MEDOWIE Neighbourhood Watch have had a positive month, with funds raised towards a community bank of security cameras, and attendance at the inaugural meeting for Neighbourhood Watch Hunter Region.

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The meeting was hosted at Hexham Bowling Club and was chaired by Bill Hackney from the Metford group.

Attendees included representatives from other Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) groups around the Hunter, three Local Area Command Police Officers, Kate Washington MP and Sonia Hornery MP.

David Watmore from Blue Gums NHW spoke about the importance of NHW groups working together with a united goal.

Bill Hackney from Metford NHW spoke about the future development of NHW on a regional level, through a Hunter Region Development Day in 2018 and NHW Week plans for 2018.

Neighbourhood Watch is most certainly gaining popularity and support across an ever-growing area, which is wonderful to see.

Medowie NHW this month also elected their first officer bearers for the relaunched group.

Geoff Dingle was voted in as chairman, Libby Dingle as Secretary, Janine Moore as Treasurer and Jo Evans as Publicity Officer.

MP Kate Washington also attended the meeting and addressed attendees, commending them on their commitment to ensure the relaunch of Medowie NHW is a success.

Crime Statistics for the month again showed a distinct lack of reports being made in comparison to those discussed on a daily basis on social media platforms, frustrating attendees.

The following crimes were recorded and reported for the Medowie area this month.

Four Assaults (Non-DV), One Break And Enter of a dwelling, one serious injury crash, one Malicious Damage and one Powers to move on order, with a related person search.

Medowie Neighbourhood Watch received financial support from News Of The Area and Sportz Cafe Medowie to distribute more than 400 balloons with an attached safety message to collection points in Medowie for residents to take and display on their homes if they wish to participate in Halloween.

Jo Evans, Medowie Neighbourhood Watch Publicity Officer, also created an online map of all Halloween friendly houses on Facebook group Medowie Mums, for parents to use to safely navigate homes with their children on Halloween.

New members are more than welcome to attend next month’s meeting, which will be held on 29 November at 7:30pm at the Medowie Community Centre.

By Rachael VAUGHAN