A NEW neighbourhood watch group set up by residents in a Chippenham Estate is growing rapidly since it was introduced at the beginning of the year.

The Cepen Park South neighbourhood watch group was set up to drum up community spirit, and keep residents informed about incidents within the estate, and this week received neighbourhood watch signs to go up outside homes and on the streets.

The revived group was set up by residents Susan Morgan from Epsom Close and Nigel Thacker, from Haydock Close and it has grown from strength to strength.

Co-coordinator Mrs Morgan, 43, said: "It started at the beginning of 2018 and it has grown since.

"I love to be involved and drum up a bit of community spirit which I think is lacking in a large modern estate without a community hall such as ours.

"I think areas that don't have any kind of community going on around them are rather insular, lonely and sad, but it doesn't have to be that way.

"I have 46 residents on email who are signed up and are interested in neighbourhood watch, and 264 members on a closed Facebook group.

"It provides a good forum to spread the word of strange goings on.

"We look out for anything different that may be worth highlighting around our estate to warn residents.

"It has formed community spirit and we all look out for each other, talk to one another and be more friendly.

The Cepen Park South neighbourhood watch group received £1,000 from the Chippenham Area Board which has paid for signs and window and door stickers.

Cllr Peter Hutton, said: “I am delighted that my councillor-led application from the Chippenham Area board was successful and has enabled the purchase of new signage to promote the newly reformed Neighbourhood Watch Scheme."

“There will also be signs for other parts of the Chippenham Area if residents wish to see this type of scheme introduced.”