Damian Hurley and Paul Thayre (click here for picture) started work as Neighbourhood Wardens in Ashington on 16^th June 2001. The scheme was one of only three rural neighbourhood warden schemes in the country which had received Government funding, in this case amounting to £46,000 equivalent to 50% of the costs for two years. The remaining funding came from Ashington Parish Council, Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council. The Wardens have no police powers, but provided a reassuring presence in the community.

Normal Duties

To provide:

1) A Parish wide community safety and patrol service

2) Community Development Support

for the benefit of all sections of the community with particular emphasis on promoting awareness and encouraging co-operation and assistance of the general public in tackling crime, vandalism, antisocial behaviour, and promoting positive social interaction

Key Responsibilities:

Provide, together with other Community Wardens an efficient and effective 'eyes and ears' service aimed at improving quality of life issues for residents of the Parish and reducing the fear of crime. To work in co-operation with Ashington Parish Council, Horsham District Council, West Sussex County Council, Sussex Police and other key partners in the public and voluntary sector in delivering the key aims of the Community Safety Strategy as they relate to Ashington Parish. To develop a working partnership to promote a safe environment in the Parish and establish community links.

To help and assist new and existing residents and especially elderly vulnerable people, young people and 'hard to reach' residents to integrate by encouraging a shared sense of ownership and responsibility. By close liaison with the Parish Council, Neighbourhood Watch schemes and other Village social and community organisations to monitor and deal with minor incidents of antisocial behaviour and vandalism and report more serious crimes and incidents to Sussex Police or the appropriate department or service.

To respond to incidents and complaints where it is appropriate to do so and take action accordingly, including the provision of elementary crime prevention advice. To patrol the Parish, mainly by means of foot patrol providing a highly visible and reassuring presence to deter crime and antisocial behaviour.

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