Uniformed rangers could soon be on patrol in Brighton and Hove to act as the "eyes and ears" of the city.

They will be trained in first aid and able to respond to emergencies as well as providing information and reassurance for tourists.

The rangers will help solve common problems in the city centre at the early stage and, although they will have no powers of arrest, will help police and store security guards by gathering criminal intelligence.

The City Centre Business Forum, which plans to employ four rangers, came up with the idea after seeing similar schemes in action around England.

Cambridge, Kingston, Manchester and Oldham are among the places that already employ rangers. They say they have been successful in cutting crime and helping visitors feel safer.

City centre manager Tony Mernagh believes the rangers would make a huge difference.

He said: "The rangers would have a consummate knowledge of Brighton so be able to help visitors. They will be linked to the radio net and be able to help and respond to emergencies and also solve problems, like broken chairs or traffic lights, at an early stage.

"They will have the added value of being able to make the centre of Brighton more secure by gaining intelligence on criminal activity or following villains around. Their primary purpose is to be the eyes and ears of Brighton and look after the town in the interests of traders."

The rangers, who would work during the day seven days a week, would be able to track known shoplifters around the city and warn shopkeepers through the radio net.

In Oldham, a rangers scheme funded by EU, Government and private cash started in 1999. Six long-term unemployed people are given a one-year contract and it is hoped the training will help them gain full-time work elsewhere.

A spokeswoman for the Oldham Town Centre Partnership said the rangers enhanced security, had a direct link with the council and alerted it to problems such as faulty paving and provided scooters and wheelchairs for disabled people.

She said: "They act as the ambassadors of Oldham and really help people feel safer. They make the town centre a safe and pleasant place to visit."

It was originally hoped the rangers would go on duty this month in time for the summer tourist season. But there have been a series of bureaucratic problems in applying for a grant from the European Social Fund to fund the first year of the scheme.

First the City Centre Business Forum missed the March deadline for applying for funds after the deadline was unexpectedly moved to February.

It then filled in the 80-page application form in time for the summer deadline but has now been told the category under which it was bidding, to help disadvantaged people get back into employment, has been removed.

The forum, which has already dedicated £7,000 to pay for the rangers, is looking for one or several partners to fund the first year of the project, expected to cost about £50,000.

The city council will provide training.