NEW street marshals will patrol Colchester town centre four nights a week to help ensure revellers safe and the keep town clean and tidy.
Colchester Council's two new Night-time Economy Marshals will work with Essex Police, door staff and street pastors to ensure the nighttime economy in the town is safe.
They will aim to spot developing issues and intervene early to deal with low level disorder and will also offer assistance to vulnerable people in the town centre.
Beverly Oxford, Colchester Council's communities boss, said: "This week has been the first time many of our hospitality venues have re-opened their doors fully to the public for 18-months.
"We were pleased to welcome so many people to our town and it was great to see our restaurants and bars so busy.
“We want everyone using the town, for whatever reason, to feel and be safe.
"The Town Marshals will be very visible and will provide extra reassurance to help make a night out in Colchester as pleasant, comfortable and safe as possible.”
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After Covid rules were lifted on Monday, Colchester Council says a significant amount of litter, including bottles, cigarette butts and broken glass, was left around the pavements.
The council's neighbourhood team conducted a major clean up operation on Tuesday morning, however, residents are being urged to be considerate this weekend - the first after restrictions were lifted.
Mrs Oxford added: "Disappointingly, we were faced with a significant litter issue on Tuesday morning, alongside some instances of anti-social behaviour damaging hand sanitisers, which are there for everyone’s protection.
“While the addition of the two new Night-time Economy Marshals will help to tackle this, I urge people to be respectful of each other and their surroundings. Everyone has a part to play in making sure that it is a fun, safe and welcoming experience for all.”
The marshals will be in the town centre between 9pm and 4am every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
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