Cheltenham BID is introducing a new Community Safety Officer (CSO) pilot scheme to provide additional support for businesses and help create a safer, more welcoming town centre environment.
Launching on Friday 25th September, the BID-funded initiative sees two dedicated Community Safety Officers (contracted by Primeguard UK), patrolling Cheltenham town centre during key evening and weekend periods, when businesses can be most impacted by anti-social behaviour and other community safety concerns.
The three-month pilot has been fully funded by Cheltenham BID and reflects the organisation’s commitment to reinvesting levy payer contributions into projects that deliver tangible benefits for businesses.
Over an initial three-month period, the officers will provide a visible and reassuring presence, working closely with businesses to identify concerns, address emerging issues and improve communication around safety within the town centre.
Martyn Gliddon, Head of Operations at Cheltenham BID says
“The Community Safety Officers will play an important role in strengthening our relationships with businesses across Cheltenham’s day and night-time economy. We want them to become trusted, familiar faces and a reliable point of contact for businesses when they need support.
By regularly visiting businesses, listening to concerns and gathering intelligence about issues affecting the town, and help us and Gloucestershire Constabulary respond more effectively to incidents of anti-social behaviour where appropriate.
Ultimately, it’s about being visible, approachable and working collaboratively with businesses to help make Cheltenham a safer and more welcoming place for everyone.”
While Cheltenham BID already supports the town through a range of safety initiatives, including its partnership with Cheltenham Safe, this new pilot provides an additional resource dedicated to engaging directly with businesses and supporting community safety objectives.
The Community Safety Officers will operate during peak periods, helping to support businesses when footfall is at its highest and when incidents of anti-social behaviour can have the greatest impact on staff, customers and the wider visitor experience.
The officers will initially patrol at the following times:
· Friday: 4pm to 4am
· Saturday: 12pm to 4am
· Sunday: 10am to 6pm
Coverage will also be incorporated into key Bank Holiday periods where appropriate.
Cheltenham BID will assess the impact of the initiative through business engagement, incident reporting, stakeholder feedback and evidence gathered by the Community Safety Officers while on patrol.
The findings will help inform discussions around the future of the scheme and the potential for longer-term delivery.
For further information about the Community Safety Officer pilot, please contact Cheltenham BID.
