GOOD leadership and an achievement culture were among the qualities which helped Swindon to become the first town in the South West to win a quality standard for its street warden scheme, according to the government.

The scheme, which was also one of the first in the country to get a distinction, also scored highly with the Government Office for the South West for its use of equipment and good recruitment and induction process.

Borough council lead member for community safety, Coun Brian Ford, said: "This is great news for Swindon and great news for the residents of Parks and Walcot.

"Receiving accreditation to the quality standard is a positive step forward for both the council and the local community and it recognises all the hard work that has been undertaken over the last two years."

The wardens are currently running a competition for schoolchildren in the area to write a poem or essay about things that cause problems in the community, including bullying and graffiti.