About 30 residents from a housing development near Snodland attended a meeting to discuss anti-social behaviour and other community issues.
The Holborough Lakes development, a mix of social housing and private homes to the north of Snodland, is still growing.
Keen to see the community thrive, Kent Police PCSO Kim Bashford called a community meeting on The Holborough Lakes development, where some residents expressed enthusiasm for getting involved in setting up their own Neighbourhood Watch group.
PCSO Bashford said: “What we’re trying to do is build a community and give all the people here the opportunity to mix and help each other.”
John Watson, a volunteer committee member of West Kent Neighbourhood Watch, said: "Starting a Watch builds up a community spirit so neighbours can work together to benefit everyone. Neighbourhood Watch is a two-way conduit, informing members of what is happening in their area and the Watches themselves can give vital information to reduce, prevent and solve crimes.”
Anne Moloney, chairman of Snodland Town Council, said: “‘The turnout at the meeting was very good for a summer’s evening. This is a lovely estate and when it’s finished there will be around 1,200 homes here. It will represent a big part of Snodland so it’s vital that we get the feel of it right now.”
Kent Police is working with social housing provider Southern Housing Group around noise and other anti-social behaviour issues.
The aim is to make the meetings regular. To contact neighbourhood officers, visit www.kent.police.uk/myward.