ACCRINGTON'S community wardens are celebrating crimebusting success.

Figures show that in their first six months the nine male and female Guardhall Security employees - managed by the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime - have helped cut town centre crime by more than a half.

Chief Inspector McEwan Downie, of Accrington Police, said: "The wardens have proved to be our ears and eyes. They make people feel safer. They have given first aid, dealt with lost children, and generally made sure the town centre is in good condition. As far as crime is concerned, motor vehicle thefts alone have dropped from 6 in December 1994 to none in December 1995."

But Colin Berry, Lancashire Police Federation secretary, said: "I am concerned that these wardens do not have the same power or training as police officers yet still walk the streets in uniform - it could put them and the public at risk."

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