FORMER school meals cook Verna Lowe is a well known figure on the streets of Partington - where she is the only woman in Trafford's recently launched team of neighbourhood wardens.

Neighbourhood wardens have been out and about in Partington and Old Trafford since August, after council chiefs carried out a survey asking residents about their priorities for the borough as a whole, and in particular the area where they live.

A massive 97 per cent of residents said wardens would help to make them feel safer.

They are the eyes and ears of the local community who people can turn to when they have problems - everything from broken windows, litter dumped outside their house or even issues about crime.

Verna, aged 39, says: "The job particularly appealed to me because it is a role where I feel I can really make a difference. It is all about improving the look and feel of an area so that residents can take pride in it."

And out of the kitchen and onto the streets, Verna's new recipe is to ensure that Partington has cleaner streets, street lamps are lit, litter bins emptied - while keeping her eyes peeled for environmental issues that affect the community.

Verna, who has two teenage sons, adds: "Problems like dog fouling and fly tipping affect the whole neighbourhood. By tackling such nuisances we can improve the quality of life for people living and visiting Partington."

Sporting her blue uniform, Verna is helped by her partner Frank Poad. Together they patrol the streets to observe any problems - and after every shift they report any issues to the appropriate council department or agency so action can be taken.

She continues: "In just a few months, I've seen a vast improvement to Partington, such as greater visibility in the evening with all street lamps lit and pot holes in the pavement repaired - improving the safety of pedestrians.

"Many people now recognise me as a familiar face and as we launched the scheme during the summer holiday many of the children even know my name.

"Vandalism is not as apparent as it was several weeks ago and abandoned cars left on the highway and burnt out are getting removed far quicker now - I feel very proud that we are making such a difference."

And after just five weeks out on the patch, the council has already received an extremely positive reaction from the community.

Geoff Marsh, head of environmental services, says: "Our neighbourhood wardens are the eyes and ears of the borough providing the council with information on any improvements that need to be done.

"The team has a vast local knowledge and residents are now able to speak to the council directly - but through what they see as an unofficial approach. The wardens and also spending time talking to groups in the community who often feel negative towards people in authority, such as young people They are actively encouraging a good working relationship with the community to help them improve the environment in Trafford for all."

The service was developed in consultation with local residents and links in with the priorities residents put forward for Trafford's community strategy - a blueprint to make the borough a better, safer, healthier and more pleasant place to live and work.

More information on the community strategy will be available at roadshows throughout the borough soon. For more details call Trafford Direct on 912 2000.