SIX street wardens are to help district crime-busting thanks to Government cash.

Wyre Forest Community Housing has been allocated £162,492 to part-fund wardens in three areas from next year.

The three-year scheme will cover the Foley Park, Offmore and Comberton areas of Kidderminster and the Walshes estate, Stourport.

It follows the successful introduction of wardens in Broadwaters, Kidderminster, earlier this year.

The wardens will be tasked with tackling harassment, nuisance, vandalism and other anti-social behaviour.

Housing company chairman Chris Lewis said: "This will supplement the excellent work being carried out by our anti-social behaviour unit.

"The addition of further street wardens to the team will provide a catalyst and focal point for improving community safety and promoting community development in the three areas."

Wyre Forest was one of 100 schemes in the country to be given the go-ahead by the Department of the Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

The Government has allocated £20 million to part-fund schemes.

Some 6,000 housing company tenants will be consulted on whether they will pay an extra 50p to 70p a fortnight on their rent to help foot the remainder of the bill.

The street wardens' daily patrols will include advice on crime prevention and support for crime victims.

They will also help the company improve nuisance hotspots and support formation of community groups such as Neighbourhood Watch.