St Helens Borough new Covid street teams help keep people safe

St Helens Borough new Covid street teams help keep people safe

To help everyone stay safe this winter during the ongoing pandemic, there will be some new faces on the streets of St Helens Borough offering support, guidance, and advice.

From 3 December, a small team of Covid-19 marshals will be on hand around key retail areas in the St Helens Borough to answer any questions you have as we emerge from the national lockdown.


Their role includes advising residents and businesses on the latest government guidance, reminding people to maintain social distancing and helping to manage queues outside shops. They will also be able to spot any areas of concern for the council that need to be addressed for public safety.


It is not the role of the marshals to enforce Covid-19 regulations or issue penalties. This remains the role of the police and designated local authority enforcement officers.


The Covid-19 secure marshals are a small council-run team funded by national emergency Covid-19 funding from the government. This has been given to local authorities and police forces in England to help enforce the measures needed to control the spread of the virus.


During this time, you might also see some engagement officers from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. Their Street Interventions Team will be out during evenings and weekends across St Helens, engaging with young people and offering advice, assistance, and support to residents.


Councillor Jeanie Bell, Cabinet Member for Safer, Stronger Communities at St Helens Borough Council said: “We are working with partners to ensure that our community is as safe as possible during the pandemic. It is important that we all continue to work together and support each other to keep our community safe. The aim of the marshals and the engagement officers is to provide visible reassurance, advice, and guidance to the local community. So, please do make sure that you speak to them if you need.”


Guy Keen, Area Manager for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: We are proud to be working in partnership with St Helens Borough Council to support our local residents during this difficult time. Our engagement officers are looking forward to getting out and about on the streets of our community, so please come and chat to us if you have any questions or concerns.”


For more information about the current government guidelines in our area, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/coronavirus/latest-updates-and-information/.

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