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Gwent Police has said it can deploy extra officers to patrol areas after the council axed its “invaluable” community safety warden service.
Blackwood’s independent councillor, Nigel Dix, described the council’s decision to cut the community safety warden service as “disappointing and dangerous”.
The council approved the removal of the scheme during its budget last week, which will see seven full-time posts removed.
What are community safety wardens?
According to Caerphilly County Borough Council’s website, community safety wardens’ primary duty is to reduce levels of crime, anti-social behaviour and fear of crime in communities but they also provide reassurance, assistance and help in order to create a safer, more pleasant living environment.
The wardens do not replace the police, rangers or any other kind of wardens; instead they complement existing services and help ensure a coordinated response to problems.
This will save around £350,000 as the council looks to plug a £45million gap in its finances over the next three years.
Cllr Dix said: “They’re a huge asset to the area, and offer a natural deterrence. You see council tax going up every year but we receive fewer and fewer services.”
When asked by Caerphilly Observer how axing the community safety warden scheme will impact Gwent Police, Chief Inspector Stevie Warden said: “Our officers remain committed to tackling and reducing crime and antisocial behaviour, and increasing trust and confidence in neighbourhood policing in Gwent.
“Community safety partnerships are invaluable in helping us respond to rising trends, but we review our resources in line with reports from the public to ensure officers are where they’re needed most, tackling the issues most acutely affecting residents as part of everyday policing.
“Through Operation Lumley and other community safety initiatives, we’re also able to allocate additional officers to patrol areas affected by antisocial behaviour and this will continue into the next year.”
Caerphilly Observer has asked Caerphilly County Borough Council if this decision could lead to increased antisocial behaviour and put more strain on Gwent Police services.
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