Schemes to help the most deprived areas keep clean and safe have been given a major funding boost.
The Government is giving almost £1 million to keep street wardens and street crime wardens working in the South East up until 2006.
The money is part of a £19 million boost to extend the schemes nationally.
There are currently 56 street wardens and 32 street crime wardens in the South East.
Announcing the new funding, deputy prime minister John Prescott said: "Already we can see the impact that wardens and neighbourhood management have in helping residents revitalise their neighbourhoods and reclaim their streets.
"This money will help us achieve our aim that nobody should be disadvantaged by where they live.
"I know there is much more to do to wipe out post code poverty, but we are creating the conditions for communities to thrive."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article