WARDENS patrolled streets in Knutsford for about four weeks to stop youths scaring elderly people.

The team began visiting Warren Close and Warren Avenue after yobs sped across pensioners' lawns on motorbikes during the early hours.

"We have dealt with several incidents relating to anti-social behaviour," said Bob Broughton, who runs

the neighbourhood warden scheme. The names of two of the troublemakers were later given to Knutsford police.

Yesterday (Tuesday) Mr Broughton said the wardens now regularly visited the elderly residents to make sure they were not being troubled again.

"The end result is that the areas in question have now quietened down through the work we have carried out there and the residents now feel safer," he said.

The wardens also visited Racefield Road after a gang of youths was seen lurking behind a house and garages in a poorly lit area.

Council officials were asked to repair some street lamps to make the area safer. The neighbourhood warden scheme was launched almost two years ago to tackle anti-social behaviour, drug abuse and vandalism.

Macclesfield Borough Council piloted the project in Longridge and then employed three uniformed officers to patrol several towns.

But this week Mr Broughton said some Knutsford residents still knew little about the scheme.

"One of the major issues within Knutsford is making residents aware of who we are, what we can do for them and who we work with," he said.

Earlier this year wardens visited the former Stanley Racing betting shop in Princess Street after squatters turned it into a drugs den.

The team helped to arrange a meeting with the building's owner, police and firemen.

"This led to the owner securing the property to prevent any further misuse of the building and also to reduce and prevent acts of arson taking place," said Mr Broughton.

"We are still monitoring the building and should any further activities take place we keep the fire, police and the owner informed."

Wardens target areas in the borough when they receive calls from the public.

In Knutsford they mainly concentrate on issues in Longridge, near the Heath and in the town centre.

The team has tackled problems such as anti-social behaviour, graffiti, fly tipping, litter and dog fouling.

Yesterday (Tuesday) Mr Broughton believed they were having a positive effect in Knutsford.

"We hope we have made an impact on residents' lives, helping to give reassurance by regular visiting, listening to problems and acting upon them," he said.