Photo by: Spiterman | Flickr

From September 2015, uniformed marshals will patrol student hotspots in Canterbury in a move designed to improve student safety and to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

The marshals will patrol the High Street and residential areas close to both universities between 11pm and 4am on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

They will be given limited powers that will allow them to take names and addresses and radio for police back-up in case it is required. They will also be able to tackle house party noise if it is deemed to spill out into the street.

The scheme, which is being joint-funded by the University of Kent and Canterbury Christchurch University, will be implemented for an unspecified trial period, beginning in Freshers Week.

It comes in the wake of recent violent attacks in Canterbury that have raised student’s security fears. These have included a stabbing in Westgate Gardens and the maiming of two men in Dane John Gardens, earlier this month.

It will also appease local resident’s concerns over anti-social behaviour. During this year’s Freshers Week, the St. Michaels Road area reported 42 student-related incidents, 15 of which were due to house parties.

The initiative is similar to one that was introduced last year in Royal Leamington Spa for University of Warwick students. That scheme, which cost the university a reported £50,000, provided pastoral care and also reminded students to be respectful of local residents on their way home.

The marshals will be provided by local firm Right Guard Security.