Community safety schemes praised

The Home Office has highlighted Neighbourhood Watch schemes in Bristol as a "beacon of success".

They have won 11 of 12 national funding grants totalling more than £50,000 and the Home Office wants them used as a template for other schemes in England.

Schemes include helping elderly people buy and fit home security and creating a sense of community where families know and watch out for each other.

Sgt Amanda Frame said: "This is an absolutely outstanding achievement."

Representatives from the Home Office, police and Safer Bristol made the announcement during a visit to the Knowle Community Centre.

'Extra mile'

Neighbourhood Watch representatives in the city were given eight weeks to submit their applications for the national funding.

"They really went the extra mile and some of the team even came in on their days off to ensure the deadlines were met," said Sgt Frame.

Chief Inspector Mark Jackson said: "We really have swept up and done particularly well but in terms of the level of the schemes and the commitment, that's what's brought forward this grant funding.

My ambition is to ensure all the houses in my area are as safe as I can get them without spending a tremendous amount of money Les Bowen

"When you look at these schemes they are very straight forward, although they're brilliant ideas, things like just buying extra security for your home, I think others should take inspiration."

Rita Aspinall represents Knowle Hill in Sneyd Park. She said much of her work is with the elderly, where home security is a big concern.

"There are a lot of products they don't know about so if I just gently prod them in the right direction and they get to know me they feel safer and we build a strong safe community."

Les Bowen, the coordinator for Stoney Crescent, Knowle, said: "Neighbourhood watch is about community so my ambition is to ensure all the houses in my area are as safe as I can get them without spending a tremendous amount of money."