MORE wardens are to patrol the streets of a North-East town.
The move to recruit 16 extra wardens in Middlesbrough is being defended by the town's council.
"The wardens will complement policing arrangements, but are not in any way a substitute for them," said Councillor Robert Smith, Middlesbrough Council's commissioner for community safety.
The 16 who start work this week will augment a four-strong team already working in the Saltersgill area.
The newcomers will work in the Gresham, Southfield, Westbourne, Hemlington and North Ormesby areas.
The aims are to build community confidence, reduce crime and the fear of crime, promote a sense of belonging and care for the local environment, while deterring anti-social behaviour.
The wardens will deal with abandoned vehicles, discarded syringes, graffiti, empty houses and shops.
As part of their strategy for reassuring residents and deterring criminals, the wardens will put up signs warning that areas are being patrolled.
Coun Smith said: "The street warden project shows that the council is working with others, listening to the community's needs and responding in a practical way to their concerns."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article