A pioneering scheme to create a safer, healthier and friendlier community in north Watford was launched at the weekend.

The Safer Watford Partnership, which comprises of police, fire, health and council representatives, launched the pilot programme on Saturday.

The programme, which is believed to be one of the first of its kind, will provide free crime prevention advice, fire safety checks and blood pressure checks, along with help on giving up smoking to residents in the Stanborough ward.

On Saturday, officers offered free ‘DNA’ property marking, while Watford Borough Council will aim to improve the look of the area with graffiti removal and street cleansing.

As part of the programme, Neighbourhood Watch will also be recruiting new members and Trading Standards will be looking to tackle under-age drinking.

Chief Inspector John Dempsey-Brench said: “This project is the result of months of continued hard work with all of our partner agencies.

“If successful, this could lead the way nationally for similar schemes across the country and we are proud to be part of such a strong working partnership.”

Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said: “This is about us listening to residents and working together by targeting our resources to make the area even safer.”

The Safer Watford Partnership works to improve community safety.

It is made up of police, fire services, the police authority, Hertfordshire County Council, West Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust and Watford Borough Council.