AMBITIOUS new plans to turn job-seekers into the eyes and ears of Blackpool authorities could be in action within two months thanks to a massive cash boost.

Eight long-term unemployed people aged between 18-24 could be patrolling streets as community wardens as a result of a £160,000 grant from the Blackpool Challenge Partnership.

The young people will wear uniforms and walk the streets being on hand to give out advice to both tourists and locals as well as to report potential criminal activity or anti-social behaviour to the authorities.

Based on a scheme in Holland started in 1992, the project has the backing of the police, Blackpool Challenge Partnership, Town Centre Forum, Blackpool Borough Council, LAWTEC, the Employment Service and Abbey National.

Local authorities would use the information given to them by the wardens to react to town centre problems, such as detecting trouble-spots or the reporting of faulty street lighting.

The scheme is on a two year trial which hopes to see 16 people in total go through the training.

Peter Weller is project manager and feels the scheme benefits the community in two ways. "The people who will qualify to train to become a community warden are people who are long-term unemployed," he said.

"Through the training and by being out on the street helping the public it will hopefully help them to get back some of the job skills that they are lacking and get them back into full time employment."

Candidates will be chosen by the employment services from people who have been out of work for more than six months.

They will then be given the choice of whether to remain on benefits while they train and work as a warden, or take a £140 per week wage.

As well as being able to give directions around Blackpool and deal with the public the wardens will also be trained to keep on the lookout for trouble around town.

As an ex-policeman, Mr Weller feels he can offer his thirty years of experience on the beat to the wardens.

"I obviously have a good knowledge of the things to look out for to help prevent crime and what to do in emergency situations, but I think the best thing I can help teach them is how to deal with the public well."