A street marshal scheme aiming to curb noise and drunken antics in Canterbury launches today.

As the city sees the return of thousands of students, security officers in hi-vis uniforms will patrol the Sturry Road, Wincheap and St Michael’s areas.

Wincheap-based firm Right Guard Security is providing the patrols.

Managing director Tony Smith said: “I initially started a neighbourhood patrol a few years ago around the St Michael’s area of the city and that has developed into the street marshal scheme.

“This scheme will see our officers heavily visible in their bright uniforms and work with establishments and students to make Canterbury a safer place.

“We will also work closely with other operators and the police – and we want people to come to us and tell us how they think it is going.

“I’m extremely pleased to be providing the street marshal service.”

The street marshals scheme is a collaboration 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.

Reacting to concerns that noisy students are often responsible for late night disturbances, the marshals will patrol every night during Freshers’ Week, which starts on Saturday.

Christ Church spokesman Jeanette Earl said: “The street marshals primary aim is to safeguard the safety and wellbeing of students as they make their way through designated areas of Canterbury at night.

“It is also intended that the street marshals will provide a reassuring presence to both students and local residents by deterring anti-social behaviour.

"Disorderly conduct through excessive drinking is usually caused by a small number of people but it can have a big effect on a community..." - PC Sue Ginever

“The street marshals are all Security Industry Authority accredited, have been vetted by Kent Police and undertaken training prescribed by the Association of Chief Police Officers under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme.

“All have been selected for their professionalism, friendliness and communication skills in this unique role in Canterbury.”

Police are increasing patrols to coincide with the start of Freshers’ Week.

They will have hi-visibility units in key locations in an effort to target alcohol-related crime and disorder throughout October.

PC Sue Ginever said: “For most young people Freshers’ Week is exciting and their first time away from home. They don’t know the city, they have yet to form close friendships and they need to think about their personal safety and how they are getting back home at the end of the evening.

“Disorderly conduct through excessive drinking is usually caused by a small number of people but it can have a big effect on a community. That is another reason we will be increasing visible policing during the next four weeks.

“Our message for students is know your limits. Look out for one another. Don’t leave your mobile phones and bags unattended and avoid walking alone late at night.”

Police estimate that Canterbury has 32,000 students during term time with about 10,000 arriving in the city for the first time this month.

Officers will be advising them on issues relating to crime and safety.

After the Freshers’ Week, the marshals will patrol: St Michael’s on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday between 11pm and 4am; Station Road East, Wincheap and Martyrs Field Road on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11pm to 5am; Northgate and Sturry Road on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11pm to 5am.

The street marshals will operate during a 12-month trial over the course of the academic year.

Visit www.canterburystreetmarshals.org for more information.