A NATIONAL police-supported scheme to make the streets safer has been rolled out in Cradley – the first in the Dudley borough.

Cradley Street Watch involves volunteers carrying out unpaid, regulated civilian street patrols for a minimum of two hours a month.

They are working in pairs to tackle anti-social behaviour and provide “a visible, reassuring presence”.

The Cradley team is made up of five members, managed by co-ordinator, David Sadler, who provides guidance and support in consultation with the Cradley and Wollescote neighbourhood policing team.

A police spokesman said patrols, which began last month, are non-confrontational.

Volunteers also help improve their neighbourhoods by identifying and reporting issues like graffiti to the council.

Sergeant Alex Sobolewski said: "We are delighted to be working with members of the community.

“Together we can focus our efforts on tackling issues, such as anti-social behaviour, inconsiderate parking and speeding which have all been raised as priorities by members of the public at our regular community meetings.

"I have no doubt that our Street Watch members will make a massive impact, by providing reassurance in their communities and reducing opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour. In essence it could be seen as a more proactive extension to Neighbourhood Watch.

"It’s about local people coming together to build stronger relationships and support police officers in improving the area."

Mr Sadler said he and the team signed up to support the policing working in Cradley.

He added: "We feel that this is the ideal way to show our appreciation for the work that they do and give back to the community in which we live. It is also a way to get to know our neighbours better and promote positive relations between all members of our community.

"We are hoping that once people start to see our presence on the streets that they become interested in the scheme which in turn will lead to us recruiting more members in order to increase and widen our patrols."