STREET wardens could soon be patrolling the streets of a second west Suffolk town in a bid to combat anti-social behaviour.The new wardens have already been introduced onto the streets of Bury St Edmunds and a similar scheme is now being considered in Sudbury.

STREET wardens could soon be patrolling the streets of a second west Suffolk town in a bid to combat anti-social behaviour.

The new wardens have already been introduced onto the streets of Bury St Edmunds and a similar scheme is now being considered in Sudbury.

The National Association of Local Councils and Suffolk police are discussing the possibility of introducing the new style wardens in Sudbury and town councillors have also been asked their views on the idea.

The negotiations began last year after Neighbourhood Renewal Minister Babara Roche announced £11.26m had been allocated to introduce a further 207 street wardens in crime hotspots across the country.

A Suffolk police spokesman said: "There has been correspondence over the possibility of introducing street wardens in Sudbury. Inspector Stuart Hudson at Sudbury is keen on the idea and we would like to see them in Sudbury, but the proposals are in the early stages of on going discussions."

Members of Sudbury Town Council's highways and footpaths committee gave their view on the scheme earlier this week.

Town clerk Sue Brotherwood said: "The councillors support the idea of street wardens in theory, but want more information before backing the scheme.

"They have asked me to find out more about how the wardens will operate and if there will be any funding issues. I will be contacting officials in a town where they wardens are already operating and then report my findings back to the councillors for further discussion."

The overall purpose of the wardens is to build community confidence by reducing crime and fear of crime. Their functions include patrolling streets and reporting environment problems to the appropriate authorities and suspicious behaviour to the police.