TWO traffic wardens who patrolled the streets of Bolton handing out tickets to motorists have been sacked.

The men were dismissed because management said they repeatedly failed to fill in paperwork noting where they had been at certain times.

Apcoa, the company which supplies the wardens, said the sackings showed they had high standards, which is why Bolton Council awarded them the contract.

Christopher Wigdor, a spokesman for the firm, said: "Two parking attendants have been dismissed for procedural misdemeanours.

"Staff must follow rigid procedures, logging where they are and what they are doing at a certain time." He added: "These members of staff did not improve and the company had to let them go."

Apcoa has operated on-street wardens in Bolton since September last year when the council took over the service from the police and awarded the contract to the German-owned company.

The firm also runs three town centre car parks, at the Octagon, the Market Place and Bow Street.

Apcoa's contract was drawn up with the help of an independent company and is based on traffic management guidelines to keep routes free and traffic moving.

Since the firm took over the role from the police they have come under fire from members of the public who claim the wardens have been over-zealous in giving out tickets.

Bolton Council said the sackings were an internal matter for Apcoa and it was not in a position to comment.