An initiative to combat crime and disorder in Pontefract town centre has proved so successful in recent years it is now being introduced to Castleford’s Xscape complex.
Night Life Marshalls will be operating on a number of key dates over the festive season in both areas, providing reassurance to members of the public.
Working hand in hand with volunteer Street Angels, and liaising with police, marshalls will be based around the Xscape and Pontefract town centre, now in its third year. With funding from the Home Office, the project has been organised by local Neighbourhood Policing Teams, Wakefield Council, Wakefield First’s Crime Seen!, Night Marshalls, Churches Together, Pontefract Pubwatch and the Xscape Management team.
As well as keeping down crime in the area, the marshalls will also be responsible for monitoring taxi ranks and working with licensed door staff to make sure those socialising in the area can have a safe and enjoyable time.
Chief Inspector Paula Booth who is in charge of Wakefield District Division’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams, said: "West Yorkshire Police works with all sectors of the community, businesses and local authorities to promote the fight against crime and disorder.
"Night Life Marshalls have operated in Wakefield City Centre for a number of years and have been a huge success. During the last two years, whilst they have been working in Pontefract, we have also seen a significant reduction in both violent crime and the need for a police response.
"Any initiative that helps towards maintaining peace is welcomed. We are keen to stay in contact and exchange information with the marshalls to make sure businesses and taxis can operate without the worry of crime and disorder and also to ensure that Pontefract and the Xscape are safe and enjoyable places to visit.”
Cllr Olivia Rowley, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for community safety said: "We are committed to making the district safer for everyone and I am really pleased to see the Night Life Marshall scheme being extended."
Karen Harrison, Business Crime Reduction Manager for Crime Seen! added: "Crime, particularly violent crime in the night time economy, can have a devastating effect on our town centres, for individuals and business alike. Working with partners to create a safer environment in which to live, work and play is essential, so Wakefield First’s Crime Seen! initiative is delighted to be able to help to bring Night Life Marshalls and Street Angels to Pontefract Town Centre and Xscape over the festive period.
Harry Merrick, Pontefract Street Angels is happy to be involved in the initiative. He said: “Pontefract Street Angels, under the auspices of Churches Together in Pontefract, are delighted to have the opportunity to participate in this year’s project. Street Angel volunteers, drawn from churches across Pontefract and Castleford, look forward to once again working alongside the Night Life Marshals, Police, CCTV and all other parties and hope to build on last years successes. We will be there to give assistance to all who use the nightlife scene in Pontefract and at Xscape, especially the vulnerable, in a caring and practical way.”
Jason Warren General Manager at Xscape, Castleford added a final comment. “Xscape Castleford is delighted to work in partnership with West Yorkshire Police, to provide a safe and secure environment for all our customers to enjoy the Christmas and New Year period,” he said.
