Community warden
The community warden scheme is run by Kent County Council and is basically designed to provide a visible and reassuring uniformed presence on the street, and to give information and assistance wherever possible, when a problem arises. The warden has no responsibility for crime and public order issues, but will liaise with others if necessary.
In Woodchurch, we share our warden, Chris Banyard, with Hamstreet. Chris, 42, was brought up in the village and had his primary education at our school. The family later moved to Lydd, and Chris completed his education at Southlands. He was apprenticed as a blacksmith/farrier and later became a school caretaker. After successfully completing his training, he was confirmed as a warden in April 2007.
Police
The vacuum left by the removal of “village bobbies” some years ago has been partially filled by the concept of flexible “neighbourhood policing”. This is provided by “response” officers, aided by Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).
Our response officer, who covers several villages and reports to Sgt Rachel Lovell in Tenterden, is PC Justin Farrow, and our PCSO, whom we similarly share, is PCSO Oliver Welch. Oliver can issue Fixed Penalty Notices in certain cases, but his main function apart from providing a uniformed presence, is to gather intelligence in regard to criminal activities, for passing on to his police colleagues, and to offer advice in general.
Telephone Contacts
In an emergency dial 999
For non-emergency calls and to report a crime, dial 611055.
Minor crimes can also be reported online at the Kent Police website.
PC Justin Farrow – 07870 252466
PCSO Oliver Welch – 07772 226117
Community Warden Chris Banyard – 07917 283809