A YOUNGER generation of wardens are being called on to join Darlington's Neighbourhood Watch Association.

The committee which runs the scheme is asking people, perhaps with young families, who have moved to new housing estates in Darlington, to sign up.

Twenty-two per cent of residents are part of the scheme and there are 300 wardens who look after the neighbourhoods across the Darlington borough - whether it be just their street, or a series of streets, or even a whole village.

However the committee feels there is a lack of younger people interested in looking out for their neighbourhood.

Committee member Jim Allen said: "We want to recruit as many younger co-ordinators as possible - a lot of our co-ordinators are older now. We want to reinvigorate the scheme."

Warden duties include picking up voicemail from police about crime occurring in the area and informing residents via email or post. They also watch out for suspicious behaviour, such as people loitering in a street for an unknown reason, and report it to police.

A new steering committee was formed last year, which has kick-started the scheme again, after it had remained relatively quiet since 2008.

It meets monthly with Darlington Police's Safer Neighbourhood team to discuss matters across the borough.

Annette Metcalfe and PC Martin Curry, from Darlington's Safer Neighbourhood team, say that their aim is to have 50 per cent of County Durham residents to be part of the Neighbourhood Watch Association.

PC Curry said: "Gone are the days where I can offer you an officer in two minutes, so groups like this are vital to keep an eye on the area. The quality of life goes up when a neighbourhood watch scheme like this is in operation.

"There are lots of success stories - I know a guy in Bank Top who was having trouble with kids throwing stones at his house.

"He became a member of the watch and urged his neighbours to join. One of his neighbours saw the kids and rang the police and the kids were caught."

The Darlington association plans a series of recruitment days, from June 16 to 22, in the town centre and in the town's main supermarkets.

To get involved, contact the Safer Neighbourhood team on 01325-346832 or email djsnu@ durham. pnn. police. uk