A NEW team of community marshals will take to the streets of York.

The York Streetwise scheme will operate two nights a week around the city to offer help and support to students and members of the public walking home late at night.

Mixed gender pairs will patrol residential areas of the city - including including Heslington village, Badger Hill and the Newland Park Drive area - on Sunday and Wednesday nights between 10pm and 4am, to reassure those walking home and who may be vulnerable.

The scheme has been funded by the University of York with First York and accommodation provider Student Roost, but is delivered by the students’ union (YUSU) who train and support the team.

It is also supported by York St John University, North Yorkshire Police and City of York Council.

Jo Horsburgh, registrar and secretary at the University of York, said: “The university has been part of the community since 1963 and we take our civic responsibilities seriously.

“We know that our students very much enjoy being part of the local community and have an important role in maintaining and promoting positive community relationships.

“We believe the Streetwise scheme will provide additional help and support for our student community late at night and demonstrates our commitment to working in partnership with our students, staff and local residents.”

The pilot scheme was set up in response to feedback from students and local residents, and launched to coincide with the start of the new academic year and the arrival of new students to the city.

Four marshals have been recruited for the scheme which will run as a trial until December, building on similar projects operating at several other universities.

Cllr Helen Douglas, executive member for housing and community safety at City of York Council, said: “This is a great partnership working to help ensure night-time safety and neighbourly behaviour.

“I welcome this pilot project and hope local people, as well as new and existing students, benefit from it.”