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Kent councils add more Covid-19 marshals to county's streets

More coronavirus marshals have been patrolling the streets of Kent as the county faces the toughest tier of Covid restrictions.

Street wardens have been introduced by dozens of local authorities as the second lockdown in England concluded last Wednesday.

Covid marshals have begun patrolling towns across Kent
Covid marshals have begun patrolling towns across Kent

They have been tasked to offer advice to residents and businesses about Covid rules, which include the tier system, but have no enforcement powers.

Four marshals have been conducting daily patrols in Thanet, the most of any Kent authority, for more than a month.

Ashford, Folkestone and Tonbridge and Malling councils have become the latest to hire coronavirus marshals in recent weeks.

Cllr Stuart Peall (Con), Folkestone council’s cabinet member for enforcement, said: “These new officers aren’t here to catch people out.

"They are out on our streets to support and guide residents and businesses who may inadvertently be breaching Covid-19 regulations without realising."

Cllr Stuart Peall says marshals are there to help
Cllr Stuart Peall says marshals are there to help

A Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council spokesman said: “Funding is being used to employ two Covid marshals who will work seven hours a day, seven days a week.

“They will primarily focus on Tonbridge but will also visit our other high streets including West Malling, Snodland, Borough Green and Aylesford."

Kent was placed into tier three last week, the highest level of coronavirus restrictions. The move comes as Medway and Swale have the worst UK infection rates, varying from 575 to 594 weekly cases per 100,000 people.

Under the new restrictions, restaurants, pubs, hotels and live entertainment venues such as theatres and cinemas remain shut. But hairdressers, gyms and non-essential shops have reopened their doors to the public.

Despite concerns around potential breaches, some Kent authorities say they have “not felt the need” to deploy wardens. They include Canterbury, Dartford, Maidstone and Swale.

A Canterbury City Council spokesman said: "We have not yet felt the need to deploy council Covid marshals, especially during lockdown.

"We are keeping the situation under constant review especially now that non-essential shops have reopened and the window for Christmas shopping has been condensed.”

The increase in marshals comes after Kent was placed in under the strictest restrictions
The increase in marshals comes after Kent was placed in under the strictest restrictions

Some environmental health council officers across Kent have been working "overtime" to carry out Covid compliant checks on businesses, such as the hospitality sector. They include staff in Gravesham and Tunbridge Wells.

Other Kent councils are still in the process of hiring ambassadors to operate in high streets and town centres as little progress has been made since early November.

Recently, Ashford Borough Council has appointed one street warden, two in Tonbridge and Malling and two have been hired in Folkestone.

Medway Council has appointed 'greeters' to return to the high streets and five town centres in December. They will help to answer queries and encourage the public to wear face coverings and follow social distancing guidelines.

Cllr Alan Jarrett (Con), the council's leader, said: " To help residents shop safely in Medway, businesses have been busy putting their own social distancing measures in place and the council has reintroduced town centre helpers.

"Medway Greeters provide a valuable role in our high streets, welcoming residents and providing guidance on measures in place to protect both shoppers and staff.

Meanwhile, Sevenoaks Distrrict Council has opted to employ what it is calling 'town centre ambassadors' rather than marshals.

A Sevenoaks council spokesman said: "We have recruited town centre ambassadors who will operate across the high streets of Sevenoaks, Swanley, Westerham and Edenbridge very soon.

"The ambassadors will not have an enforcement role but will be there to offer support and advice to businesses and visitors to help them observe the Covid-19 guidance and rules.

"The ambassadors are supported by government funding up to March 31, 2021."

In Thanet, marshals are being sent to 1,400 food and licensed shops, it emerged last month. Breaches will be referred to environmental health officers. Any enforcement will be carried out by Kent Police, Trading Standards and KCC.

Thanet District Council has employed the most marshals of any Kent authority. Picture: Chris Davey
Thanet District Council has employed the most marshals of any Kent authority. Picture: Chris Davey

At the time, Cllr Steve Albon (Lab), a Thanet council cabinet member, said: “Paramount in our minds is people’s safety and it is only by everyone playing their part and following the regulations that we will suppress this virus.”

Since the start of the pandemic, 13 councils in Kent have received £145 million of Government emergency Covid funding. Under this, the marshals initiative was announced by Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick in September.

At the time, Kent councils were left “frustrated” about the lack of clarity with the scheme but more guidance and cash has slowly trickled out from the Government.

Dover councils have also been approached for comment.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent

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