COMMUNITY Wardens will soon be hitting the streets of Poulton and the West End of Morecambe after the council won £400,000 of Government cash.

The resort is one of only four places in the country to pilot this new scheme which will see 11 wardens patrolling the streets on foot from dusk to dawn.

It is hoped the wardens will help reduce crime, foster community relations and clamp down on anti-social behaviour.

Morecambe's MP Geraldine Smith has warmly welcomed the news and claims it will help reduce nuisance caused by vandals, litterlouts, dog fouling and juvenile gangs.

She said: "This is great news, the city council put together an excellent bid and the Government have responded positively. Whilst Street Wardens are not a substitute for police officers and should not be seen as such, they are however complementary to them. Through a regular and highly visible presence they will act as the eyes and ears of the police and, armed with environmental enforcement powers, they will be an effective deterrent to those who despoil our communities with graffiti, rubbish dumping and dog fouling. I firmly believe that the street warden patrols will make a real difference to both the appearance of our town and the quality of life of many of its residents."

The wardens have many functions including:

to undertake high visibility patrols within the identified scheme areas

report environmental problems to the relevant authorities

provide an information source to the police and local

enhance the sense of community and reduce the fear of crime

respond to the minor incidents of anti-social behaviour

check empty commercial and residential properties

visit vulnerable members of the community and victims of crime

act as an intermediary between local residents, Lancaster City Council and Lancashire Constabulary

act as a professional witness when necessary

Support Lancaster City Council Environmental Health and Lancashire Constabulary Community Beat Managers.

Commenting, Lancaster City Council's Cabinet member for community services, Cllr David Barker, said: "This is an enormous boost for the two areas concerned - almost £400,000 to enhance the local environment and help ensure Morecambe is a safe place for people to live, work and visit."

Dr Ruth Henig, chair of Lancaster Community Safety Partnership, said: "We are extremely pleased that we have been successful in this funding bid. The employment of these wardens will be of enormous benefit to the local area."