CHEPSTOW police have teamed up with Usk Prison to create house and property signs in order to increase visibility in times of emergency.

Members of the Chepstow Neighbourhood Policing Team working in Shirenewton, Devauden and St Arvans noticed during their patrols that many of the properties and farms in their ward area had no house name or number signs which were clearly visible from the road, making it very difficult to find the property they were looking for in an emergency.

With the help of Councillor Beverley Moore, the team approached HMP Usk, who have workshops on site, to see if prisoners would be available to make house plaques at a reduced rate for local residents.

The prison agreed to help and all house plaques are hand engraved and made from beech wood grown at HMP Prescoed.

The house plaques not only help provide an easy-to-read, attractive sign but also enable prisoners to learn a new skill in the workshops helping rehabilitation.

The signs, which cost £6 each, cover the cost of the materials in the workshop. All administration is dealt with by Lower Wye Valley Neighbourhood Watch meaning that the prison have no access to confidential information about residents.

A £1 profit from the cost goes towards the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme to contribute to costs for leaflets, signs and crime prevention material.

Chepstow officers are the first in Wales to involve a prison in this type of scheme and the aim is to eventually offer these handmade signs to all residents of Gwent, especially in rural, more remote areas.

PC Louise Thorpe said: "The main aim of us starting this project is to encourage local residents to make sure their house is clearly signposted.

"Working in rural areas, properties are often a way from a main road and can be very difficult to find.

"You never know when you might need help from the police, an ambulance or the fire service, and at that time, every second is crucial.

"The signs are excellent quality and we're pleased to be working with the prison to benefit local residents."

Steve Cross, Governor for HMP Usk added: "This an excellent opportunity for our prisoners to give something back to the community.

"They are also working hard, learning new skills and raising the chances of their sustained employment on release; something that will help us deliver our commitments to protect the public and reduce reoffending."

If you would like an order form for a house plaque or more information about the scheme, contact the Lower Wye Neighbourhood Policing Team by calling 01633 642068 or email [email protected]">[email protected] or [email protected]">[email protected]