Controversial plans to cut half the number of community wardens across Kent are set to be scrapped

Kent County Council has announced that it is no longer proceeding with its cost-cutting plans to reduce the number of wardens from 79 to 40 in a bid to save £1.28m.

The proposals were published in September and were the subject of a public consultation that drew a largely hostile response to the cuts.

At the time, 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.

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

Mike Hill, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “We carried out a six-week consultation which produced nearly 1,200 responses.

"More than 100 of those were from district and parish councils and the vast majority praised the wardens, either as individuals or as a service, and were keen to see it retained.

“We were already aware of the important role that our wardens play in the areas they serve, but this consultation has brought home to us how valued they are by those communities.

“We have listened and paid attention to public opinion and I am recommending the correct course of action is to maintain the status quo.

“We have listened and paid attention to public opinion and I am recommending the correct course of action is to maintain the status quo" - Mike Hill

"I received an indication of support from my Cabinet colleagues at a meeting last month, since when we have been working on some operational issues which have now been resolved.

“Although we will be keeping all the present uniformed wardens, we will achieve some savings by a reduction in back-office staff and by closing three area offices.

“We will also need to make some minor reorganisation to the warden service, because there is an imbalance in the provision across certain parts of the county.

“But the main impact of my decision is that we have heeded public opinion and, assuming my recommendation is ratified by the full Cabinet early in January, this important service should remain at its current level.”

Wardens 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 was due to call for the wardens to be protected from budget cuts at a full council meeting this Thursday.