Marshals who have worked in Bath and North East Somerset during the lockdown will continue to be out and about over the summer as the council encourages caution following the lifting of restrictions.

Covid-19 infection rates are high and rising with 736 cases per 100,000 population.

During the pandemic a team of Covid Safety Officers provided an important service, helping to encourage social distancing while ensuring people understood the guidance.

A small team has been retained and the six B&NES Marshals will be out and about in the city centre, parks as well as in Keynsham and Midsomer Norton working alongside the police.

The marshals, dressed in high visibility jackets, will be on hand to provide support and guidance to residents and businesses across the city and to reassure and give confidence to visitors as more people return to the city over the summer.

They will be supporting the council's cleansing teams, particularly in the most popular parks and open spaces, by providing bags and encouraging people to take their litter home with them.

They will also manage the entrance barriers to Cheap Street and York Street and will be able to direct people to the Burton Street testing site and advise on the location and opening times of the pop-up vaccination sites.

Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children, Young People, Communities and Culture said: "The number of people infected in B&NES has been rapidly rising over the past few weeks and we can't afford to be too relaxed.

"We are taking a cautious approach in Bath and North East Somerset and that includes continuing to wear face coverings in our buildings to help protect the public.

"The marshals will be a visual reminder that Covid is still with us and will help to keep everyone safe".

The team of marshals will be retained throughout the summer.