Private security patrols introduced in Harrogate 'to make festive celebrations safer for all'
Night marshals will take to the streets of Harrogate throughout the festive season to ensure residents and visitors feel safe while enjoying the nightlife and Christmas celebrations.
The North Yorkshire Council initiative is being funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority at a cost of more than £6,500 through its Community Safety District Level Funding.
The initiative, which features two night marshals from private security company, X9 Security Solutions. was launched last weekend – December 5 and 6 – and will also be in place this weekend on December 12 and 13 and 19 and 20.
They will be present again on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day and then December 27 and 28.
New Year’s Eve revellers will see them again on December 31 and their final shifts will be on January 2 and 3.
The scheme, which has also been introduced in Selby, is supported by North Yorkshire Police, while Harrogate’s Business Improve District (BID), which aims to promote, safeguard and improve the town for businesses, visitors and residents, is backing the new programme, too.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member with responsibility for community safety, Coun Heather Phillips, said: “The festive season brings a significant increase in visitors and late-night activity, and this can often be accompanied by alcohol-related incidents and anti-social behaviour.
“While there is no specific problem in Harrogate or Selby, working alongside the police, our CCTV operators and staff employed by the various venues in the town centres, the night marshals will provide an added layer of reassurance to all those out and about.”
The marshals will monitor and manage behaviour and incidents at taxi ranks and the main areas of nightlife, helping reduce congestion and promoting orderly behaviour.
They will talk to the public, offering assistance and guidance, and support local businesses and hospitality venues by addressing safety concerns and liaising with staff.
They will also seek to de-escalate issues of anti-social behaviour and report any incidents and intelligence if they arise.
Inspector Greg Davies, from the Harrogate Neighbourhood Policing Team, said he was confident the initiative would have positive benefits.
He said: “Police officers will be working alongside the marshals to keep people safe on a night out, especially as town centres get busier in the run-up to Christmas.
“The initiative has been very well received elsewhere and we’re confident that both Harrogate and Selby will be no exception.
“In addition, police will be on patrol throughout the period to ensure people have great Christmas celebrations in one of the safest counties in England.”
North Yorkshire Council’s elected member for Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate, Coun Sam Gibbs, is supporting the scheme.
“North Yorkshire is widely regarded as a safe place to live, work, and visit,” he said.
“However, we cannot afford to be complacent. Any initiative that helps people feel more secure in Harrogate town centre - especially in the busy run-up to Christmas - is something we wholeheartedly welcome.
“Schemes like this show our commitment, alongside our partners, to keeping people safe and ensuring Harrogate remains a welcoming and vibrant place to spend time.”
If the night marshals prove to be a success, it is hoped to bring them back on an annual basis and potentially expand their role to include other towns across the county.
More information at: www.yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk/.