Bradford's army of estate super caretakers is growing, as more and more people say they are prepared to pay 95p a week for them. But how does the new breed of caretaker operate? City Hall Reporter Olwen Vasey investigates.

DALE JARVIS has left his job as an engineer to become a good neighbour to hundreds of Council tenants.

In rain, hail and snow he is out on the streets of the sprawling Canterbury estate offering to help people with problems, tackling repairs and keeping a sharp eye out for the problems.

He does everything from mending the railings to helping people carry heavy shopping baskets and cross the road.

Dale, 34, of Sage Street, is one of five super caretakers in an innovative scheme introduced by Bradford Council.

The new breed estate wardens are believed to be among the first in the country to cast off their traditional roles and become the eyes and ears of their estates.

He is one of the first five super janitors to start work in the district and shortly another ten will join them.

The estate wardens go to Keighley College full time for 20 days before they start work.

Tenants are charged 95p a week for the service - and most estates which already have the super caretakers say it is worth every penny.

Dale said he changed jobs after working as an engineer with Denso Marston at Charlestown, Baildon.

He said: "I was indoors all the time. I never got out and I never met anyone.

"This job is really great because people know me and treat me as a friend. They take a pride in the estate."

Margaret Wright, 58, of Powell Avenue, said: "It's going down really well. People are delighted. The house next to mine was once on fire and we feel a lot safer with him on the estate."

Richard Gibb, of Sage Street, also welcomed the scheme. But he said: "It's not right that the tenants should have to pay for it. They pay enough - it should be the Council."

And now hundreds of tenants have voted overwhelmingly for the pioneering super caretakers on their estates as well.

Most people on six estates say they are prepared to pay the extra 95p a week for a special "good neighbour."

The Council will now write to the estates asking for applicants for the ten new jobs, after balloting tenants over the scheme.

The biggest support came from Odsal, with a 90 per cent vote.

Other results were: Buttershaw (87 per cent), Parkside (86 per cent), Bradford Moor (85 per cent), and Guard House, Keighley (77 per cent).

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