A PIONEERING community warden scheme in east Cleveland was completed yesterday.

The wardens, employed by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, started working yesterday in the St Germains, Longbeck and Marske area, as well as Ormesby and Nunthorpe, Lockwood, Belmont, Guisborough and Hutton and also Saltburn.

It brings to fruition a scheme which has been implemented during the past year to put the wardens - who act as the eyes and ears of the community - into all parts of the borough.

They also have the power to issue on the spot fines for litter fouling.

There are 28 wardens and two supervisors but the council has been awarded extra cash from the Government to employ a further six wardens. Eventually the total will rise to 43 wardens.

Councillor Dave McLuckie, council lead member for community safety, said the results were speaking for themselves.

"There has been a decrease in dog fouling, and a marked decrease in anti social behaviour.