COMMUNITY-SPIRITED residents in Peterchurch are being sought to form new Neighbourhood Watch schemes for the village.

The Local Policing Team is hoping to hear from interested residents in the Peterchurch area and has arranged special meetings at the Golden Valley Community Centre to explain more about the scheme. Two sessions take place between 3pm and 4pm and then 7pm to 8pm on Wednesday, June 20 to give all the opportunity to attend.

The informal gathering will give members of the public the chance to hear about Neighbourhood Watch in general as well as issues relating to crime prevention, including information about the Smart Water property marking scheme. The Fire Service will also be attending to discuss fire safety, including free alarm fittings and other available services.

"Neighbourhood Watch is one of the largest, most successful crime prevention initiatives ever. The idea behind it is simple - by getting together with your neighbours you can take action to reduce crime," explained Sergeant Robin Davies from Peterchurch Police Station.

"Peterchurch is a very safe area to live and visit - and that's how we want it to stay. The Local Policing Team is always keen to prevent crime rather than have to react to it and Neighbourhood Watch is a way in which the whole community can maintain and even enhance the standard of living in the area.

"It can take up as much or as little time as you can give and can help greatly in our quest to reduce anti-social behaviour."

Neighbourhood Watch schemes are the extra "eyes and ears" of the police out in the community. Even with boosted numbers of officers in the division, including CSOs and Parish Officers, the police simply cannot be everywhere, all the time. That is where NHW becomes the vital link in detecting and in some cases, preventing crime being committed.

The Herefordshire Neighbourhood Watch Association's website also has further information about existing schemes across the county. Visit it at www.communigate.co.uk/here/hfdsneiwatch/ All are invited to attend the meetings on Wednesday, June 20 to find out more about Neighbourhood Watch and how they can become involved.