Street warden for Hailsham

CROOKS in Hailsham beware: a law-enforcing street warden could be coming to a neighbourhood near you.

On Friday, the Government announced plans for more than 700 civilian security wardens nationwide, one of which has been allocated to Hailsham s east ward at a cost of 54,000.

The purpose of the warden is to reduce crime and the fear of crime, and to stamp out local nuisances who regularly engage in anti-social behaviour. The ultimate goal is to improve the local environment and residents quality of life.

Police in Hailsham have welcomed the news, saying the new warden will hopefully help to free up resources in one of their busiest wards.

'Any help we can get in fighting crime in that area is good for the police and the people who live there, said Sgt Jon Scammell. 'It means that we will be able to use more of our time on other matters, which can only be to the benefit of the community.

Hailsham s MP Charles Hendry was also pleased that the town s bid for a warden had finally been accepted.

'I m delighted, he said. 'The caretaker who already works around Hailsham east ward has done a brilliant job, so I m very pleased indeed that we ve been granted this money for a warden. I think it will be very successful.

The warden will concentrate on deterring petty crime and vandalism, including loutish behaviour and graffiti, to help improve the appearance of streets and open spaces. This new programme will build on the existing Neighbourhood Watch schemes around the country.

The Street Wardens programme is being funded by a 50 million Government grant.