SOUTHAMPTON residents have been urged to voluntarily follow the coronavirus guidance as Covid-19 marshals are going to be deployed across the city.

The team will patrol areas such as parks and high streets to encourage residents to follow the Covid-19 guidelines, help businesses manage queues and remind the public to wear a face covering when required.

The news comes as the number of coronavirus cases across the city continues to rise with a total of 2,805 recorded so far.

Civic chiefs, the police and the business community are pulling together to ensure residents follow the guidelines and help reduce the spread of the virus.

But a Southampton MP has also appealed to the public to voluntarily follow the rules.

Royston Smith, MP for Southampton Itchen, said: “I wish we didn’t have a need for Covid marshals. I understand the challenge the Government has but people are already feeling their civil liberties are under threat. I would encourage everyone to follow the guidance, voluntarily, to ensure these Covid marshals are not required as soon as quickly possible.”

The news comes as Southampton City Council has been awarded a  government grant of £153,929 to fund the marshals.

But Mr Smith added: “If people followed the guidance we would not need to be spending money on Covid marshals, most people know that there are more important things to spend money on. I’d rather we spend this money on people who need it as opposed to Covid marshals but cases are going up because people are not following the guidance."

The marshals  will work with Hampshire Constabulary . 

Chief Inspector Ricky Dhanda said: “Whilst our overall aim is to continue to encourage people to comply fully with the regulations, we will be available to enforce where necessary.”

The marshals are expected to remain in place until March 2021.

Cllr Dave Shields, cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “We plan to be able to emerge from lockdown in December in a strong position as the city opens up again with hopefully low rates of infection. The marshals will be one important way in which we can help people and businesses to follow guidance over those crucial winter months.”

Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead also backed the move. He said: "Once this period of lockdown is lifted I would urge residents to follow the national and local guidance so that we can keep each other safe and healthy in the run up to Christmas."

Giles Semper, executive director at GO! Southampton, said the marshals will help reinforce key information which will be “crucial” in ensuring that city businesses are able to continue trading.