Latest news with #DTAC

Yahoo

New town centre wardens introduced to make Dartford 'safer and cleaner'

Dartford Borough Council has introduced new town centre wardens to help support residents, visitors, and businesses. The wardens are part of the council's plan to make Dartford a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming place. Their role is not just about enforcement; they will focus on community engagement, building relationships, and being a visible, approachable presence in the town. The wardens will regularly patrol town centre hotspots, providing guidance, reassurance, and a friendly point of contact for the public and businesses. They will also work closely with shopkeepers, security teams, and the police to share information, keep people informed, and help prevent anti-social behaviour. Jeremy Kite, leader of the council, said: "The new town centre wardens are the advocates and champions of Dartford's town centre – whether that's offering directions, supporting local shops, or calmly addressing behaviour that affects the quality of life in our town. "They're an extra pair of eyes and ears on the ground and an important part of our commitment to a vibrant and welcoming Dartford. "If you see them about, please come and say hello to them." While their main focus is on encouraging positive behaviour, the wardens have enforcement powers when needed. In cases of persistent anti-social activity, such as street drinking, littering, or nuisance vehicles, they will gather information and report it to the council or Dartford Town Against Crime (DTAC) for further action. The wardens will also report environmental issues such as broken street lighting, graffiti, and street cleaning, helping to ensure Dartford remains a clean, safe, and inviting place for everyone. Local businesses are encouraged to connect with the wardens via the council's radio network, where they will be the first point of contact for day-to-day support and quick response. The introduction of the wardens is part of the council's wider commitment to making Dartford a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming place for everyone. The council hopes that the wardens will help to create a more positive atmosphere in the town centre, benefiting both residents and businesses.