A TEAM of uniformed wardens helping to improve problem neighbourhoods has received an accolade.

The Wear Valley Street Wardens scheme has been awarded the Warden Quality Standard by the Neighbourhood Management and Warden Team.

The team of six uniformed wardens and manager Roger Ward will be presented with the quality standard, which acknowledges effectiveness, value and good leadership, later this year.

Mr Ward said: "It's a great achievement. We are pleased our work is being recognised as it reassures residents of the effort we are making to improving these areas.

"It shows we are not just walking around, but are doing all we can, and if people voice a concern something will be done about it."

Since the scheme was launched in 2002, to patrol the Woodhouse Close Estate, in Bishop Auckland, Coundon and Leeholme, and St Helen Auckland, wardens have worked with police, fire and council officials to improve communities.

In the past year they have removed drugs litter from the streets, fitted smoke alarms and home security systems, cleaned up fly-tips, abandoned cars and graffiti, and reduced anti-social behaviour.

Mr Ward said: "When we started residents seemed to accept the graffiti, abandoned cars and rubbish but now they residents will not accept it."

* The Street Wardens Centre, Proudfoot Drive, Bishop Auckland, hosts drop-in sessions for victims of domestic violence on the second and last Tuesday of each month. The next will be on May 25.