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Jun
Private security firm to patrol Harrogate during World Cup
Key fixtures during this summer's football World Cup will see safety officers from a private security company on patrol in Harrogate.
The tournament is being held across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with matches taking place throughout June and July.
The scheme, which willalso operate in Selby, is part of the night marshal scheme, led by North Yorkshire Council’s community safety team with funding from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, and it follows a successful pilot over the festive period in December last year.
The aim is to reduce anti-social behaviour and provide visible support in busy town centres during peak evening hours.
The safety officers from York-based Eboracum Security will patrol busy areas in pairs, focusing particularly on places where matches are being shown.
According to North Yorkshire Council, their presence is intended to support residents and visitors enjoying the tournament and help keep town centres safe and well managed.
Initially, the safety officers will be on patrol at times when England's first three group-stage matches are being played, as well as on the day of the final:
- Wednesday, June 17, 5pm to 1am (England v Croatia)
- Tuesday, June 23, 5pm to 1am (England v Ghana)
- Saturday, June 27, 6pm to 2am (Panama v England)
- Sunday, July 19, 12pm to 8pm (World Cup Final)
Additional dates may be added, depending on the progress of the England team in the competition.
Harrogate town centre.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for corporate services, Cllr Heather Phillips, whose responsibilities include community safety, said:
Major events like the World Cup bring a real buzz to our town centres, and we want everyone to be able to enjoy them safely and responsibly.
This initiative provides a visible presence to reassure people on a night out, while also tackling anti-social behaviour.
By building on our pilot scheme and working with partners, we are helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for residents, visitors and businesses throughout the tournament.
North Yorkshire’s deputy mayor for policing, fire and crime, Jo Coles, said she was pleased to have been able to help the council in the venture.
She said:
Football is brilliant at bringing people together, but unfortunately it also often brings increased policing pressures in our towns and city centres and heightened danger for women and girls.
Mayor David Skaith and I are determined to do all we can to keep people safe in our region, so I’m delighted we've been able to work with partners and provide District Level Community Safety funding to support town safety officers who will carry out additional, visible patrols over the coming weeks.
Cllr Sam Gibbs, who represents the Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate division on North Yorkshire Council, added:
Harrogate will have a fantastic atmosphere during the World Cup, and we want people to enjoy everything the town has to offer.
The safety officers will provide reassurance and support on busy evenings. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to enjoy the matches safely.
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