STREET wardens could be patrolling York from next spring in a bid to cut down anti-social behaviour.

The City of York Council and the Safer York Partnership have unveiled plans to recruit a team of wardens in a ground-breaking initiative to assist the police in tackling litter, graffiti and other community problems.

The plans are being sent to the Government next week and will be discussed at all the ward meetings around the city this month and in October.

Ward members will be asked whether they would be in favour of having a street warden for their area.

The plans would include a team of ten wardens to spearhead the trial, who would patrol during the day with night-time patrols similar to that already suc-cessfully working in Clifton.

If the scheme goes ahead, half the money will come from the Government and half from the council with the support of ward budgets.

Insp Colin Bowes, of York Police, said: "The wardens will only have civilian powers, but they will be uniformed and have radios to contact the police and the council.

"The wardens will be supporting the police."

The project would be part of a countrywide pilot scheme involving some 100 teams in different areas of the country.

The four main objectives of the £257,000 scheme include:

caring for the physical appearance of streets

deterring anti-social behaviour

reducing crime and the fear of crime

working with local community groups

Councillor Bob Scrase, the council's executive member for community affairs, said: "This is an exciting idea which could bring significant improvements to the quality of life in across the city."

The initial bid is going in before consultation to meet the tight Government deadline of September 25.

John Hocking, the council's assistant director for housing services, said: "We see this as a city-wide scheme covering rural and urban areas, although the Government will also expect us to target those areas that suffer most from crime and anti-social behaviour.

"It has the potential to make a real difference."

Chief Superintendent Gary Barnett said: "We view this proposal as complementary to existing policing services, and will provide our enthusiastic backing in training needs and service delivery."

Updated: 09:49 Tuesday, September 18, 2001