Quake prompts local networks

The Press

8 January 2011

Canterbury's earthquake has prompted interest in neighbourhood watch groups.

Canterbury Neighbourhood Support co-ordinator Dave Wilkinson said there was a desire for greater co-operation in the wake of the September 4 quake.

"It's support that's the main thing, not just for criminal stuff, but for medical emergencies, civil defence," he said.

The aim was to "build stronger communities" through neighbourhood support.

Two or three new groups were being set up in Christchurch every week, but the workload was dropping to "business as usual", he said.

Wilkinson said he was surprised there had not been an upsurge in interest from Avonside, one of the worst-hit suburbs.

Three new groups had been set up in the Avonside area, and a few groups had been "resurrected".

Wilkinson said people worried about crime should get to know all their neighbours.

"Talk to somebody that belongs to neighbourhood support, and they'll tell you it works," he said.