THE number of traffic wardens on Swindon's streets is set to double again to two.

Police are interviewing for a new warden and hope to have him or her on the road in the next few weeks.

It follows the resignation of Sue Booth, leaving Gillian Powis to carry on her beat alone.

Ms Booth, 33, who has an Open University degree in psychology, started her job in October last year, boosting the number of wardens in the town to two.

But she gave up to seek alternative employment.

Swindon police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar said: "I can confirm that we are currently interviewing and the vacant post should be filled very soon." Swindon Council is set to take over the running of the town's traffic warden service from the police once steps have been taken to decriminalise illegal parking.

This will allow council staff who currently monitor car parks to extend their duties to double yellow lines and allow the council to keep the proceeds from fines.

In the meantime, drivers in Swindon can park illegally in the knowledge that they will be very unlucky to be caught.

When Ms Powis started her job in 1984, she was one of 38 wardens.

She issued 719 fixed penalty tickets between January and May of this year, with the money going into Government coffers.

In the smaller community of Bournemouth, by comparison, 16 wardens issued more than 6,000 tickets, bringing in £180,000 in fines.

Lots of exercise and £13,300 a year

THE successful applicant can be guaranteed plenty of exercise and the chance to meet people although perhaps not in the most ideal circumstances.

A 37-hour week brings in a starting salary of £13,334 and there is also an unsociable hours bonus of up to around £1,400 up for offer.

Responsibilities include monitoring waiting restrictions, parking zones and restrictions on loading and unloading. A warden must also warn drivers and give out parking tickets, check tax discs and look for stolen cars.

A more pleasant part of the job is helping the public with information and directions or even controlling traffic during busy peak periods.

Entry requirements vary from area to area. The minimum age is 18. No formal qualifications are required but English and maths GCSE are useful.

Applicants should be in good health and are usually required to take a medical examination.

Training is on the job, working with experienced wardens or sometimes a supervising police officer.

Trainees learn traffic regulations and how to complete and issue tickets for parking offences.

They may also learn methods of writing short reports and techniques of giving evidence in court.