December 2003

Guildford’s Wardens to Stay

The future of Guildford’s Community Safety Warden service has this week been secured after Guildford Borough Council’s Executive showed their commitment to the scheme.

Funding for the existing five Community Safety Wardens, and the Warden Supervisor, has been confirmed.   Their new, permanent status will ensure the long-term integration of the Community Safety Warden Scheme into the community. The future of the two vacant positions will be decided following a further review, taking into account recent ward boundary changes and local needs.

Councillor John Ades, lead Member for Community Safety said, “I am delighted that we have been able to confirm the posts of existing Wardens, and are able to guarantee their future with Guildford Borough Council.  We have received dozens of letters of support for the Wardens from members of the public, who greatly appreciate the work that they do.  I know they will be relieved to know their Wardens are staying.  We are aware that two wards are currently without their Warden, and it is sensible and prudent to carry out a review before replacing those Wardens.”

Many wards now benefit from Neighbourhood Teams, consisting of a Neighbourhood Specialist Officer (NSO), a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), and a Community Safety Warden (CSW).  These teams work closely together, but each has a designated role. 

The NSO is the local police officer and custodian of the area, and is authorised to tackle crime and disorder issues using prevention and enforcement.  The PCSO’s are highly visible and patrol the area, providing support to the NSO.  Clearly identifiable in their red tops, the Wardens’ visible presence also helps to reduce crime and disorder, but more importantly to their role, they are engaged in Community Development, helping the local communities address local issues.

NSO’s cover 16 wards in the Borough.  You can find out who your NSO is by visiting www.surrey.police.uk.  Wardens cover 8 wards – to find out who your Warden is, please visit www.guildford.gov.uk and follow the links to ‘community safety’.

For additional information please contact Paul Yearwood, the Safer Guildford Partnership Manager on 01483 444063:

Notes to the Editor:

The Safer Guildford Partnership comprises Guildford Borough Council, Surrey Police, Surrey County Council (including Surrey Fire and Rescue), The Probation Service, Guildford and Waverley Primary Care Trust and the Youth Offending Team.  The Partnership works to maintain Guildford’s position as one of the safest places to live in the country, and to address the fear of crime.