The new scheme, “Eyes for Ashfield”, will see a massive £1.7million investment in community safety with a new team of 16 full time community safety wardens who will tackle anti-social behaviour across Ashfield at the heart of the service.

Launching in summer 2009, the new warden service will have increased powers to issue on-the-spot fines for a variety of offences. Additionally, the wardens will have access to the police radio system, allowing fast access to police assistance when needed. The wardens will also be equipped with state of the art camera equipment for evidence gathering.

The strong council response has resulted directly from a Mori survey which indicated residents in Hucknall, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Kirkby-in-Ashfield and surrounding rural areas felt the number one factor which would improve their quality of life would be less crime and disorder on the streets.

Ashfield District Council deputy leader, Cllr Austin Rathe, said: “We know from the Mori survey that people want safer streets. I'm proud that this council listens, cares and delivers. This massive investment we're making in community safety will mean that together we can take back our communities."

The council is also, with immediate effect, creating a new high-level community safety manager position to co-ordinate the new community safety drive.

Nottinghamshire Police’s Chief Superintendent Nick Holmes commented: “This is an exciting and positive development. An effective Warden Service, working as part of the wider Community Safety family including Police and Community Support Officers will have a significant impact upon crime, the fear of crime and anti social behaviour”.