Eight of the Kent County Council wardens have been assigned to new areas while the other four will replace wardens who have been promoted.

The wardens help reduce crime, fear of crime and tackle anti-social behaviour and work alongside the police.

The council said the number of wardens in Kent would reach 100 by the end of March 2005 - a year ahead of plans.

'Eyes and ears'

Mike Hall, council member for community safety, said: "Wardens are not police nor replacements for police.

"They act as their eyes and ears.

"They quickly become a focal point in the community and they are very good at sorting out problems and improving the quality of life in may of our communities."

Broomfield; Marden; Hadlow; East Peckham; Kingsdown; Shepherdwell and Thanet parishes are the eight new areas to be assigned wardens.

As well as tackling crime, the wardens help build strong communities.