SLOUGH’S version of ‘Covid marshals’ will be patrolling the borough’s hotspot areas to encourage groups to disperse.

Following the move to Tier Two, the council has announced they have employed eight Covid officers – starting from November 2 (Monday) – to help communities stay safe from the virus.

Slough Borough Council said there are still some people gathering in larger numbers in areas, causing concern to residents around safety and spread of the coronavirus, where the officers will target these hotspot areas and encourage the groups to disperse.

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The eight Covid officers will work in teams of two from 2pm to 11pm, seven days per week, and will also go around educating and engaging with residents who don’t know or don’t care about the regulations and work with the police to make sure people are following the rules.

Just like ‘Covid Marshals’, they do not have the power to enforce the rules – but it’s hoped they will take pressure off the police and council officers.

A spokesman for Slough Borough Council said they received £88,000 from the government’s £30 million coronavirus compliance and enforcement grant earlier this month to fund the Covid officers.

The council’s CCTV team will monitor the borough for Covid-related issues and help the new officers and police respond to areas effectively.

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Richard West, executive director of customer, said: “We are now in Tier Two of the Covid risk levels and are considered HIGH risk. We really do not want to get to the stage of being Tier Three – as not only does this bring greater restrictions for residents and businesses it means many more of our residents will be seriously ill.

“We know the vast majority of our residents are following the advice on how to stay safe and prevent the spread of Covid, but many are worried about the behaviour of some others and how it is affecting our town.”