Jersey taxi marshal scheme is secured for 2011

Taxi marshals help to keep order at the rank next to the Weighbridge in St Helier

The future of the St Helier taxi marshal scheme has been secured, at least for the rest of 2011.

The scheme, which ensures people get taxis from the Weighbridge safely, was due to be suspended because of a lack of funding.

The money has been secured following agreement between local businesses, parish authorities, the States of Jersey and taxi drivers.

The group will fund the marshals until the end of 2011.

Lyndon Farnham, from the Jersey Hospitality Association, said: "What we are going to do is share the costs between the four main interested parties.

"What we propose to do later in the year, perhaps around October, is to sit down and discuss how we can keep this going for the long term."

The Safer St Helier group which runs the scheme said it was "spectacularly successful", helping reduce crime by 64% over two years.