Stanwell residents fear for town after possible cut of warden

The job of the warden is to liaise between the residents, the police, and local authorities, including Spelthorne and Surrey County Council, and sort out problems such as graffiti and anti-social behaviour.

Father William Whittaker, the vicar of Stanwell, said: "Quite a lot of people in the village are a bit upset that his post could be made redundant. He deals with all manner of issues very quickly, and has been known to give elderly people lifts.

"It is to do with finances, but it always seems like people are getting cut from the bottom. I don't see why they can't cut executives who earn a lot more money.

"We had graffiti around the church so we rang him and he got it cleared, and another time there was a problem with youths hanging around, but he spoke to the right person and it was dealt with quickly. He is a vital resource, especially for the elderly."

The council have stated that the community warden role could be merged with one of four new posts called Neighbourhood Supervisors, who deal with environment, street scene, and community issues.

They also stated that discussions are in progress about the precise nature of the new post, and added that no decision will be made until consultations with Mr Rayner are finished.

But residents fear that certain issues will go unheard, and they will not have anyone to contact about the problems.

Beryl Wilkins, of Stanwell High Street, said: "I think it would be a great shame for Stanwell if he is taken away. You can always get him, and if you see graffiti or a building which is in decay, you can call him and he will deal with it straight away.

"He is wonderful man and I can't speak highly enough of him."

A spokeswoman for the council said: "Some of the core roles the warden undertakes will remain and others will be reviewed, but if the new role proceeds, Mick Raynor will remain highly visible and active within the community."