Anti-Social Behaviour affects all of us
We’ve been having courageous conversations with the residents across Spalding, Sleaford and Abbey Ward, Lincoln on the topic of Anti-Social Behaviour.
The following is a summation of our findings, we encourage you to submit your own stories and thoughts too.

“Episode 1 - The project introduction”
Story
Please take some time to listen to these podcasts reflection on the work involved in A Space Between over the last eighteen months.
“Episode 2 - Abbey Ward”
Story
Please take some time to listen to these podcasts reflection on the work involved in A Space Between over the last eighteen months.
Location
Abbey Ward
“Episode 3 - Sleaford”
Story
Please take some time to listen to these podcasts reflection on the work involved in A Space Between over the last eighteen months.
Location
Sleaford
“Episode 4 - Spalding”
Story
Please take some time to listen to these podcasts reflection on the work involved in A Space Between over the last eighteen months.
Location
Spalding
“Mental health affected”
Story
Mental health affected
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Mental Health
“People don't seem to be bothered by the authority. They seem to do as they want, when they want...”
Story
People don't seem to be bothered by the authority. They seem to do as they want, when they want, where they want
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Selfishness
“Sometimes these higher-up people, they haven't experienced what we've experienced....”
Story
Sometimes these higher-up people, they haven't experienced what we've experienced. They don't see what we see daily.
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Communication
“We need more police presence”
Story
We need more police presence
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Police
“Drug taking and drug dealing 'County Lines'”
Story
Drug taking and drug dealing 'County Lines'
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Drugs
“In the future, there would be no more homelessness”
Story
In the future, there would be no more homelessness
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Homelessness
“Fed up - seeking attention”
Story
Fed up - seeking attention
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Mental Health
“- No different than anywhere else - There are crackheads”
Story
No different than anywhere else
There are 'crackheads'
Is ASB a hate crime?
Screaming in the middle of park at someone
Location
Abbey Ward
“Drugs, fights, vandalism, destruction of property, theft.”
Story
Drugs, fights, vandalism, destruction of property, theft.
Location
Sleaford
Topic
Drugs, Vandalism, Intimidation
“We've had a lot of instances of destruction, graffiti and urinating - that kind of behaviour ...”
Story
We've had a lot of instances of destruction, graffiti and urinating - that kind of behaviour isn't acceptable.
Location
Spalding
Topic
Vandalism, Gaffiti, Urinating
“I don't like to say nought because I think I might get a SMACK back. I try to avoid it and avoid big crowds”
Story
I don't like to say nought because I think I might get a SMACK back. I try to avoid it and avoid big crowds
Location
Sleaford
Topic
Change in behaviour, Intimidation, Physical Violence
“Damage to property ie eggs thrown at building”
Story
Damage to property ie eggs thrown at building
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Litter, Vandalism
“Common in parks around town. Normally occurs at night or...”
Story
Common in parks around town. Normally occurs at night or late evening. Makes you feel threatened.
Location
Sleaford
Topic
Intimidation, Fear
“I want to feel safe at work”
Story
I want to feel safe at work
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Intimidation, Change in behaviour, Fear
“Secondary school kids! Group of boys following girl and shouting vile, sexual abuse at her!”
Story
Secondary school kids! Group of boys following girl and shouting vile, sexual abuse at her!
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Noise, Age-related, Verbal Violence, Sexual abuse
“We need to block the fire exit off!”
Story
We need to block the fire exit off!
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Drugs, Litter, Intimidation, Homelessness, Fed Up, Physical Violence, Urinating, Vandalism, Verbal Violence
“I think it should be everybody's responsibility to look after he community and the environment.”
Story
I think it should be everybody's responsibility to look after he community and the environment.
Location
Spalding
Topic
Communication
“It's behaviour that causes other others to change their lifestyle, outlook...”
Story
It's behaviour that causes other others to change their lifestyle, outlook. THREATS, INTIMIDATION, DISCOMFORT, DISTRESS
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Intimidation, Selfishness, Change in behaviour
“No different than anywhere else, but there are crackheads...”
Story
No different than anywhere else
There are 'crackheads'
Is ASB a hate crime?
Screaming in the middle of park at someone
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Drugs, Verbal Violence
“Coming together and helping out others that are in need”
Story
Coming together and helping out others that are in need
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Community
“Youth clubs should be provided”
Story
Youth clubs should be provided for the community so it brings people together
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Community, Age-related
“Just driving along people are more aggressive. You get a lot of abuse”
Story
Just driving along people are more aggressive. You get a lot of abuse
Location
Spalding
Topic
Verbal Violence
“I think it's not only important for us to share experiences, but share learning...”
