THE eyes and ears on the city centre are increasing as Swansea's City Centre Ranger team expands from three to five in time for the Christmas rush.

James Harry and Damien Edgell have joined Matthew Bowen, Adrian McGrath and Alec Dubens in looking after the city's main shopping area.

Their role includes customer service, referring troublemakers to the police and reporting problems such as broken paving, discarded rubbish, vandalism and graffiti. They're also tasked with helping set up city centre events and ensuring they run smoothly.

The two new rangers said they were keen to get started and make a positive difference in the city.

James, aged 30, is originally from Three Crosses and was most recently a security officer at WH Smith in the Quadrant.

He said: "Among other things, I hope to draw on my experience within the security sector to reduce street and retail crime in the city centre and to improve communication between businesses and the numerous partnership bodies that exist within the city.

"Building good relationships is fundamental to improving the city centre for businesses and customers alike. I'm also looking forward to the challenges that working day to day on the front line in a dynamic and diverse city centre can bring."

Damien, aged 23, is from Hafod and was previously a development worker with Funky Dragon — The Children and Young People's Assembly for Wales.

He said: "Having come from a youth work background, I will be looking to use the skills I have gained in a positive way to engage with young people who come to the city centre."

Swansea Council leader Chris Holley said: "It's important the visitor experience in Swansea city centre is as positive as possible, and the team of City Centre Rangers helps to ensure the area is kept clean and safe.

"The team is a useful point of contact for any member of the public who has queries or questions, and their assistance will prove invaluable to people as we approach the busiest shopping period of the year."

The rangers cover a zone stretching to Westway and Dilwyn Street in the west, and from Mansel Street to Alexandra Street and High Street in the north.

They also work as far as the River Tawe to the east and to the coastline in the south. Additional areas of coverage include the Quadrant and Parc Tawe shopping centres.

WEBLINK: www.swanseacitycentre.com