Marshals have begun patrolling streets and shops in a borough with one of the highest Covid infection rates in England.

Marshals are out and about across Hertsmere offering support to help keep residents, visitors and businesses safe.

Wearing hi-vis jackets, the marshals' role is to remind people of the importance of social distancing, wearing face-coverings and regularly washing their hands.

They will also advise local businesses on queue management and on one-way systems.

It comes as Hertsmere experiences its highest number of Covid cases ever, with a lack of testing available in the spring, with more than 2,000 cases recorded since December 20, according to government figures.

Borehamwood, Radlett, and Bushey are among areas in the borough with the highest levels of cases.

In response to a rise in cases, a new daily walk-through Covid testing centre has opened at Hertsmere Borough Council's Civic Office car park in Borehamwood.

Read more: Daily walk-through Covid testing centre opens in Borehamwood

Hertsmere Borough Council leader Morris Bright said: "The marshals are here to help and advise our local communities of the latest coronavirus guidance and rules. This lockdown the marshals will initially focus on supermarket safety, which has been identified as a key area of concern.

"Please speak to them if you are unclear of the latest regulations or have any questions about how to keep yourself and your family safe and within the rules.

"If you are approached by a COVID-19 marshal, please cooperate with their request and be respectful, they are doing their best in difficult circumstances."

The marshals, which have been funded by the government, do not have enforcement powers themselves but they can liaise directly with the council and police officers who do have powers to issue fines.

Borehamwood Times:

Cllr Bright

Cllr Bright added: "I want to say a huge thank you to all our residents and businesses across the borough who have worked so hard in recent months to keep everyone safe as efforts continue to bring this pandemic under control.

"However, we must not become complacent. I hope everyone in Hertsmere continues to play their part, be mindful of others and follow the guidelines that are in place to protect us all."

Hertfordshire Constabulary has confirmed there will also be extra officers out on patrol, responding to Covid related issues.

Chief Inspector Mark Bilsdon said: "Under Operation Sunrise, we have lined up extra resources for dedicated patrols to be out and about, encouraging compliance with the coronavirus regulations in our communities.

"I thank the majority of people for doing the right thing and using face-coverings, maintaining social-distancing, following the latest rules and self-isolating where necessary."