Community Safety champions recognised at prestigious awards ceremony (7.10.11)

Community Safety champions were honoured last night (Thursday 6 October) at the prestigious Volunteers of the Year awards.

Organised by Windsor and Maidenhead Voluntary Action at Dorney Lake, the awards celebrated volunteers young and old, with the community safety award making its debut.

Individuals and groups who have made a difference by helping to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in their community were presented with an engraved glass trophy by Supt Tim De Meyer, Local Police Area Commander.

Two individual winners were:
Betty Marlow - Chairman of the Datchet, Horton and Wraysbury Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG).
Mike Holness - Co-chairman of the Boyn Hill Cox Green and Woodlands Park NAG.

Runner-up:
Carol McCall - Community Crime Fighter and Deputy Chairman of Clewer and Oakley Green NAG.

Group winner:
Maidenhead Street Angels - Maidenhead.

Runner up:
Army Welfare Service, Broom Farm - Windsor.

Supt De Meyer said: "All of these award winners should be justly proud of the crime reduction work they have done on the community's behalf. In their own way they have made a significant difference to their local communities. Without volunteers, either directly as special constables or volunteers in the community, my job would be a lot more difficult.

"It was very hard to choose just one overall winner for the individual award so we decided to present awards to two outstanding individuals who have both made a difference to their local communities.

"The judges' decision was so difficult to make as the work carried out by all the nominees was outstanding. It was humbling to learn about all the really good work being carried out by residents on a daily basis."

Cllr Phill Bicknell, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Safety, said: "I wish to congratulate the winners.

"Time and time again we read about so much negative behaviour so it was particularly pleasing to hear of all the positive work carried out by our residents to improve everyone's quality of life and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour."