A COMMUNITY yesterday celebrated the first anniversary of a scheme that is helping to improve problem neighbourhoods.

The Wear Valley Street Wardens scheme was launched a year ago to clean up three parts of the district and make them safer for residents.

A team of six uniformed street wardens patrol the Woodhouse Close Estate, in Bishop Auckland, Coundon and Leeholme, and St Helen Auckland.

Among guests at yesterday's party were members of the Durham Police Parachuting Team, who gave a display to mark the occasion.

Roger Ward, street warden scheme manager with Wear Valley District Council's housing services department, said: "The scheme has been a huge success since it was launched and the team have worked extremely hard to help clean these areas up and make them safe for local residents.

"We have come a long way in just one year and we will keep working hard to ensure that the scheme continues to be successful."

Since its launch shrubs and hedges have been cut down low to make areas more open.

In Bishop Auckland they have removed 92 syringes and items of drug paraphernalia, reported 69 untaxed vehicles, fitted more than 500 smoke alarms, 300 door safety bars and ensured that street lights are working.

Inspector Ian Butler, of Bishop Auckland police, said: "They are the eyes and ears of the community. People respect them and, by working closely with the councils, police, firefighters and residents, they have helped reduce all manner of problems and the fear of crime to improve quality of life in these areas."

Woodhouse Close Residents Association spokeswoman Doreen Kett said: "The wardens have helped to make residents feel safe here and because of that there is a much better community spirit now."

The scheme is funded by The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.