Burnley BID and Burnley Council extend operating hours of town centre warden scheme
Town wardens are to work longer hours in Burnley centre.
Burnley Business Improvement District (BID) and Burnley Council have announced an extension to the operating hours of the town warden scheme, reinforcing a shared commitment to creating a safer, more welcoming and supportive environment across the town.
Under the enhanced schedule, two wardens will now be on duty over a 12-hour period, seven days a week. This extended coverage ensures the town centre and surrounding areas benefit from longer periods of monitoring and reassurance. The wardens act as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the town, helping to deter anti-social behaviour, responding rapidly when needed and providing a visible, approachable presence.
Each warden is first-aid trained, ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) qualified and fully connected through Burnley’s radio network to enable fast communication and coordinated response. The wardens also act as helpful guides within the town, offering directions and practical advice to visitors and shoppers, further enhancing the overall experience and supporting the town’s visitor economy.
The strengthened warden service forms a key part of Burnley BID’s wider strategy to support businesses and improve the visitor experience. Alongside this, the BID’s consumer-facing brand Discover Burnley delivers a diverse programme of annual events all aimed at driving footfall, fostering community pride and contributing to a vibrant town. Iinitiatives such as the Burnley Business Crime Reduction Partnership and the Customer Service Awards further underpin efforts to create a safe, cohesive and thriving Burnley.
Jason Cothliff, Burnley BID Manager, said: “Extending our town warden hours is another significant step in strengthening the support we provide across Burnley. The wardens play an essential role in keeping people safe, assisting businesses and organisation whilst providing a visible, reassuring presence. This increased coverage reflects our commitment to listening to the needs of businesses and continually enhancing the support we deliver.”
Coun. Lubna Khan, Burnley Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Growth, said: “The wardens are often the first point of contact for businesses and visitors, offering reassurance, practical help and a friendly, familiar presence. We know how much people value that visibility on the streets, and the extended hours will help build on the positive work the wardens already do.”
The town warden scheme is jointly funded by Burnley BID and Burnley Council via recent UKSPF funding.