BURNLEY'S community warden service may be improved following a review by Burnley Council.

Proposals are designed to increase the visibility of the service, expand and develop its work, and improve its coordination and effectiveness by working closer with partners, such as the police.

Changes include increasing the number of high visibility patrols, calling into schools, community centres and other community buildings, holding face-to-face meetings with local councillors every month to discuss issues in the area, and working more closely with environmental officers, community beat managers and police community support officers (PCSOs).

Burnley Council's executive committee will discuss the service review tomorrow. A report by community and recreation services chiefs recommends members approve the proposed changes.

Councillor Janice Swainston, executive member for social welfare, said: "The community warden service aims to provide a reassuring presence on the streets, working in close partnership with other agencies that work in the regeneration areas of Burnley, helping the communities they work in to become safer and cleaner places in which to live.

"These improvements will help make the service even better."

The warden service runs in South West Burnley, and the Urban II areas, including Barclay, Coal Clough, Burnley Wood, Fulledge, Turf Moor, Rosegrove, Stoops, Trinity, Piccadilly, Stoneyholme and Daneshouse, Duke Bar and parts of Bank Hall and Queen's Park.

Work includes regular patrols to reduce fear of crime amongst vulnerable members of the community, monitoring anti-social behaviour, checking the levels of fly-tipping and general cleanliness organising regular clean-ups, and organising projects for children and young people and activities that bring the community together.