IT used to be bobbies on the beat. Now we can look forward to wardens on the watch.

City of York Council, in partnership with the police, has unveiled plans to recruit a team of street wardens. They would patrol York wards in a bid to combat vandalism, deter anti-social behaviour and reduce crime.

The council has already forged a productive partnership with the police and the courts to crack down on street crime. Many young thugs have had their freedom severely restricted by anti-social behaviour orders as a result.

So it should come as no surprise that councillors are keen to be involved in the Government's pilot scheme for street wardens.

The idea has obvious merits. Communities have long been cowed by small numbers of what we used to call petty criminals. But the effect of vandalism and threatening behaviour is far from petty. It frightens residents and degrades neighbourhoods.

Previously, law-abiding citizens have had only two options: to try to tackle the offenders themselves, laying themselves open to verbal abuse and worse; or to call the police. Inevitably, by the time officers arrive the offenders have vanished. That is frustrating for the police, who waste so much time chasing shadows, and distressing for residents left feeling helpless.

So the return of regular, uniformed patrols will be welcomed by many householders. Street wardens might not have the power or status of the police, but they will have visibility. That in itself will be a comfort to residents, particularly the elderly and families with young children.

Crucially, the police are set to be involved in training the street patrols. If wardens are to prove an effective deterrent, rather than become a target, they will need instruction from the crime-fighting professionals.

The police, meanwhile, will be freed to concentrate on catching criminals and making York a safer place to live.

Updated: 10:35 Tuesday, September 18, 2001