New Neighbourhood Watch Group to help protect playing fields

TAMESIDE’s first Green Space Neighbourhood Watch group has been launched to help protect playing fields from crimes such as fly tipping and anti-social behaviour.

The group, which has been set up collaboratively by Tameside Council Community Safety Service and Friends of King George the 5th Playing Fields (FoKGVPF) will be encouraged to keep an eye out for any crime, fly tipping or unusual activity on the King George V Playing Fields in Ashton-under-Lyne.

King George V Neighbourhood Watch is the pilot scheme and the first of its type in Tameside to look after an area of green space.

The launch of the new Watch will take place on Monday 24 July 2023, at 4:00pm until 6:00pm, at Georgie Porgies cafe in the park, in which local people can attend to join the group.

Neighbourhood Watch schemes work together 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 have reported that they receive some crime and fly tipping enquiries in the area of King George V Playing Fields and the scheme will ask the local neighbours and the community to keep an eye out for each other and the park and 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, whilst 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 said: “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.”

Additionally, anyone who would like to be kept up to date and help the police in solving crime can also 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 is also an invaluable investigative tool and can be used to appeal for information or intelligence, and help to solve crime.

The FoKGVPF group are always on the lookout for volunteers to help in the park with the Georgie Porgies cafe, the bees, trees and flowers, maintenance, the stage and events, and litter picking.

For more information about the soon to be launched Neighbourhood Watch Group, or if you would like to volunteer to help maintain this Green Space, you can email alan.fish.161te@gmail.com or call 07931765120.

You can also visit www.tamesidenwa.co.uk  if you would like to find a Neighbourhood Watch Group local to you.