An opposition political leader believes tasking two marshals to help keep residents safe from Covid is not enough.

Hertsmere Borough Council announced last week Covid marshals had begun working across the borough.

The marshals' role is to remind people of the importance of social distancing and wearing face-coverings and is among a range of duties aimed at helping people feel as confident and comfortable as they can in public areas.

They will also advise local businesses on queue management and on one-way systems, and will operate across Hertsmere including in Borehamwood, Bushey, and Potters Bar.

Leader of the Hertsmere Labour group, Cllr Jeremy Newmark, has welcomed news of the new marshals but says the number allocated for Hertsmere is "too little".

He told the Times: "I welcome the recruitment of Covid marshals in the borough.

"However this is too little and almost too late. The funding allocation only covers two marshals for the entire borough.

"If we are serious about making lockdown work whilst we vaccinate local people, this limited piecemeal approach isn’t good enough."

Borehamwood Times: Hertsmere Labour group leader Cllr Jeremy NewmarkHertsmere Labour group leader Cllr Jeremy Newmark

The marshals are government funded via Hertfordshire's health protection board, which is made up jointly by a number of district councils.

Read more: Marshals begin patrolling borough after rise in Covid cases

A spokesperson for Hertsmere Borough Council says the funding is for 32 marshals working across the six districts.

Hertsmere has been allocated two of those Covid marshals, who between them work from 8am to 6pm seven days a week.

The marshals are in addition to council officers and police officers who are working specifically to ensure businesses are as Covid-secure as they can be.

The council says there are 12 additional marshals which can be drafted to areas of highest need in Hertfordshire tasked by the Hertfordshire outbreak tactical coordinating group, which is part of the local resilience forum structure.

Borehamwood Times:

While infection rates have begun to drop locally, the rates still remain very high in Hertsmere, particularly in Borehamwood, Elstree, and Potters Bar.

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.

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