Taxi marshals back in town

TAXI marshals have returned to the streets of Bridgend for the first time in more than a decade, with their first shift on Saturday night said to have gone well.

They have been brought back to make it easier for revellers to get a lift home, adding to the positive experience of a night out in the town centre.

It’s the first time taxi marshals have been used in Bridgend since 2005.

One of Wales’ first-ever schemes was piloted in the town from December 2004, but it ended the following September due to a lack of funding despite positive results.

Two security officers provided by a private company were stationed on the taxi rank in Market Street and a further two officers were at the rank in Derwen Road between 5pm on Saturday and 1am on Sunday. They are being paid for by CF31, the town’s Business Improvement District company, following consultation with publicans.

The BID is a businessled and funded mechanism for improving the town centre.

BID manager Justin Jenkins said everything went well on Saturday, but the marshals’ shift times have been altered so they will now work between 9pm and 5am.

“We have been speaking to publicans in town and, amongst other things, they said taxi marshals would help customers have a better experience on their night out,” he said.

“It’s to make sure no one is queue jumping, that people are getting taxis in a fair way.”

The pilot project will run on the day of Wales’ matches in this year’s Six Nations tournament – February 10 and 24 and March 11 and 17.

Once the Six Nations is over the impact of the scheme will be assessed.

Pub Watch chairman Liz Bevan said taxi marshals are something publicans have wanted to see return to the town centre for a long time.

“I think it will make a big difference. It will be nice to have some organisation for people, especially the younger generation, to get home on time,” she said.

“When you have so many people waiting for taxis and it’s cold and wet, everyone gets frustrated. A lot of the time they end up arguing.”

Police Sergeant Angela Bennett said: “The Six Nations tournament always proves extremely popular and is both a great sporting event and an opportunity to socialise and soak up the exciting atmosphere.

“However, an occasion such as this can have the potential for public disorder, alcohol-related antisocial behaviour and violence and, alongside our partners, we are committed to ensuring that those coming in to the town centre have a safe and enjoyable experience.

“We will have additional officers on duty and the Safer Bridgend team will do all it can to achieve this aim...

“Those who step out of line will be dealt with robustly.”