BRIDWATCH

"Bridwatch" is the short title for the Assoc: of Bridlington Area Community and Neighbourhood Watch Groups, A Registered Charity No.1087709. since mid 2001 and a Company limited by Guarantee from March 2005. The Assoc was formed in January 2001 when the existing few inactive Watch groups decided that there was no purpose in being a member of the Humberside Assoc: and as a result proposed the Watches should be wound up. Rather than see this happen it was agreed that subject to approval of the majority a totally independent local Association should be formed with a local focal point and a management group of local Watch leaders dedicated to promoting a safer Bridlington area. There was 100% agreement and a management group of 7 Watch leaders was formed and decided that the Assoc: should be properly constituted (The National provided the 'blue print'), remain independent and have as its main objective a commitment to work to improve the quality of life of residents by working to reduce crime, the fear of it and developing a safe Community.

The Humberside Police were approached and a letter from the then Deputy Chief Constable Mr Clarke endorsed our decision.
The National Assoc: of Neighbourhood Watches welcomed us as affiliated members.

The Divisional Commander at the time chaired our launch meeting, local Officer also attended in support.
Since our launch Bridwatch has grown from 5 active groups to 46 with a membership of about 4,000 residences that encompasses the villages of Carnaby, Sewerby and Flamborough as well as the Town of Bridlington. Three Groups have young peoples groups attached who promote good citizenship.

Bridwatch are active members of

• The Bridlington Crime Prevention Panel,
• ERYC Safe Communities
• Bridlington Police Liaison panel.
• Bridlington Regeneration
• Bridwatch involve itself in any other group which fits within our terms of reference or regenerates Bridlington i.e. The Lions Carnival Day, Armed Forces day, Christmas lights and the recent Maritime day.
• Our Secretary acts as guest speaker to outside groups usually speaking on creating a Safer home or Distraction Burglary.

In January 2005 we were granted the Duke of York Community Initiative Award'. This followed a full day assessment in October 2004 when Elizabeth Peacock and Peter Sunderland spent several hours questioning 12 Watch leaders and later visiting our Office.

Following a cash award from the Charity Aid Foundation in January, 2005 Bridwatch decided to move premises in order to achieve one of its prime ambitions and obtain ground floor premises where our elderly and infirm members/visitors can visit with ease and sit in comfort. We have leased an empty motor cycle repair shop ay 20 West Street which has now been renovated by volunteers to the highest standard to provide office space, reception area housing a full library of Leaflets and information on virtually every aspect of Community and Home/personal safety. This is manned 5 days a week by volunteers who operate a free exchange book, child video and jigsaw library. Office facilities are provided for the Secretary, both the Volunteer Reach out and Promotions Co-ordinators. The Centre also has accommodation for our IT helper who supports the whole team.

We see this as an essential mini Community centre and the next logical step in achieving our ambition to promote a better quality of life in Bridlington.