The Canterbury Street Marshal scheme was launched during arrivals weekend on Saturday 19th September, and operated throughout fresher’s week. During the first two weeks of the schemes operation the Street Marshals have been very busy, with over 800 contacts with students and local residents, which ranges from providing advice and directions, to delivering first aid and on one occasion calling the emergency services and requesting an ambulance.
The contact and feedback to date has been very positive and all sectors of the local community have welcomed the Street Marshals patrols.
The primary aim of the scheme is to safeguard students and other residents as they transit through the designated patrol areas, ensuring they are safe, well and able to continue their journey home. It is intended the Street Marshals provide a reassuring presence to both students and local residents, so if you have any concerns whilst walking through the designated areas please approach the Street Marshals who will be pleased to assist.
The Street Marshals operate in male and female pairs, patrolling in the following residential areas during University term time:
St Michaels area – Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights – 23:00-04:00
Club Chemistry / Martyrs Field area – Wednesday and Friday nights – 23:00-05:00
Sturry Road / Northgate area – Wednesday and Friday nights – 23:00-05:00
All Street Marshals are Security Industry Authority accredited, have been vetted by Kent Police and undertaken training prescribed by the Association of Chief Police Officers under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme. All have been selected for their professionalism, friendliness and communication skills in this unique role in Canterbury.
The scheme will operate as a trial for one academic year and is funded by the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University.
Further details on the scheme can be found at www.canterburystreetmarshals.org or if you would like to contact the Community Liaison Officer, Suzanne Ridley, for further information please email Contactus@kent.ac.uk.