Thanks a million!
Released: 11 January 2007
THAT was the message from the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership last night as they honoured 15 of Wolverhampton’s most public spirited individuals.
In the first Wolverhampton Community Safety awards the city has seen, the partnership - made up of organisations such as the city council, police and fire service - paid tribute to local people who have helped in making their area a safer place.
At the glittering ceremony hosted by the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor John Davis, Chief Superintendent Neil Gould paid tribute to the 15 who have “worked tirelessly for the good of their community”.
He added: “Crime in Wolverhampton is down to a level not seen in this city for almost two decades. This achievement is in part down to the efforts of people such as these, who work closely with the council and the police to make their neighbourhoods safer.”
The awards follow a three month publicity campaign which called for locals to nominate those people they felt had done more then most to reduce crime and disorder across the city.
Nominee’s included 12 year old Jordan Bowen from Castlecroft who, over the last twelve months has organised various community safety related events, with the support of the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership and his place of worship.
Having been inundated with nominations, 15 winners were selected with one declared overall winner and Wolverhampton’s Community Safety Champion.
This converted title was awarded to Shirley Oates from Whitmore Reans who amongst other achievements has tirelessly campaigned for traffic calming measures to be installed, organised activities for young people during the summer holidays and is the areas Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator.
Shirley said: “I’m delighted to receive this award but more importantly, I am delighted with the improvements I and other residents have seen made to the Whitmore Reans area.
“Crime is down and people are at long last starting to feel safe when out and about.”
If you would like help organising a community safety event in your area, contact the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership on: 01902 572014
For images of the awards ceremony contact Billy Corrigan, Communication & Reassurance Officer, Wednesfield Police Station on 01902 649 133.
The Safer Wolverhampton Partnership brings together the agencies who are responsible for reducing crime, anti-social behaviour, substance misuse
and the fear of crime.
Membership includes:
- Wolverhampton City Council
- West Midlands Police
- West Midlands Fire Service
- Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust
- Wolverhampton Community Safety Partnership
- Wolverhampton Drugs Service
- National Probation Service
- Wolverhampton Youth Offending Team
- West Midlands Police Authority
- Wolverhampton Community Empowerment Network
- Wolverhampton City Centre Company
- Local Criminal Justice Group
- YMCA
“Everyone has a right not only to be safe but also to feel safe, whether they live or work in Wolverhampton, or are visitors to our city.”
Issued on behalf of Wolverhampton Safety Partnership