Prevention is always better than cure and Wye has had the benefit of a Community Warden around the parish since the government created the role over twenty years ago. Today Wye is very fortunate to have Richard Sinden as its Community Warden, as he is the most experienced warden in Kent. Added to which he has built up a wealth of local knowledge and contacts since he moved from Charing to Wye in 2012.

Richard Sinden followed Nick Thistle and Liz Lovatt in the post. However, the job has evolved greatly since Liz Lovatt's appointment in 2003, and Richard now takes a responsive and proactive approach to problem solving. A key part of Richard's job is to provide active leadership and co-ordinate the organisation of social care and support initiatives e.g. the bi-weekly Community Lunch for isolated and elderly residents and the Winter Warm Space events at Luckley House, and lead the Sensory Garden working parties.

The role of the Community Warden in Wye is varied and changing. Increasingly, Richard Sinden is focussed on helping the social, welfare and wellbeing needs of individual residents, and building community resilience. He works proactively and makes connections on behalf of residents in need with specialists and outside agencies.

In summary, Richard helps the community of Wye by:

• tackling low-level crime and antisocial behaviour (graffiti, littering, fly tipping and vandalism)
• resolving minor disputes and preventing them from escalating
• controlling traffic and dealing with parking obstructions
• taking the name and address of any individual seen acting suspiciously
• working closely with Kent Police and other professional authorities, including Ashford Borough Council Housing Department, Social Services and Kent Fire and Rescue
• knowing and talking to local people, and offering them information and advice
• taking part in local community activities
• liaising closely with the Parish Council, and providing a monthly incident report
• being a familiar face and trusted contact point for residents
• providing a reassuring uniformed presence about the village
• encouraging the community to work together

Richard Sinden is fully trained to the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme and also trained to give First Aid. His hours change from week to week, but Richard is out and about between the hours of 07.30 and 22.00 every day.