RESIDENTS in Weaverham are being urged to play their part in a project to tackle anti-social behaviour and vandalism in the village.

A multi-agency team involving Cheshire Police officers, Vale Royal Borough Council and Weaverham Parish Council last week conducted an environmental visual audit.

The pilot scheme involves the team members walking a designated route through the village and making note of any visual signs of either social or physical disorder.

They also made note of factors that make them feel more secure - such as CCTV cameras or the presence of Community Safety Wardens and police officers on patrol.

And there will also be a public perception survey, which will be sent out to residents, in relation to the fear of crime and how those problems could be solved.

Richard Gorrill, speaking on behalf of the parish council, said: "We see the questionnaire that will be sent out to selected households as a key part of the project. It will be the method by which we will obtain the views of the residents.

"It will give us a clear understanding of the policing problems that are worrying the residents and actions that they would like to see taken, not only by the police but by the parish council and other agencies.

"The greater the number of questionnaires sent back the more accurately the answers will reflect the views of residents.

"The tragedy will be that if only a few questionnaires are returned it will look as if either there are no problems in Weaverham or that the residents do not care.

"So if you do receive a questionnaire, please support the parish council and fill it in."

jsawyer@guardiangrp.co.uk