Mayor welcomes extension of Safer Summer Scheme to Westward Ho!

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall visited Westward Ho! on Saturday to mark the area's inclusion in the Safer Summer Scheme, which provides extra funding for tackling anti-social behaviour in summer hotspots.

The Safer Summer Scheme, which is funded by the PCC's office, will see patrols of street wardens in Westward Ho! to help visitors and residents to feel safe and secure during the peak tourist season.

David Chalmers, on his first official civic engagement as Mayor of Northam, welcomed Alison Hernandez, saying:

'As Mayor I was very keen to see Westward Ho! included in this scheme as I wanted to reassure visitors and residents that we are doing as much as we can to make a visit to our towns and beaches as pleasurable an experience as possible. I am very grateful to Torridge District Council for making this happen.

We all know that there are more rules in place at this time than under normal circumstances and they take some getting used to. We welcome visitors and want people to enjoy themselves but at times when a few drinks have been had, a few chosen words can help diffuse a situation.'

The Safer Summer Scheme provides an additional £500,000 of funding for tourist hotspots throughout Devon and Cornwall for 10 weeks.