YORK MP Hugh Bayley has met police leaders and Neighbourhood Watch representatives to discuss policing in Acomb.

Mr Bayley met Neil Drummond, inspector for York West, sergeant Roy Brown and PCSOs Dave Hale and Natasha Hardy, to learn more about the new neighbourhood watch scheme in Beckfield Lane.

Mr Hale set up the scheme and was helped by Miss Hardy, who is the chair of the Neighbourhood Watch committee.

Mr Bayley said: “Neighbourhood Watch schemes are a tremendous help to the police. They teach people how to protect themselves and their property and they can reduce the fear of crime by helping to provide improved home security, greater vigilance and the reporting of suspicious characters or incidents.”

Inspector Drummond said: “Our Neighbourhood Watch partners are important in our fight against crime and antisocial behaviour. We seek to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors by working in partnership with other agencies and local residents. I am confident we will achieve this aim.”