Volunteers and community-minded people are welcome to the start up meeting for the Loughton branch of the Neighbourhood watch scheme.

The scheme is a succesful partnership between police and groups that seeks to share information, through communities.

A start up meeting is taking place at Murray Hall, Loughton Community Centre, 106 Borders Lane, between 7.30pm and 9.30pm on June 24.

Neighbourhood Essex Watch Administrator Colin Freeman said: “These schemes can either be large, covering, for example most of the households on an estate or they might involve just half a dozen houses." "It depends on the area and what people living there want. It brings local people together and can make a real contribution to improving their lives."

"The activity of watch members can foster a new community spirit and a belief in the community’community's ability to tackle problems. At the same time, you feel secure, knowing your neighbours are keeping an eye on your property."

For more information call 01279 621862.