The Street Marshal Scheme has been running since 19th September 2015, and is a partnership between the University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent Union, Christ Church Students’ Union, Kent Police, Canterbury City Council, the Residents’ Associations of north and south Canterbury and Right Guard Security.

The scheme operates in defined residential areas and had two aims: safeguarding students and local residents as they move through areas of Canterbury at night, and promoting positive community relationships by encouraging students and local residents to behave responsibly whilst walking through these areas. 

Reports so far show that the scheme is having a very positive effect. Students and residents were surveyed before and during the scheme and results highlight that:

• 90% of students feel safe now compared to 73% before the scheme began
• Reports of disturbances/anti-social behaviour from residents have fallen 
  • 77% reported litter or rubbish being thrown around before the scheme began but this figure is now down to 41% 
  • 54% reported bins being moved or vandalised but this figure is now down to 21%
  • However before the scheme 14% residents reported no disturbances, but this figure is now up to 35%

Overall it is felt that the scheme is very beneficial to students and to the community.

But worryingly 20% of students say they are still walking home alone at night which is similar to the 21% before the scheme started - this is of concern to both Christ Church Students’ Union and the University and will be raised as part of the University’s Personal Safety Campaign.

Have you met the Street Marshals? What do you think of them? Please give us your thoughts and comments below: