NEIGHBOURHOOD wardens are to start patrols on two Winchester estates in a bid to curb crime and antisocial behaviour.

From today three wardens will familiarise themselves with the Highcliffe and Stanmore areas before formally hitting the streets next week.

Together they will crack down on litter louts, graffiti vandals, drug addicts who leave discarded needles, fly-tippers and untaxed vehicles.

They will listen to residents and try to tackle the problems themselves or by calling in specialists.

The wardens will initially start patrolling the beat in the Highcliffe area with Stanmore to follow soon after. If the scheme goes well council chiefs said wardens could be used in other parts of the city.

A spokesman for Winchester City Council, which are funding the scheme, said: "The wardens will be an invaluable extension to the services the council already provides. They will work closely with both the local community and other agencies to improve the area."

The wardens will work closely with the police to ensure that anyone breaking the law is reported to the authorities and dealt with appropriately.

It is also hoped that they can work with local youth groups and schools on general community projects as well as providing information to local residents about community events.

To make sure they are easily recognisable, the wardens will wear red uniforms and will have their own marked vehicles.

Residents are being encouraged to approach the wardens on any topic of concern.

The wardens are due to be unveiled to the residents of Highcliffe later today.