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30
May 2024
Harrogate BID introduce town centre support officer
Harrogate BID has announced that it has launched a new town centre support officer (TCSO) role.
The new role has been introduced to help to keep the town safe. Kiam Taylor, a former civil servant, has been announced as the new officer.
The BID aim for the new town centre support officer to help reduce the risk of crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre.
Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID manager, said:
During the consultation for our term two Business Plan, a high percentage of our members told us that shoplifting, threats to staff and general anti-social behaviour outside of their properties were their main concerns. We have listened and reacted to this. The Town Centre Support Officer, fully funded by Harrogate BID, will be a visible, engaging, evidence collating uniformed presence on the street looking to be the glue that brings partners together to create positive outcomes for all.
Mr Taylor will be tasked with building relationships with BID member businesses and property owners to reduce loitering and other issues in hot spot areas of the town.
Part of the role will involve working with North Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire Council, CCTV Operatives and Harrogate Homeless Project, to tackle any problems they may face around crime.
Mr Taylor will report any problems to these organisations and support any campaigns, projects or events they may host in a bid to tackle issues in the town.
Harrogate area commander for North Yorkshire Police, Chief Inspector Simon Williamson, said:
By working together we aim to make Harrogate, which is already a very safe town centre, even more appealing to everyone who visits, works, shops or lives there. This kind of partnership work allows us to all combine our skills, knowledge and responsibilities to achieve shared goals that benefit the whole community. So, we’re looking forward to working with the new support officer in Harrogate and continuing to work closely with Harrogate BID, the local authority, businesses and other organisations that strive to keep the town safe, pleasant and successful.
Any BID members businesses or partners wishing to speak with Mr Taylor, or set up a meeting, should contact the BID at info@harrogatebid.co.uk
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