A NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch scheme in the Verwood area is appealing for volunteers to help ensure it is able to continue into the future.

Neighbourhood Watch in Verwood, Three Legged Cross and Woodlands will be holding a meeting to discuss ideas for the future running of the group and is inviting people interested in volunteering to come along.

The extraordinary meeting takes place on Thursday, January 15, at Verwood Memorial Hall, starting at 7pm.

A spokesman for the Neighbourhood Watch group said: “It is some 30 years since the Neighbourhood Watch scheme started in Verwood and Three Legged Cross and quite recently it was joined by Woodlands Home Watch.

“At its inception there wasn’t the ease of communication that is available today, and whilst many members can receive information by email now, it is often the more vulnerable who cannot.

“There is still a need for us all to look out for our neighbours and show care in the community.

“Over the years many of the founder members have been unable to continue and replacements have been hard to find; at the same time Verwood has grown considerably.

“The current committee want the organisation to continue but need additional help.”

The group is also in need of volunteers to take responsibility for part of their own road or nearby road, as well as co-ordinators to distribute information.

The spokesman added: “It is hoped there will be volunteers who will help to take the organisation forward to secure its future and continue the ethos of a caring community.