PEOPLE living in Hartlepool are being given the opportunity to find out more about the recruitment of specially-trained wardens to patrol the town's streets.

The Community Wardens Scheme is one of the topics that will be discussed at three council meetings to be held in the town's north, central and south areas.

The first meeting - the Community Safety Forum (north area) - will take place on Wednesday, at 2pm, in the Phoenix Centre, Hindpool Close.

This will be followed by the police and community safety local consultation forum (central area) on Thursday, at 2pm, in the Central library, York Road.

The final meeting - the police and community safety local consultation forum (south area) - is to be held on Friday, January 25, at 10am, in the Rossmere Community Building, in Rossmere Way.

Two teams of wardens have been recruited to cover the town's Dyke House and Owton wards and a third is planned for Burbank, Brink-burn and Rift House.

The council initiative is being funded through the Government's Neighbourhood Renewal Fund during the next three years.

The meetings will receive updates on police, fire brigade and community safety issues and there will also be a chance for members of the public to ask questions.