STREET wardens in a Worcestershire town could be just the ticket after a training programme with West Mercia police.

The Kidderminster street wardens - who are employed by Wyre Forest Community Housing to patrol streets and keep the peace - spent a day with the constabulary's training department to enhance their skills and professionalism.

The wardens learnt new skills, including the production of witness statements - which will allow them to give evidence instead of relying on police officers - and in doing so, save police time and resources.

Insp Garry Higgins, of Kidderminster police, said the training was the start of a continuous approach to keeping wardens updated and increasing their overall skills.

It would also provide an important contribution to the force's policing strategy of stopping anti-social behaviour.

"There are now seven wardens with a supervisor, all of whom provide a reassuring presence in the community," he said.

"We see them as an extension of our policing family, working in active partnership with Wyre Forest Community Housing."

Tom McGee, of Wyre Forest Community Housing, said the initiative was another example of the housing association's strong links with Kidderminster police.

"It is most encouraging to see how well the wardens have taken to their task," he added.