NINE new street wardens, whose job it will be to help make the West End and Poulton neighbourhood a cleaner, safer and better place in which to live, are being put through their paces this month.

Led by manager Alan Winters, the team of seven men and two women will patrol the streets and work with the local community to help bring about improvements for people living there.

Throughout the month the wardens will be trained in a number of key areas which will equip them with the necessary skills to understand and carry out the new service when they hit the streets for the first time in August.

Subjects they are currently learning about are closely related to residents key concerns - improvement to feeling of community, improvements to street cleanliness, reduction in dog fouling, reduction in incidence of dumped refuse, reduction in incidence of graffiti, reduction in antisocial behaviour, reduction in fear of crime, reduction in instances of criminal damage, reduction in incidences of juvenile nuisance, reduction of incidences of racial harassment.

Cabinet member with responsibility for Community Services, Cllr David Barker said: "It is an intensive training programme but the outcome will be that the wardens will have a good solid understanding of all the issues and concerns of the local residents and business people within the two areas.

"This will assist in helping to make significant improvements on all the issues that concern them in conjunction with all the relevant departments, agencies and services."

Anyone wanting to find out more about street wardens can contact Alan Winters on 409636.