The Stratford-upon-Avon Street Marshals Scheme

This weekend Stratford-on-Avon District Council's new Street Marshal contractor, Safe to Go start patrolling Stratford-upon-Avon as part of the South Warwickshire Community Safety Partnership's 'Going Out and Staying Safe' scheme.  

Street Marshals have been operating in Stratford-upon-Avon for the last five years.  Their role is to contribute to the Community Safety Partnership's (CSP) response to manage the night time economy in the town centre, to reduce crime and disorder, anti-social behaviour and to safeguard those who are vulnerable.  

Cllr Tony Jefferson, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: "The Street Marshals will be patrolling the town on specified busy nights to provide a reassuring presence, deffuse potential conflict and look out for those who are vulnerable.  The Police, District Council CCTV, Street Marshals and Street Pastors make up the partnership approach to managing the night time economy.  Street Marshals are an integral part of our early intervention approach and ensuring that every interaction counts."  

The Street Marshals have been funded by Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner and are being provided by Safe to Go.

Philip Seccombe, Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner says: "Ensuring that our town centres are safe places for everyone to be able to enjoy the night time economy safely is something I have been keen to ensure.  The funding I provide to the South Warwickshire Community Safety Partnership for this scheme will help to boost the work which is already being undertaken by the Police, Council and the Street Pastors, and should focus help and support for people who may be more vulnerable, particularly when they leave licensed premises.  I will be keen to see how the scheme operates after its launch and the impact it makes on reassuring people that Stratford-upon-Avon remains a vibrant place to enjoy a night out."  

The main features of the Street Marshals

The Street Marshals will patrol in pairs in areas of Stratford-upon-Avon town centre on specified busy nights usually between 10pm and 2am; identifying potential incidents and notifying CCTV, paying particular attention to night-time economy hotspots and licensed premises.

The Street Marshals will also provide pastoral care and protection to those leaving the various licensed premises and encourage them to respect the interests of others in the area.

The marshals will communicate with CCTV.  This will enable observation, evidence capture and direct communication and image relay to Warwickshire Police as appropriate.

Street Marshals will be wearing red high viz waistcoats labelled 'Street Marshal' with the Community Safety Partnership logo.