A NEW method of crime control was launched this week on Banbury's Bretch Hill estate.

The initiative will tackle offending and other issues by providing a service that is tailor-made for the area. It will involve police, councils, social landlords, and members of the community.

The new approach is called Neighbourhood Management, and the system will be introduced across the region over the next 18 months.

By November 2007, 13 neighbourhoods in Cherwell will each have their own service.

The Banbury scheme will get under way on June 6, with residents of Ruscote, Hardwick, and Neithrop being invited to a public meeting at Hillview Primary School at 7pm to tell police and other agencies about the issues that need tackling.

Before then, residents are being asked to take part in a survey on crime and anti-social behaviour. About 600 questionnaires are being handed out.

Supt Paul Emmings, police area commander for Cherwell, said: "Residents should come to the meeting so they can spell out the priorities for police and partner groups.

"This is a real challenge for everyone involved, and the police are just a small part. The major part of the scheme is the community, and the public meeting will be a key factor in getting the project off the ground.

"We have chosen Bretch Hill as the launch area not just because it has issues and problems, but also because it has a partnership infrastructure already in place."

Insp Neville Clayton, responsible for the Banbury scheme, said: "I hope there will be lively contributions at the public meeting, and that we will identify what the residents want tackled. This is a partnership effort because the police might not always be the best people to deal with an issue. Local councils, landlords, or health services might be more suitable for some matters, but by working together we can make people feel safer and more secure."

Cherwell District Council leader Barry Wood said: "We recognise the importance of neighbourhood management and we are fully committed to supporting it."

The scheme will see action groups set up in each area to problem-solve issues that come to light.