THERE are no Covid marshalls in Maldon just yet – and no clarity on whether there will be any at any point in the future.

The Covid Marshall scheme was introduced by the Government last week as part of the plan to ensure people stick to Covid-19 safety guidelines, including the new 'rule of six'.

The plan involves local councils getting the marshalls out onto the streets to remind the public about social distancing, face masks, hand sanitisation and maximum group numbers – with parties of no more than six people allowed to meet either indoors or outdoors since Monday ( 14 September).

However, many local authorities have rejected the plans, including in areas of Norfolk, Wiltshire, Yorkshire and Cheshire, among others. Reasons given include that there is no need for them yet and that their powers are limited – as they need to call police to enforce the restrictions.

It is understood that Essex County Council's public health team discussed the marshall scheme with district and borough councils on Monday.

Today a Maldon District Council spokesperson said: "The council is examining the recent guidance from the Government in relation both to the restrictions on the number of people who can gather and the Covid Marshall scheme.

"We are carefully considering if the use of Covid marshalls will provide additional protections for the people of the Maldon district.