City centre ambassador is positive 'eyes and ears'

Terry Alton has been Peterborough's city centre ambassador for three months

A former police officer is patrolling streets in a different way, with a new diplomatic role to help support and boost a city's wellbeing.

Terry Alton was appointed a "city centre ambassador" for Peterborough three months ago to engage with businesses and manage their concerns.

He works with Peterborough Positive, a campaign by the city's Business Improvement District (BID), to improve the city centre and realise its potential.

"I am the eyes and ears of Peterborough city centre," Mr Alton said. "I report any crime concerns, and identify areas that need tidying up."

Peterborough BID has been in operation for two and a half years and nearly 400 businesses have signed up to it.

Mr Alton said engagement with businesses had been positive.

Pep Cipriano, the BID chief operating officer, said he was excited to see the city "move in the right direction".

Terry Alton said feedback from businesses had been positive

As well as regular walkabouts in the city centre, Mr Alton also manages a local crime reporting app, known as DISC.

"We have the right team now and 90% of retailers know me," he said.

"Most of the time I get positive feedback. We also offer weekly advertising opportunities to help boost their profiles.

"We now have 163 businesses signed up on the DISC app which helps fill the policing gap."

Pep Cipriano said Peterborough city centre was moving in the right direction

Peterborough Positive campaign has worked with partner agencies and installed planters across the centre to make it more appealing

The team also includes PC Jay Cullimore, a dedicated police officer for the city centre.

Mr Cipriano said it has been "challenging" to get it the campaign off the mark but he was "excited for the future".

He said the new cinema in Queensgate, the new Station Quarter and the University would help encourage more investment in Peterborough.

"Peterborough is about 10 years behind," he said.

"We are bridging the gap. But the key is to work together. We know there issues of anti-social behaviour but which city centre doesn't?

"It's small steps.

"We are slow in doing things in Peterborough. But partnerships are getting better."

The Peterborough Positive team includes a city centre ambassador Terry Alton and a dedicated police officer PC Jay Cullimore