A Day in the Life of Bracklesham’s Community Warden
Not a day goes by without being asked ‘So, what does a Community Warden do?’ This job is so varied; it can take a while to explain the whole range of issues we get involved in, so read on to find out more about a day in the life of your Community Warden….
12:00
I start my shift, check my messages and return some calls, then I catch up with Bracklesham’s Police Community Support Officer, before heading off on my bike for my first patrol.
12:56
I spot three fly posters on some lamp posts in East Wittering and remove them; the event advertised on the posters had finished a couple of days ago, but no one had thought to come back and take them down.
13:30
I receive a call from a resident to say that a couple of people were collecting for a charity, but they were not sure if it existed. After a few checks, I was able to ascertain that the charity was valid and collecting in the area.
14:01
It’s time to patrol Bracklesham Park on foot and I notice that there is still a large amount of dog fouling in the long grass next to the footpath. I discover lots of litter behind the goal post in the far corner of the park, so I get my litter picker and set to work.
15:25
As I walk along the path near Stubcroft Lane, I’m pleased to see that the tree trunks which had been dumped in the ditch had been removed. I had reported this several times and with a great deal of help from Gavin Holder who works in the District Council, we got it removed. My colleagues have promised to help clean up the area and remove the remaining fallen trees. I see that someone has dumped a number of car tyres so I make a mental note to return later in the day with my van to collect and dispose of them.
16:00
I love walking along the sea front and making new acquaintances! It’s also an opportunity to make sure the sea walls are graffiti free; if I can’t remove it then I make sure it is reported to Graffiti Solutions who will clean up the area within 24 hours.
16:30
I have completed my first patrol so I take a break. While I am at my desk, I take the opportunity to do some of my paperwork then it’s time to for my next patrol – on foot.
17:12
I come across a group of young lads, one of them is pushing a mini motorbike up the road. They assure me that they are not going to ride it, however I still explained the dangers of riding mini motorbikes in the road; as well as where not to ride them. They laugh and joke with me, asking me how I get my head so smooth and whether I was going to the youth club tonight.
17:45
I head off in my van to Stubcroft Lane, to collect some fly tipped car tyres and bags of rubbish to take the tip tomorrow.
18:00
I remove some graffiti from outside of Tesco, in East Wittering, with my graffiti removal kit.
18:40
It’s time to go to the Youth Club to get beaten in a game of pool and chat with the members. It’s a great opportunity to get to know the youngsters, find out how school is going, and what they have been up to during the holidays.
19:30
Just time for a quick spin round my patch before, I finish: I call it “Tucking my patch
in for the night”. I’m looking forward to a cup of tea and putting my feet up, after another satisfying day at work.