by Lee Gibbs
'More bobbies on the beat' is a well known cry, and now eight Street Wardens will be patrolling the town from Stamco to the Old Town, to provide the much needed visible presence that residents want.
Following a rigorous five weeks of training, the Street Wardens set out on their patrols during May. Immediately they hit the streets they were approached by residents town-wide welcoming them and telling them they are a massive boost for the town.
From their offices above Warrior Square Station, they aim to work closely with residents associations and anyone who needs their help, enforcing by-laws and acting as the 'eyes and ears' of the community.
The two-year scheme is costing £741,000 with money from central Government, the Council, Neighbourhood Renewal and Communities Against Drugs.
The Street Wardens have been tasked with reducing crime levels, anti-social behaviour and vandalism and will work over a 12 hour period from 10am to 10pm, 7 days per week.
Senior Street Warden Joanna Gabb, 28, said with a range of skills and backgrounds they are up to the job.
She said:
"We will be walking around the different areas in the town talking and educating everyone about what we aim to do.
"We have already dealt with used needles, environmental issues like dumped cookers and dog mess and other things which really matter to people.
"First-aid was administered to an injured person in our first week of working and we dealt with a man swimming in the sea after he had been drinking."
Joanna said they will be targeting `hotspots' after weekly police meetings.
She added:
"Our yellow jackets will hopefully deter a lot of criminal activity."
Warden David Ham, 55, a former Special Constable, thinks they will help by offering people reassurance.
He said:
"We have already had good feedback from public and traders and hope to reduce fear of crime which has built-up around here."
"It's going to take time to gain trust but we're confident we will succeed."
Wardens, working in pairs, have been assigned one of four areas and maintain constant contact through mobile telephones.
Councillor Jay Kramer, Cabinet Member responsible for Community Safety, said:
"I am delighted that we have appointed such an excellent team of eight Street Wardens, with two more due to start in the near future. The wardens have done extensive training over the past few weeks, and are now ready to make a major impact on increasing safety in Hastings and St Leonards."
Traders along Kings Road, close to the Wardens' office, are very pleased with the extra presence.
Andrew Wilson, who owns Wilson and Sons, said:
"They are very much in evidence and I think it's a very good thing. Anything that stops petty crime can only be positive."
"They look like police in their yellow jackets. We are all in favour."
Grahame King of King's Stationers said:
"It is only by working together within the community, the Council and police that we can sort out these problems."
He added:
"Kings Road is a lovely place and it is getting better."
The Street Wardens can be contacted on 781840.
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This page last updated: 25/06/2002