Concerns over plan to slash neighbourhood wardens
LDRSProposals to slash the number of neighbourhood wardens in a bid to save money have been met with community concerns.
Durham County Council said a reduction in wardens for the next financial year could help the authority reach its target of saving £3.4m across its neighbourhoods and environment departments.
Wardens have powers to issue fixed penalty notices for littering, dog fouling, fly-tipping and graffiti. Durham's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and parish councillors warned that community safety could be at risk if wardens were cut.
The Reform UK-led council said it continued to face challenges due to factors out of its control, such as inflation and increased demand for services.
PCC Joy Allen, Labour, said wardens played a "vital role" in addressing low-level issues and supporting early intervention, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
Members of the City of Durham Parish Council said reducing the number of wardens would "undermine public confidence", particularly in busy central areas with a high student population.
In a their response to the budget consultation, they said: "Reducing warden capacity will inevitably diminish the council's ability to respond effectively to community concerns, particularly in urban centres such as Durham city, where the demand for enforcement and community support is consistently high."
The plan is part of proposals for the council's budget, which also include a 3.1% council tax rise.
Deputy leader Darren Grimes said "difficult decisions" would need to be made, but he was confident the local authority would continue to provide effective services for residents.
