Swansea’s city centre rangers returned to full-time duty this week.
The team had been on limited duties during lockdown but will now offer shoppers and businesses a fuller service.
They will work to latest government guidelines and will do all they can to observe social distancing measures.
Managed by Swansea Council, the rangers are supported with funding from Swansea Business Improvement District (BID).
Ranger Jay Harry said: “Please use the city centre if you have essential matters to attend to but do maintain social distancing.
“Also, please be considerate to the staff of businesses in the area – they’re doing their best in unprecedented circumstances.”
Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “It will be good to have the rangers back out on full-time patrol; they’re a reassuring presence on our streets.
“The service they’ve provided for the past few weeks has been limited by necessity – but it has continued to be valuable.
“I know that businesses still operating and residents visiting the city centre for shopping, exercise and work have appreciated having them here to help on various matters.
“They have continued to report on issues such as hazards and other concerns.”
BID chief executive Russell Greenslade said: “I’m pleased to see our city centre rangers getting back to their full duties in Swansea city centre.
“I know our BID area businesses appreciate the work they have been doing during this lockdown period, to keep an eye on the security of the city centre, and it is good to see this being stepped up.
“Of course, it remains important that we are all vigilant about social distancing, but many of our businesses are talking to us about their plans to reopen.
“So, this will be a good indication for them that we are entering the next chapter in this crisis. We are on hand to support businesses with the legal and health and safety guidance they need to do this.”
Between them, the rangers work seven days a week including bank holidays and cover the core hours of 9-5pm.
They patrol a zone extending from West Way and Dillwyn Street in the west over to High Street and Mansel Street in the north.
Additional areas include Parc Tawe and the Quadrant shopping centres, the Maritime Quarter and Wind Street and east to the River Tawe.
Their duties include reporting and dealing with issues such as broken paving, street furniture, discarded rubbish, vandalism and graffiti.
They help with customer queries, helping facilitate and manage events and working with businesses and the police to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
For the past few weeks they have largely worked on office duties, with foot patrols limited to two a day, each of up to 45 minutes.
Last year the rangers provided assistance and support more than 13,600 times. They walked nearly 6.7 million steps in and around the city centre.
Resuming full duties will enable the rangers to make progress on projects designed to improve the look and feel of the city centre and to make preparations for area once regulations are relaxed in the future.