A PROGRAMME based in the North-East to make the streets safer is to be used as a model for the rest of the country.

The Government is spending £50m to launch 100 street warden schemes around the country, based on the success of the pilot scheme in Middlesbrough.

The street patrols will be expected to improve the physical appearance of streets and open spaces, deter yob behaviour and crime and the fear it instils.

Launching the initiative, Local Government Secretary Stephen Byers said: "By introducing street wardens, we can tackle the problems that are the most irritating in neighbourhoods - dogs fouling our open spaces, litter strewn streets, graffiti covered buildings, fear of crime and loutish behaviour.

"We can give communities back their pride in the places where they live.''

Three wardens were appointed to keep an eye on the 516 homes on Middlesbrough's Saltersgill estate, following a survey of residents which underlined concerns about burglary and personal safety.

A £70,000 Government grant made the scheme possible. Retired Cleveland police inspector Mike Whitfield, now working with crime prevention organisation Safe in Tees Valley, said: "The positive transformation in the estate since they started three months ago has been marked.''

Redcar and Cleveland Council Borough Council has introduced warden schemes across its district which have also been judged successful.