COLCHESTER’S 2,000 Neighbourhood Watch schemes face a bleak future after all funding for them was axed.

The project is struggling to survive after losing all its £11,500 of grants.

Already the organisation has had to shut down its website, stop sending out newsletters and information packs to new groups and end a scheme to buy purse and personal attack alarms.

The group was funded by the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, now the Safer Colchester Partnership.

But that umbrella organisation’s funding has been repeatedly slashed, meaning there is nothing left for Neighbourhood Watch.

Carole Dennis MBE, the Colchester borough co-ordinator who was honoured for her work with the organisation, spoke out about the importance of the group to the town.

She said: “I am very proud of the growth, being made an MBE and it is really great people are thinking about the community.

“But I think the funding cut [to the partnership] is a big blow for a lot of people who are doing a lot of good work. We really would welcome donations.

“There was the suggestion members pay, but we are a voluntary organisation and volunteers are already giving up their time for their area, so it is wrong to charge them.”

The borough does get some help from anonymous donors, and was given £500 by Essex Police.

But this has to be distributed among more than 2,000 groups in the borough. Despite cuts in funds in recent years, the number of groups have grown, from only 240 co-ordinators in 2000.

Last week, Colchester co-ordinator Pauline Palmer was named the best in Essex.

Mrs Dennis said: “With people like Pauline involved, nothing will interfere with Neighbourhood Watch. We want to keep the community safe, but could do with some help.”

Tim Young, Colchester’s councillor responsible for community safety, said: “Neighbourhood Watch is very valuable.

“It plays an important role in protecting the community and it is a shame Government cuts are impacting on them.

“You would think Neighbourhood Watch is a great example of the Big Society, and even they are struggling.”

Neighbourhood Watch also helps with SchoolWatch, TaxiWatch, BusinessWatch and many other linked schemes.

Anyone who can help with funds, call 01206 513333 or e-mail colchesternw@hotmail.com