THE street warden service in Middlesbrough is to be restructured to ensure that they are not taking on challenges that should be left to the police.

Members of the public can often get confused about the specific role wardens play in crime prevention, according to a report by Middlesbrough Council's chief executive, Jan Richmond.

The report also called for them to be more visible in the community and focus on addressing the public's perception of crime.

The plans to change the service mean wardens will be encouraged to make more use of their community reassurance role.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, council cabinet member for community safety, said: "What we are trying to do is make sure that they have maximum impact in the community and maximum visibility.

"Street wardens are very valued by residents and this is a mid-term review going on to make sure we make the best use of them.

"We have become aware that they have a close relationship with police, so we want to make sure that is kept up.

But, mainly, they are there as a visible presence, to liaise with residents on a day-to-day basis, not to make arrests, and that is the difference.

"We share radio airwaves with the police now so if the wardens see criminal activity they can immediately call for back-up.

"The wardens are not there to make arrests, that is the job of the police."

He added: "We are not complacent and we are continually looking at ways of making sure we are being as effective as possible so we continue tackling anti-social behaviour and reassuring the residents of the town."

The town's 68 wardens have proved to be extremely successful, receiving national recognition from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in recognition of their positive impact on the town.

In September, Sikandar Hayat was selected as a finalist in this year's National Warden Achievements Awards due to the work that he has been doing in Middlesbrough to promote diversity.

He works with the various ethnic minority communities across the town, and has distributed a welcome pack to all the asylum seekers in the town.