The number allows residents to report community problems directly

The 101 service was set up in the city as part of a government trial which is being tested in five areas of the UK.

Its future appears uncertain after a UK government minister suggested that funding could not be guaranteed

University research into the Cardiff trial found a 90% satisfaction rating from residents using the service.

Between a quarter and a third of Cardiff residents have used the service, since it began in June 2006.

The University of Glamorgan carried out independent research into the hotline which aims to tackle anti-social behaviour and take the pressure off the 999 service.

CALL 101 FOR... Threatening and abusive behaviour Vandalism and graffiti Drunken and rowdy groups Broken street lighting Drugs related anti-social behaviour Abandoned vehicles, dumping and fly tipping Noisy neighbours and loud parties

South Wales Police and Cardiff Council have joined up to run the scheme.

Dave Francis from South Wales Police said: "As a partnership we began seeing the benefits of 101 soon after launch in 2006, but to have an independent report corroborate our findings means that we are now more determined than ever to ensure a future for this ground-breaking service."

He said up to 170,000 calls had been made to the hotline over the last 15 months.

More than 25 police officers had been redeployed to neighbourhood policing as a result of information to 101.

He said there had been a 500% increase in the number of referrals to Cardiff Council's noise nuisance team.

"This service is too good to lose and while we await the Home Office's decision on the long-term funding of 101, we will continue to work with our partners across the board to secure a future for a service that has brought so many benefits in such a short period of time," he said.

"Other findings in the report show us that while there is widespread support for 101, there is also a high level of desire that the service be extended beyond Cardiff.

Future plans

"We are lucky to have 101, and to lose it now would not only impact on this area, but the whole of South Wales as police struggle to accommodate the demand and expectation generated by the single non-emergency number."

The non-emergency number is also being tried out in Hampshire, Northumbria, Sheffield and Leicester.

According to a Home Office spokesman, it cost �7.47m to implement the service in the five areas which covers approximately 10% of the population living in England and Wales.

So far the five areas have received more than 700,000 calls.

The service was "still considering future plans", the spokesman said.