Wardens Tooled up to Help Motorists Suffering...

Parking attendants in Stafford Borough are coming to the rescue of motorists in the town.

The attendants will act as a 'fourth' emergency service for drivers on borough council car parks who have problems with their vehicles during the cold winter weather.

They will be armed with tools to help de-ice frozen locks and windscreens, as well as having information on emergency breakdown and recovery services, and locksmiths.

Leaflets provided by the county's road safety partnership will be available to motorists on the 17 council run car parks in Stafford and Stone with information such as driving in severe weather and what to do if you breakdown.

The wardens have already received praise from visitors and residents for help they have given to motorists, for example changing a wheel for an elderly man and providing medical assistance to someone who collapsed in the street, as well as finding a vehicle when a visitor had forgotten where he had parked. They have even helped police catch shoplifters and a street robber.

Councillor Doug Davis, cabinet member for planning and regeneration at Stafford Borough Council, said: "These men and women do a difficult, and not particularly popular, job. But what people do not see is the assistance they are giving day in, day out to visitors, residents and motorists in our borough.

"The winter can bring more problems for those with cars and it will be reassuring to know our wardens can now help in many wayss."