PLANS are being pressed ahead for a new Neighbourhood Watch scheme in an area of Thurrock.

The intention is to create a service protecting the Stafford Clays and Blackshots area of Grays and a public meeting has been called for later this month.

One of the organisers is Rachel Collins who has been impressed by the initial reaction to news of the scheme and says: "Thank you all for your interest in doing a Neighbourhood watch. It was amazing to see the list grow!

"I have tentatively booked Stifford Clays Club for Wednesday, 22 January at 7pm for our first meeting.

"I have met with Roger Passfield who is the coordinator of Thurrock Neighbourhood watch, he has agreed to chair the meeting.

"I am hoping that a member of the Local community policing team will be present, as well as Jennie Smith the local councillor and possibly someone from crime prevention.

"I'm hoping to have an agenda and a list of concerns from yourselves for us to work from and to be able to give people an idea of how the scheme works and the benefits of being part of it.

"Can anyone who wants to join please message me via Facebook (link on red button below) with your email and I will send you a form to fill in and scan back to me.

"Alternatively you can pm me your details. On the form there is a part for your phone number. This is to set up a WhatsApp group for us all to keep in touch.

"This whats app group will give you access to weekly crime figures in the area.

"The idea is to divide Stifford Clays and Blackshots into four areas.

"Each area will have a named co ordinator that will be the point of contact for their area. If you are interested in being a co-ordinator please let me know.

"I saw the crime report for this area for last week.

"All there were were four reported crimes. We know there were more than that!

"The more that get reported the more chance we have of getting proper policing in the area.

"Please come to the meeting or join up. We can't change anything if we don't act!

"It's so good to see everybody starting to be a part of it. If it stops one scroat thieving I'll be well happy."