Covid marshals to patrol Fareham as council deals with almost 100 suspected breaches this year
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It comes as the council has received 89 reports of suspected Covid-19 restriction breaches since March.
Now, six council enforcement officers and two town centre security officers will double up as Covid marshals to conduct patrols across the borough from today.
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Hide AdThe enforcement officers will combine their new duties with their usual roles of dealing with fly-tipping, litter and abandoned vehicles. The town centre security officers – contracted from Venture Security – will also be fulfilling the role for the town and outlying district centres.
The Covid marshals will wear armbands so they can be identified, and they will not have any enforcement powers.
Businesses will be supported by three employees from the council’s environmental health commercial team, who will have enforcement powers and can issue closure notices where necessary.
The council intends for marshals to become ‘a familiar sight’ across the borough, according to executive member for health and public protection, Councillor Trevor Cartwright.
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Hide AdHe said: ‘On the whole people across Fareham have been really good at following the restrictions, but where there is some confusion about what can or cannot be done the Covid marshals will be on hand to provide advice and help.
‘We know a lot of businesses have managed to set up a click and collect system and that means there could be issues with people maintaining a safe distance while waiting outside premises for their purchases. The Covid marshals will help to make sure those queues remain safe.’
It comes as the council looks to expand its enforcement team with two new officers, as part of its work to address anti-social behaviour in the town centre.
Two weeks ago, police fined a homeowner after they had nine guests in their property, breaching the rule of six.