TOWN centre bosses in Burnley are hoping they will be able to keep their 'vital' town centre wardens after it was revealed funding for the pair runs out in a month.

The two wardens, who report problems of litter or vandalism, deal with shoplifters and help visitors to the town centre, have been paid for with government money and cash from Charter Walk shopping centre for the last six years.

But the cash, which pays for Pete Ashworth and Helen Wiggan, runs out next month and there are fears the posts will be axed.

A lifeline, however, could be provided if the wardens could be merged with the council's 12-strong community warden scheme, which is funded by European money.

Town centre bosses are in talks with the council to try and secure a deal.

Town centre manager Lisa Durkin said: "Our wardens perform a vitally important task in the and although there are only two of them they do a really good job.

"They patrol the whole town centre between them, reporting any problems they may come across and helping deal with shoplifters and beggars and they man the customer information point giving help and advice to shoppers."

She said the wardens' importance was shown earlier this week after Pete Ashworth helped a woman who fell and broke her hip in the town centre. Both wardens are first-aid trained.

Mrs Durkin said: "We are hoping the wardens will be able to merge with the community wardens which will help for the next couple of years and we have agreed with the council in principle that this can happen.

"Hopefully we will reach a firm arrangement in the next few weeks."