ONE of the most deprived parts of Newton Aycliffe may be getting its own neighbourhood warden to improve conditions, if sufficient funding can be secured.

Sedgefield Borough Council is taking part in a national strategy of neighbourhood warden schemes to improve the conditions of areas where deprivation, unemployment and crime are most acute.

A report to be considered by the executive committee said that many of the areas within the borough could deserve a warden.

A report by Councillor Brian Stephens said: "Only two areas are more pronounced in terms of deprivation, Thickley Ward, Shildon, and West Ward, in Newton Aycliffe.

"Thickley Ward in Shildon is already benefiting from SRB- funded wardens.

"The guidance issued indicates such arrangements would have very little chance of attracting funding," reported Coun Stephens

"Bearing in mind the criteria prescribed and the statistics in relation to deprivation, crime and disorder and unemployment, it is proposed to submit a bid for a neighbourhood warden in the West Ward of Newton Aycliffe.

"If successful, it is proposed to use the neighbourhood warden scheme as a pilot study and, dependent upon the findings, this may influence the way in which the council's current community safety strategy is developed."

The report also shows which areas are worst in terms of deprivation in Sedgefield Borough.

Sedgefield Village was found to be the least deprived of the 22 different areas, towns and villages in the borough, an increase of two places since 1998.

Spennymoor was given a rank of number 20. Ferryhill was found to be the 11th most deprived area of the borough, an improvement of two places on the previous year.

In the worst five areas of deprivation, Sunnydale in Shildon was fifth, Old Trimdon was fourth, Cornforth was third, West was second and Thickley the most deprived.

Bids can be for up to half the cost of a new scheme. Applications must be submitted by July 7.