Story
I think it's not only important for us to share experiences, but share learning and also share solutions. Come up with ideas on how we can actually support the individuals that are causing the antisocial behaviour.
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Education, Communication
“CCTV signage is needed”
Story
CCTV signage is needed
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Community
“It happens mostly in towns, cities, market places etc...”
Story
It happens mostly in towns, cities, market places etc. Mostly at night.
Location
Sleaford
“People think it's the YMCA's fault”
Story
People think it's the YMCA's fault
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Education
“I do remember from my younger years of going out, there was much more police presence...”
Story
I do remember from my younger years of going out, there was much more police presence on a Friday and Saturday night and it seemed SAFER to be out and about
Location
Sleaford
Topic
Police, Age-related
“We need halfway houses and rehab centres in Lincoln.”
Story
We need halfway houses and rehab centres in Lincoln.
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Drugs, Homelessness
“People taking drugs and leaving their used needles on the concrete and hidden in the grass”
Story
People taking drugs and leaving their used needles on the concrete and hidden in the grass
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Drugs, Litter
“A lot of people seem to be very violent these days. It was a lot different 20 years ago”
Story
A lot of people seem to be very violent these days. It was a lot different 20 years ago
Location
Sleaford
Topic
Physical Violence, Verbal Violence
“Regular meetings like these would be helpful so...”
Story
Regular meetings like these would be helpful so that we can keep helping each other
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Communication, Community
“Poly tunnel attacks Arson on trees Garden trees damaged”
Story
Poly tunnel attacks
Arson on trees
Garden trees damaged
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Vandalism
“ASB - Don't feel safe walking past Broadgate carpark...”
Story
ASB - Don't feel safe walking past Broadgate carpark down St Rumbold Street
Location
Abbey Ward
“It's respect, isn't it? I don't think people really have that respect anymore...”
Story
It's respect, isn't it? I don't think people really have that respect anymore
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Selfishness
“More mental health support, places opened up for...”
Story
More mental health support
Places opened up for talking to get off street
Coffee mornings etc.
Youth clubs - being closed because of violence against volunteers.
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Mental Health, Community, Homelessness
“People don't seem to be bothered by authority. They seem to do as they want...”
Story
People don't seem to be bothered by authority. They seem to do as they want, when they want, where they want
Location
Sleaford
Topic
Selfishness
“Remove the fire exit”
Story
Remove the fire exit
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Change in behaviour
“Fearful. What if they hurt me?”
Story
Fearful. What if they hurt me?
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Fear
“Community engagement, more CCTV...”
Story
Community engagement
More CCTV
More police patrols
Rehab
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Communication, Drugs, Police
“People don't take responsibility, they blame others”
Story
People don't take responsibility, they blame others
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Communication
“Attention - kids, Anger, violent upbringing.”
Story
Attention - kids
Anger, violent upbringing.
Boredom
Shouting, swearing graffiti, damage. Adults mental health
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Age-related, Physical Violence, Gaffiti, Mental Health, Verbal Violence, Vandalism
“Disheartened, Frustrated”
Story
Disheartened
Frustrated
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Mental Health
“Graffiti!!!”
Story
Graffiti!!!
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Gaffiti
“I will not go out because I just don't feel safe. Most of the people I go to have coffee with...”
Story
I will not go out because I just don't feel safe. Most of the people I go to have coffee with now, they on't go out at night, and they are in my age group.
Location
Sleaford
Topic
Change in behaviour
“Isolated”
Story
Isolated
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Mental Health
“Opportunities for youth voice to be heard”
Story
Opportunities for youth voice to be heard
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Age-related, Communication
“More mental health support”
Story
More mental health support
Places opened up for talking to get off street
Coffee mornings etc.
Youth clubs - being closed because of violence against volunteers.
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Mental Health, Community, Age-related
“Too late - should've started at day one.”
Story
Too late - should've started at day one.
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Fed Up
“Addressing the "Back Step" situation”
Story
First, some context...
In our latest 'Courageous Conversations' series, we spoke to locals about antisocial behaviour (ASB) in Abbey Ward, specifically focusing on a well-known issue, the "back step" scenario at Lincoln Baptist Church. If you're familiar with Croft Street, you'd probably be aware of the recurring ASB on the church's back steps, which have unfortunately become a hotspot for ASB including drug use, intimidation, fights, and more.
