Ministers have praised the work of neighbourhood wardens, saying they have helped reduce crime and improve the environment.

Six uniformed wardens are employed in the New Deal for Communities area of East Brighton, comprising Whitehawk, Moulsecoomb, Saunders Park and the Bates and Manor Farm estates.

Regeneration minister Tony McNulty said the wardens had contributed to a 13 per cent drop in crime in the area in the past 12 months.

He said: "Wardens have made a real difference to people's lives.

"Their uniformed presence acts as an important deterrent, helping crack down on street crime and anti-social behaviour."

Burglary and car crime have been cut since the New Deal began operating three years ago.

John Mitchell, the New Deal's community safety leader, said the wardens had played their part in the success.

He said: "I think their daily patrols have had a particularly strong effect.

"They are very visible and the fact people see them out and about helps to reduce the fear of crime."

Their presence was also influential in tackling environmental problems, such as abandoned cars, litter and graffiti.

In one example, wardens headed a project that collected 15 tonnes of rubbish during two weekends.