Two dedicated Taxi Marshals are set to make a welcome return to Rayleigh High Street, ensuring the safety of all those enjoying the vibrant nightlife in the area. Building upon the success of the scheme over the past two years, the marshals are back, ready to provide their helpful service during the upcoming festive season.
Funded by Rochford District Council's licensing team, through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and Rayleigh Town Council, the two security officers will be on hand from 11:30pm to 4:30am on Friday and Saturday nights.
As in the past, the marshals will work helping to maintain the orderly taxi queue, ensuring that revellers don't push in, and that everyone gets into a taxi safely, ready to make the journey home. This simple yet effective service not only eases the flow of people but also contributes significantly to the safety of the night-time crowd.
Following their one-off shift during the Halloween weekend, the marshals will be stationed on Rayleigh High Street starting on Saturday 25 November and throughout the Christmas season on Friday and Saturday nights until 30 December.
Cllr Lisa Newport, Lead member for Communities and Health of Rochford District Council’s Joint Administration, welcomes their return and said: "We are thrilled to have our Security Industry Authority registered marshals back on duty, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of this service throughout the festive season. The support from Rochford District Council through the UKSPF fund and Rayleigh Town Council is instrumental in making this service possible. Together, we can make Rayleigh's nightlife even safer and more enjoyable for all."