A REVOLUTIONARY street warden scheme to help rid the streets of rubbish is to be launched in Redditch.

The trial scheme, which will be piloted in Church Hill, follows a number of complaints from residents about litter.

And Redditch Councillors were set to give the project the go-ahead during a public and environmental services committee meeting last night.

Volunteers will be recruited from across the town and each warden will be allocated a particular area, such as playgrounds, to clean up and be responsible for.

Redditch Council will provide wardens with equipment, including protective clothing, training in health and safety and support in their role.

Chairman of the public and environmental services committee Ken Somner said: "It is all about making people proud about the area they live in.

"If the scheme proves successful in Church Hill it will be taken to other areas in the town.

"And we eventually want wardens to expand their role and begin reporting things like abandoned cars and flooding."

Litter picked up by the wardens will be collected by the council's refuse and cleansing systems.

And wardens will be provided with name badges and formal recognition of their efforts which will be promoted during National Spring Clean Month next April.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer warden can contact the council on 64252.