Neighbourhood Watch drop in centre under threat

Feb 25 2010 by Eva Ketley, North Wales Weekly News

Neighbourhood Watch drop in centre under threat

RISING costs mean a vital community drop-in centre is under threat of closure.

For the past six years volunteers Ann Emmanuel, her 85-year-old mother Eirian Brown and Peter Bradbury have worked tirelessly to keep the Neighbourhood Watch drop-in centre in Llandudno open.

But rent increases mean they are finding it difficult to cover the running costs of the premises in Market Street, and they fear it will be forced to close.

Ifan Hughes, the central community safety officer, said: “It will be a great loss to society, the police and the partnerships if this drop-in centre is forced to close.

“If the shop goes, we will lose the good will of these people who are dedicated to voluntary work in the county of Conwy and I feel very strongly about giving them 100% support.

“I get paid for what I’m doing, but these people are doing it from the heart. We appreciate what they are doing and it’s important we pull together to help because they are an important part of the policing family.”

As well as the drop-in centre for people with worries about community safety, the staff sell second hand items to raise funds to help meet running costs and for local charities.

They also help pack and distribute Neighbourhood Watch literature and man stands at exhibitions and events.

“We have no problems finding funding for community safety projects yet there is no money to keep the shop open,” explained Ann, who is also the area coordinator for Neighbourhood Watch.

The three volunteers originally got involved with the organisation 12 years ago when Peter started having problems at his Llandudno Junction home.

A meeting was called, Ann took the chair, and from there they have expanded to help the entire community.

The drop-in centre was set up when they found they were constantly being approached for advice on home security.

In an urgent plea for support, Ann said: “We have a fantastic landlord who supports us in what we do, but if we cannot cover the rent we will have to close.

“If everyone who came in spent £1 we would be laughing.

“This is our entire life. A lot goes on here and it would be a real shame if it was to close.

“My mother would be devastated if she had to stay at home, and it’s also a concern wondering where some of the elderly will go if they can’t drop in here.”

Anyone who feels they may be able to help the Neighbourhood Watch drop-in centre with sponsorship or funding is urged to contact Ifan Hughes at Llandudno police station or on 101, 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line) or 0845 607 1002 (English line).

Judith.Phillips