While the church's back steps have become a contentious area, they also serve as a social gathering spot, a place for drug transactions, or a refuge to some. Yet, attempts to resolve the problem have been ineffective, leaving the church in a dilemma between showing compassion and maintaining a safe environment. The challenge is compounded by the presence of a children’s centre attached to the church, where staff often confront unsettling situations.
So, why does this area suffer from such high levels of antisocial behaviour? Some people believe its to do with the close poximity of organisations and services that help those with homelessness like the Nomad Centre, YMCA Hostel, and Framework. Others believe it's a matter of insufficient police presence or lack of enforcement. Despite the various opinions, it's clear that the problem is persistent, with efforts over the years yielding little success.
A meeting was called...
As part of our initiative, we recently held a meeting at the church involving 21 representatives from various sectors, including local residents, YMCA residents, the Police, Integrated Offender Management, staff from Framework Housing, YMCA Hostel, Nomad Centre, the Children’s Centre, and Lincoln Baptist Church. We aimed to foster connections, exchange ideas, and discuss potential solutions. From the outset, it was clear that people wanted to engage and really cared about the local community. Everyone at the meeting had been affected by the ASB occurring in the Croft Street area.
A Courageous Conversation...
We began our conversation with introductions and a video explaining about the series. After that, We opened the conversation on a hopeful note, discussing our vision for the future of Abbey Ward, what kind of characteristics would we like to see, potential improvements and long-term goals. We then invited people to talk about their lived experiences around ASB in the local area; what were their areas of concern? What efforts had been made to tackle ASB in the past? Finally, we mapped out a path to the future. What initiatives could be started? How could services work together? And what resources and support were needed?
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Courageous Conversations
“Coming together and helping out others that are in need...”
Story
Coming together and helping out others that are in need
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Community
“It affects EVERYBODY around. You can't even let our kids go out and play anymore.”
Story
It affects EVERYBODY around. You can't even let our kids go out and play anymore.
Location
Abbey Ward
Age range
35-50
Topic
Younger People
“More people need to be educated on the topic and there needs to be MORE AWARENESS...”
Story
More people need to be educated on the topic and there needs to be MORE AWARENESS on how to tackle antisocial behaviour
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Education, Communication
“I feel sad when rubbish is dumped on the floor”
Story
I feel sad when rubbish is dumped on the floor
Location
Spalding
Topic
Litter
“The social time is outside, seeing friends etc. There's a need for...”
Story
The social time is outside, seeing friends etc. There's a need for a safe space for them to meet.
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Homelessness, Community, Education
“If people have pride in where they live, it will reduce outbursts of antisocial behaviour”
Story
If people have pride in where they live, it will reduce outbursts of antisocial behaviour
Location
Spalding
Topic
Pride
“Behaviour that young people misjudge as a trend.”
Story
Behaviour that young people misjudge as a trend.
Location
Sleaford
Topic
Age-related
“I think it's just a a general lack of respect. It does make you feel angry because...”
Story
I think it's just a a general lack of respect. It does make you feel angry because you think "what will things get like?"
Location
Spalding
Topic
Selfishness
“Graffiti!!!!”
Story
Graffiti!!!!
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Gaffiti
“It's a nice market town that should be a place you can wander around happily...”
Story
It's a nice market town that should be a place you can wander around happily... and it isn't anymore
Location
Spalding
Topic
Change in behaviour
“A bit of NOT JUDGING PEOPLE would be good”
Story
A bit of NOT JUDGING PEOPLE would be good
Location
Sleaford
Topic
Communication, Selfishness
“Fly-tipping into the garden”
Story
Fly-tipping into the garden
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Litter
“It happens mostly in towns, cities, market places etc...”
Story
It happens mostly in towns, cities, market places etc. Mostly at night.
Location
Sleaford
“Drug dealing Graffiti Loud music”
Story
Drug dealing
Graffiti
Loud music
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Gaffiti, Noise, Drugs
“More enforcement”
Story
More enforcement
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Police
“Stabbings, shouting, I’ve recently had some grown boys harassing me...”
Story
Stabbings, shouting, I’ve recently had some grown boys harassing me, sexual harassment, sexual assault.
Location
Sleaford
Topic
Sexual abuse, Physical Violence, Verbal Violence, Intimidation, Fear
“People knocked on doors. Also broke windows...”
Story
People knocked on doors. Also broke windows.
Annoyed
unsafe
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Mental Health, Fear, Intimidation
“Somebody I know, often has to pick up people's poo from around the area”
Story
Somebody I know, often has to pick up people's poo from around the area
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Litter, Vandalism, Urinating
“Drug and alcohol related problems. Drug usage in toilets.”
Story
Drug and alcohol related problems. Drug usage in toilets.
