A push for community patrols in Balclutha continues next month with a meeting to gauge the public's interest.
The idea was first raised earlier this year, when talk was generated about impos-ing a liquor ban in central parts of Balclutha to combat the broken glass and other trouble associated with the combination of young people and alcohol at weekends.
An initial meeting with the South Dunedin Community Patrol was held last month and the idea received a lukewarm response from the town's business watchdog, but another meeting - where the wider public is invited - will be held at the Somerville Lounge in the Balclutha War Memorial Hall on Monday, July 21 at 7.30pm.
Balclutha community co-ordinator Irene Mosley said the meeting was for any individual or organisation interested in becoming involved in the concept.
Dunedin community patrol members will speak at the meeting.
The idea is fast gaining traction with plans confirmed this week to establish community patrols in Mosgiel in coming months, to address residents' concerns about disorderly behaviour and personal safety.
At a meeting at the Mosgiel Service Centre on Wednesday, Mosgiel Taieri Community Board member Chris Adams said he would help interested parties in the community arrange a public meeting to discuss funding, volunteers and specifics of the community patrol scheme.
Mosgiel community constable Jacqui Ballam said police supported the patrol scheme, as volunteers were "another pair of eyes and ears".
Dunedin South Community Patrol chairman Tubby Hopkins said a preliminary meeting with members of the Mosgiel Lions and Rotary clubs in March was "very encouraging".
"We are not vigilantes," Mr Hopkins said.
"We just act as the eyes and ears in the community, and pass information on to police."
Mr Hopkins said the Community Patrol New Zealand scheme began in Taupo in 2001.
There are now about 100 groups operating nationally.
The South Dunedin group, which was established in 2002, runs three patrols each week.
Mr Hopkins said members observed from vehicles at a safe distance, and mostly informed police about incidents of intentional damage and vandalism.
