Shopkeepers have reacted angrily after Oxford City Council went cap-in-hand to ask for as much as £30,000 to fund the street warden scheme.

Around 500 letters have been sent to businesses, predominantly in the areas where street wardens patrol. Steve Kilsby, the council's neighbourhood services manager, has asked for donations between £1,000 and £30,000.

He said the money would be used to pay for training for the wardens. And, while businesses said they acknowledged the good work being done by the wardens, many reacted angrily to the idea they should pay extra for the scheme.

Melissa Earnshaw, of A Cute Cut hair salon, in Wood Farm, said: "It's a lot of money and I don't understand why they're targeting us. They should be getting it off the Government."

Mick Honour, owner of Top Dog Pet Supplies, also in Wood Farm, said: "I don't see why business should help fund the street wardens, the council should.

"Everyone living in these areas benefits from them. Why should it just be us that are singled out? We're really struggling what with our rates, electricity and other bills. I think they have got a real cheek to be sending these letters out to us."

Kamran Yousuf, who owns an off-licence in Wood Farm, said: "I feel the wardens have done a good job in the area, but it's too much to ask and I don't agree with it."

One shop owner in Barton, who asked not to be named, said he felt intimidated by the letter. He added: "There's no way I can afford to make a donation, but if I don't, will the wardens ignore me if I ask for any assistance?"

Claire Prosser, policy executive of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group, said: "Although we commend Oxford City Council for taking steps to improve the street wardens programme, we strongly believe this should not be at a cost to local businesses."

Ms Prosser added: "We recognise that funding from the Government is not always plausible, but to put pressure on businesses to offer extortionate amounts of money for the training - and accommodation - of street wardens is unacceptable."

Mr Kilsby said the letters had been sent out to explore the potential of local businesses funding the scheme. He said: "The letter was intended for businesses who have a sizable turnover and have seen the impact of street wardens.

"These businesses may want to help with some funding for the scheme. The funding would be used for training and would not be used to pay for individual street wardens."