Colchester Council will have to stump up £60,000 to keep the town's street wardens.
The five community wardens were hailed as a "huge success" at last night's cabinet meeting. But to save them would mean a further strain on next year's budget, in which cutbacks need to be made.
Leader of the council John Jowers blamed the Government for leaving the "cash-strapped" council to foot the bill.
The Government paid for the introduction of the wardens nearly three years ago, but the grant scheme ends next year.
The award-winning workers have tackled minor problems such as litter graffiti, dog fouling and abandoned cars in the town's Harbour, New Town and Castle wards. They were crowned regional champions for the jobs they do in 2003.
Published Tuesday, September 21, 2004
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