It’s been said that good fences make good neighbours and while this may ring true, it may also be worthwhile to breakdown those personal barriers and know your neighbour.

Residents in some parts of Gellington are doing just this.

They have formed what is called a “mini-house watch” and held their second meeting at David Allen’s residence in Brickhill Road on Sunday evening.

The rationale of this idea is that neighbours get to know each other, exchange contact numbers and is able to assist in the case of a crime, fire or medical emergency.

This notion came from the Gellington Community Police Forum (CPF) sub-forum, whose nine Executive Committee members agreed that they would be the first to host their neighbours and thereafter encourage others in the neighbourhood to follow suit.

“Previously I didn’t know half of my neighbours, now I have met their partners and children, I know now that I have eight more people watching over my property. We agreed to all exchange numbers, which is placed on a list and distributed and we also want to start a cellphone group,” he said.

These neighbours have agreed to a 40-minute once a month meeting, with each family taking turns to host it.

At the meetings, practical advice about how to deal with emergencies would be discussed.

“This is a win-win situation for everyone,” says Mr Allen.

“If we can get all of the nine house-watches in Gellington going, if someone has a problem, their entire neighbourhood helps. If anyone is interested in setting a mini-house watch up – it’s simple and doesn’t cost money – they can contact Mr Allen on 082 493 8658.

The Gellington CPF sub-forum Executive Committee will be meeting on Thursday, October 3 at the AFM Church at 5.30pm.

All are welcome.