TAMESIDE’S first Green Space Neighbourhood Watch group is now up and running in Ashton-under-Lyne to help protect playing fields from crimes.
The King George V Neighbourhood Watch, set up collaboratively by Tameside Council Community Safety Service and Friends of King George V Playing Fields (FoKGVPF), is encouraged to keep an eye out for crime, fly tipping, anti-social behaviour or unusual activity on the playing fields.
It is a pilot scheme and first of its type in Tameside dedicated to looking after an area of green space.
Neighbourhood Watch schemes work in partnership with the police, community safety departments of local authorities, other voluntary organisations and individuals and families who want to make their neighbourhoods better places to live.
The council’s green spaces team has reported they receive some crime and fly tipping enquiries in the area of King George V Playing Fields and the scheme will ask local neighbours and the community to keep an eye out for each other and the park and to report any issues.
Councillor Vimal Choksi, Tameside Council Executive Member for Towns and Communities, said: “We are encouraging local residents to join Neighbourhood Watch Groups as they play a vital part in keeping areas safe and secure, while also taking care of the greenspaces. By coming together we can build a stronger and safer community for all.”
Tameside Council Executive Member for Climate Emergency & Environmental Services, Cllr Denise Ward, added: “The launch of this new Neighbourhood Watch Group provides us with an incredible opportunity to work together to maintain and take care of a wonderful greenspace in our borough as we continue to Think Green and do more to look after the environment.”
To be kept up-to-date and help the police in solving crime, you can join the new messaging system ‘Bee in the Loop’ by registering here.
‘Bee in the Loop’ allows you to choose what information you would like to know about, including crime and incidents in your local area. The system can be used to appeal for information or intelligence and help to solve crime.
The FoKGVPF group is always on the lookout for volunteers to help in the park with the Georgie Porgies café, the bees, trees and flowers, maintenance, the stage and events, and litter picking.
For more information about the Neighbourhood Watch Group, or if you would like to volunteer to help maintain this green space, email alan.fish.161te@gmail.com or call 07931 765120.
Visit www.tamesidenwa.co.uk to find a Neighbourhood Watch Group local to you.