The Neighbourhood Wardens scheme was launched as a pilot for the borough in February 2002, originally jointly funded by neighbourhood renewal money for two years. Due to the success of the scheme in April 2004 the scheme became mainstreamed and is now totally funded by housing management within Great Yarmouth Borough Council.
Neighbourhood Wardens provide a front line, highly visible service (often known to local residents as the ‘Redcoats’) targeting many neighbourhood issues within the Magdalen Estate.
The aim of the Neighbourhood Wardens is to reduce crime and the fear of crime, deter anti social behaviour, also fostering social inclusion and caring for the environment. Their overall purpose is to improve the quality of life and to contribute to the regeneration of an area.
The wardens have a number of roles which are set to reflect the needs of the community and are driven by the aim to provide a cleaner, attractive, safer, environment they include:-
- working closely with other agencies such as the police, crime & disorder reduction partnership, community rangers, police community support officers, schools, and road safety officers to name a few. Helping to promote community safety.
- contributing to community development and provide the essential links between local residents and the local authority and other statutory bodies.
- helping to provide and fund alternative activities for young people within the area, such as cycling proficiency training, and sports coaching.
- working with local community groups and the local C.L.I.P office.
- supporting and helping with the organisation of community events, for example ‘Mad Mag day’.
- carrying out regular patrols, concentrating on ‘hot spots’ of anti-social behaviour.
- representing the council and tenants in court cases as professional witnesses.
- reporting issues that affect community safety such as faulty street lighting, abandoned and untaxed vehicles, footpaths that are in disrepair, overgrown hedgerows and trees and fly-tipping.
The Neighbourhood Wardens are always visting our local schools and enjoy helping out with school activity days, sports days etc. Working with the young people to try and promote community cohesion, and foster a good rapport with the youth of tomorrow.
For further information contact:- Gorleston Area Housing Office 01493 443004, or visit
www.nationalwardens.org.uk