Street wardens are using pedal power to patrol Oxford as they help the police fight crime and antisocial behaviour.

The city's three senior wardens are trying out the bikes, and if they decide they are a success, they may buy more for the 12 other street wardens.

Police in East Oxford have been patrolling the area on bikes since 2001 and officers in Headington since last year.

Stephen Oram, a senior street warden for Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys, said: "We have wanted to do this for a while but couldn't because of budget restrictions.

"Last month we were told the funds were available and we started looking at which bike shop could give us the best deal."

Mr Oram said: "They allow us to offer a quicker response as we mainly work on foot.

"They mean we can cover the estates more. With the size of the areas we cover, we are not always seen by everyone every day. Being on bikes makes us more visible.

"Last Thursday we had just got the bikes and were working in Iffley.

"We were called to a park in Littlemore, to reports of a homeless person there.

"People were concerned because children were playing in the park. We were able to get there much quicker than before."

Street wardens are employed to tackle low level crime and antisocial behaviour and report environmental problems like fly-tipping.

There are 15 street wardens. Three are senior wardens, and the others are split into six teams of two, covering Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys, Rose Hill and Littlemore and Iffley.

On Tuesday, two more will patrol Wood Farm and Barton.