POLICE are urging residents in Culcheth to sign up for a new and improved Home Watch scheme.

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Steve Dodd, who has been working in the village for a number of months, is hoping to revamp the Home Watch scheme to make the village even safer for those who live there.

The officer says the last meeting was about 18 months ago but since the recent changes to how the police operate locally it has tailed off, for that and other reasons.

He added that hopes are high that the scheme would formally start up again as it means residents can get to know their local officers.

The neighbourhood watch is one of the best-known examples of the community and police working in partnership to prevent crime and build safer communities.

PCSO Dodd urged anyone interested in getting involved in scheme to get in touch.

He said: "The neighbourhood watch scheme gets the community talking to each other and it also helps to raise awareness. Another benefit is that it gives people the chance to get to know their local officer."

There are more than 155,000 schemes in operation throughout the country after the movement was launched in Cheshire in the 1980s.

A spokesman for Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council added: "We would support any scheme like this that could improve the community."

Anyone who wants to start up a Home Watch scheme or get involved in the proposals can contact the voicemail service on 0845 458 0000.