A NOT in My Neighbourhood initiative to forge closer community ties has started in Torbay this week.

Safer Communities Torbay — made up of senior police, council, health, probation and fire representatives — have organised a series of events across the three towns aimed at encouraging residents to work closer together for the benefit of others.

The initiative is a Home Office scheme running in 80 areas across the UK.

Cllr Louisa Aiton, Torbay Council's cabinet member for community safety and engagement, said: "It's all about informing local residents of what is actually being done to make their neighbourhood safer."

She added: "So much work happens behind the scenes and quite often goes unnoticed.

"By involving the public in the process they can see for themselves the extent of the effort which goes into ensuring that Torbay is a safe place. In turn, they will not only feel safer but will also hopefully be encouraged to get involved."

Activities planned include community walks where a 'visual audit' will be taken of issues of concern — including fly-tipping, graffiti and litter.

Other subjects under scrutiny will be poor street lighting, overgrown hedgerows and criminal damage by vandals.

The Safe Bus will be on tour, allowing people to use it for 'street surgeries' where they can discuss matters of concern to them.

Crime will also be tackled with operations aimed at drug dealers, bad drivers and anti-social groups.