WINCHESTER civic chiefs have been hailing the first full year of the city's neighbourhood wardens scheme.

Five wardens are now working in Highcliffe, Stanmore and Winnall.

The town forum considered a report on the first 12 months which showed the wardens had dealt with more than 400 issues.

They were: antisocial behaviour, 69; litter, 53; graffiti, 46; abandoned cars, 45; vandalism, 39; untaxed vehicles, 37; pavements/roads, 28; supermarket trolleys, 25; fly-tipping, 23; drugs-related, 15; noise, 7; arson, 6; lighting, 5; bullying, 3; dog fouling, 2.

The five wardens also attend court, community meetings, multi-agency forums and schools liaison panels.

They are also involved in several projects, including cycle proficiency, a youth shelter in Highcliffe, and basketball and football coaching.

A survey showed the wardens to be popular. A poll of 2,491 homes attracted a response from 602. Only three per cent said the service was poor.

Some 37 per cent of the over-65s said it made them feel safer.

The feedback was generally better in Highcliffe than Stanmore. The council puts that down to the wardens operating there from February 2005 and in Stanmore from June 2005. Winnall joined earlier this year.