AN initiative aimed at reducing crime in Darlington could be back up and running after renewed interest.

The Darlington Neighbourhood Watch Association was dissolved in January last year after search for new committee members failed to attract applicants.

A six-month advertising campaign and a special meeting was held in a last ditch attempt to save the group, but the decision was made to close it.

However, a renewed interest in County Durham & Darlington Neighbourhood Watch Force Association has led to chair Jim Allen to consider relaunching the initiative.

Mr Allen said membership of the County Durham and Darlington NHW had more than trebled since March last year, and "efforts would be made" to try and resurrect Darlington NHW in the coming weeks.

Dozens of people attended the County Durham and Darlington NHW general meeting and AGM at Coxho Village Hall last month to hear from John Hayward-Cripps, chief executive of The Neighbourhood Watch Network, and Rona Stocks, crime prevention officer for Durham Police.

Mr Allen said: "My Hayward-Cripps gave his vision to see more community adhesion and more connected communities and the importance to recognise neighbours, know their names and be aware of what is happening locally.

"He praised what NHW within the county had achieved and was doing and stated that without the work we do within the community, along with other counties, funding would not of been forthcoming from the Home Office.

"Ms Stocks updated all on what is available for home security with costs and what was best buys. She also highlighted the need to conceal valuable items out of sight from would be burglars/thieves and also that it was the landlords responsibility for rented properties to be secure.

"The future for County Durham & Darlington NHW Force Association looks bright and thanks must go to Durham Constabulary partnership Staff, police community support officers and cohesion Officers along with our other partners and indeed all NHW coordinators and members for their support during 2018.

"One must not forget the association committee who have worked tirelessly throughout 2018 to achieve the results to date."

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Neighbourhood Watch should contact Mr Allen by emailing jimb2944@virginmedia.com or by calling 07521 791482.