Further job cuts at Westminster Council

There are also 50 City Inspectors, who can fine or prosecute unscrupulous street traders, people who dump rubbish and owners who let their dogs foul the streets.

Both these roles are to be scrapped by the council, replacing them with a force of just 65 so-called 'super inspectors'.

Leader of the Labour group, Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg, said: "Fewer City Guardians and City Inspectors will mean fewer people patrolling the streets, fewer people tackling antisocial behaviour, more litter and a poorer environment."

The council, which aims to make a saving of £2.1million a year with the proposals, said the new inspectors will combine the best of both former roles.

Of the new team, 45 rapid response officers will be called out to issues such as drunks urinating in the street or firms dumping waste, as and when they arise, 24 hours a day, 365 days a week.

There will also be 20 neighbourhood inspectors with the same range of powers to tackle antisocial behaviour, graffiti and dog fouling.

All inspectors will work with existing police Safer Neighbourhood Teams and can issue fines.

Cllr Daniel Astaire, cabinet member for community safety, said: "Due to the proposed creation of a new service combining the best of the Guardians and Inspectors there will be some job losses.

"We are in a radically different era thanks to the commitment of the police of neighbourhood policing and our increased partnership work, so we need to move with the times.

"The new service will mean we actually have more of the right people, in the right place, at the right time, crucially with the full powers of enforcement and skills to really make a difference.

"This will be a targeted and local service with strong links to the area and community which will ultimately benefit everyone."

The scheme is expected to be officially launched in July, operating from an emergency control room in Lisson Grove with direct links to the council's call centre and CCTV network.

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