Jane Gardner, Deputy PFCC, was pleased to join organisers and delegates from across Essex celebrate 30 years of Essex County Neighbourhood Watch Association (ECNWA).

More than 45 delegates from across the county attended the meeting at Kelvedon Park for the association’s AGM, led by County Chairman Clive Stewart.

The PFCC supports the ECNWA with funding and organisational support, valuing the organisation for the tremendous work it does to help keep communities safe and drive down crime in Essex.

Jane Gardner, Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner spoke at the AGM: “I want to thank each and every person in this room for your involvement in Neighbourhood Watch. The work you do is invaluable, I personally believe it is beyond measure but statistics show it is clear that there is relationship between Neighbourhood Watch and crime reduction.

“But what can never be measured is the pleasure of being in the company of people who put in the effort to keep their communities safe, people who also share the vision of reducing crime across Essex. The great successes the PFCC has enacted since 2016 have only been achieved by all who care about community safety in Essex working together.”

The Deputy PFCC presented association annual awards to Neighbourhood Watch members from across Essex, pictured is Jane Gardner, Deputy PFCC, with Kim Blogg, ECNWA co-ordinator for Castle Point district and Clive Steward, County Chairman of ECNWA. Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, also met and spoke with ECNWA members over lunch.

Neighbourhood Watch week is taking place in the UK on 1-7 June, with the work carried out by associations across the country being highlighted.