Security measures for archives staff get go-ahead

Permission has been granted to install security measures to protect staff at Lincolnshire Archives.

The service said employees had faced harassment and even violence when they entered and left the building on St Rumbold’s Street, Lincoln.

The planning application said staff had been abused while leaving their cars to lock or unlock the gate, and there were a number of areas "which are not currently within the secure fence line" that were being "misused for suspected illegal activity (drug use)" and rough sleeping, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service,

Lincolnshire County Council has given permission for the changes to be made.

The measures include new security gates and fences outside the Friars Lane car park entrance.

Planning documents said that area had become one of the worst spots, with staff threatened or harassed out of view of CCTV cameras.

Anti-climb security fencing will be installed along the nearby wall, along with a new pedestrian gate.

Remote-activated gates will be installed at the car park entrance on Rosemary Lane so employees will not need to get out of their vehicles on their way in or out.

The fire escape route on St Rumbold’s Street will get security shutters to secure the recess overnight.

The building holds the public records of the former Lindsey, Kesteven and Holland councils.

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.