April 25, 2012 12.06 pm This story is over 142 months old

Funds to retain Lincoln’s evening wardens

Safer evenings: Lincoln BIG secured funding for another year of city centre night patrols from its wardens team.

New funding of £65,000 from Lincolnshire County Council means Lincoln BIG’s evening wardens will be able to keep patrolling the city’s streets for another year.

The backing comes from the council’s Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, so that they can patrol on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

A mix of six evening wardens carry out patrols in pairs, between 10pm and 4am.

They are equipped with high visibility uniforms and specialist equipment, including first aid kits and radios to communicate with CCTV control and police officers.

The teams are meant to act as a deterrent and break-up anti-social behaviour before it escalates into crime by working alongside partner agencies, such as Lincolnshire Police, the Street Pastors scheme and the City Council.

Lincoln BIG Chief Executive Matt Corrigan said: “This funding is great news for the city centre.

“Early intervention by the wardens has proved vital in securing Purple Flag status for the city, reducing the amount of crime that takes place at night and ensuring that the city is a safe place for some 8,000 people to come and have a good night out.”

Joy Liddle, Lincoln Street Pastors Coordinator, said: “We are delighted that funding has been secured for the Evening Safety Wardens.

“Our roles complement one another well, and with the continued presence of the Wardens on the streets, we will work together to try to ensure Lincoln is a safe place to have a great night out.”

Photo: John Bennett