A COUNCILLOR is calling on residents to be vigilant after a crime-fighting committee's decision to disband.

Councillor Bill Stenson said he was saddened to discover that Mowden Neighbourhood Watch committee members had decided to step down at the end of the year.

The Watch is regarded as Darlington's flagship scheme and has been running for more than 20 years. But members say they feel let down by a lack of police and public support.

Coun Stenson, honorary member of the committee, said he had not been informed of the decision.

"I found out about it and am just so disappointed that they are disbanding it in Mowden. I think the current members have probably been a bit hasty. A lot of members didn't know about it and will get a shock. We were the front runners and the pioneers for Neighbourhood Watch."

He said he hoped a new committee would be formed in the autumn to continue the Watch's work. Meanwhile he has urged Mowden people to report unusual activity in the area to police.

"I think people will still be vigilant. They don't like crime in Mowden and there is a very low crime rate. To keep it like that, people need to stay alert," he said.

His comments come less than a week after a night of violent disorder. Police were called to Mowden on Friday after a fracas involving about 30 youths.

Anyone interested in setting up a watch is asked to call Neighbourhood Watch liaison officer Jacqui Snowball on (01325) 346832.