Tonight:
5°c
A TEAM of "Covent Guardians" have gone on duty to tackle anti-social behaviour in Covent Garden.
The uniformed wardens will patrol the piazza looking out for graffiti and vandalism and will also provide directions and advice to visitors.
They are part of a joint scheme between private company Covent Garden London, which owns the estate, and Westminster council.
Daniel Astaire, a councillor responsible for community safety, said: "This new team will provide a reassuring presence for shoppers and businesses as they carry out duties from reporting problems such as graffiti through to joining police officers on patrol.
"They are friendly and approachable and will be ambassadors for everything Covent Garden has to offer."
Westminster council now has a total of 74 city guardians who work across the West End and the rest of the borough after being introduced in 2001.
Bev Churchill, brand director of Covent Garden London, said: "We are committed to implementing measures that will improve the local area and to creating a destination that Londoners can be proud of."
Reader views (4)
I see these wardens patrol more than the police we need more wardens! - at least they are dealing with low level crime issues leave the big stuff to police
I have often seen them dealing with problems like those pesky rickshaws and idiot ignorant people cycling on the pavement & those horrid magicians who continously block roads for me and my family.
I wouldn't even mind paying more in my council tax to see more of these guys! Well Done Westminster Council and Covent Garden..
- Sam Hall, London, 16/12/2009 00:33
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Mark, it's not really a sad indictment, Covent Garden has been a dump and attracted "those types" for about 25 years.
- Bob, Cheam, 15/12/2009 23:33
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They look like they are dressed to kill.
WHERE ARE THE POLICE?
Oh! Silly me! The police are too busy ticking boxes and drinking endless cups of subsidised tea.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe Compound, EUSSR, 15/12/2009 23:33
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This is a sad indictment of our society. Can we not behave ourselves in public anymore? If crime is the problem then why are there not more police patrols? You know these people will be generating jobsworth stories in no time.
- Mark, London, 15/12/2009 23:33
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