Bicester Town Council has refused to contribute £10,000 to a new street warden scheme aimed at keeping the area safe.

Cherwell District Council agreed last week to give the go-ahead to an £80,000 project in Bicester, which would see four street wardens patrolling the town from next April.

Les Sibley - the councillor who successfully campaigned for wardens in the town - asked Bicester Town Council to support the initiative with a £10,000 contribution.

He said: "The process of requesting street wardens started here in this council chamber because of the problems we were experiencing within the town.

"We have a basic scheme that will start next April but we might want to improve on this.

"If we could put money in there to assist with the implementation of the scheme, I believe it would have a big impact on the levels of crime.

"We want to lead by example - you are not part of the partnership if you are not willing to pay."

But Mr Sibley's fellow councillors disagreed.

Diana Edwards said: "The street warden scheme is due to start in April, with eight wardens - four for Banbury and four for Bicester. I think Bicester is very fortunate to be given four when you consider our population when compared to Banbury."

Norman Bolster said: "Cherwell District Council agreed to four fully-funded street wardens for Bicester. I would wait and see if Cherwell need any extra money and then think about it."

Leader of the council Debbie Pickford said: "I think this council would be totally irresponsible to offer more money until we are asked. Why are we spending taxpayers' money on little logos or badges?"

The council decided to review the situation after the scheme had been running for 12 months, unless Cherwell District Council approached it for money first.