Community wardens are on patrol in towns across the region, but one of the country's most far-reaching schemes - attacked by some as 'policing on the cheap' - is set to be copied by the Metropolitan Police. Hayley Gyllenspetz takes a look at Darlington's scheme

A CONTROVERSIAL community warden scheme set up in the North-East is to become a blueprint for crime-fighting across the country.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police will visit Darlington next week to find out how the warden scheme works in the town.

A representative from Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council has already been to the region to find out how it has adapted the principal of community wardens.

In most parts of the country, wardens are used only to deter and reduce the fear of crime, but in Darlington they have enforcement powers which are enjoyed in only three other areas of the country.

Most schemes, such as those in Sedgefield, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough, provide a uniformed presence on the streets, but wardens can do no more than report incidents.

But wardens in Darlington can hand out fixed penalty notices for littering, dog fouling and illegal parking.

The scheme for the Kensington and Chelsea area will use the same uniforms, policies and procedures as those used in Darlington since 2000.

The London council also wants to introduce the extra enforcement powers.

Darlington's scheme is unique because wardens work side-by-side with the police.

Community safety officers from Darlington police operate out of the same office as the wardens, and also help with their training.

The wardens accompany officers on foot patrols around the town, visiting homes to advise people on security and crime prevention.

The authorities claim that in areas where these dual-patrols take place, crime has been reduced by 40 per cent.

Chief Inspector Mick Banks, of Darlington police, said: "Officers and wardens can share information and resources, which is an efficient way of running the scheme.

"In a recent poll, 83 per cent of people in the town said they wanted more wardens in their area, but not at the expense of the police - they want both.

"The wardens are part of the extended policing family and make a valuable contribution to community safety."

Despite the attention from London, Darlington's warden scheme has been criticised by some as policing on the cheap.

Terry Corrigan, chairman of the Durham Police Federation, fears that the extra powers given to the Darlington wardens is a step too far and not something to be copied elsewhere in the country.

He said: "We don't like the wardens but we will tolerate them while they do no more than the old park wardens or hand out parking tickets like traffic wardens.

"If the council can afford to invest more money in wardens they can give more money to the police authority to employ more officers who would give better value for money."

Such concern is shared by officers across the country.

Last month, 10,000 officers descended on Parliament to protest against Home Secretary David Blunkett's proposals in the far-reaching Police Reform Bill to introduce more community wardens, with more powers on the streets.

Despite the objections, the scheme in Darlington is set to grow, with plans to ensure every ward in the town has its own designated warden.

Bill Dixon, the council's cabinet member for social services, said: "We are not going to rest on our laurels. Darlington's wardens scheme will continue to grow and improve, and every effort will be made to ensure that the success we have continues.