MORE than 40 of a town’s Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators have joined forces to work together.

This week saw the first meeting of Stanley Area Neighbourhood Watch Association, an umbrella group made up of 44 local volunteers who co-ordinate Neighbourhood Watch in their own communities.

The new group, chaired by Geoff Graham, plans to encourage greater awareness of the work of Neighbourhood Watch and build-up the number of people taking part in local schemes, while working with police and other agencies to help prevent crime.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Neighbourhood Watch in the Derwentside area should contact PCSO Vikki Ord by calling 101 extension 6642455.