The council team that works to promote community safety in north Oxfordshire is bigger and better for 2023 thanks to the addition of a number of new staff.
Published: Monday, 23rd January 2023
Katey and Tim, two long-standing members of the Cherwell District Council community safety team, have now been joined by new community wardens Yvonne, Helen, Trudie.
The team patrol the district, providing a welcoming presence and reassurance to the public, as well as gathering intelligence to support enforcement. They have a strong focus on supporting vulnerable members of the community, including people at risk of exploitation, and also investigate complaints about anti-social behaviour, both in the home and in public spaces. They often cover more than ten miles a day on foot.
One of their priorities is to work alongside the police to promote safer streets and help prevent violence against women and girls.
Councillor Eddie Reeves, Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities, said: “If you see one of our community wardens when you’re out and about in the Banbury, Bicester or Kidlington areas, do stop and say hello.
“They are a friendly and approachable team and I am absolutely delighted that they have taken on these new recruits. It shows how seriously we as a council take community safety and I have no doubt that they will be a reassuring presence all over the district.”
Although their focus is on advisory work, the community wardens can also use the powers available to the council to tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour.
They have strong links to the police service and to local schools and will make appearances at a number of events throughout the year alongside their partners from organisations such as Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire County Council trading standards.