EIGHT people applied to be street wardens in Parks and Walcot.

Swindon Council mounted a recruitment day for wardens on March 21 and 22.

There was a high standard of candidate and jobs were offered to all eight, subject to police checks and references.

Seven have accepted and an attempt will will be made to fill the remaining vacancy.

The delay to the wardens starting work is because of the need for police clearance.

There have been changes made at a national level to the police clearance procedure and this has resulted in a huge backlog and the Swindon wardens have beencaught up in the queue.

Work is currently underway in setting up a management board to support the wardens' work and this will include representatives from each of the neighbourhood safety teams in East Swindon and also from the Parks and Walcot community forum.

It is hoped that the wardens will begin patrolling in July.

Miriam Minty, Swindon Council crime and disorder co-ordinator, said: "Obvious-ly we are disappointed about the delay in beginning patrols in the area.

"But everyone involved is looking forward to the wardens hopefully beginning work in the area in early summer.

"We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of local people who have been very supportive of the scheme."