Westminster City council continues to employ Covid marshalls despite restrictions being lifted

Westminster City Council is still paying Covid marshalls to patrol busy areas despite restrictions being lifted in July.

The council has refused to reveal how much they’re paying them.

The authority continues to employ up to 10 Covid marshals to ensure people comply with guidelines even though rules on social distancing and masks were eased in July.

Many restrictions were lifted in England on July 19, with nightclubs reopening at midnight, limits removed on the number of people meeting indoors, and table service was no longer required in pubs and restaurants.

Westminster resident Sam Lawson said the continued use of the marshals in the area is a “waste of money”.

He said he noticed some of them patrolling Chinatown last week and when he asked them why they could not give him an answer.

He added: “They’re spreading fear and I find it harassing and alarmist.”

TJ Farrell, general manager of of The Lyric in Soho, said he has not seen the marshals speaking to anyone while walking around the area.

He added: “What is the use for them? I personally don’t feel the are a warranted service.

“They just walk around on their phones having a laugh. I don’t blame them if they’re walking around all day but I can’t imagine is what they’re tasked to do.

“They look almost military-esque, which is a little bit intrusive to people who don’t know the area or who they are.

“I understand why they have been here but now it kind of seems like their job isn’t needed

“I understand people need jobs but there are other jobs that need to be done, like adding bins to the road I’m on where there are zero, rather than being paid to walk around and look like you’re part of a guerilla warfare gang.”

A council spokesman said the marshals are mainly focusing on busy areas in the city, particularly the West End, and have been promoting public safety since April.

They added: “We have significantly reduced the number of Covid marshals operating in Westminster from July 19.

“We have no more than five marshals on Monday to Thursday, and ten on Fridays and Saturdays during times when the city is busiest.

“Although restrictions have lifted, they still play a role in promoting public safety and reduce obstruction in busy areas with large groups of people, in particular Soho where road closures and al fresco schemes are in place.

“The marshals are also available to pick up tasks that may be required, such as distribution of leaflets relating to vaccinations or testing.”

The council re-introduced 50 marshals in April to ensure businesses and customers (mostly in Soho) were following social distancing.

Funding for the service comes from a £400 million budget from central government for the 2021/22 financial year.

The council would not reveal the cost of the marshals’ individual salaries.

A spokesperson said the Covid marshal programme is expected to end in September and their salaries were included in the authority’s overall response to the pandemic, which includes testing, enforcement and vaccinations.

Pictured top: Chinatown