincoln BIG

Minutes:

Matt Corrigan (Lincoln BIG) provided an update on the work of Lincoln BIG and advised as follows:

 

  • There were three areas which he would cover:

 

  1. Shop Theft
  2. Begging/Homelessness
  3. Evening Economy

 

  • Shop Theft – Lincoln BIG were pleased with the reduction in shoplifting within the City Centre. However it was still the volume crime in the City Centre. Lincoln BIG were keen to keep a focus on it. With a good flow of information they were able to target persistent offenders. Lincoln BIG have purchased 3G tablets and distributed them to businesses to assist in providing information on offenders, however a lot of businesses do not have conventional internet access which has prevented some businesses using the tablets.

 

  • Begging/Homelessness – The business perception is that this is connected with shoplifting. Operation Applaud was a success. There is an issue with persistent and early evening begging. There has been a reduction in street drinking in the City Centre. Legal highs are an issue and it would appear that some street drinkers and beggars are using them. National legislation is awaited on this issue.

 

  • Evening Economy – Work has been undertaken with the Police and a seminar is due to be held on the 16 July 2014. A number of workshops will be held and the future business plan will be discussed. There will be speakers on different topics including “Purple Flag” and “ Best Bar None”. Alan Hardwick the Police and Crime Commissioner will be opening the seminar.  Already one outcome has been identified which is the holding of regular Liaison meetings in respect of the evening economy. The first one is to be held on 30 July 2014.

 

  • City Square appeared to be more of a young persons hang out and they did’nt appear to be causing a problem or committing any offences.

 

  • Sincil Street – there appeared to be to many “To Let” boards on display which does have a negative effect on the area. Due to current proposals for the area the properties are let on short term basis and need works to be undertaken before they can be opened. Lincoln BIG are willing to lease the shops and let them on a short term basis – “Pop Up shops”. Unfortunately the landowners need to agree to this and the property management world does not like this sort of letting.

 

Members commented as follows:-

 

  1. We desperate to get the legal high shop in the High Street closed.

 

Response – Legislation currently does not exist to prevent the sale of legal highs. Trading Standards powers are currently being used. The shop insists that the substances are not for human consumption and authorities need evidence to support action against the owner. The Government’s response is still awaited on this.

 

  1. The Police carried out some work identifying individuals who were begging and had suggested they were homeless when in fact they were living in houses. The statistics produced did have an impact on the public and there has been a reduction.

 

  1. The evening economy has expanded from the late 1990’s and comments had been made that certain ages appeared to be excluded from certain parts of the City.

 

Response – There has been a change in what is provided in the City. New investment has targeted different areas. The Brayford area is more family orientated.

 

 

RESOLVED that the report be noted.