Queenspark Residents Group in Nairn launch new Neighbourhood Watch Scheme after concerns over anti-social behaviour

A Nairn residents group has launched a new scheme in a bid to make the community “safer” and “more connected”.

Residents of Queenspark in Nairn presented their plans to set up a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme at their monthly meeting last night.

It comes after a spate of antisocial behaviour incidents in the area and other safety concerns that have been raised by residents in past meetings.

Scheme coordinator and chairwoman of Queenspark Residents’ Group, Morag Anderson, said: “Being part of the Neighbourhood Watch scheme means neighbours will be looking out for each other, feeling connected, and engaged with the community.

“Members will be working collaboratively with their neighbours to improve community safety and helping build community resilience. They will also be able to access Neighbourhood Alerts to receive trusted information from reliable sources - things like scam alerts from Trading Standards.

“Queenspark Residents’ Group are hopeful that working together in this way will mean residents have access to tools and information to help them stay safe both at home and while outdoors.”

The Neighborhood Watch community-based crime prevention program involves neighbours working together to reduce crime and improve safety in their area.

The initiative was introduced in the UK in the 1980s and there are currently more than 670 schemes registered under Neighbourhood Watch Scotland (NWS), covering over 58,000 households.

Ms Anderson continued: “Neighbourhood Watch schemes are all over Scotland, however there is only one other local neighbourhood watch - in Cawdor.

“NWS provides a huge range of information for groups like ours, and sharing and following crime prevention advice and looking out for each other will help lower the potential for crime in our neighbourhood. We want to create a friendly environment where neighbours feel safe and connected.

“Members are looking forward to working with the emergency services and other organisations that can offer advice and support including Police Scotland and Fire Scotland.”

Coordinator, Morag Anderson can be contacted by email qprgnairn@gmail.com or phone on 07553950500 Queenspark Neighbourhood Watch No. 000179739.