BASILDON residents attended the first of a series of public meetings on crime prevention.

There were 130 people at the Together for Safer Communities meeting at the Castlemayne, the Knares, to discuss community issues and encourage more residents to become involved in the Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch schemes.

Kerry Smith, chairman of Basildon Council’s housing and community committee, said: “The meeting was really informative and gave an insight into the issues that really matter to our residents.

“I am sure that those who attended found it as useful as the panel did.

“I hope that the future Together for Safer Communities events we have planned over the next few months are also well attended.”

The session was hosted by a panel including Mr Smith, Chief Inspector Sam Smith, District Commander for Basildon; Clive Woodward, chairman and coordinator of Basildon’s Neighbourhood Watch and Kevin Blake, Essex Watch liaison officer for Essex Police.

There will be nine more meetings held across Basildon, Billericay and Wickford before end of November. The next meeting will take place on Monday 25 at Lee Chapel North Community Centre, Ballards Walk.