Scheme named best in county after 25 years (From The Northern Echo)

Scheme named best in county after 25 years

5:25pm Wednesday 1st February 2012 in Bishop Auckland News By Duncan Leatherdale

COUNTY Durham's longest-serving Neighbourhood Watch scheme has been named the best in the county, 25 years after it started.

The scheme, which covers The Lakes estate in West Auckland, was launched as a trial by Durham Constabulary in 1987 as the housing estate had one of the highest crime rates in the county.

Following its success, the force has launched a further 102 schemes in Wear Valley, with more starting.

Now Durham Constabulary has named The Lakes scheme the county's best Neighbourhood Watch programme.

Neighbourhood Watch coordinator John Raw was one of those who first launched the scheme in the Eighties.

He said: "It's a testament to the attitude and persistence of the residents that it is not only still going strong, but also winning awards so far on.

"One of the big successes has been improving people's awareness of security - in the days when it started people would think nothing of going out and leaving the house unlocked. Obviously that has changed."

The scheme covers 18 streets and 395 houses, with every street having a Neighbourhood Watch contact point.

John and Pauline Ferguson, who live in Rydell Drive, were among the first to join the Neighbourhood Watch scheme. They moved into their home when it was built in the early Seventies, but said they contemplated moving out several times owing to persistent crime.

Mrs Ferguson said: "Our car was stolen and thieves attempted to break in three times over the first few years.

"We wanted to leave, but then the Neighbourhood Watch started and now it is almost unheard of and becomes a real talking point if there is any sort of crime."

Mr Ferguson praised Mr Raw and said The Lakes scheme had set a high standard for the rest of the county to follow.

Raymond and Barbara Nesbitt, who live in Ullswater Avenue, also joined the scheme when it started.

Mr Nesbitt said: "The scheme has helped create a real community spirit and has effectively sent the message out that criminals are not welcome here.

"We all look out for each other and report all suspicious activity to the police, and this area has never been safer."