A TOTAL of £120,000 has been earmarked for new neighbourhood wardens - in a move that has seen Redditch's leading party slammed for "off the cuff" decision-making.

The decision to employ four full-time wardens to crack down on antisocial behaviour, crime and vandalism sparked controversy after Redditch Council's executive committee meeting on Wednesday.

Conservative leader Carole Gandy accused the Labour group of "failing to think things through" in its quest to find favour with residents. She said £30,000 was originally set aside to fund street wardens, but an "off the cuff" decision had seen another £90,000 slapped on to funding costs.

"No real research has been carried out to determine where this money is going to come from," she said.

But Redditch councillor and community safety portfolio holder Bill Hartnett said he had researched the issue "in great detail", including visiting local authorities where the scheme is already in place.

He said after seeing other schemes in place he realised one warden was not going to be enough to act as "the eyes and ears of the community."

The wardens will work alongside police as the civilian equivalent of community support officers.