A MAJOR push is being made to boost the number of Neighbourhood Watch schemes in Wyre Forest after more than 100 closed as interest dwindled.

Efforts are also being made to set up the district's first youth scheme in Oldington and Foley Park.

Wyre Forest Neighbourhood Watch Association chairman, Adrian Beavis, said plans for the youth scheme were in the early stages and work was being carried out to seek funding.

"It will take a lot of work and isn't something that will happen overnight," he said. "It will be for youngsters from the age of 10 upwards and will look at things like security marking of mobile phones and push bikes."

Mr Beavis added that the aim was to give young people responsibility in the hope of reducing crime and anti-social behaviour on the estate.

The campaign to set up more schemes was launched this week to coincide with National Neighbourhood Watch Week and Mr Beavis said he wanted to get householders throughout the district involved.

People can join for just £1 a year and he said groups could make a big difference to their communities in helping to cut crime and protect homes.

Each scheme has a co-ordinator, who is invited to attend monthly or sometimes bi-monthly area meetings at which information relating to spates of crimes and crime prevention is handed out.

Working in tandem with the police, the association also e-mails and posts information to co-ordinators for them to pass on to members.

Schemes can also enhance community spirit and ensure that groups of householders get to know each other and look out for their neighbours.

Mr Beavis said new schemes were about to be set up in two areas of Kidderminster - Avon Road, on the Rifle Range estate and the Ferndale Estate, plus Yew Tree Close in Bewdley.

For more details about existing schemes or setting up new schemes, contact Mr Beavis on 01562 744458.