PCC to attend launch of new Colchester estate’s Neighbourhood Watch scheme

RESIDENTS on a brand new Colchester housing estate are being asked to do their bit to help keep their neighbourhood safe.

The Vega development, off Port Lane in Colchester, was only recently completed last year and new residents have gradually been moving into the 200 homes there.

In order to create a sense of community and to help prevent homeowners becoming a victim of crime a new Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) Scheme has been set up on the estate by resident Carol Pryke.

To raise awareness and encourage other residents to be involved, Colchester MP Sir Bob Russell has set up an event with the help of co-ordinator Carol.

Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, and Colchester’s District Commander Chief Insp Richard Phillibrown will attend the event taking place this Saturday – January 10th from 2pm to 4pm – at the Hythe Community Centre in Ventura Drive, Colchester.

Carol said: “This estate is a new community with people moving here from different areas.

“To create that sense of community, increase vigilance and help prevent people from becoming a victim of crime, I have set up the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and am hoping that people will come along to this event to find out more.

“People often think being involved in Neighbourhood Watch might involve a cost or work but actually it just helps people remain vigilant in their area.”

Nick Alston said: “I am really looking forward to this event and applaud Carol and Sir Bob for setting this up.

“I am a huge supporter of Neighbourhood Watch and am a member of the scheme myself. There is real value for people in knowing what offences and crime trends are occurring in their area to help them stay aware and potentially avoid becoming a victim themselves.”

Tea, coffee and cakes will also be served free of charge at the event but people can make donations to the Help For Heroes charity.