BURY is going Dutch - by helping pioneer its very own squad of "street ambassadors."

From this autumn, a hand-picked team of eight community safety wardens will be out and about in the town centre, offering advice and assistance whenever required.

And the wardens will also provide extra eyes and ears for the police and hopefully help in the fight against petty crime.

The Bury scheme, backed by Single Regeneration Budget funding with additional European support, will be based around similar initiatives which have proved successful in Holland.

Already, arrangements have been made for Dutch experts in the field to come to the town in mid-September to give advice and guidance.

Bury Council deputy leader, Councillor John Byrne said: "The introduction of CCTV cameras in Bury has made a big difference and played a significant part not just in cutting crime but, just as importantly, making people feel safer on our town centre streets.

"The community safety wardens project will build on that, but in a far more user-friendly way.

"There will be a real presence on the streets, not just looking to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, but also to offer a helpful word and hand when it is needed."

He added: "We hope the wardens will become Bury's very own ambassadors, making strangers welcome and always available to help local people when they need it." It is also envisaged the wardens won't just be operational in Bury town centre but will also establish patrols in other town centres in the borough.

They will work closely not only with the council, but the police and other agencies.

The intention is that as well as keeping a watchful eye on the town centre, they will also be active in crime prevention, warning shoppers of wallets or purses in easy reach of thieves and preventing cycling and other banned activities in pedestrianised areas.

Coun Byrne continued: "What is also exciting about the project is that we will be targeting the long-term unemployed, both male and female over the age of 20 as well as members of the ethnic community, to come forward and become wardens."

There would also be an initial 12 month fixed term contract and then further support to secure permanent employment.

The initiative has an initial six year life and, during that time, 52 jobs would be created.

Chief Inspector David Bleackley of Bury police said: "The wardens will be another set of eyes and ears for us, but they won't be hiding in Mill Gate's offices with a pair of binoculars.

"If they see petty crime, then we'd ask they ring us. We've been involved in the initial negotiations and for the council to get funding, we had to support the scheme it which we do wholeheartedly."

Anyone interested in finding out more should telephone 0161 253 5236.

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