A SCHEME to encourage community spirit and security is being extended across the borough.

Community wardens already patrol some areas of Basingstoke and Deane, but six new wardens are now being recruited so the scheme can cover more of north Hampshire.

Brighton Hill and Winklebury, in Basingstoke, as well as Whitchurch and Overton, are expected to have community wardens on the streets by June.

The wardens patrol the streets of their designated areas and are trained to be the eyes and ears of the community. They wear a uniform so they are clearly identifiable to members of the public.

And as part of the preparation for the scheme's roll-out, children in Brighton Hill have been meeting with current wardens to learn more about what they do.

Paula James-Bailey and Stephen Bate, who are wardens in South Ham and Popley, visited Ladybirds Pre-school, at Hill Rise Hall, Bach Close, Brighton Hill, to spread the word.

The community wardens are funded by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Councillor Sean Keating, the borough council's Cabinet member for communities and regeneration, said: "The community wardens scheme is one of our flagship policies and has been a big success.

"This is the first step in extending the scheme - I also want to see wardens in Kingsclere and Bramley.

"We know that the wardens scheme works. In the areas where they are already, we have seen reductions in crime and an increasing sense of safety among people.

"They have had a major impact in helping people to have more pride in their neighbourhoods by reporting litter, fly-tipping and abandoned vehicles, as well as encouraging community spirit."

The areas that already have community wardens are Oakridge, South View, Popley, Buckskin, Kempshott, South Ham, Tadley and Bishops Green.

First published: Wednesday, March 22, 2006