A NEW community scheme that will see uniformed wardens patrolling the streets of a North-East community will be launched today.

South Tyneside is the first of the five Tyne and Wear authorities to introduce the community safety wardens scheme - a new Government initiative to promote safety and improve the quality of life in residential areas.

The unit, comprising six wardens and a supervisor, will work in partnership with other professionals, including the police.

It will address many of the problems faced by residents in areas that have a high degree of crime and youth disorder.

From Monday, the uniformed wardens will patrol every day, from noon to 11pm, and will be in constant radio contact with each other.