A STREET warden scheme covering parts of the Wear Valley district has been so successful it is getting extra manpower.

In the next few weeks, a sixth warden will join the five-member team, which is helping to improve conditions for residents.

When they were appointed in Woodhouse Close, St Helen Auckland and Coundon and Leeholme last year, the first five uniformed wardens initially embarked on a big clean-up operation.

Since then they have also reported other problems, such as damaged street lights, fly tipping, damaged property, dumped syringes, graffiti and broken windows.

Now they will also be working with PC Don Luke, of Bishop Auckland police, to make homes more secure, including fitting door viewers and chains, and Steve Owers, station commander at Bishop Auckland fire station, to fit smoke alarms. The district council launched a two-year scheme last year in a bid to increase community safety.

It is jointly funded by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minster, and backed with organisations including the police, Ebac Ltd, Home Housing, Durham Miners Homes and Windowman UK Ltd.

Roger Ward, scheme manager, said: "We are making great progress but there is still a lot of work to do.

"Since its launch, we have had very good feedback from residents and we are more than confident that the wardens will help to reduce the fear of crime, help tackle anti-social behaviour and improve people's quality of life."