Sway revives Neighbourhood Watch scheme after packed out launch meeting held at village hall

“It’s about looking out for one another”, said a district councillor and lifetime villager behind the relaunch of Sway’s Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Around 50 people had already signed up within a week of the revival being spearheaded by a well-attended community meeting at the village hall last Wednesday.

The scheme, which first launched locally in 1982 but dropped off in the 90s as organisers got older, strives for a safer place where crime is less likely.

Anti-social behaviour and vandalism are among issues that have affected Sway but, speaking to the A&T, Barry Rickman, who runs Sway Post Office, insisted it was not just about crime.

“It’s also about our strong community feeling in the village, about looking out for one another to see all’s well,” he said.

“Just like it used to be when we all had a milkman who noticed if somebody was not well. Actually, our ‘posties’ are brilliant and are the first to raise an alarm if someone needs help.

“The response so far has been amazing, and I hope to develop the coverage in time.”

He estimated about 70 people filled the village hall for the launch meeting, with Lymington policing team members also present to answer questions.

Describing the scheme’s previous incarnation as one of the largest in the New Forest, Mr Rickman hoped for at least one member in every street.

The former parish council chairman is coordinating it from the post office on Station Road, where people can complete a simple form to join.

He added: “Social media is also a big part of how we are organising this, with the particular expertise of parish councillor Alex Pepper and Sway parish clerk Katie Walding. This improves and speeds up communications.”

The intention is to build up a network to include the whole of Sway and Tiptoe, and the scheme is also supported by the vicar of Sway’s St Luke’s Church, the Rev. Jane Mitchell.

The parish council’s website says: “[Neighbourhood Watch] is about local people working together to create a safe, attractive, friendly place to live – where crime is less likely to happen.

“It’s about looking out for your neighbour, and them looking out for you, to make sure no one feels alone or vulnerable where they live.”

Back in January, the A&T reported on a gang of antisocial teenagers that was said to have been “terrorising” villagers, who demanded action.

The group had smashed windows, vandalised gates, banged on doors and frightened drama students rehearsing in the village hall, with reports the teacher had to lock them in for protection.

At the time the teacher, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “They need to be stopped. They kept turning up to rehearsals, just marching into the hall, shouting, banging on windows.

“They have no respect for authority so if you ask them to leave, they don’t care.”

Parish council chairman Cllr Howard Millett had responded: “The parish council is disheartened at the actions of a few young people who are having such an impact and causing anxiety to our residents.

“We will work with the police and other authorities, however we can, to help them resolve the matter.”

As well as visiting the post office, people can join Sway’s Neighbourhood Watch online at members.ourwatchmember.org.uk/join