Plans to introduce wardens to clean up the streets of Winchester's estates have been welcomed by police and community groups.

New neighbourhood wardens could be out in Stanmore and Highcliffe by the end of the year after the city council cabinet backed the scheme on Tuesday.

The wardens would have responsibility for improving the environment by collecting litter, removing graffiti and carrying out minor repairs to public property, as well as working with voluntary groups and providing a link between residents, the police and the city council.

The scheme could cost £113,000 a year and mirrors a similar one acclaimed in Southampton. The city council hopes it will cut crime and reduce people's fears, as well as improve the local environment and energise communities.

The neighbourhood wardens could form part of a larger task force hitting the city streets in the autumn when the county council will be introducing community safety officers with some minor police powers.

Superintendent Bob Rose, in charge of central Hampshire, said: "Neighbourhood wardens and community safety officers do a very good job. Hopefully, they will release police officers to do more demanding work like investigating crime and responding to emergencies."

"I welcome any idea that cuts crime and antisocial behaviour and reduces fear of crime," he added.

Supt Rose said his division, which includes Winchester, would be bidding for a share of the 40 accredited community safety officers, a scheme that is costing the county £1m.

Chairman of Winchester Residents' Association, Alan Weeks, lives in Stanmore and has first-hand experience of the problems: three weeks ago, his car was set alight by vandals.

"I feel quite enthusiastic about neighbourhood wardens because Stanmore has been characterised by years and years of neglect," he said. "We have anti-social behaviour and vandalism and the environment needs improving. All sorts of things are happening that need to be pulled round and a neighbourhood warden would have a part to play."

"We need a vision for Stanmore, a design statement that residents can put together and a neighbourhood warden could see the environmental side was being looked after," he added.

Chairman of Stanmore Community Action, Jim Cutts, also welcomed the initiative. "It is something I think most residents will find extremely useful as these guys will be extremely hands-on," he said.

"I think it is a fantastic idea. My only concern is that the funding continues to be provided to keep it going."

Community groups, Tenants and Council Together (TACT), the Town Forum and the Community Safety Partnership will now be consulted about the initiative - expected to cost £180,000 over two years.

Neighbourhood warden schemes designed to reduce people's fear of crime are already up and running in Southampton and Test Valley and are strongly supported by the Government.