CMP praise for crime-fighting resident

2 December 2004

A crime-fighting resident, who received a Home Office award for taking a stand against crime, has been praised by Caroline Flint MP.

Maureen Tennyson, the organiser of Edlington Neighbourhood Watch, received her Taking A Stand award from Home Office Minister, Hazel Blears, and a £1,000 towards her Neighbourhood Watch.

Said Ms Flint: "The Taking A Stand awards give recognition to those people who are making a difference in the battle against crime in our communities. Maureen is one of those people. She has a never-say-die attitude and has been at the forefront of efforts to reduce crime and rebuilding confidence in Edlington as a decent place to live."

After receiving the award, Mrs Tennyson said: "I'm very honoured to receive the award, but I couldn't do it without the help of many people in the community. Together, we're really improving the quality of life for everybody in Edlington. Caroline Flint and Hilary McNamee have been with us all the way."

Mrs Tennyson singled out the police for praise, in particular Inspector Ray Mountford, Superintendent Kevin Lincoln and Rachel Mallon, Community Safety Organiser. "They have been great. It's nice when you can pick up a phone and someone is there to help," said Mrs Tennyson.

Said Labour councillor, Hilary McNamee, who attended the award ceremony with Maureen, "I have worked with Maureen for just over two years. She is a real driving force, determined to give Edlington people a voice and get practical things done to make her community safer."

Cllr McNamee said that Mrs Tennyson was a key organiser of both Neighbourhood Watch, the Royal TARA, a founder of the Edlington Together campaign, and as well as being a local Magistrate.

Together is the Home Office supported campaign against anti-social behaviour.

Pic: l to r Louise Casey (Director of the Home Office Anti-social Behaviour Unit, award-winner Maureen Tennyson, Hazel Blears (Home Office Minister), Cllr Hilary McNamee and Margaret Adamson (Edlington Neighbourhood Watch).