South Bank streets now safer with new patrol service

20/11/2008

A new South Bank Patrol Service launched this month is helping to make the central London tourist and business district safer.

The patrol service is being run initially as two-year trial by South Bank Employers Group as part of Lambeth First’s Neighbourhood Working Pilot in South Bank and Waterloo.

It will provide a combined enforcement and ambassadorial role, seven days a week, as a joint initiative between local businesses and Lambeth Council.

A team of five will be on duty from 11am – 11pm daily to address a wide range of local issues including illegal street trading, anti-social behavior, counter terrorism, rough sleepers and low-level crime.

South Bank security coordinator David Clark said, “Patrol officers will also provide on-the-ground liaison with businesses on all security issues, and, as the eyes and ears of the local authority and businesses in the neighbourhood, will act as the key responders to any emergency incidents”.

“The South Bank Patrol is an essential piece of a wider jigsaw that includes the South Bank Police Team, the Bishop’s Ward Safer Neighbourhoods Police Team, local council enforcement officers and businesses.

“We are proud our trained, disciplined and dedicated team will help make the South Bank an even more enjoyable place to live, work and visit.”

The Patrol Service also forms part of the South Bank’s visitor welcome strategy. With more than 20 million visits made to the South Bank each year, the patrolling officers will play a role in assisting with on-street enquiries from visitors, for example, providing directions and signposting them to sources of information.

Officers will be recognisable by their distinctive burgundy-coloured South Bank Patrol uniform. The service is funded by 106 funds from The London Eye, as well as contributions from other local businesses and Lambeth Council.

The day-to-day running of the service will be managed by South Bank Employers’ Group, which will report to the South Bank Partnership that co-ordinates and monitors initiatives to improve the South Bank, Waterloo and Blackfriars area.

For more information on South Bank Patrol Service please contact Rachel Trayner on 020 7202 6918 or Rachel.Trayner@southbanklondon.com or visit www.southbanklondon.com

Source

http://www.southbanklondon.com (opens a new window)

 

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