THE first team of Bridgwater Town Wardens and Ambassadors have completed their first week on the job in the town centre.

They began their work on Monday, October 3 and set out at helping visitors to the town centre as well as deterring anti-social behaviour.

This is the first project amongst the Bridgwater Town Deal projects which kicks off the on-the-ground practical implementation of the wider projects.

Colin Batchelor is the manager of a team of five other full and part-time Ambassadors, who are in the process of being recruited.

The team will have a period of on-the-job training by joining Sedgemoor staff in street cleaning, housing and CCTV so that they have a full understanding of the heartbeat of Bridgwater’s town centre, both during the day and the night.

Until he is joined by his team, Colin has made a start by going around the town centre businesses, introducing himself and finding out what challenges lie ahead for the team.

Sedgemoor District Council has said: "The Town Ambassadors will provide a strong visible presence in the town centre, to help and advise shoppers and visitors to the town centre encourage safe use of the town centre and its amenities.

"They will also work with those at risk on the streets and potentially engaged in anti-social behaviour, affecting the enjoyment of other residents, businesses, and visitors. The Town Wardens and Ambassadors will be the eyes and ears of a wider local support network of agencies for everyone who uses the town centre, either during the day or night."

Chairman of Bridgwater Town Board, Paul Moore said: “It’s an exciting time for the Board as this will be the first visible evidence of the Town Deal funding which is great for Bridgwater town centre, bringing more engagement between users, visitors, business and support agencies."

Bridgwater was one of 101 towns asked by the Government to come up with plans for sustainable regeneration over the next 30 years.

The proposals submitted have been overseen by the Bridgwater Town Deal Board comprising representatives from all tiers of local government together with community and business partners; all committed ambassadors of Bridgwater and its economic potential.