Concerns as city protection officer patrols withdrawn from parts of Gloucester

There are concerns anti-social behaviour could rise after the withdrawal of Gloucester city protection officers from Kingsholm.

Protection officers are tasked with tackling antisocial behaviour, street drinking, beggars, retail crime and act as an ambassador in Gloucester city centre. 

The officers are first aid trained and security industry authority approved and while they don’t have the power of arrest they can detain someone until the police arrive.

They provide cover for 152 hours per week, seven days a week, 362 days of the year after £650,000 was raised for the scheme from Gloucester’s Business Improvement District, with Gloucester City Council and Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner partnering with the scheme.

However, the funding has come to an end for the officers who covered the underpass at Gloucester Railway Station and the nearby area.

The council says it understands the concerns of residents and is looking at alternatives.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) said: “I was shocked to learn the other day that the City Protection Officer patrols were being withdrawn from parts of Kingsholm adjacent to the city centre. 

“The red jacketed patrols were introduced sometime ago to tackle petty crime and anti-social behaviour. The city protection officers were doing a great job. 

“Local businesses on London Road, Alvin Street and St Catherine Street have written to me requesting that these patrols continue. 

“I agree with them. I have asked the cabinet member Cllr Raymond Padilla to secure funding so that the red jacket patrols can continue.”

Councillor Angela Conder (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) who also represents the area on the council, said she was dismayed by the decision to withdraw the patrols.

“This decision dismayed me. We have worked so hard to turn around anti-social behaviour on the London Road and Worcester Street area of Kingsholm. 

“With the economic outlook looking so poor, I can’t help but think that Kingsholm will be even more on the front line than usual. I hope some funds can be found to continue the good work of the city protection officers.”

A Gloucester City Council spokesperson confirmed they are looking into the issue. 

“Funding from the Gloucestershire First Local Enterprise Partnership was previously secured to have city protection Officers stationed in the underpass at the train station and nearby area, and also to provide security on Kings Square until a management company was formed to take over its day to day running.

“Now that the underpass is closed for redevelopment and security for the square has been taken over, funding for the two city protection officers has come to an end.

“We understand people’s concerns over this change and are looking into whether any alternative provision can be made.”