Jaywick: New wardens patrol

From the archive, first published Thursday 8th Mar 2007.

THE first street wardens in Tendring have started pounding the streets of Clacton and Jaywick.

The team of community caretakers have been granted extra powers, and warden supervisor Sara Rundel, wardens Annabelle Binnington and Miles Hill, administrator Margaret O'Dell, and neighbourhood manager John Milligan can issue fines for a string of offences, such as cycling on a footpath.

They can also confiscate alcohol and cigarettes, and demand the names and addresses of suspected troublemakers.

Mr Milligan said: "Hopefully, the warden scheme will play a big part in improving safety and reducing the fear of crime, and help tackle problems that spoil the local quality of life."

He hoped the wardens would develop a close relationship with the police and other community groups and organisations.

Chief Supt Dave Hudson, Tendring's divisional commander, said: "Tendring Council has always been a good partner in helping us to reduce crime, and this takes us a step further.

"The effect that uniformed staff have on public reassurance is proven, and we will welcome the street warden initiative.

Opinions among visitors to the Gazette's website are already split on what impact the wardens will have.

The wardens are funded by the Tendring Council-run Neighbourhood Interaction Board.

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