I am very pleased to report that there was a successful Neighbourhood Watch Re-Launch Meeting in Elstow last night.

The meeting was held at the Elstow Playing Fields Hall in Wilstead Road.

It was hosted by the Bedford Neighbourhood Watch Team and was the idea of Sue Anderson, the Parish Council Chair.

Following publicity leaflets put out by the Bedford Neighbourhood Watch Team and local residents, and a Special FOCUS from me, I am very pleased to report that I counted over 40 people in attendance. Even better, I recognised faces from every community within the Parish.

Several local residents raised their concerns about crime in the Parish.

I, PCSO Emily Hurst and others spoke on the benefits of a Neighbourhood Watch Area including being a safer place to live and that some home insurance companies do offer discounts if your home is in one.

I saw many attendees sign up to be members and hopefully some of those will have agreed or will agree to be co-ordinators.

Here’s hoping after this successful beginning, an Elstow Neighbourhood Watch Area will go from strength to strength.