Louise Nixon-Stafford

Thank you for taking my call earlier.

Just to make this official, you'll receive a similar email from the closed NW email system.

3 of us in the Staffs Watch team have undergone training, and been made MSAs, (membership support administrators). That means we have access to the closed NW database, where we can approve new schemes.

Sorry for the ensuing detail, but I want to provide you with some background, so you know where 'Staffs Watch' (Staffordshire Neighbourhood Watch (NW) Association) is coming from.

1. A small Group of us formed the Staffordshire NW Association in June 2024. We launched at Staffordshire Fire & Rescue HQ, and were joined by the Staffordshire Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner Ben Adams, NW manager Cheryl Spruce, Staffordshire Police Det Supt Dave Wain, C/Insp Green, a number of council officers from across Staffordshire, and about 5 members.

4 of us formed a committee, which usually meets online every month.

However Neighbourhood Watch in Staffordshire had fallen into decline: to such an extent that despite several reminders to the 3255 registered members, and holding our very first online AGM on a Saturday afternoon, only 4 people joined us!!

2. All is not lost though-PFCC Ben Adams has provided us with a £1000 grant, and Lichfield Council have obtained a grant and want to work with us.

3. A PCSO in South Staffordshire has been working closely with us (supported by his commander), and has set up 4 street schemes. He gets a lot of support from South Staffordshire Council.

Another PCSO in Stoke south has also been active, setting up the same number of schemes.

4. I'd very much like to replicate the success in generating neighbourhood watch support here in South Staffordshire,  in the remaining 9 local neighbourhood policing team (LPT) areas. Ideally we'd have a council officer, PCSO and an area NW coordinator in each of the 10 LPT areas. So far, Stoke, Newcastle, Lichfield and South Staffordshire are almost there with representation.

5. This brings me onto you, and what we can to support you.

  5.1 Police Inspector Kelly Wareing is the deputy LPT commander in Stafford. I first knew her when she was a sergeant here in South Staffs, and deputy commander. I had a couple of meetings with her when I was chair of the South Staffordshire Safer Neighbourhood Panel.

I'm sure you already know this, but here is the link to Stafford Police:

Ideally, a local Stafford PCSO could form a direct link with your Ward, and set up NW schemes.

5.2 There must be a Stafford Borough Council officer who has direct responsibility for the local community safety partnership.

Local residents know their 'patch' better than anyone-they have an investment to protect their local community-get them engaged, because sadly bobbies on the beat are a thing of the past.

Your thoughts would be most welcome!