Location
Abbey Ward
“I think that we should be able to BE SAFE at night without being Harassed”
Story
I think that we should be able to BE SAFE at night without being Harassed
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Harrassment
“Mainly occurs at party pubs and this can entail general harassment of the public, drinking, drug taking, and often occurs without consequence.”
Story
Mainly occurs at party pubs and this can entail general harassment of the public, drinking, drug taking, and often occurs without consequence.
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Drugs
“It's not just about doing something to someone just shouting rude things - it's abuse. IT'S NOT RIGHT.”
Story
It's not just about doing something to someone just shouting rude things - it's abuse. IT'S NOT RIGHT.
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Verbal Violence
“More community engagement, more investment...”
Story
More community engagement
More investment in mental health services
More investment in education
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Community, Education, Mental Health
“Throwing money at the problem, isn't going to solve the problem”
Story
Throwing money at the problem, isn't going to solve the problem
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Fed Up
“More accommodation”
Story
More accommodation
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Homelessness
“Poly tunnel attacks”
Story
Poly tunnel attacks
Arson on trees
Garden trees damaged
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Vandalism
“Hanging about, smoking, swearing, just being a nuisance. It just seems, I don't know, it's not nice.”
Story
Hanging about, smoking, swearing, just being a nuisance. It just seems, I don't know, it's not nice.
Location
Sleaford
Topic
Selfishness
“Courageous Conversation at Abbey Access”
Story
Working with local people
Recognising Lincoln Abbey Ward as an area significantly impacted by antisocial behavior, we actively engaged with local organisations and residents to initiate a "Courageous Conversation". This dialogue was designed to explore the community's perceptions and understanding of antisocial behavior, its impact on their lives, and potential solutions to address the primary challenges they encounter.
As enthusiastic participants in this initiative, the Abbey Access Centre agreed to provide a venue for the conversation and expressed a strong interest in the topic and played a crucial role in setting the discussion in motion.
In the lead-up to the event, Abbey Access weren’t alone in their enthusiasm. Numerous meetings were held with local organisations and residents. Approximately 30 individuals expressed interest in attending our inaugural conversation. We collectively decided that Tuesday, 12th of March, would be an opportune date for the meeting.
To facilitate a productive and grounded discussion, we felt it was crucial to provide tangible examples of antisocial behavior experienced within the Abbey Ward. Therefore, we sought out firsthand accounts from those directly impacted. James, a former resident who felt compelled to relocate due to the severity of issues he was facing, generously agreed to record an interview for playback during our gathering. In addition, Ali, the CEO of the local charity Green Synergy, provided valuable insights into the persistent challenges her organisation faces due to antisocial behavior, even recounting incidents from the weekend immediately preceding our conversation.
On a cold, wet Tuesday we set up our presentation and people started to gather in the cafe. With cups of teas, coffees, and homemade cookies in hand, the conversation began. The gathering was a diverse mix of 24 individuals, including local residents, church leaders, representatives from the library and school, a local charity, and both young learners and tutors from Abbey Access. Everyone actively contributed to the enriching conversation.
Where Next?
We found our initial conversation incredibly inspiring and are actively planning to have another soon. The feedback from participants revealed a strong desire for the presence of representatives from the council, the local police, the neighbourhood board, and our elected councillors at our next gathering. We fully share this aspiration and hope to see these key stakeholders join our subsequent 'Courageous Conversation'. Furthermore, we intend to engage more deeply with those who attended, delving into their lived experiences to gain a more nuanced understanding of antisocial behaviour within Abbey Ward.
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Courageous Conversations
“It there's nobody there to enforce the law, what's the point?”
Story
It there's nobody there to enforce the law, what's the point?
Location
Spalding
Topic
Police
“I think people are quite selfish because they don't consider the implications of their actions on other people”
Story
I think people are quite selfish because they don't consider the implications of their actions on other people. It's a very selfish society.
Location
Sleaford
Topic
Selfishness
“What is the root issue? Boredom, no place to go...”
Story
What is the root issue?
Boredom, no place to go, nothing to do, purpose, mental health
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Mental Health, Boredom
“Housing for everyone”
Story
Housing for everyone
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Homelessness
“To me, the question would be to the person doing the antisocial behaviour...”
Story
To me, the question would be to the person doing the antisocial behaviour. How does that make you feel? Why are you doing it?
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Communication
“It happens at the park. It looks like people threatening each other? It doesn’t occur often.”
Story
It happens at the park. It looks like people threatening each other? It doesn’t occur often.
Location
Sleaford
Topic
Intimidation
“I think antisocial behaviour is any behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable...”
