A NEIGHBOURHOOD watch group in Hartford has been successful in its bid for funding from Cheshire's Police and Crime Commissioner.

Hartford Neighbourhood Watch has received £1000 from David Keane's Safer Communities express grant fund to enable them to produce a scam awareness booklet for its 3000 elderly residents.

The volunteer-led group have been looking for ways to prevent older people in their parish falling victims to scams and crime and will print and deliver the booklet directly to residents.

The booklet highlights the dangers of what appears to be friendly contact from strangers and contains a list of local support services which can be accessed if the individual is worried.

This funding from the Commissioner will enable the group to distribute the booklet to all residents within the parish of Hartford, Northwich. The booklet will also contain a ‘No Cold Calling’ sign for the residents to cut out and place in their windows or doors.

PCC David Keane said: "Anyone can fall victim to a scam but we know amongst older people the risk increases.

"We want to empower the residents of Cheshire to be able to spot the signs and feel confident to seek support and report incidents.

"I wanted to make funding available to communities who seek to make a lasting impact and make their community safer; Hartford neighbourhood watch is a great example of how we all have role to play in supporting one another."

Cllr George Garbett, volunteer for Hartford neighbourhood watch and local parish councillor, added: "This booklet enables us to share information and help to protect our residents from scammers and fraudsters.

"This funding from the Commissioner will enable us to provide a copy to all our local residents and we hope this will reduce the number of people affected in our area."

A further £948 was provided by Chesire West and Chester Councillors Phil Herbert and Patricia Parkes from their member's budget.