Edenbridge Community Street Warden proves to be more popular than ever

A recent survey covering residents' satisfaction with Alex Stephen, the Edenbridge Community Street Warden, demonstrated that overall local people are more pleased with the service than ever.

The survey took place in April and May 2004 and showed significant improvements across the board, with 92% of those taking part saying the scheme should continue.

The results come at a time when Sevenoaks District Council is asking local businesses to help support the service when Government funding runs our next year.

Result (2003 results are in brackets)

Awareness that Edenbridge has a warden 94% [89%]
How often do you see him: daily 35% [19%]; weekly 46% [45%]
Have you had contact with Alex 79% [50%]
Has your fear of crime reduced 76% [34%]
Do you feel the warden provides reassurance 82% [63%]
Do you feel safer in your home 68% [47%]
Do you feel safer on the streets 73% [45%]
Have you noticed an improvement in the local environment 76% [69%]
Do you think Edenbridge is cleaner 81% [67%]
Do you think Alex provides an effective link for the community 86% [83%]
Is the scheme good for Edenbridge 92% [84%]
Should the scheme continue 92% [86%]

4,000 questionnaires were distributed with 327 completed returns [8%]

Cllr Keith Loney, the Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Safety, says: "This latest survey demonstrates that local people think the Edenbridge Community Street Warden provides an excellent service to the community and they want the scheme to continue. We are currently asking local businesses, who also benefit from the service, to pledge their support for the warden scheme when Government funding runs out next April. I urge them to give their support, without which the scheme may not be able to continue."

The main aims of the warden scheme are to improve the local environment, reduce the fear of crime and help make effective links between the Edenbridge community and public and voluntary agencies.

Alex Stephen is employed by the Council but the scheme is 50% funded by the Government with a balance of funding from Sevenoaks District Council, Edenbridge Town Council, West Kent Housing Association and Moat Housing Society.