POLICE have been joined on the streets of Chester-le-Street by community support officers and town wardens.

It is the first time all three uniformed disciplines have worked in the town at the same time.

The community support officers (PCSO) are among two dozen taking to the streets of Chester-le-Street, Durham, Derwentside and Sedgefield over the coming months.

Their duties include tackling low-level anti-social behaviour and disorder.

The wardens, paid for by the district council, tackle problems including litter, dog fouling and checking pay-and-display tickets in council-owned car parks.

Sgt John Stephenson said: "We believe the high visibility presence of police officers, PCSOs and town wardens on the streets at the same time will offer new levels of reassurance to both local people and visitors alike.

"One of the problems in the town is litter, much of it cast away by schoolchildren at lunch-time or as a direct result of markets held on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

"Initially we will adopt a softly-softly approach - trying to persuade those responsible for creating the problems to change their ways.

"But for those who ignore our warnings prosecutions will follow."

The PCSOs, funded jointly by the Home Office and the Durham force, wear distinct police-style uniforms and carry the same state-of-the-art radios used by regular officers.

"They are not there to replace the police but to support them and the two will usually be seen on patrol together,'' said Sgt Stephenson.

Chester-le-Street District Council leader Linda Ebbatson, said: "These measures are part of a considered response to concerns raised by local people.

"The aim of all those involved is to provide cleaner, safer streets."