On 7 March 2022, this committee approved a recommendation to authorise the Group Head of Wellbeing and Communities to scope the implementation of a community warden scheme in Bognor Regis.

This report sets out the progress of that scoping exercise and makes recommendations based on the outcome, looking to make best use of the allocated funding.

          (Councillors Daniells and Needs both redeclared their personal interests as Bognor Regis Town Councillors in this item.)

The Wellbeing and Communities Manager advised members that the report reflects the decision to implement Community Wardens scheme in Bognor Regis as made by the Committee earlier this year.

          Members then took part in a full debate where the following points were raised.

          Clarity on the area the Community Warden scheme would operate was sought, it was confirmed that the scheme would cover all of the Bognor Regis Parish areas including Barnham and Yapton. There was also discussion had regarding a similar proposal that was being considered separately by Bognor Regis Town Council. It was confirmed that Arun District Council and Bognor Regis Town Council were in communication regarding this proposal and the Wellbeing and Communities  Manager was yet to the review and respond to the proposal that had been submitted. It was also confirmed that there were known ‘hot spots’ of anti-social behaviour within the Bognor Regis Town Centre and how the Community Warden role would be of assistance in helping to reduce the number of incidents that were currently being seen. It was confirmed by both officers and the Chair that the work undertaken by the Community Warden team operating in Littlehampton had been impressive and had built up good working relationships with the public and other external partners in order to have a positive impact in the area. The Chair expressed her commitment to the scheme.  She also noted the importance of building relationships with Parish Councils so there is wider coverage for the scheme to prevent the displacement of problematic behaviour to areas which do not have wardens.

          Further discussion was had regarding how the council would ensure areas in the West of Arun would be covered without overspending and potential opportunities for match funding from Town and Parish Councils to maximise the benefits of the scheme across wider district areas. Working with Bognor Regis Town Council and Parish Councils who were also considering similar warden schemes being implemented and the importance of ensuring that communication across all these partners is vital, It was confirmed that a proactive approach would be taken by Arun to ensure good two-way conversations continued to take place with all partners and stakeholders parties involved.

          The final comment made at the end of the debate was that the community warden reports on the website page had not been updated for some time. It was confirmed that this would be rectified by the end of the week.

          The recommendations were then proposed by Councillor Thurston and seconded by Councillor Cooper (Andy).

          The Committee

                     RESOLVED

1)    To authorise the Group Head of Wellbeing and Communities to implement an Arun West community warden scheme, within the agreed budget allocated for a Bognor Regis scheme from October 2022.

2)    To authorise the Group Head of Wellbeing and Communities to agree the scope of a community warden scheme in Bognor Regis with effect from April 2023, in partnership with Bognor Regis Town Council, on the provision of match-funding and in-line with the outline budget for 2023/24.