KNUTSFORD may become a cleaner place if this week's bid for a street warden is accepted by the Government.

A warden would clean up graffiti and litter and report troublemakers to police.

But first Knutsford Town Council have to prove they can afford to pay for the street cleaner when Government cash runs out.

At their meeting last week town mayor George Walton described it as a great opportunity for Knutsford.

"The warden can have flexible hours so he is out on the streets when we know there is a problem with yobs," he said.

"He can keep his eyes and ears open for trouble while cleaning up the streets, helping to keep the town tidy and safer."

But Clr Elizabeth Abbots was concerned about finding the right man - or woman - for the job.

"It is a good idea in principle, but it is very important that we get the right person," she said.

"We need someone who knows the area well and where the problems are, but finding a local person to do the job may prove difficult."

The Government will provide up to 50% of the cash until April 2004, but councils must prove they can afford to run the scheme after that.

But last week town clerk Gay Martyniuk warned town councillors that a warden may come at the expense of security cameras.

"The council cannot afford to support the scheme as well as financing CCTV," she said.

"There may be an option for the borough council to provide funds while the town council ran the scheme."

But on Thursday a Macclesfield Borough Council spokesman could not confirm whether they would support the town's bid.

Bids must be submitted by Tuesday, but a decision is unlikely to be made until the end of the year.

mgillies@guardiangrp.co.uk