New powers for wardens

It would mean if a person refused to pick up litter or their dog's mess they could be given a fixed penalty notice of up to 60.

The fines would help pay for the 110,000 shortfall in funds when the Government ends its support of the service in the next financial year.

Hastings Council is currently looking at ways to find the money to keep the service as it is - and a rise in council tax to pay for it has not been ruled out. Selling training or other services to other local authorities is also being considered.

David Furness, community safety manager at the Safer Hastings Partnership, said fines would only be issued as a last resort.

He said: "We don't want them to be seen as parking attendants.

"They have got to be the friendly face of the borough and have got to use the powers with great sensitivity."

Mr Furness added the wardens already report people committing offences so giving them the power to hand out fines would help people avoid a court appearances - although that option is still available if a person refuses to pay a fine.

The funding options were discussed as the council's cabinet evaluated a Best Value Review of the warden service last Monday.

A spokesman for the council said: "If we carry on doing the service in the way we do now we would need to find that money.

"We're asking the public how important the Warden Service is to them."

The wardens currently have a dedicated service across 50 per cent of the borough, with three roving wardens covering the lower-risk areas.

Efforts have been made to improve flexibility by implementing a generic warden service combining the street, dog and community wardens.