Chichester’s Community Wardens Celebrate 20 Years As Council Commits To Continued Funding

Chichester District Council has agreed to continue funding its long-running Community Warden scheme, which is celebrating 20 years of supporting residents across the district.

At a meeting on Tuesday 7 October, councillors voted to fund half the cost of the service, with £147,000 a year provided by the council, subject to match funding from partner organisations.

Councillor Tracie Bangert, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said:

“We’re extremely proud of our Community Warden service, and I’m delighted that we can continue investing in their vital work.

"Twenty years is a real testament to the team — they’ve provided huge amounts of support to residents, voluntary groups, and vulnerable people right across our district.”

The seven-strong warden team provides a visible presence in local communities — offering welfare checks, supporting vulnerable residents, helping voluntary groups like Community Watch and local food hubs, and working closely with Sussex Police on patrols and community safety initiatives.

The service currently operates in Chichester City (East, West and South), Selsey (North and South), Tangmere and Oving, and Bracklesham and the Witterings.

Since its launch in 2005, the team has:

• Dealt with almost 100,000 incidents, mostly related to low-level crime and anti-social behaviour.

• Supported vulnerable residents to help prevent crises.

• Promoted council services at food hubs and foodbanks.

• Assisted with rough sleeping and business crime prevention in the city centre.

• Helped run a junior wardens programme and a campaign to protect residents from scams.

• Organised community clean-up days to tackle litter, graffiti and fly-tipping.

• Supported Dementia Friendly communities across the district.

Community Warden Jimmy Upton, who covers Tangmere and Oving, said:

“A big part of our job is being that direct link with the community.

"Sometimes it’s just about listening — people really appreciate having someone local they can talk to who understands their area.”