THE plight of Hyndburn's under-threat neighbourhood wardens was raised in Parliament this week.

The wardens face the axe unless rescue funding is found to save their jobs, and Hyndburn's MP has thrown his weight behind their cause.

The issue was brought to light in the House of Commons when Mr Pope tabled an Early Day Motion - which is a way of highlighting an issue making all MPs aware of it.

He said: "I feel very strongly that the wardens provide an excellent service to the public and, as I say in my motion, they add much more to the community than they cost."

A last ditch bid has been made by Hyndburn Council to organise funding for the wardens, who fulfil responsibilities for the police, the fire department, the council and Lancashire County Council. All bodies have been approached for a contribution to save the 12 wardens' jobs. Six of which are due to go in March.

Mr Pope added: "I hope that all the various organisations can put their heads together and find the funding to secure the future of this important service.

"When I met with the wardens recently I was impressed with the work they do, and I'm hoping in the near future I can patrol with them to see this first hand."

At the moment, Government funding provides the wardens. Half the funding was always due to be cut in March next year, with the rest in March 2006.

The leader of Hyndburn Council met the wardens this week to discuss the funding crisis.

Councillor Peter Britcliffe said: "I was tremendously impressed with their enthusiasm and they know everything is being done to organise continuation funding.

"We're looking to set up a meeting with them, the partner agencies such as the police, and also Greg Pope. The wardens do understand that Hyndburn Council can't provide all the funding because the burden can't be put on the tax payer."