Swansea city centre rangers going the extra mile to keep city centre safe

SWANSEA City centre rangers have been going the extra miles to support visitors and businesses in the city centre since lockdown has eased.

Hospitality businesses in the city centre have been re-opening to serve customers indoors as well as outdoors and more people are returning to the area to shop and enjoy a day out.

The rangers team have been active throughout the pandemic and are supporting visitors and businesses looking to maintain the Welsh Government’s two-metre rule and other Covid-19 measures.

Managed by Swansea Council, the rangers are supported with funding from Swansea Business Improvement District (BID).

Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s Cabinet Member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said the rangers are playing an important role supporting visitors, residents and businesses.

“Although lockdown is easing, the virus is still with us. Residents need to remember that and act accordingly when they’re out and about.

“The city centre rangers team have been active throughout the pandemic and in June alone they dealt with more than 1,000 incidents, walking 389 miles – greater than the distance to London and back.”

Ranger Jay Harry said: “We want people to visit the city centre and enjoy their visit to the shops and the cafes and restaurants that are open. But we’d urge them to enjoy themselves responsibly by maintaining the two-metre rule.

“Also, please be considerate to the staff of businesses in the area – they’re doing their best in unprecedented circumstances.”

BID chief executive Russell Greenslade said: “Having been working through lockdown with the Rangers I know our BID area businesses appreciate the work they have been doing during this lockdown period, to keep an eye on the security of the city centre and its businesses and to help deal with any matters.”

“Of course, it remains important that we are all vigilant about social distancing and that businesses and their customers feel safe to visit the centre. Everyone can play their part to make sure this happens.”

Between them, the rangers work seven days a week including bank holidays and cover the core hours of 9-6 pm.

They help with customer queries, helping facilitate and manage events and working with businesses and the police to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

They are also helping the city centre recover from Covid-19 by monitoring measures implemented to reduce the risk of transmission, supporting businesses, providing reassurance to visitors and showing how the city centre is a safe place to visit.

They patrol a zone extending from West Way and Dillwyn Street in the west over to High Street and Mansel Street in the north.

Additional areas include Parc Tawe and the Quadrant shopping centres, the Maritime Quarter and Wind Street and east to the River Tawe.

Their duties include reporting and dealing with issues such as broken paving, street furniture, discarded rubbish, vandalism and graffiti.