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Hopes street guardian scheme will boost nightlife

BBC Radio Wiltshire reporter Karen Gardner learns how government cash has been spent on keeping weekend revellers safe.

Street wardens trained in conflict resolution and first aid have been patrolling Trowbridge town centre for the last fortnight with the aim of keeping people safe on a night out.

The scheme has been welcomed by bars and clubs in the town, whose owners hoped it would encourage more evening customers.

It is managed by Trowbridge Town Council and Chamber of Commerce, and Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson.

It has been made possible through a government grant.

Tori Jordan in green Still Sisters t shirt
Distillery owner Tori Jordan says the street guardians will make night time economy workers feel more secure

Tori Jordan, co-owner of Still Sisters Distillery in Trowbridge, told BBC Radio Wiltshire said the guardian patrol has made people feel safer.

"As a female from Trowbridge, it can sometimes feel a little intimidating and we've got female staff working here, so it just gives us that little bit of added security."

"If there's an incident, we get in contact with them, they pop in to see us, and they're on hand throughout the evening."

People enjoying nightlife outside a bar
The scheme aims to make people feel safer on a night out.

The idea stretches further than keeping the streets around bars and clubs safe.

It is also part of an ongoing investment plan, which has seen millions of pounds spent trying to revitalise Trowbridge town centre.

Street wardens Sally and Dave have been patrolling Trowbridge town centre for the last fortnight.

"My role is to check vulnerable women and girls, but that also goes for all vulnerable people," said Sally.

"I'm trained in conflict management and we do first aid."

Dave, who has also carried out this role in Salisbury, said: "People see you and say, 'You're one of the wardens'. We feel more relaxed and safe knowing you're out here.'"

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