NEIGHBOURHOOD wardens start work in Highcliffe on Monday and are eager to begin making a difference.

The wardens, who will eventually cover Stanmore as well, are employed by Winchester City Council and will work with community groups, schools and the police to address problems such as antisocial behaviour and encourage a more positive attitude within the community.

The £180,000, 18-months' pilot scheme has been financed by Central Government, council tax and the town precept.

Coordinator, Joanna Naylor and wardens, Peter Stevens and Nigel Devlin, will be joined by a fourth colleague, who Winchester City Council hopes to have in place by April.

As well as antisocial behaviour, they will be working on environmental improvements, such as the removal of litter, addressing the problems of fly-tipping, graffiti and abandoned vehicles.

Brian Collins, city councillor in charge of health and inclusive communities, says the wardens are a valuable extension to the services the council already provides.

"We are very excited about the future of the service and look forward to receiving feedback from residents," he said.

Joanna Naylor added: "We hope to be able to encourage the communities of Stanmore and Highcliffe to work together to achieve their aims.

"One of the main issues to arise from our meetings with various groups was antisocial behaviour. We don't have any enforcement powers, but we can work with other organisations. I hope our presence will deter this sort of behaviour and we can support the communities affected by it.

"My colleagues and I are really looking forward to getting on with our jobs, as we have spent quite a long time in preparation. We are eager to get out there and support the community."

* For more information about the wardens and how they can help, call 0800 389 6274, email neighbourhoodwardens@winchester.gov.uk, or visit www.winchester.gov.uk