Seaford: Neighbourhood Watch needs you

Jenny Odam, who took over from Norman Atkins at the association s annual meeting last week, has been unable to find any member willing to take on the task of writing the twice-yearly Neighbourhood Watch information leaflet.

'If we don t get a newsletter out, we fall down on the mandate and members may not be entitled to their usual house insurance rebate,' said Jenny.

'If people do not start coming forward I do not really see us surviving.'

Before retiring from his post at the head of the 16-year-old organisation, Mr Atkins had compiled the essential two-page bi-annual publication, which is distributed to each of the 5,000 members in the town and entitles them to money off their home insurance.

And it s not just writers that the Neighbourhood Watch scheme is lacking. An association secretary and databank co-ordinator is required as well as a public relations officer to deal with the Press.

'Hopefully, through appeals and the newspaper, and getting to know people personally, I will be able to find members to fill the vacancies,' said Jenny.

Seaford s Neighbourhood Watch scheme was one of the first of its kind in the country.

After seeing how things were done in America, Jenny returned to Britain in 1985 with the idea in mind and set about creating something similar for Seaford.

After 12 years as chairman of the group, Mr Atkins was thanked for his commitment and was given flowers and a cheque to spend on a special memento.

Jenny told members: 'For the past 12 years Norman has served this association with dedication and loyalty, not only on our immediate committee but representing Seaford on various committees and panels locally and along the coastal strip.

'Because of diverse commitments he is standing down but will remain on the committee in an honorary capacity.'

Published: 21.6.01 Sussex Newspapers Ltd