Council urged to employ street wardens

COUNCIL chiefs are being urged to employ neighbourhood wardens to keep the district's streets "cleaner and safer".

Liberal Democrat district councillor Janet Whitehouse believes Epping Forest District Council's cabinet should consider widening the powers of the current parking attendants, who could then be responsible for cracking down on issues such as pavement parking, litter and flyposting.

She said the changes could be brought in when the current contract with parking contractor Vinci Park expired.

Mrs Whitehouse, who will raise the issue at tonight's overview and scrutiny committee, told the Guardian: "I've received lots of complaints about litter and vehicles parked on pavements.

"Councils have powers they can exercise and will be getting more next April when the Cleaner Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 comes into force.

"Now is the right time to scrutinize these powers and decide which Epping Forest District Council should exercise to make our district a cleaner and safer place.

"Many local authorities are employing neighbourhood wardens and they have made a real difference to their communities."

She added: "Cars parked on pavements which prevent people using them are a serious hazard. I know of one resident in a mobility vehicle whose way was blocked. He was unable to turn round and the experience was so distressing that he no longer goes out alone, so losing his independence."

Mrs Whitehouse said she received frequent complaints about litter and dog fouling.

She added: "The results of the wardens' work should be a cleaner, more attractive district which would be more likely to satisfy residents and attract visitors and businesses to the area."