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Providing support to local people in the central area of Bridlington, the town's community wardens have become a part of the local community since the scheme's inception in 2006.

Nigel Brignall has a wide variety of roles within the East Riding of Yorkshire Council and has been the project's manager since it began. He's confident the use of wardens has been successful and their visibility and willingness to act has been instrumental in making the wardens a key part of the local community. Kevin O' Donohue is one of the local wardens, who in their distinctive red jerseys are connecting with people of all ages in the town in addition to the resorts' many tourist visitors.

Kevin says, no two days are ever the same for the wardens, who differ from the police and the police community support officers in some significant ways but they do aim to reduce petty crime and anti-social behaviour. One area of success highlighted by Nigel is that of graffiti, which was of significant concern to the town's residents. The wardens have removed graffiti and as a consequence this has cut down the incidence of this activity. One persistent offender has 'swapped sides' and is helping to clear some of the town's graffiti rather than creating it.

Wardens are keen to work with people of all ages and help organise events for younger and older people. In addition, they also respond to minor incidents and where appropriate will report criminal behaviour to the police. Although, they are just as at home when handing out visitor guides to people on the streets. The wardens do have some enforcement powers but Kevin and his partner Chris Bonnet (pictured above) see themselves more of an approachable friend working with the community to resolve issues without major conflict rather than an extension of the long arm of the law.

Wardens are doing their best to ensure that the most vulnerable people in their area are given the best free advice to help them feel secure in their homes. And, where appropriate, advice on how they become more energy efficient to help them stay warm at an affordable cost.

Nigel is confident that so far this pilot scheme has been a success. He cites the service as having received barely a handful of complaints compared to the hundreds of positive response comments they've received.

More information and contact details about the wardens' service can be found on the East Riding of Yorkshire Council's website. There's a link at the top right hand side of this page.