RESIDENTS in a crime-hit area have seen anti-social behaviour plummet after uniformed patrols were introduced last summer.

A pilot partnership scheme between Kidderminster Police and Wyre Forest Community Housing - part-funded by the government and supported by Wyre Forest Community Safety Partnership - has resulted in two full-time wardens patrolling Kidderminster's Broadwaters area since last July.

Over the past 12 months, reported crime in the area has fallen by more than 12 per cent - and now residents in other parts of Kidderminster and Stourport are being consulted to see if they want to join the initiative.

"Neighbourhood wardens are having a real impact on reducing crime, nuisance and anti-social behaviour," said Rob Pritchard, head of housing at Wyre Forest Community Housing.

"The wardens are uniformed employees of the company.

"Their purpose is to pick up on issues of vandalism and nuisance and support vulnerable people, particularly victims of crime. They are helping the community fight back."

Mr Pritchard added: "The Broadwaters wardens are the first in this area. We're one of the few authorities of our size to have taken them on board."

Stressing the wardens work closely with the police he continued: "I'm not saying these figures are all down to the wardens but the fact that we want to extend them is self-evident that we see them as a success."

Residents in parts of Kidderminster and Stourport will now be consulted on their views on extending the scheme, although they will be asked to contribute money as government funding is being withdrawn.

Bob Fearnall, beat manager for Kidderminster East, which covers Broadwaters, praised the scheme as a "fantastic success."

He added: "The wardens break down barriers between the community and the police. They're working for residents and there's a two-way flow of information between us."