THREE crime-ridden estates in Preston will soon have full-time wardens, employed by the council, to help reduce anti-social behaviour and crime.

Up to ten wardens will patrol the Fishwick, St Matthew's and Ribbleton areas thanks to a scheme given the go-ahead this week after the government pledged £50m.

Preston is one of 123 beneficiaries of the fund set aside for the Street Warden Scheme, and will receive £237,000 per year to employ the wardens.

It follows a bid made by the Preston Community Safety Partnership for the government resources earlier this summer.

South Ribble Council also applied for cash, but were unsuccessful along with 134 other councils across the country, although reasons behind the Government's decision has not been revealed.

The wardens are expected to hit the streets in spring next year but first they will have to undergo several months' of training.

They will work closely with the police, targeting anti-social behaviour such as vandalism and graffiti. It is hoped their presence will help to improve their area's appearance, reduce fear in the community and encourage people to work together in their neighbourhoods.

The government pushed for the wardens after 85 pilot schemes, launched last month, proved a success.

Preston MP Mark Hendrick welcomed the move. He said: "I continually receive complaints from Callon, St Matthew's and Ribbleton residents.

"The police are doing their best, but this bid by the Preston Community Safety Partnership will bring in new people to work alongside the police to tackle these problems.

"If we get the improvements seen on the pilot projects, then this could be a boost to some of our problem areas."

Chief Superintendent Bernard Lawson, divisional commander for Preston, said: "Wardens will work closely with the community, police and council staff to provide extra resources, adding to the police patrols that operate in these areas."

Preston Borough Council will contribute £115,000 to the scheme. Another £46,000 will come from the Housing Association, which has property on the Callon estate, Ribbleton.

Coun Ken Cole, the executive member for housing, said: "These new Community Wardens are a key part in the Community Safety Partnership's plans to tackle crime, anti-social behaviour and improve the quality of life for local residents."