162. Log Watch . . .

I have joined the High Peak branch of Log Watch.

Like Farm Watch, it's an offshoot of Neighbourhood Watch and new groups are springing up in rural areas all over the country.

They are needed because of the increasing thefts of wood from wood stacks, and from felled trees waiting to be logged and collected.

Increasing utility bills are thought to be the main cause.

Anyway, it's quite good fun - monthly meetings (chain-saw sharpening, that kind of thing), and weekly patrols in high-vis helmets.

Our branch is supported by the local Neighbourhood Beat Officer, who at our inaugural meeting a few weeks ago said, 'It's a great new addition to the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme - people need to remember that logs don't grow on trees.'

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