A new Neighbourhood Watch group is to be launched -- thanks partly to the Evening Gazette.

We revealed last month how a man had tried to abduct a 12-year-old girl in Carrs Road, Clacton.

As a result of the story residents in nearby Wargrave Road rallied together and are now to form the new Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Tendring councillor Ken Aldis, who lives in Wargrave Road, said: "The story did not cause fear and panic but it really woke people up.

"There was a sudden realisation that the road has a lot of young children in it. It suddenly awakened the desire to make sure they were protected as much as possible."

A social meeting and barbecue will now be held at 3 Wargrave Road on July 16 at 5pm for neighbours.

So far around 70 per cent of people in the road had supported the idea and are planning to attend the meeting.

He added: "We can set up the committee in the background to run the daily paperwork. It's about offering the realisation that there's someone around who can help them if they have a problem. It's about engaging a community spirit."

Concerns were sparked after a man had pulled up in a white car and spoke to the girl for some time on May 5. The girl was left shocked and distressed following the conversation, but was not hurt.

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