CRIME has fallen by 28 per cent in areas which have a neighbourhood warden, research suggests.

The wardens, which operate in several of the most deprived wards in Hyndburn and Burnley, have been on the streets for several years, paid for after councils successfully bid for government cash.

A survey by the Office for the Deputy Prime Minister analysed the first 84 areas in the country to have the wardens and found:

Fewer gangs and lesser intimidation

Enhanced the quality of life

Reduced the fear of crime

A 28 per cent fall in the crime rate.

The wardens try to improve the quality of life on their patch by working with the police and other agencies to identity solutions to problems such as graffiti, litter, fly-tipping, other anti-social behaviour and juvenile nuisance.

Yvette Cooper, minister in the ODPM, said: "Neighbourhood wardens in these areas have helped cut crime and fear of crime, making a real difference for residents.

"When you see a report like this, it is no surprise that neighbourhood wardens are proving so popular."