Community wardens have the same powers as ordinary citizens

The 42 staff employed by Redcar and Cleveland Council patrol the streets dealing mainly with litter and dog fouling problems, as well as minor incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Council figures from April to December 2001 show there was just one reported incident of violence, compared to 18 incidents over the same period last year.

One community safety warden - who did not want to be identified - told BBC Radio Cleveland their role has become increasingly challenging.

She said: "When I started this job there were incidences of anti-social behaviour but it seems to be growing.

"There seems to be more access to drink and drugs for children and I think that is one of the major problems around here.

Reporting policies

"We have been stoned by children hiding on roofs.

"In another incident we got called to what we thought was a minor incident... there were 50 youths waiting for us and they began hurling bottles and bricks at us.

"I have been working in this area for quite a while now and we have got a kid rapport with the kids.

"A lot of them will come and talk to us and we have built up a trust and we can tell them if they are causing a problem and they will move on.

"But there are certain ones that we will never conquer and they are the ones causing the problems."

A spokesman for Redcar and Cleveland Council said the rise of incidents involving community wardens could be attributed in part to better reporting procedures.

He added that the figures would be closely monitored by the safety unit.