By Margaret Crosby

Last updated 15:55, Wednesday, 14 May 2008

CAMPAIGNERS seeking to retain the four neighbourhood wardens that support communities in the South Whitehaven estates have chalked up a victory......for the time being.

clear message: The demonstration outside St Peter’s Church hall

Representatives of Greenbank, Mirehouse, Woodhouse and Kells protested with banners at last Thursday’s meeting of the South Whitehaven Neighbourhood Management Board, angry at the prospect of losing two of their four Neighbourhood Wardens. A petition of more than 600 names was also handed in.

Now the board has agreed not to cut the number of wardens from four to two, at least for the next six months, though some cut-backs in vehicles and office space may be necessary. The board, chaired by the Copeland councillor for Kells, Allan Holliday, has also agreed that during this period further avenues of financial help will be pursued.

Key campaigner Liz Hughes of Woodhouse Community Action Group and her fellow protestors were “absolutely delighted’’ with the board’s decision.

“It’s been worth it,’’ said Miss Hughes.

“Coun Holliday allowed us to present our petition and to address the meeting and then it was agreed that there would be funding available for the next six months to allow us to keep our four wardens. The two people who were being made redundant have had their notice withdrawn.

“The board are also setting up a task group to look at alternative funding sources, hopefully so we can keep all four wardens for longer.’’

Coun Holliday said: “We recognise the importance of the scheme to these areas and are doing our best to work with partners to see if we can find alternative funding streams.’’

The Neighbourhood Warden Team serves the communities of Woodhouse, Greenbank, Kells, Mirehouse and part of Hensingham.

It was established last year to work with residents and the wider community to help tackle anti-social behaviour, restore community pride and improve the local environment.

Due to a reduction in funding, the South Whitehaven Neighbourhood Management Board had to consider reducing the team.