Homewatch seeks new recruits

A Homewatch supporter has warned cuts in police funding will mean communities need to take on the scheme in their own areas.

Some areas already have Homewatch volunteers, including Dobcross (11 volunteers), Uppermill (11), Greenfield (11), Diggle (1), Grasscroft (8), Delph (6) and Denshaw (1).

Homewatch chairman Royce Franklin told a meeting of the Saddleworth community associations that the Homewatch scheme improves the quality of life for residents in Saddleworth. Members of the community associations are being encouraged to become Homewatch co-ordinators.

An open meeting is to be held tomorrow at Uppermill Conservative Club, at 7.45pm, which will be addressed by Chief Supt Caroline Ball, commander of GMP’s Oldham division.

All interested parties and community associations are invited to attend. An electronic version of Homewatch — Ewatch — has been set up and details will be circulated to the community group.