HYNDBURN'S threatened neighbourhood wardens could be saved simply by reducing the number of meetings held by the council, it was claimed today.

Twelve wardens work in the borough's four most deprived wards, Barnfield, Woodnook, Central and Springhill.

Employed by the council, they patrol trouble-spots, reporting rubbish and abandoned cars, and handing out on-the-spot fines. Next year Government funding for the service will halve, and by 2006 dry up completely.

The council has been blamed for not setting aside funding in advance, but the authority says it was not just its responsibility, and other groups should help.

Yesterday a private meeting was hosted by Hyndburn Council in a last-ditch attempt to scrape together enough cash to save the warden service.

The authority was hoping enough money would be found from other sources, including Lancashire Fire Authority and the county council.

But during the meeting it was revealed not enough money had been found, seemingly spelling the end for the service. Now the council is looking at alternative means of raising the funds, suggested by the council's Labour group.

The authority has three types of meetings for residents and councillors to meet and discuss issues -- neighbourhood management, area council, and the county council's Lancashire Local - which Labour councillors say could be combined.

Coun David Myles, deputy leader of the group, said: "It seems we are doing things in triplicate. It's the same meeting and it all costs a lot of money. It's not a case of cutting back area council meetings, it's a case of bringing these meetings together."

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said Labour's ideas would be looked at, but may not work.

Now the authority is hoping to find the wardens alternative employment.

He said: "I am not filled with confidence for the future of the wardens. It would seem there are no new monies."

OPINION: Page 6

HYNDBURN'S threatened neighbourhood wardens could be saved simply by reducing the number of meetings held by the council, it was claimed today.

Twelve wardens work in the borough's four most deprived wards, Barnfield, Woodnook, Central and Springhill.

Employed by the council, they patrol trouble-spots, reporting rubbish and abandoned cars, and handing out on-the-spot fines. Next year Government funding for the service will halve, and by 2006 dry up completely.

The council has been blamed for not setting aside funding in advance, but the authority says it was not just its responsibility, and other groups should help.

Yesterday a private meeting was hosted by Hyndburn Council in a last-ditch attempt to scrape together enough cash to save the warden service.

The authority was hoping enough money would be found from other sources, including Lancashire Fire Authority and the county council.

But during the meeting it was revealed not enough money had been found, seemingly spelling the end for the service. Now the council is looking at alternative means of raising the funds, suggested by the council's Labour group.

The authority has three types of meetings for residents and councillors to meet and discuss issues -- neighbourhood management, area council, and the county council's Lancashire Local - which Labour councillors say could be combined.

Coun David Myles, deputy leader of the group, said: "It seems we are doing things in triplicate. It's the same meeting and it all costs a lot of money. It's not a case of cutting back area council meetings, it's a case of bringing these meetings together."

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said Labour's ideas would be looked at, but may not work.

Now the authority is hoping to find the wardens alternative employment.

He said: "I am not filled with confidence for the future of the wardens. It would seem there are no new monies."