THEY describe themselves as the eyes and ears of the local community.

After a month of patrolling the Highcliffe area of Winchester the city's three neighbourhood wardens say they are getting a good reception and the scheme is soon to be rolled out to Stanmore as well.

"We are the eyes and ears of the community and if we see something untoward it's down to us to get it reported or fix it ourselves," Mr Stevens said. "We want to be seen as working with the community rather than enforcement."

Part of the wardens' task is to get to know youngsters in the area and work with them on projects and activities to help cut yobbish behaviour.

Mr Bernhardt said: "Initially they thought we were the police but we now take on more of a big brother role. They know we have contacts with the council and can represent their views."

Although they do not have enforcement powers part of their remit is to banish the nuisance of fly-tipping and graffiti and help keep the streets clean. They also deal with the removal of abandoned vehicles.

This summer the wardens' remit will be extended to include Stanmore and if the scheme continues to be successful and more funding is found more wardens could be recruited to patrol other areas of the city.