A former traffic officer is the new “eyes and ears” of Baildon in a new drive to combat graffiti, litter, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour in the village.
Keith North, 52, has been given the new part-time role of environmental warden after the parish council secured £10,000 to fund the post.
The married father previously worked for West Yorkshire Police for 30 years as a beat PC, and a roads policing officer at Eccleshill and Shipley.
He said: “I am looking forward to the challenge – it is a change from what I have done for the last 30 years – but I have lived in Baildon for most of my life and it is good to be able to put something back into the community.”
Although he has no formal powers of arrest or detention, Mr North will work with the Baildon business community, police and Bradford Council in a bid to minimise troublemaking in the village centre and fly-tipping in areas such as Shipley Glen.
He will also undergo training in the next few weeks to enable him to visit schools where he will talk to staff and children about creating safe walking and cycling routes to and from school.
The appointment was made this month after lengthy discussions with the police and community leaders.
Mr North said: “This is a completely new role for the parish council and at the moment I am just meeting people and getting my face known and letting people know what the parish council can do for them.”
Paul Marfell, chairman of Baildon Parish Council said: “He will be the eyes and ears of the parish council, combating fly-tipping, litter, dog fouling and will also be monitoring the use of footpaths and liaising with schools to help kids biking and walking to school.
“There are a lot of people who we feel would benefit from having someone walking around and keeping an eye on things at times when the parish council cannot be there.
“The scheme has already received very favourable comments from businesses, police and the Incommunities housing association and we are going to make it a real success.”
The initiative has proved successful in other areas such as Windhill, Girlington, Great Horton, Eccleshill and Bradford Moor.
e-mail: marc.meneaud@telegraphandargus.co.uk
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