KCC has launched a consultation on the future of its Community Warden service. The wardens have been a popular and successful innovation in the parts of the county that they have served since they were introduced in 2002. Much of Darent Valley is well served by wardens, tackling low-level crime and antisocial behaviour, working with the police and other agencies and engaging with many of the most vulnerable members of local communities.
Nonetheless, there are communities that do not benefit from the warden service, while we also need to make significant savings. Our community warden service has been asked to deliver savings of nearly £1.3 million.
The consultation document proposes a reduction in management structures; among other changes, team leaders will be reduced in number from 12 to 6, with each one overseeing two Districts. Each will oversee a network of 6 or 7 wardens who will work across the area. While wardens will no longer be attached to specific parishes, parishes will still get a regular service from them, as will urban and other areas that have not so far been covered. It is proposed to reduce the number of wardens from 79 to 40. KCC is also looking at the possibility of external funding for warden posts in some areas and building up volunteer support for the wardens.
These are important proposals for a valued service. If you would like to comment on the plans, the consultation is open until 9 November. No formal decision will be taken until then. You can comment by completing an online questionnaire, or by completing a hard copy version of the questionnaire and sending it in to:
FREEPOST RTKS-UABE-USGJ
Community Warden Service
Invicta House
Maidstone
Kent
ME14 1XX
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