The number of community wardens patrolling towns and villages in Kent is to be drastically cut by half because of budget cuts, it has been announced.

The county council is to consult on proposals that would mean their numbers would be radically cut from 79 to 40 to save £1.28m a year.

KCC said it had no option in the face of a continuing squeeze on public spending, which has left the authority needing to save £330m over four years.

Cllr Mike Hill, the council's cabinet member responsible, said he did not want to reduce their numbers but had no alternative. He acknowledged the changes would mean the public would see less of their wardens.

Under KCC's proposals, the service, which is discretionary, would be reorganised along district and borough council boundaries, which the authority claims would be more flexible.

Cllr Hill said: "As much of the reduction as possible has been taken from the management and administration costs of the service. We believe we have produced a plan for a robust warden service across the county.”

The plans are likely to prove deeply unpopular.

KCC introduced the scheme 12 years ago and it has proved popular with residents, offering a visible presence around towns and villages.

“We started it 12 years ago because we felt it would of great benefit our residents, but the financial situation has changed and we need to examine all our services" - Cllr Mike Hill

They have no powers of arrest but liaise with the police on low-level crime, such as anti-social behaviour, graffiti and fly-tipping. They patrol mainly on foot.

The UKIP opposition at County Hall has denounced the planned cut, saying it is a false economy .

UKIP spokesman Cllr Mike Baldock said: "The benefits they bring far outweigh the costs. It is not a statutory service but when you look at the expenditure and compare it to the work they do, the benefits are there. KCC should be cutting other areas, such as the money they spend on international affairs."

In a press statement, KCC said: "The proposed changes to the community warden service would also bring benefits. Withless focus on geographic boundaries, wardens could be quickly and easily deployed to where they are needed most."

Cllr Hill pointed out that there was no statutory obligation to provide the service. “We started it 12 years ago because we felt it would of great benefit our residents, but the financial situation has changed and we need to examine all our services.”

He added: "It is our best option. We want to keep the presence of wardens and this would give us the ability to deploy them where they are most needed and give people the reassurance they need. I hope it will be more flexible but there will be less of them."

The consultation says the service would be led by six team managers rather than 12, saving £168,000 with each responsible for two areas.

The cut in numbers would save about £1m.

For details on the consultation follow this link.