New chairman of Northamptonshire Neighbourhood Watch says work of association is vital

The chairman of Northamptonshire Neighbourhood Watch says the organisation is more important in today's society than ever before.

Nick King has taken over from Ian Fearnley, who is stepping down to concentrate on his chairmanship of Wellingborough Area Support Team and in his home village of Bozeat.

A spokesman for the county association said: “Ian was chair for an impressive eight years and led the association through the challenging period of budget cuts to our county police force and to other statutory authorities.

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“He sustained a close relationship with Chief Constable Adrian Lee for many years, as well as Adam Simmonds and the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner, and much more recently with the new Chief Constable Simon Edens who joined the force in 2015.

“The new chair Nick King is no stranger to Neighbourhood Watch. When he moved to Towcester in 2002 he soon became involved with the Towcester group and a few years ago with the South Northants Area Support Team for Neighbourhood Watch,” the spokesman said.

Speaking after his appointment, Mr King said: “I think the principles of Neighbourhood Watch are more important today than they have ever been.

“It’s such a well-known brand and concept for good within the community that I’m pleased to be able to join so many other dedicated volunteers in playing a part,” he added.

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Mr King said he sees the foundation of Neighbourhood Watch as very much at street and parish or town level, and the work of the association more as support and encouragement.

“We can give a powerful voice and leverage to the strength and influence of our voluntary work, most especially in our partnerships with the police, crime prevention and other areas of local government,” he added.

Northamptonshire has 1,250 schemes, overseen by 2,500 volunteers, and which represents about 40,000 households.

For more details, please call the association on 01933 664146.