THE Neighbourhood Watch is making a comeback in Chudleigh.

The scheme has been lying dormant for a few years but has now been revived, and Chudleigh town councillor Chris Webb has just been appointed its new coordinator and is inviting people to join.

Cllr Webb said: ‘The watch was originally set up in 2004 and was very successful, with more than 550 homes taking part at its peak.

‘It ceased to exist in 2012 but I feel the time is now right to reinstate it.

‘The town has grown in size since then and police are finding themselves increasingly stretched.

‘Chudleigh has a great community spirit and I want to tap into that,’ he added.

‘This isn’t just about fighting crime, it concerns everyday things like dog-fouling, illegal parking and fly-tipping for instance.

‘Principally, though, it’s about watching out for your neighbour.’

Already there is a Chudleigh Neighbourhood Watch Facebook page which will contain information from Devon and Cornwall Police and news updates from the watch.

Cllr Webb is now inviting speakers to attend a public meeting at the town hall in Chudleigh to be held in the near future.

He said: ‘It’s early days but already more than 70 homes have registered.

‘My long-term plan is to extend this beyond Chudleigh into other areas, but we’re only just starting at the moment.

‘I’m hoping people will volunteer as deputies to help with letter drops – many elderly or vulnerable people do not use the internet and we need to inform as many as possible.

‘Pretty soon you’ll see the familiar Neighbourhood Watch signs returning to the streets of the town.’

Cllr Webb is currently inviting people to register as members of the scheme. ‘There are two ways,’ he said.

‘You can email me at chrswebb03@googlemail. com or call me on 07968 508451. I’ll then send you an information pack to join.’

He stated: ‘Chudleigh is a low-crime area and we want to keep it that way.’