Story
I think antisocial behaviour is any behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable or makes you not want to go somewhere.
Location
Sleaford
Topic
Change in behaviour
“Opportunities for youth voice to be heard”
Story
Opportunities for youth voice to be heard
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Age-related, Communication
“The church is willing to help, but how? We must have....”
Story
The church is willing to help, but how? We must have the knowledge of how best to help
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Education, Communication
“Nothing - no one listens, kids just get...”
Story
Nothing - no one listens
kids just get in the wrong crowd
Not much
Feels awful in cells
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Age-related
“Are the services open when they are needed?”
Story
Are the services open when they are needed?
Are the services located where they are needed?
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Communication, Services
“Drugs @ church doors and drink”
Story
Drugs @ church doors and drink
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Drugs
“We need to eliminate antisocial behviour”
Story
Eliminate antisocial behaviour
Respect for each other
feeling part of the community
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Community, Communication, Pride
“EDUCATION Are people in a group because...”
Story
EDUCATION
Are people in a group because they don't feel safe alone?
What do the supporting homes do?
Why are people on the street?
Why are they at the YMCA?
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Education, Community, Communication, Fear
“ASB happens mostly in Public Parks and local hangouts.”
Story
ASB happens mostly in Public Parks and local hangouts.
Location
Abbey Ward
“Demoralised”
Story
Demoralised
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Mental Health
“Ban prolific offenders”
Story
Ban prolific offenders
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Police
“Respect!?”
Story
Respect!?
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Fed Up, Police
“People listening to each other!!!”
Story
People listening to each other!!!
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Communication
“Verbal and threat of physical abuse”
Story
Verbal and threat of physical abuse
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Physical Violence, Verbal Violence
“- Graffiti - Getting shouted at - Asked for money...”
Story
Graffiti
Getting shouted at
Asked for money, or other things!
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Gaffiti, Verbal Violence, Homelessness
“The voice of the victim ought to be heard...”
Story
The voice of the victim ought to be heard. I don't think necessarily the people that are causing the antisocial behaviour understand what impact that has.
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Communication
“Drug taking and drug dealing 'County Lines'”
Story
Drug taking and drug dealing 'County Lines'
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Drugs
“I don't think it's just younger people. No, there are a lot of older people hat don't know how to behave.”
Story
I don't think it's just younger people. No, there are a lot of older people that don't know how to behave.
Location
Spalding
Topic
Age-related
“People begging outside the library”
Story
People begging outside the library
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Homelessness
“More support”
Story
More support
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Education, Communication, Change in behaviour
“Is it antisocial behaviour if they have no place else to go?”
Story
Is it antisocial behaviour if they have no place else to go?
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Education, Homelessness
“Investment into youth services, Investment into...”
Story
Investment into youth services
Investment into youth training and employment pathways
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Age-related, Education
“- Shouting at people - Antisocial people are just pissed off”
Story
Shouting at people
Antisocial people are just pissed off - it's part of the fun
Also more than one person
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Noise, Intimidation
“Racial hate, graffiti on trees and equipment.”
Story
Racial hate, graffiti on trees and equipment.
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Verbal Violence, Gaffiti
“More community buildings”
Story
More community buildings
Location
Abbey Ward
“In responding to how ASB makes you feel, police officers spoke about...”
Story
In responding to how ASB makes you feel, police officers spoke about being surrounded by people when called to ASB-related incidents. One officer spoke about the situation being captured on CCTV, and said that if it made him feel intimidated, how would others feel?
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Fear, Intimidation, Police
“KIDS NEED LIFE LESSONS...”
Story
KIDS NEED LIFE LESSONS
Parents need to be given their parenting back! WORLD'S GOING SOFT.
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Age-related
“In 30 years no physical ASB. But Winn street drug dealing and shop lifters...”
Story
In 30 years no physical ASB. But Winn street drug dealing and shop lifters.
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Drugs
“People are much more reluctant to come into town, particularly on weekends...”
Story
People are much more reluctant to come into town, particularly on weekends. It is intimidating for older people
Location
Sleaford
Topic
Change in behaviour, Age-related
“Human excrement being left all over the place”
Story
Human excrement being left all over the place
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Litter, Urinating
“People passed out in the doorway”
Story
People passed out in the doorway
Location
Abbey Ward
Topic
Drugs
“I reluctantly wouldn't go out late at night in Spalding on my own now, which I used to before”
Story
I reluctantly wouldn't go out late at night in Spalding on my own now, which I used to before
Location
Spalding
Topic
Change in behaviour