The Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter Rangers walk ten miles a day and spend thousands of hours a year patrolling the streets. Now the three-strong team, who have served the city for a combined total of 35 years, have welcomed a new Ranger recruit.
Ian Rollett joins Scott Harris, Jon McKenzie, and Nikki Matthews, who are Rangers in the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).
New Ranger Ian worked in the Merchant Navy during his younger years and travelled the world as part of his job.
Ian said: “When you’ve seen so many countries like I have, you have a longing to return to where you are from. For me, being back in Derby is everything and I am so happy to take up this role working in the St Peter’s Quarter area.
Ian will work alongside Ranger Nikki, who has patrolled the city street for 12 years, and loves her role working alongside the businesses and partners such as the Police, Public protection Officers, Streetpride and the Rehousing Engagement Support Team (REST) team, amongst others.
She said: “We are happy to be a four-strong team again and we have enjoyed patrolling the streets and introducing him to those we work most closely with.”
The role of the Rangers in the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) is three-fold: to support the businesses in their respective BID areas, to welcome visitors to the area, and to work closely with other city partners and agencies acting as a support and referral resource.
Scott Harris, who is one of the Rangers responsible for the Cathedral Quarter BID, has just celebrated his 10 years of service. He joined the BIDs when he was just 19 years old and, in that time, has built up a strong and loyal relationship with businesses. He’s the youngest Ranger in the team working alongside Jon McKenzie who is the longest serving Ranger with 13 years under his belt.
He said: “It is fantastic that the three of us are celebrating 35 years of combined service. I am personally proud in achieving my 10-year service and working alongside the other long serving Rangers, we have forged a real rapport with the businesses we serve.”
The Rangers are the ‘eyes and ears’ of Derby and have become an increasingly useful resource, and a constant dependable presence in the city.
BID Rangers are trained in first aid and are issued with body worn video equipment and radios for their own protection, but this can also sometimes provide additional vital information when working with agencies such as the Police, CCTV and Derbyshire Business Crime Prevention Partnership, who provide the Business Crime Intelligence sharing system in the city.
Each BID contributes to funding this scheme for businesses, which was launched together with a grant by the Police and Crime Commissioners Office. BID Rangers are regularly encouraging businesses to log incidents on this resource.
Helen Wathall, chair of the Board of St Peters Quarter BID, said: “The St Peters Quarter BID are thrilled to welcome Ian Rollett as our newest recruit to the team. With his background in the Merchant Navy and his love for Derby, Ian embodies the dedication and passion that define our mission. Together with Nikki, Ian will undoubtedly enhance our efforts to make Derby a safer and more vibrant place for all.”
Martin Langsdale, chair of the Cathedral Quarter BID, said: “We are immensely proud of the combined number years of dedicated service rendered by the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter Rangers. Their unwavering commitment to patrolling our streets speaks volumes about their resilience and dedication to our city. We value their service and look forward to their continued impact across the two BID areas.”
To find out more about what’s going on in the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) visit www.stpetersquarter.co.uk or www.derbycathedralquarter.co.uk
