Street wardens operate throughout the north-east of England

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is to spend �20m to continue paying for warden projects in the UK - including 11 in the North East.

There are currently 79 street wardens employed in the region, dealing with anti-social behaviour, graffiti, abandoned cars and reducing the fear of crime among vulnerable residents.

Warden schemes in Northumberland, Tyneside Wearside, County Durham and Teesside will all receive cash to continue their work.

A further �2m is also being made available to increase the number of neighbourhood management schemes.

The schemes help to solve local problems with crime, unemployment, housing, health and the environment in rundown areas.

The North East currently has three schemes - based in Stockton, east Durham and Derwentside. At least one more is planned.

Reclaiming streets

Announcing the additional cash for both projects, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said: "Making neighbourhoods clean and safe benefits everybody.

"Already, we can see the impact that wardens and neighbourhood management have in helping residents to revitalise their neighbourhoods and reclaim their streets.

"Both wardens and neighbourhood managers deliver change on the ground, taking people's concerns and helping them to come up with a practical solution.

"We have already seen the kind of impact that these schemes can have - from cutting crime and anti social behaviour to improving the physical environment.

"We are building places where people want to live, not leave. Places where people have a sense of pride as well as greater community safety.