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Street marshals saved after pubs unite for campaign
CHIPPING Sodbury’s night-time street marshals have been saved – thanks to a campaign by the town's Pub Watch group.
The traders attracted more than 900 signatures to an online petition, after South Gloucestershire Council said it was considering cutting funding after more than a decade of operation.
The uniformed marshals patrol on weekend nights when the town’s pubs host thousands of revellers.
They deal with anti-social behaviour, noise pollution, vandalism, drink driving, and drugs.
At the eleventh hour, the council's ruling Conservative cabinet decided not to go ahead with a proposal to withdraw funding, so the marshals have been extended for another year.
Local bar manager and Chair of the Pub Watch group Gabby Davis, who started the online petition said she was pleased with the change of heart.
Her campaign highlighted that losing the marshals would especially put women at risk, as they left venues late at night.
She said marshals had prevented unsuspecting women getting into unlicensed taxis, prevented drink spiking and waited with lone women awaiting lifts.
Gabby said: “Street Marshals make Sodbury safer for businesses, residents and people
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visiting our town at night time. Losing this service would have put people at risk.
"The service they provide is so vital, not just for the residents but also for the business owners in the area.
"They are there for a lot of different things like a first response for first aid and they are also checking on public amenities.
Gabby said Chipping Sodbury was fortunate to have a busy weekend night time economy, and street marshals were a vital part of that.
She said: "The consequences of not having these marshals on the street could be big, but we won't know that until they are gone, so I am pleased they will be staying."
South Gloucestershire’s ruling Conservative group said the contract with provider Safe and Sound will continue for another year.
There are also plans for improved CCTV in Chipping Sodbury.
Chipping Sodbury & Cotswold Edge Liberal Democrat ward councillor Adrian Rush said: "This was a badly thought out proposal – CCTV will never compensate for an actual person on the ground.
"The street marshals have been invaluable in supporting businesses and provide reassurance for residents and visitors alike."
