A SCHEME to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour will be launched next week.

The £600,000 Plains Farm Neighbourhood Support Project will operate across Sunderland's Plains Farm and Humbledon estates and will bring neighbourhood wardens to the city for the first time.

The wardens will support vulnerable residents and victims of crime, as well as mediate in minor incidents of anti-social behaviour, vandalism and harassment.

They will also help assess prospective tenants, carry out estate inspections and identify areas for improvement.

John Allinson, community development officer at Home Housing, said: "This project has been developed in response to the concerns of local residents.

"In a survey across the estates, 229 residents were asked to give their views. This showed fear of crime, anti-social behaviour, untidy gardens and the need for community facilities were the most common concerns."

The project is funded by the sixth round of the Government's Single Regeneration Budget, the DETR Neighbourhood Warden Unit and Home Housing.

It will work with those residents most in need, including elderly residents and single women.

The scheme will also provide services including debt management and benefit advice.