COMMUNITY wardens started patrolling the streets of an east Cleveland town yesterday.

Geoff Parry and Lee Collins will be on patrol in Brotton, tackling problems which were highlighted at a packed public meeting organised by Brotton councillors Brian Hogg and Richard Rudland.

The scheme was launched when the wardens met community leaders and council officers, who outlined how the scheme will be operating.

Councillor Dave McLuckie, lead member for community safety, said: "The community warden scheme is a really good initiative, which is growing all the time. We are pleased we can respond to many of the concerns raised at the public meeting and have every confidence in the wardens ability to help improve the community's way of life."

Councillor Sylvia Szintai, lead member for environment and infrastructure for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: "We hope it will be a short cut to getting things done quicker, and I'm sure the people of Brotton will see a difference over the next few months."

The two men will be based in the town and will work split shifts in the afternoon and early evening. Their duties will include the enforcement of £25 on-the-spot fines for litter and dog fouling, and inspection role of council buildings, including schools.

The wardens will also have telephone contact with the council and will be able to access response teams to tackle environmental maintenance issues.

They will have regular meetings with the area's community police officer, PC Rachel Dick.

The scheme has already been piloted successfully in Eston and will be introduced in Teesville and Normanby early in the New Year.