Incidents of drunkenness and vandalism could be reported on 101

The 101 number was proposed in Labour's 2005 election manifesto for reporting incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Gloucestershire Police Chief Tim Brain said the scheme had "bitten the dust".

But Police Minister Tony McNulty said the project's future depended on whether money was made available in a forthcoming spending review.

A "first wave" pilot scheme involving five forces - Hampshire, Northumbria, South Wales, South Yorkshire and Leicestershire - was set up by the Home Office last year.

The scheme, which would enable members of the public to report incidents of vandalism, graffiti, drunkenness and noisy neighbours, was planned to roll out to all forces by 2008.

'Lack of money'

"We are disappointed that the systems weren't rolled out to greater parts of the country, where we would have all benefited from them," said Ian Johnston, president of the Police Superintendents' Association.

"It is an irony and a pity that something that was seen by many police officers as being successful was cancelled through lack of money."

But Mr McNulty told the Police Superintendents' Conference that ministers will be considering future plans for 101 as part of their spending review this Autumn.

"The Home Office is very pleased with the performance to date of 101," he added.

"We recognise the benefits that have been achieved around improved access to services for the public, greater partnership working between police and local councils and more responsive, coordinated and effective delivery of community safety services."