New 'Street Marshals' introduced to make Skipton feel safer over the festive season

Skipton BID has appointed ‘Street Marshals’ to help make the town centre a safer and a more welcoming place to visit in the run-up to Christmas.

These will be supported by the CCTV cameras which are located throughout the town centre and the STAND initiative.

Two SIA and First Aid trained professionals will patrol the town between 9pm and 3am, every Saturday throughout December as well as on Friday 16th and Friday 23rd December. The aim is to deter incidents and provide welfare for Skipton’s evening and late-night visitors over the busy festive period.

Skipton BID has chosen Saber Security to provide this service as it has established strong links with Skipton, providing door staff for the late-night venues in the Keighley Road area of the town. Having provided door staff in Skipton for many years, it ensures they will be familiar with the town which will be essential over these busy periods.

Andrew Mear, Chair of Skipton BID said: “We are keen to support businesses in the evening and night time economy to ensure the town centre is safe and enjoyable. Our aim is to improve the whole experience for anyone and everyone who comes into the town as we head into the festive season.

"The introduction of ‘Street Marshals’ complement the other safety measures including STAND and CCTV throughout the town centre. Safety and security is an objective of Skipton BID and we are committed to introducing new measures to make Skipton a safer place to live and visit.”

Neil Stringer, Saber Security National Compliance Officer, said: “Saber Security is proud to represent the town of Skipton by providing services in the community for Skipton BID. As part of our role, we aim to ensure safety by helping to prevent and deter incidents, public disorder and anti-social behaviour from occurring, whilst offering support and welfare when required. The team will have a clearly defined working plan and instructions, with a key focus on welfare and we will work closely with the local community, authorities and businesses in the town ensuring safety measures and controls are in place so everyone can enjoy the nightlife.”

The ‘Street Marshals’ will be visible by their branded black reflective waistcoats. They will also have a secure instant message link to all STAND pubs, bars and clubs and to North Yorkshire Police. STAND (Stopping Trouble and Night-time Disorder) represents pubs and clubs in Skipton and produces a list of people banned for troublesome behaviour, including drink and drug related anti-social behaviour. Once banned you will be denied entry to all premises in the town centre.

Inspector Julie Earnshaw said: “North Yorkshire Police and Craven police staff are in full support of the STAND process, and will be working closely with the licensees again moving forward. Understandably, STAND took a step backwards during the Covid pandemic but it is very much refreshed and in the spotlight for our licensed premises.

"We all want a safe night-time economy and any offences highlighted in licensed premises will be dealt with robustly. A huge thank you to our Chair of STAND Sera Brook and Skipton BID's Sarah Howsen for their tireless endeavours to make Skipton a safer place for us all."

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