Uniformed wardens with tough police powers to clamp down on antisocial behaviour could soon be pounding the beat in Oxford.

Oxford police and Oxford City Council are applying to the Home Office for the money to employ Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).

They are also discussing whether PCSOs should concentrate on city centre issues such as begging and street-drinking -- or work alongside existing estate wardens, who do not have as many powers.

Chief Supt David McWhirter, commander of the new Oxfordshire police area, said PCSOs could play a key role in dealing with "quality of life issues" such as rowdy and intimidating behaviour, which both Thames Valley Police and the Government have made a priority.

Chief Constable Peter Neyroud has put improving neighbourhood policing at the heart of his recently-announced reorganisation of Thames Valley Police sectors.

Mr McWhirter said PCSOs could provide the uniformed presence on the streets which residents wanted, alongside community beat bobbies.

He said a bid could go in within the next few months, and he hoped to see no fewer than 12 PCSOs in Oxford.

But he warned council taxpayers would almost certainly have to pick up the bill once three-year Government grants ran out.

PCSOs are uniformed officers who can demand the name and address of people, seize alcohol in non-drinking areas, confiscate alcohol and cigarettes from young people, and organise the removal of abandoned vehicles.

Oxford City Council executive member for crime and community safety Susan Brown said: "One option might be to employ PCSOs in the city centre. I have always been very supportive of having PCSOs, but we have got to make sure we put the right bid in to make the best possible use of them.

Eight PCSOs are working in north and south Oxfordshire. Thames Valley Police has put in a bid for more in the South Oxfordshire District Council area, as well as parts of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.