A GROUP has been formed to tackle crime in a Weymouth community and encourage residents to feel pride in where they live.

The Littlemoor Community Safety Group (LCSG) will be the 'eyes and ears of the community' and will meet monthly at the Littlemoor Community Centre, just off Canberra Road.

The meetings will allow the group to discuss issues raised by residents, which can be passed on to Dorset Police, Environmental Health, Housing Associations, South Western Ambulance Services, Parks and Gardens Department, Dorset Waste Partnership, Weymouth Town Council, or education or travel services.

Dorset Echo: Littlemoor Community Centre, just off Canberra RoadLittlemoor Community Centre, just off Canberra Road

Tony A’lee, co-ordinator for LCSG said: "The group is striving to make the community a safe and crime-free, healthy environment - and a community the residents are proud to say they live in.

"While we appreciate that there are many organisations doing their very best, they are not in the area all the time. We will be the eyes and ears of this community."

READ MOREFamily's shock after car set on fire at Littlemoor

The group's formation comes after various call outs from emergency services including a 'suspicious' fire broke out in a block of flats in Clayton Close on March 8.

A second suspected arson attack occurred on Clayton Close, but this time on December 23 last year when a car was set alight - causing the flames to spread to three other vehicles on the street.

Another recent incident saw a police investigation into reports of a robbery at McColl’s at Littlemoor Shopping Centre in the early hours of November 6.

Mr A'lee said the group is made up of volunteers and are set to hold various community activities - in order to promote better community involvement.

He said: "Littlemoor residents will also see activities taking place as and when the opportunities arrive, such as litter picks and jumble sales."

READ MORE'Robbery at McColl's, Littlemoor': Man is charged

Quarterly a residents open meeting will be held where attendees can ask questions direct to the agencies in attendance.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday July 1 at 6pm in the Community Hall, Canberra Road. The new Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick, has agreed to attend.

Residents can contact the group on the 24-hour dedicated telephone number 07826776410.

If it is an emergency, call 999.