Town launches campaign to KEEP its local traffic warden after he faced the sack

13 April 2012

They are traditionally the most hated figures in local communities, looked upon with a mix of fear and loathing.


But when one small town's traffic warden lost his job, he proved to be so popular with the people whose vehicles he ticketed, they launched a campaign to get him back on patrol.

James Dewar, 59, who has carried out the four-month seasonal job in Stromness, Orkney, for the last 14 years, was told earlier this year that his services were no longer required.

Popular: Stromness traffic warden James Dewar

Popular: Stromness traffic warden James Dewar

While residents may have been expected to rejoice at the departure of the man who has always been more than happy to issue a ticket when needed, they instead campaigned for his return.

Mr Dewar had been told by Northern Constabulary that as they were increasing the number of police officers based in Stromness, there was no longer a need for him to pound the pavements.

But yesterday, he was out on patrol again after hundreds of people signed a petition in protest and outside funding was found to keep him in his post this summer.

Sarah Taylor, who headed the opposition to Mr Dewar losing his job, said: 'To us he's a friend. Anywhere else people would be surprised that we want to keep our traffic warden, but he does an invaluable job in Stromness and he's a great asset to the town. '

Mr Dewar said he was touched by the support of local people.

He said: 'For a traffic warden to be wanted is unusual to say the least. I'm deeply honoured that the people of Stromness wanted to keep me as their traffic warden. I'm so grateful for their support.'

Glad to be back: Mr Dewar is issuing tickets again after the community petitioned for him to stay

Glad to be back: Mr Dewar is issuing tickets again after the community petitioned for him to stay

A narrow street paved with flagstones winds its way through the historic town. Single track with passing places - like a country road - it has traffic running in both directions and plenty of bottlenecks to cause instant traffic jams.

The man charged with overseeing traffic in the area during the summer months added: 'There aren't many streets like it in the north of Scotland.

'The population of Stromness probably doubles in the summer with tourists. They come off the ferry, turn into the street and are taken completely by surprise. And when they have caravans it can be a nightmare.'

In their petition, the campaigners said they value Mr Dewar's ability to keep the traffic moving, the care he takes in looking after children on their way home from school and the help he offers tourists as they walk or drive around the town, saying he plays a key role in the life of the community.

Northern Constabulary said that it is looking at the possibility of expanding the warden's duties next year and will discuss potential ideas with Orkney Islands Council, which employs car park attendants and harbour staff in Stromness.

'We feel there's an opportunity for joint working,' said Chief Inspector David Miller. 'It was agreed that the traffic warden would remain in Stromness this summer while we talk about the options open to us.'


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