Neighbourhood Watch Association Launched

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Borough-wide network to co-ordinate citizens' anti-crime efforts

Hammersmith & Fulham now has its very own borough-wide Neighbourhood Watch Association.

The new association will bring together the network of local watches in the borough as well as helping to increase participation and give greater influence to residents and volunteer co-ordinators.

Local resident, Douglas Hurd, former Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary, has agreed to be patron and an annual award for the most effective Neighbourhood Watch in the borough is to be named The Douglas Hurd Cup in his honour.

Launching the award, Lord Hurd said, "The whole idea of Neighbourhood Watch is very simple; if we help our neighbour and our neighbourhood to stay safe we are helping ourselves. I am delighted that the idea has taken root so effectively in our very own Hammersmith and Fulham."

The borough-wide association will bring together the 50 watches across the borough at a time when more local watches are coming on stream.

Cllr Belinda Donovan, assistant cabinet member on crime said, "Neighbourhood Watch is about being a good neighbour and helping to bring communities together to watch out for each other."

Anyone interested in setting up a local scheme can get in touch with Cllr Donovan on 020 7385 6517 or by email at belinda.donovan@lbhf.gov.uk

May 25, 2007