Neighbourhood Wardens

Neighbourhood Wardens have been working in selected areas of the District since July 2002 and are easily recognised by the green and beige uniforms and distinctive livery on their vehicles. They are always willing to assist anyone with a problem and also act as a direct link with other agencies as well as Stroud District Council.

The service has grown from the original 2 Wardens located in Cam and Dursley, to 8 officers operating in the Wotton under Edge, Kingswood, Berkeley & Hamfallow, Stonehouse, Minchinhampton, Chalford, Stinchcombe and Hardwicke areas. In addition other areas of the District are presently having the Warden Service piloted in their parishes. All Wardens have access to one of 7 Neighbourhood Warden vehicles. The Wardens come from various local backgrounds and have a wealth of experience in the community. In addition there continues to be a very positive response to the service with more town and parish councils wishing to adopt the Warden Service in their locality.

The high profile presence of the Neighbourhood Warden Service is a reassuring feature to many people. Seeing a regular face can be essential to the general well-being of communities and also helps to reduce the fear of crime. Neighbourhood Wardens are not police officers and do not have an enforcement role but their presence on the streets has a desirable effect on the behaviour of individuals. Most importantly, if an incident takes place - the Neighbourhood Wardens knowledge and experience in the community can be invaluable.

Since the inception of the Warden Service, they have dealt with a variety of issues such as anti-social behaviour, abandoned vehicles, fly tipping, dog fouling and visits to vulnerable people. Whilst operating in a non-enforcement role, Wardens act as the 'eyes and ears' in communities, and can achieve indirect, high profile action.

This can be demonstrated through a recent example when as a direct result of intelligence provided by Neighbourhood Wardens, the Police executed several arrests and obtained custodial sentences in respect of 'Class A' drug supply. Wardens have also played a pivotal role in resolving many anti-social behaviour cases working with other agencies.

The Wardens continue to participate in many joint operations with the Police, DVLA, Trading Standards, District Council Services and other agencies. Around 1,000 'Validate' Proof of Age cards have been issued through the assistance of wardens at presentations in a number of secondary schools. In addition, 3,500 school children and numerous businesses received the 'Safe Child' initiative presented to them by Wardens with the assistance of the Police. This initiative is also promoted through local businesses where age-related goods are sold.

Through the swift reporting action of Neighbourhood Wardens and the co-ordinating role of the Community Safety Officer for Vehicles, many abandoned vehicles have been removed quickly from the highways and beauty spots within the District.

The Warden service also deals with other aspects of environmental crime particularly fly posting, which has blighted our towns and parishes over recent years. Wardens are familiar with the 'Factor 4' policy and regularly remove signs that are in clear breach of this policy, with all incidents reported back to the Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator.

Finally, involvement with vulnerable people remains a principal activity of the Neighbourhood Warden Service. An example of this was demonstrated when Neighbourhood Wardens intervened with a particularly vulnerable individual who suffered from mental and physical health problems. This individual had experienced poor living conditions for a long time and had existed with very little or no contact with other support agencies, in addition the person was targeted by local youths due to the person's vulnerability. This is where the Wardens came in, and with the individual's consent, were able to gain access into the property, assess the situation and signpost other agencies to the person. The individual now enjoys regular contact with support agencies, the property boasts carpets and furnishings, and more importantly the person has an enhanced and improved standard of living.

You can contact the Neighbourhood Wardens in the following ways:

• approach them in the street
• email neighbourhood.warden@stroud.gov.uk
• phone 01453 754276 - Community Safety Service at Stroud District Council
• phone the following mobile numbers

View PDF  Neighbourhood Warden Leaflet - 27/03/2007 : 789Kb - to find more information about your Neighbourhood Warden