Police, firefighters and other agencies have teamed up to help improve the quality of life for residents in West Watford.

Crime prevention advice, fire safety checks and health advice will be made available to residents in Holywell, after it was named as a 'partnership protected area' yesterday (Tuesday).

This follows the success of a pilot scheme in Stanborough ward last year.

It will also be rolled out in Meriden and central Watford before 2012.

The project is backed by the Safer Watford partnership, which includes Hertfordshire Police, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue, Hertfordshire Police Authority, Hertfordshire County Council, West Hertfordshire NHS, Watford Borough Council and Watford Community Housing Trust.

Representatives from each organisation will be meeting residents to help them reduce crime and the fear of crime.

Free property marking using SmartWater, a colourless liquid solution that glows under ultraviolet light, will be handed out.

The council will also help to clean up the area, removing graffiti and keeping the streets clean, while Neighbourhood Watch will recruit new members and Trading Standards will look to tackle underage drinking sales and rogue traders.

If the PPA proves to be successful, as it was in Stanborough, it could become a blueprint for similar schemes across the country.

Detective Inspector Jeeta Aulak, who is co-ordinating the project, said it was important residents see people who they would only otherwise meet in an emergency.

He said: “By doing these schemes and visiting people we can meet with the public and significantly reduce their chances of needing emergency services through crime prevention and safety advice.”

Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said: “Although crime in Watford is decreasing, this is about us listening to residents and working together by targeting our resources to make the area even safer.”

Jon Smith, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's District Commander for Watford and Three Rivers, said the results of the survey would help shape community safety initiatives in the future.

Tina Barnard, Watford Community Housing Trust Chief Executive, added: “We are delighted to be one of the main contributors to the Partnership Protected Area scheme, through our Handyperson Service. This will provide home security checks and the necessary improvements to help our more vulnerable tenants and the residents of Watford feel safe and secure in their own homes.”