Men and women who work to make our communities safer, more pleasant places to live have been commended at the annual Neighbourhood Watch awards.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Community Safety Partnership is proud of the strong and proactive Neighbourhood Watch schemes that run across the County Borough.
Hundreds of people of all ages and backgrounds are members of Neighbourhood Watch, working proactively on behalf of the communities in which they live.
As well as working with crime-fighting agencies to secure the latest information and advice, which they pass on to their neighbours, the watch members also undertake specialist training which enables them to help others.
They also drive forward community-based schemes, such as new centres, installation of alarms, awareness-raising days and so much more.
As such, it is vital their efforts and achievements are highlighted and celebrated – and that is exactly what happened at the fifth annual Neighbourhood Watch Awards that took place at the Rhondda Heritage Park this month.
Organised by the Rhondda Cynon Taf Community Safety Partnership, the event was sponsored by the Rhondda Cynon Taf Crime Reduction Association, whose chairman Derek Bateman was the compere for the evening.
Phil Bevan, Head of the Community Safety Partnership, Peter Vaughan, Chief Constable of South Wales Police and Simon James, Chief Executive of Interlink were guest speakers.
They highlighted the importance of residents working with partner agencies to make a difference, before presenting the awards, which went to:
Community Champion Awards, presented by Chief Constable Peter Vaughan to those who commit their own time to work on behalf of others. These awards were presented to:
- Ruth Lewis, Trealaw Neighbourhood Watch.
- Myra Davies, Miskin Crime Prevention Group
- Gloria Preedy, Common Neighbourhood Watch in Pontypridd.
Lifetime Achievement Awards, presented by Neil O’Farrell from the RCT Neighbourhood Watch Association to:
- Joan Dee of Trealaw Neighbourhood Watch.
- Keith Williams of Glyn Aman Neighbourhood Watch in Cynon.
- Cynthia Dyke of Ty Rhiw Neighbourhood Watch in Taf Ely.
Neighbourhood Policing Team Awards presented by Phil Bevan to South Wales Police Staff who were nominated by their communities for the work they do:
- Cherilyn Prior, Ystrad ward PCSO
- Dave Jones, Penrhiwceiber ward PCSO
- Juliet Payne, Hawthorn ward PCSO
Community Recognition Awards presented by Derek Bateman to those whose work and actions are identified as outstanding by the community and partner agencies:
- PC Nigel Bird, Rhondda sector
- Sgt Stuart Williams, Cynon sector
- Sgt Nick Jenkins, Taf sector.
Community Cohesion Awards, presented by Community Cohesion Unit members Gareth Cuerden and Seth Newman to individuals and groups who are striving to make the areas in which they live safer, more pleasant places to live, where every resident feels they have a place – regardless of age, race, sexuality, gender, religion and disability.
- Michelle Llewellyn of Hafod Housing
- Dynea Neighbourhood Watch in Rhydyfelin
Paul Cannon, Chair of the Community Safety Partnership, said: “We are so pleased to be able to host the fifth annual Neighbourhood Watch awards, which show just how much excellent work is taking place in our communities across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“The people who have been commended at the awards are exceptional individuals who work hard and give their own time freely to help others and ensure our communities are safe, pleasant places to live.
“They are among the hundreds of people across the county borough who commit themselves to the work of the Community Safety Partnership.”
For more information on Neighbourhood Watch and how you can get involved, contact 01443 842767.
