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10
Dec
Private security drafted in to help police in Harrogate over Christmas
A private security firm is being paid to help police maintain nighttime safety in Harrogate at weekends in the run-up to Christmas.
York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has awarded £6,500 to X9 Security Solutions to provide ‘night marshals’ in Harrogate and Selby.
The marshals will seek to ‘de-escalate’ anti-social behaviour, much of which is fuelled by drink, according to a North Yorkshire Council press release announcing the scheme today (December 10).
The initiative started in Harrogate last weekend (December 5 and 6) and will continue on December 12 and 13, 19 and 20, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, December 27 and 28, December 31 and January 2 and 3.
Inspector Greg Davies, from the Harrogate neighbourhood policing team, said:
Police officers will be working alongside the marshals to keep people safe on a night out, especially as town centres get busier in the run-up to Christmas.
The initiative has been very well received elsewhere and we’re confident that both Harrogate and Selby will be no exception.
The marshals will monitor taxi ranks as well as the main nightlife areas.
If they prove to be a success, they could return each year and the role could be expanded to other locations in North Yorkshire.
Cllr Sam Gibbs, a Conservative who represents Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate on the council, said:
“North Yorkshire is widely regarded as a safe place to live, work, and visit. However, we cannot afford to be complacent. Any initiative that helps people feel more secure in Harrogate town centre — especially in the busy run-up to Christmas — is something we wholeheartedly welcome.
“Schemes like this show our commitment, alongside our partners, to keeping people safe and ensuring Harrogate remains a welcoming and vibrant place to spend time.”
Cllr Heather Phillips, the council’s executive member for community safety, said: “The festive season brings a significant increase in visitors and late-night activity, and this can often be accompanied by alcohol-related incidents and anti-social behaviour.
“While there is no specific problem in Harrogate or Selby, working alongside the police, our CCTV operators and staff employed by the various venues in the town centres, the night marshals will provide an added layer of reassurance to all those out and about.”
The council has also joined with York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Safer North Yorkshire and Safer York Partnership to produce posters entitled ‘tis the season to think safety’.
They can be seen at locations across North Yorkshire and encourage people to look after friends, look after phones, look after drinks and plan routes home.
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