PETER Pike MP enjoyed a chance to check out the work of Burnley's Community Wardens for himself when he joined the team for a walkabout yesterday.

Mr Pike was escorted by two of the wardens for a tour of Burnley Wood following a meeting at the offices of the programme in Nicholas Street.

Eight Community Wardens have been patrolling the streets of Burnley since July last year in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour and bolster community spirit.

The scheme has government funding of £500,000 over six years and operates in Burnley Wood, Barclay, Coal Clough, Trinity and Rose Grove.

Mr Pike said: "I first met the wardens during their training in August and I said that once they were operational I would come to see what they do.

"We have had a useful discussion and there are one or two ideas I will be taking back to the House of Commons.

"They feel that the scheme is well suited to the town's needs and they want to keep it that way." Warden Kathleen Pumponi said: "The work is very rewarding. Every day is a challenge and I love meeting and talking to people."

After viewing an area of Burnley worst affected by empty housing and social depravation, Mr Pike had lunch at the Burnley Wood One Stop Shop with the wardens and community beat police officers.

Community Warden William Bruce said: "People are beginning to trust us now, in fact people knock on my door when they have a problem.

"That is a sign that we have been accepted."