These people aren't police and they aren't a substitute for police

Councillor Diane Bunyan

"I think the community wanted visible people on the streets as a daily point of contact."

He said the wardens would visit schools, community groups and post offices on pension days.

They will also visit elderly and vulnerable residents regularly.

'Suspicious behaviour'

"I think it's important to say that the... scheme is totally new to Bristol and we do want it to be community-led.

"We want to be responsive to what people want us to do," said Mr Vann.

Councillor Diane Bunyan said: "This is about people having someone they can tell about suspicious behaviour in their neighbourhood.

"Quite often these things go on and turn into crime, but this scheme can help stop things before they happen.

"These people aren't police and they aren't a substitute for police."