Date: September 29, 2014

First anniversary for City Assist ambassadors

Tomorrow marks the first anniversary of the formation of the City Assist team in Hastings CBD.

The ambassadors began walking the streets of the central shopping area in Hastings on Monday 30th September 2013, in response to calls for greater security and public safety in the area.

The initiative was introduced on a six-month trial, with six ambassadors rostered to patrol the CBD, 7 days week. The initial trial only included Heretaunga Street but was later extended to include other streets surrounding the CBD and the Kmart Plaza.

Councillor Sandra Hazlehurst says “A vibrant and safe CBD is a top priority for our community and the City Assist ambassadors have been very successful in improving the overall feeling in the CBD.”

Sandra Hazlehurst says “The ambassadors have clearly demonstrated that by their very presence and interaction with visitors and shoppers, a positive improvement has been made to the atmosphere in the CBD.”

Hastings City Business Centre Manager Susan McDade says “The general feeling amongst shoppers and retail staff, is that the CBD is a safer place with the city assist ambassadors on patrol. Retailers have regained confidence and have been given a tool that has helped in the fight against shoplifting. Shoppers appear to be spending more time in the CBD now that the atmosphere has improved.”

Council has approved funding that will allow the city assist programme to operate through until June 2015.

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