NEWS RELEASES
Neighbourhood wardens making a difference in the South Downs
31st January 2006
NEIGHBOURHOOD wardens in Steyning, Bramber and Upper Beeding have been working hard to prevent anti-social behaviour in the local area.
Neighbourhood wardens were introduced in the three parishes during 2004 in order to provide an obvious presence to prevent antisocial behaviour as well as reassurance to residents. Another element of their job is to help build community cohesion and provide a positive reinforcement role.
Louise Sunderland started as a neighbourhood warden six months ago and works alongside existing warden Paul Thayre.
Since starting Louise says she has already seen a difference in the communities. “I am encouraged by the number of people I see out walking their dogs after dark and often late into the evening,” she explained. “I see this as a good indicator of the feeling of safety enjoyed by many residents. I certainly feel safe patrolling alone until late in the evening.”
Paul said: “The idea of neighbourhood wardens is to provide a regular face which residents will know and trust, so if they do have any problems, they know they can tell us and we can try and resolve the situation.”
Speaking about the scheme, Mike Rumble, for Horsham District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, said: “The warden scheme is a good example of a local government partnership between Parish and District levels where we’re able to monitor community needs on almost a daily basis, and respond to them.
“The wardens act as a portal to a wide range of public and voluntary services in addition to providing a reassuring patrolling presence. “Their work, together with other members of the ‘extended police family’ such as Police Community Support Officers and the Neighbourhood Policing Team has led to an appreciable improvement in public reassurance in the three Parishes as well as gradual decline in reported crimes and incidents over the past two years.”
He added: “Residents will shortly be consulted on the future direction of the scheme which will give an opportunity for them to express their views.”
According to the wardens although anti-social behaviour within Steyning, Bramber and Upper Beeding is comparatively low there have been occasions where residents have needed to call upon them.
One such incident included a bus stop being damaged. Louise explained: “We found out who was responsible and successfully negotiated for the individual to pay towards the cost of repair.
During a spate of burglaries south of the District, one resident called the neighbourhood wardens as she was worried about a young man paying undue attention to her property.
“After spending a couple of weeks monitoring the area on the night in question, Paul and I identified and spoke with the young person. We found he was actually meeting a young female outside the property on a regular basis and were able to reassure the resident,” said Louise.
The main focus of the neighbourhood wardens’ work is deterring anti-social behaviour amongst young people, they do this by patrolling and providing a physical deterrent at certain times of the day and night identified as problem times.
“We are well placed to engage with young people in order to monitor their behaviour as well as to advise and reason with them,” said Louise.
She added: “I have been really surprised by the reception I’ve had from the young people. “They really aren’t as intimidating as they sometimes look or I expected and the overwhelming majority of interactions have been respectful on both sides.
A similar scheme also runs in Ashington.
Anyone with any worries or concerns about anti-social behaviour of any kind is invited to contact Louise on 07734 387889 or Paul on 07734 387888
Ends
This news release has been issued by Horsham District Council in partnership with Horsham District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk