WEST MERCIA’S Neighbourhood Watch scheme was officially relaunched on Friday by Bromsgrove MP and Home Secretary Sajid Javid, writes Demi Andrews.
The scheme, part of the Neighbourhood Watch Network community charity, has been modernised to involve communities across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Worcestershire.
New Neighbourhood Watch signs have been designed to highlight each town and village.
The drive has been funded by investment from the Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion and support from Mr Javid.
An online presence is also continuing to grow, with 21 localised Neighbourhood Watch Facebook pages, including Bromsgrove and Droitwich and a West Mercia page. The are already reaching around 400,000 people each month.
Mr Campion said: “I welcome the modern approach, which can have a far bigger impact, allowing people to be involved in a way that is easy and engaging, whilst still retaining the very important local community feel.”
Craig Cox, Chair of West Mercia Neighbourhood Watch added: “The organisation is changing and is seeking to involve people from all communities and age groups.
“Community safety is everyone’s concern and West Mercia Neighbourhood Watch is there to help communities protect themselves.”
Mr Javid said: “The community working with the police is a really important part of keeping people safe and the Neighbourhood Watch is a big part of that.
“It was great to see all the enthusiasm from the representatives and John Campion and the scheme has my full support.
“It’s not just about the modern signs, it’s about all the modern methods we can use to share information, including social media.”
n Visit www.westmercianw.org.uk or email [email protected] for more information on the West Mercia Neighbourhood Watch.
Alternatively, ‘Like’ the Facebook pages.
