COUNCIL bosses have welcomed a £155,000 Government cash boost to help them to recruit neighbourhood wardens.
Gateshead Borough Council was given the money as part of the Government's £7.5m package to help combat the fear of crime.
Councillor Malcolm Graham, Gateshead's community safety cabinet minister, said: "Residents see crime and the fear of crime as an important issue and we are working hard to address those concerns.
"This funding will allow us to recruit neighbourhood wardens, who will liaise closely with the police and other agencies. They can act as a contact point between the council and people living in the area."
Areas to benefit will include Pelaw, Felling, Leam and Wrekendyke.
Wardens will be expected to patrol the area, provide information to the police, attend minor disturbances, check on empty properties and report necessary repairs.
They will work alongside police by telling them about local problems, discussing community safety and patrolling between 8am and midnight.
Coun Graham said: "Their intimate local knowledge will help us all provide a better service. They will quickly become a welcome and familiar sight."
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