Funds to secure future of hotline

Thousands of calls have been made to the number since it was set up

The future of a helpline for people to report low-level crime in Sheffield could be secured with council funds.

The 101 number, which is being piloted in the city and four other areas across the UK, was designed to ease pressure on the emergency services.

But the service was delivered a blow when the Home Office earlier announced funding would stop from March 2008.

Sheffield City Council is expected to approve proposals to fund the service until March 2009 at a meeting later.

The helpline, which allows residents to report anti-social behaviour and community safety problems in their neighbourhoods, has received more than 85,000 calls since it was set up in June 2006.

Council leader Jan Wilson said: "101 has played a key role in helping residents report and tackle anti-social behaviour, and we want this vital service to continue."