Rallying cry from Neighbourhood Watch leader

Recent freezing weather made Charles McIlwrick, given an MBE in 1987 for services to society, visit the Observer offices to explain how neighbours can support each other through the extreme conditions.

He said: "Neighbourhood Watch is not all about crime or Big Brother watching you. It's about looking after each other's wellbeing.

"This is the most important time for Neighbourhood Watch, when elderly people are stuck indoors for days. Neighbours can go out and get food for them, can clean their paths or call in to check up on them."

Charles, who took over the branch in November from Marion Boatfield, warned the cold spell is by no means over, and during the recent thaw pavements and roads are proving particularly difficult to negotiate for elderly residents.

To help him achieve his goal of building up the scheme through Bexhill and Rother, he is calling for volunteers to act as Street Co-ordinators.

This involves talking to those living nearby, and collecting a list of names and numbers from those willing to join a contact network. The group work closely with Bexhill's Neighbourhood Policing Team and Parish Councils.

Charles, who himself spent 30 years in London's Metropolitan Police, said: "It builds a sense of community. In Little Common there is a real growing interest."

Volunteers are also needed for Ward Co-ordinators. The Neighbourhood Watch divides itself along Bexhill's nine district wards, and co-ordinators would liase with local councillors as well as police officers.

Anyone interested in the group or in becoming a co-ordinator can contact Charles on [email protected]. Visitors are welcome to join their next meeting, in the Town Hall at 2pm on Tuesday, February 9.

Charles said: "If you want to come along and see what we are doing, you are more than welcome.

"It's about being a good neighbour."

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