TWO NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch groups that covered Arbroath and the surrounding area have now merged to form one organisation.
Up until recently, the town was covered by both the Arbroath and Area Association and the Arbroath and District Neighbourhood Watch.
But now, following a recent successful public meeting in Inverbrothock Primary School, the two organisations have
joined forces so they can work together to make Neighbourhood Watch relevant in the 21st century.
The meeting was also attended by Lisa Toon, a national development officer with the Association of Scottish Neighbourhood Watches (AoSNW), who spoke about neighbourhood watch national strategies.
Gordon Young-Ewen, the AoSNW secretary for Angus says that with the two groups now working together as one, they will be able to better highlight issues that are of concern in the community.
He explained: "The two groups got together and held a meeting at Arbroath Police Station where they agreed to become one organisation with the Arbroath and Area Association now ceasing to exist.
"It is hoped that the past success of both groups will be reflected in the innovative and proactive approach the new neighbourhood watch organisation in Arbroath will be taking.
A Neighbourhood Watch meeting took place in Inverbrothock Primary School last Wednesday evening. Pictured are some of those who took part. They are, from left, back - Jessie Murray, Euan Stewart, Jim Watson and Inspector Callum Leith: front - Lisa Toon an
"Now there is a need for residents in the town to interact with the new neighbourhood watch group so they can help to influence the type of community they want.
"In doing so, they can highlight the issues of concern across the community and interact with the relevant authorities."
Local police inspector Callum Leith is also supporting the new group and believes they will now be a stronger organisation.
He said: "Now the groups have come together under one banner, they can work together and become stronger in order to help the community more."
Now the Arbroath and District Neighbourhood Watch will move forward to implement new strategies and guidelines drawn up by the AoSNW so they can better serve the community.
