A NEW police text alerts system has received a mixed response from Redbridge residents.

Officers will use the service, which was first introduced in other parts of the Met back in 2005, to keep the public informed about incidents and witness appeals in their neighbourhoods.

James Stimpson, who works for a firm of solicitors in George Lane, South Woodford, believes the system is unlikely to improve security for residents.

He said: "On paper it sounds like a decent idea, but the people who signed up for this would probably just be the same people who have links with the police already - like neighbourhood watch groups.

"You never know though. It may catch on."

These views were shared by Janice Turner, of Grosvenor Road, Wanstead.

She said: "Using new technology to keep people informed is a good idea, but I'm not sure how many people will actually sign up for this in reality.

"I like the idea, but I'm not sure whether it will make much difference."

Frank Cruder, of Chelmsford and Derby Road Neighbourhood Watch Group, said he had not yet been informed about the scheme.

Inspector Martin Allen of Redbridge Police said: "This is another way for us to keep the public informed, many people use mobile phones as their main method of contact and texts can now be received on home telephones as well.

"We have already started building a list of contacts and we have received positive feedback regarding the system".

To find out how to receive the free text alerts visit: met.police.uk/redbridge.