Last updated at 13:53, Monday, 02 November 2009

AN appeal is being launched to save a community service from the axe.

AT RISK: Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management Centre, which could close if funding is not found JOE RILEY REF: 0467358

Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management is asking businesses to sponsor its team of neighbourhood wardens.

Their work has been funded using a grant from the neighbourhood element of the government’s Safer, Stronger Communities Fund.

But the grant, awarded to Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management in 2006, could only provide cash for three years and the money runs out in March next year.

The team of five wardens are employed by Barrow Borough Council. If no funding is found by March, the positions could be axed.

The neighbourhood group is now looking for alternative funding and a letter asking for sponsorship has been distributed to businesses.

Steve Robson, neighbourhood manager, said: “If funding isn’t found the most likely outcome will be redundancy. We’ll be circulating over the coming days and weeks to invite interested businesses to consider sponsoring the neighbourhood warden team.”

Dave Coverdale, fire locality manager for Barrow Fire and Rescue Service and chairman of Barrow Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, said: “The neighbourhood wardens are an asset to the community in Barrow. They offer an effective service to the public as advocates for the communities in which they work and operate as proactive agents for other public service providers.”

The wardens carry out patrols in two of Barrow’s most deprived wards – Central and Hindpool.

They work with local schools and community groups on problem-solving and crime prevention. They tackle issues such as graffiti and dog fouling and also supervise and run the Junior Wardens scheme.

Barrow police Inspector Dave Bosson said: “They are visible on the streets, adding to public confidence and accessibility for the public to speak to someone who has an interest in the area.

“Members of the public feel sometimes more comfortable speaking to a warden about their issues rather than police.

“Our own police and community support officers speak very highly of the role of the wardens and the information shared and value they bring to our partnership. I think the idea of sponsorship is a good one and an opportunity for local businesses to develop and promote the town.”

Barrow’s MP John Hutton, who opened the warden’s Dalton Road centre in October 2007, said: “I very much hope it will be possible for the local authorities to identify funds that will allow for the continuation of the work that has been done by the team.

“They fulfil a valuable service and I would be happy to work with the local authorities in making any representations in any quarter which might be felt to be helpful.”

First published at 13:09, Monday, 02 November 2009
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk