A THIRD team of wardens has taken to the streets of Hartlepool as part of a community safety drive.

Four new recruits have been appointed to work in Burbank, Brinkburn and parts of Rift House to help reduce burglaries and tackle anti-social behaviour, including vandalism and fly-tipping.

Cover was previously provided by two other teams of wardens operating from Dyke House and Owton Manor, but the new team means the area now has its own squad.

The wardens scheme is receiving funding of more than £600,000 over three years from the Government's Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

Alison Mawson, Hartlepool Borough Council's community safety strategy officer, said: "The first two teams have been very well received by members of the public, who seem to appreciate the wardens' efforts to tackle crime and fear of crime, and we hope the newest team will be a similar success.

"At the end of the day, we must all pull together to make the town a safer place to live and work, so public support is vital if the community wardens scheme is to continue to be a success."

Although the wardens have no formal enforcement powers, they are seen as providing a link between the community and organisations such as the council and the police.

The wardens can be contacted on (01429) 405581.