Local authority street wardens say they should be equipped with batons to help them deal with violence at New Year when they are charged with enforcing firework free zones.

Erik Lakenman, who heads the warden’s union Nederlandse Boa Bond, told Radio 1 news that his members are not properly equipped to do their job. ‘They have no truncheons, pepper spray or bodycam,’ yet they are confronted with serious violence in dealing with firework issues, Lakenman said.

However, Ruud Verkuijken, a police officer charged with protecting the wardens, told the AD that they, like ambulance workers and firemen, can count on speedy support from the police if they get into difficulties.

Rght-wing political parties in Amsterdam have supported the idea of giving batons and pepper spray to street wardens. However, this is opposed by the left-wing majority on the city council.

Street wardens, or boas (buitengewone opsporingsambtenaren) are civil servants who are charged with helping maintain law and order and carry out simple policing tasks. They may also check ID and make arrests.