UNION officials have raised concerns over plans to change the community warden service.

Unison, in Stockton, has written to every borough councillor over fears that residents will suffer when the number of wardens is cut from 32 to 20 on April 1, despite plans to increase their powers.

Branch secretary Philip Johnson said the changes will mean the community warden service becomes an enforcement service, which will have a narrower remit, while covering a bigger area, something the council denies.

In his letter, he said: "If the proposals go ahead, some of the major benefits of the existing service will be lost. If foot patrols do not take place in the areas covered by the current service, the profile of the service will be less, as will the assurance this gives to the public."

And he said hopes that additional police community support officers would be hired to meet the shortfall in foot patrols was not likely to happen until 2007-8, if at all.

He said in the mornings and evenings, there would be only four officers on duty for the whole borough, while eight would work in the afternoons.

"There could be an adverse reaction from the public when they realise what the implications of the changes are," said Mr Johnson.

"We are disappointed by the lack of consultation with the workforce before a decision was made by cabinet."

However, Mike Batty, head of community protection at the council, said: "The council is aiming to create a modernised, prestigious and improved service, where operating times will be extended from 11.30am to 10pm, to 8am until midnight.

"In doing so, the council is working with the wardens, giving them the opportunity to apply for the new service, and we are consulting with Unison in this vein.

"A number of wardens elected not to apply for the more challenging role. A re-deployment exercise is ongoing on an individual basis and we are moving to round two, where external applicants may apply."

Independent Thornaby councillor Steve Walmsley said he shared Unison's concerns, but blamed the Government for introducing the "gimmick" changes.

He said: "Can anybody really tell me that reducing 32 wardens to 20 enforcement officers is going to be good?

"Ideally, I think it would have been better to keep the present 32 wardens and just give them more powers and training."