COMMUNITY wardens who will patrol the streets in some of Hyndburn's most deprived wards began a training scheme today to prepare them for their new roles.

One warden has been designated specifically for Woodnook and Church Kirk and the rest of the team will be responsible for patrolling the remainder of Springhill, Central and Church wards.

Their initial roles will include patrolling the zones and reporting problems such as rubbish, dog fouling, juvenile nuisance and other anti-social behaviour problems which are bothering residents.

And they will also have the power to issue fixed penalty notices for litter and dog fouling with the aim of reducing crime and the improving the overall environment in the areas, although they will not have the power of arrest.

The team -- made up of a supervisor and 10 community wardens -- will now complete a course of tuition by the Council and local police before taking to the streets. This will cover all aspects of the job including community safety, problem solving, first aid, dealing with aggression, statement taking, drug awareness and more.

The idea for wardens first came from the crime and disorder partnership and although the wardens are to be based in Accrington police station they will be managed primarily by Hyndburn Borough Council.

The scheme, similar to others elsewhere in the country, is the first of its kind in the borough and could be expanded throughout the area if it is successful.

The scheme is being funded by the Home Office and a share of the £2.91million Neighbourhood Renewal funding which was awarded to Hyndburn First last year to improve the quality of life in the region's most deprived areas.

Additional money was also given by Space New Living housing association and environment company Groundwork East Lancashire who will employ the wardens jointly with Hyndburn Borough Council.

The wardens will wear a special uniform to make them easily recognisable when they officially begin their new roles after the four week training period.