A NEW community group has been launched in Halesowen to help tackle crime.

Residents Joy Blackwell and Becki Harper have teamed up with Councillor Stuart Henley to hold the first meeting of Hurst Green Community Watch at Fairfield Inn.

During the meeting, the Halesowen North councillor announced his intention to set up Street Watch, a scheme where volunteers patrol the community in order to prevent crime.

Volunteers receive training from the police and report back anti-social behaviour, graffiti and environmental problems.

Cllr Henley blamed cuts to police budgets for the increase in crime throughout the borough, adding: “It’s not the police’s fault. We need to come together.

“It is great to see so many wishing to help be the eyes of the police whilst taking pride in making the community a safer place for all.

“It shows there are people who want to look after the area.”

Members of the group have also been offered discounts for CCTV, security alarms and car Diskloks by local companies.

Hurst Green Community Watch, which can be found online at www.facebook.com/groups/hurstgreencommunitywatch/, will hold their next meeting on April 29.

For more information, or to get involved in the Street Watch scheme, email HN-Streetwatch@outlook.com.