New Neighbourhood Warden Takes To The Streets

A new Neighbourhood Warden service is set to launch for Redditch communities to help reduce anti-social behaviour and create positive public spaces for residents.

Two Wardens will be out on regular patrols engaging with residents, reporting incidents and working other council services and partner agencies to resolve neighbourhood issues.

Our first recruit Heather Bridgwater took up post last week after funding was agreed by Redditch Borough Council’s Executive Committee for two Neighbourhood Wardens roles. The second post is currently out for recruitment.

Redditch Borough Councillor Monica Stringfellow whose portfolio includes Community Safety, said: “I am delighted that our residents will soon see our wardens in their local areas.

“It is important to have that visible presence in our neighbourhoods to provide reassurance and a familiar face for our residents to talk about their concerns.

“In return our wardens can keep them informed about community safety initiatives which are in place to help them to feel safer and to build a sense of pride in the place where they live.”

Heather brings a wealth of experience to the role and residents may recognise her as a former Police Community Support Officer.

She said: “I can’t wait to get out and about again to meet residents. It is a different approach to my previous role but it is still supporting the strong sense of community in Redditch.

“I am looking forward to developing this new service with colleagues and getting out and about in neighbourhoods across the Borough.”

The Council has put aside £100,000 for the next three years to fund the roles, a vehicle and equipment which will allow the team to monitor environmental issues to help keep spaces looking good. 

Council Leader Sharon Harvey added: “The neighbourhood wardens are just another thing which we promised in our manifesto and which we have delivered.

“We are committed to investing in Redditch and its communities and to ensure that the Borough is a place in which people are proud to live.”