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Issue Date: 24th Jan 2006
NEWCASTLE'S JUNIOR STREET WARDENS HIT THE STREETS
A brand new scheme in Newcastle's West End has seen youngsters enrolled to patrol with Street Wardens in the community of North Benwell.
The scheme, the first of its kind in Newcastle, will help rid the area of vandalism and disorder, while giving the youngsters greater understanding and ownership of their local environment. Year 6 pupils from Canning Street Primary School will shadow North Benwell's Street Wardens. It is hoped they will learn skills that can be applied in real life situations.
Junior Warden, Robert Armstrong, 11, explained: "We will be looking out for litter, dog fouling, graffiti and anything else that is making the streets look untidy."
Local Councillor, Doreen James, officially launched the scheme at one of Tyne and Wear Fire Service's community fire stations. Accompanying her was the junior wardens' new helper, 'Ben. the Well- behaved dog', a six- foot tall St. Bernard who will also be helping with the scheme.
Street Warden, Lee Richardson, has been involved in developing the programme:
"We want the kids to have a better appreciation of the environment, not only of where they live, but also have greater respect for some of the agencies that work in their community."
The Wardens team has linked up with Northumbria Police, Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade and Newcastle Council's 'Eco Schools' programme to run a series of visits, workshops and walkabouts. Each of the Junior Wardens will be given a camera so they can record issues that concern them. In addition, a suggestion box will be set up in the school so that pupils can let the Street Wardens know of any ideas they have.
Christina Gates, the Neighbourhood Manager in North Benwell adds: "This is a great way of helping young people realise they can play a crucial role in making their community a much better and much safer place to live. By working with the police and fire brigade, the intention is to encourage the kids to become more responsible."
Watch Manager Ged Bell says "This is an ideal way for the Fire Service to communicate our fire safety message to the young people face to face on the local streets. We are also delighted that young people are acting so responsibly in showing that they care about their own area and we will assist them in which ever way we can".