RESIDENTS in Maryhill and Ruchill have said they would back plans to create a Neighbourhood Watch scheme  in their communities.Maryhill Housing Association surveyed local people in a major sampling of public opinion on community safety.And it found overwhelming backing for such a  scheme to keep the streets safe for local families.
The housing association carried out the survey under its Neighbourliness Project” to assess local views on how
safe people considered Maryhill and Ruchill.

It is the biggest survey of local opinion ever undertaken by the housing association.

It found 100 per cent of those questioned would support a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in their area.

When asked if they had been “affected by any community safety issues” half said yes and half said no.

Thirty eight per cent of local people said they would be willing to attend a regular monthly meeting about  Neighbourhood Watch
while 70 per cent said they would be interested in hearing about their local residents’ group.

Maryhill Housing Association said the figures showed people were not significantly affected by community safety issues but were,
however,  enthusiastic about making the community safer with a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

The Association said it was now closely studying the findings and would put in place plans to create Neighbourhood
Watch schemes.

Bobby Pollock, Community Development Officer at Maryhill Housing Association, said: “This survey provided us with a
revealing snapshot of what people are thinking and we intend to act on these findings.

“The findings show  there is a real interest in the safety and well-being of the local community from local people.”

The housing association has been in touch with the Association of Scottish Neighbourhood Watches which is a
registered charity and which promotes good citizenship and greater public participation in the prevention fo solution of crime.

There are currently around 1500 active Neighbourhood Watch schemes in Scotland.

Lisa Toon, National Development Officer of the Association of Scottish Neighbourhood Watches, added: “I am thrilled to hear that
there is such great support for starting Neighbourhood Watches in Maryhill.  I came out to speak to residents about the benefits of
Neighbourhood Watch and I thought it was a great idea to link it in with the business of the existing residents associations.

“This will ensure that safety issues are kept on the agenda.  Neighbourhood Watch isn't all about crime - it is about making communities safer throughout Scotland.  This could include road safety, bogus callers and the prevention of accidents in the home.  Neighbourhood Watchesdevelop to be what their members need them to be.  There are watches all over Scotland of all sizes, which fit the communities they serve.  
 
“We look forward to working with the people of Maryhill to help keep their communities safe.”