Two employees from a grounds maintenance company will be able to request the name and address of anyone they suspect of causing anti-social behaviour and confiscate alcohol from those underage after being given policing powers by Hertfordshire Constabulary.

The John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance employees were given the limited powers under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme on Tuesday, July 23.

Inspector Johnson said: "We are delighted that Hertsmere Borough Council contractors have become accredited with Hertfordshire Constabulary and look forward to welcoming these two employees of John O’Conner into the extended police family.

"I am confident this will benefit the community and I hope it will help make members of the public feel safe and reassured."

Hertfordshire Constabulary's community safety manager, Sally Russell, added: "We are pleased to welcome these two council contractors into the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme and to facilitate them being able to deal more effectively with anyone causing anti-social behaviour.

"The Scheme continues to grow successfully and to play an important role in the delivery of effective policing in many neighbourhoods. Above all, it assists in providing an effective and efficient contribution to the safety and security of Hertfordshire’s residents."

Contract manager Stephen Webb and grounds maintenance officer Dominik Ciemierz were presented with certificates, identity cards and cards displaying their new powers by Hertsmere Neighbourhood Inspector Richard Johnson at Hatfield Police Station.

Councillor Charles Goldstein, Hertsmere’s community safety portfolio holder, said: "The borough’s parks are generally safe but from time to time we can have issues with anti-social behaviour and underage drinking.

"But with these new powers, our grounds maintenance contractors will be able to reprimand offenders and work more closely with local police to put a stop to it."

Officers, who attended a two-day training course, will wear a Community Safety Accreditation Scheme badge and carry identity cards that will identify them to the public.