THE presence of neighbourhood wardens in the community is reducing crime levels, according to a Government report and Weaver Vale MP Mike Hall.

Mr Hall believes the report, published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, is 'a confirmation that Labour's policies are making a difference for local people'.

The report, conducted on a national level, shows a fall of 28 per cent in the overall rate of crime in areas with a safety warden.

Steve Newson, Vale Royal Borough Council community safety warden manager, said: "It is worth pointing out that we are making headroads by working with other agencies such as the police and Weaver Vale Housing Trust. There is no doubt we are contributing to the reduction of crime.

"We are trying to make Vale Royal a better place to live. It is about the community dealing with local problems and issues. We work with schools, the elderly, youths, vulnerable people and many others to do this.

"Sometimes we will have an indirect effect on the levels of crime and sometimes it will be direct. It is a balanced approach."

Mr Hall said: "This report supports what local people have been telling me - wardens are helping to reduce crime and are making a real difference to local people's lives.

"When you see a report like this it is no surprise that neighbourhood wardens are proving so popular in local communities and that so many areas are now choosing to set up their own warden schemes."

phennessey@guardiangrp.co.uk