Chief Executive joins City Wardens on the beat
22/02/12
Aberdeen City Council Chief Executive Valerie Watts has joined City Wardens on the beat to hear about the vital work they do to help deter antisocial behaviour, littering and illegal parking in the city.
Mrs Watts took part in patrols of the Thistle Street multi-storey housing block, the Chapel Street car park and sections of the city centre.
It was part of an ongoing series of visits to staff across the council and across the city that the Chief Executive undertakes on a regular basis.
During the visit, Mrs Watts was briefed on how the council's 74-strong team of Wardens help in the fight against antisocial behaviour by targeting patrols at hot spots and working with community safety partners including Grampian Police and Grampian Fire and Rescue Service, as well as the council's housing department and antisocial behaviour investigation team to resolve problems.
The Chief Executive also heard about the council's uplift of vehicles procedure and the local authority's new PayByPhone scheme, which aims to make paying for parking easier by removing the need for loose change.
They also explained the work done by the Wardens to tackle littering and youth disorder in city centre streets by engaging with local schools, businesses, the police and the council's environmental partners.
Commenting on her visit, Mrs Watts said: "The role of the City Wardens is a great example of community working. The Wardens provide a vital link between the public, the council and emergency services so that residents feel safe in their homes and in public, while ensuring the city's transport network runs smoothly.
"There is a common misconception that the Wardens spend their days issuing parking tickets, but this could not be further from the truth. Their remit is far more varied and a lot of their work is focussed on community engagement. The Wardens provide a highly-visible, reassuring presence in all areas of Aberdeen. They are approachable and informative to locals and visitors alike and they must be commended for the vital role they play in Aberdeen life."
Senior City Warden Bill Massie added: "We aim to provide a flexible service and have a presence that is felt in all areas of Aberdeen. By working together with the community, the City Wardens aim to promote a safer and better environment for the residents of Aberdeen by addressing local issues related to the environment, parking and community safety. Our positive approach to community engagement and partnership working means we can ensure residents are heard and supported. We regularly hold drop-in sessions in communities so members of the public can voice any concerns they might have."