CRIME-BUSTING neighbourhood wardens could be on patrol throughout Redcar and Cleveland next year.

The local authority is bidding for £680,000 of Government cash to set up a scheme costing £1.36m over three years.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council hopes to become one of a series of nationwide pilots of the scheme.

The council, which made the bid in conjunction with Cleveland Police, wants to start the scheme in Brotton, Eston, Whale Hill, Normanby and Teesville.

Executive member for community safety, Councillor Dave McLuckie, said: "If we're successful, this will bring a new dimension to the council and its partnership with the police and the community.

"The wardens will have a non-confrontational role, but they will be expected to take appropriate action to deal with problems of anti-social behaviour."

The council hopes to learn if its bid has been successful by late September and, if it is awarded the cash, wardens could be on the streets by January.

The scheme would operate seven days a week, between 8am and midnight, with eight wardens on duty at any one time.