The future of the remaining 10 is now in serious doubt with Government cash due to run out in March.

Wardens were hailed as an essential support service to the police when the scheme was launched six years ago.

But despite the success of the scheme the Government has withdrawn its financial backing and has stressed it is up to individual council’s to either foot the bill or find external funding.

Brian Holland, interim director of Safer Walsall Borough Partnership, which manages the scheme, said: “The wardens’ service is valued by the community but the service is not sustainable without an injection of money by partner organisations.”

Councillors are being asked to investigate whether the remaining wardens should be retained amid the impending financial difficulties and in light of the recent arrival of police community support officers and street champions.

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