ONE minute he is dealing with graffiti and fly-tipping, the next he is helping victims of crime or dropping-in on elderly residents.

The duties of a neighbourhood warden are extremely varied with no two days ever the same says 24-year-old Ashley Nicholson.

Having been on patrol in Stonehouse for two years, he has experienced and resolved dozens of disputes.

In that time he has met countless people in and around the town - which he feels is one of the most vital aspects of his job.

"It's all about building up relationships," he says.

"It was a bit lonely at first but now when I walk down the street people recognise me and stop to chat or ask for advice," he says.

"The job is all about having more eyes in more places and if we see problems we try and fix them or go to organisations to suggest changes."

Ashley is one of seven wardens in the Stroud district who provide a visible presence in selected areas every day of the week.

Each warden has a number of key responsibilities - one of which is to meet a new elderly or vulnerable person each day.

During our rounds we drop in at the Sherbourne House sheltered housing scheme.

Ashley checks the windows and doors are secure at the home of 87-year-old great-grandmother Jean Wathern.

He also tells her about the Message in a Bottle scheme in which a person's medical details and emergency contact numbers are stored in a special container in the fridge - the last place to burn during a fire.

"It's nice to know there is somebody you can speak to," says Mrs Wathern, who has 15 great children.

As well as having strong links with residents, Ashley works closely with both the Stonehouse Town Council and Stonehouse Neighbourhood Project.

Town mayor Mattie Ross says the warden is a great asset, highlighting the work he has done setting up CCTV cameras in trouble-spots, combating litter and helping residents.

"Although I have never once felt threatened in Stonehouse, Ashley is an invaluable link in community safety," she says.

And although safety is a high priority for wardens, they do offer something quite different to that of police officers or Police and Community Cupport Officers (PCSOs).

"If I stop to chat to kids who have alcohol they know I can't take it away from them for example," he says.

Ashley says while he has no legal enforcement powers, this is a good thing.

It is the reason why young people trust him and often feel they can open up to him about their problems or concerns.

"It's nice because kids talk to us in a way they would never talk to the police," he adds.

The job of a warden is non-confrontational and this is one of the reasons Ashley has never been attacked, verbally abused or even felt threatened.

And with more ASBOs being dished out across the country by the day Ashley agrees that calls from Number 10 for more respect are necessary.

"It is losing its place in society and in certain areas more respect is definitely needed," he says.

"But often youths are not given enough respect.

"They have great ideas and could do great things if only they were given funding."

*Ashley is available to discuss any local concerns during his surgery hour every other Wednesday from 10am to noon at the offices of Stonehouse Town Council.

For more general information on the warden service call Paul Helbrow on 01453 754281.