Warden to patrol village (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Warden to patrol village

7:10pm Saturday 16th August 2008

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An environmental warden is to patrol the streets of a village in a campaign against litter, graffiti, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.

The new warden, described as the “eyes and ears” of Baildon parish council, will work with the community, police and Bradford Council to minimise troublemaking in the village centre and fly-tipping in areas such as Shipley Glen.

For months the parish council has been in discussion with the police, community leaders and businesses about employing the warden, expected to cost about £10,000, said Baildon parish council chairman Paul Marfell. The council will now advertise the part-time position.

Councillor Marfell said: “It is a significant expense for the parish council but we have gone through the process of assessing the various benefits, costs and risks involved. We see the warden as being very much the eyes and the ears of the parish council on the ground.

“They will be walking about the streets, reporting back to Bradford Council about how our work is progressing and liaising with the police, schools, local businesses and residents.”

One of the warden’s roles will be to liaise with schools in the Baildon area about creating safe and accessible routes for children, and to encourage more youngsters to walk to school. This will cut traffic congestion and encourage children’s fitness.

The warden will also report incidents of fly-tipping to Bradford Council and low-level crime to the police, and visit schools, said Coun Marfell.

He said: “It will be about stopping fly-tipping and keeping an eye out for anti-social behaviour in areas that are being used for drinking and drug-taking, and to be aware of these localities so that they can liaise with the police and Bradford Council to tidy up afterwards.

“They will also be witnesses to situations. Members of the public may be aware of these things that are going on but they don’t come forward and report it.”

The initiative has proved successful in other areas such as Windhill, Girlington, Great Horton, Eccleshill and Bradford Moor. More wardens were recruited by Bradford Council last year in Manningham, East Bowling, Keighley and Barkerend.

Inspector John Tatham, head of the Shipley Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), has been involved in discussions with the parish council.

He said: “I think it is a good idea. The more people we have got looking out for certain areas the merrier.

“We have links between the parish council, police and Bradford Council but extra links and extra eyes and ears can only be a good thing.

“As long as the warden knows his or her role and knows what they can and can’t do, there will not be any issues.

“A full risk assessment will be done by the parish council and the warden will be passing details on to the authorities best equipped to deal with any problems.”

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