Local heroes awarded for their community work
An 84-year-old man who has helped to make his neighbourhood a better place to live has won an award from his housing landlords, Salix Homes.
Norman Shacklady, of Shelley Road in Swinton, Salford was nominated by local people for the Salford Stars community safety award for his contribution to improving the Beechfarm estate, where he lives.
He is among eight local heroes from central Salford, where Salix Homes manages homes on behalf of the city council, to be recognised in the awards.
Norman has played a big part in getting a community centre up and running in the area as a safe place for youth activities and a venue for residents to get help and advice on services.
He has worked hard to look after nearby parks and get sports facilities set up for youngsters.
On the estate he has successfully campaigned for better street lighting and improved roads and footpaths, and works with the council, Salix Homes and the police to tackle antisocial behaviour.
Winners collected their awards at a ceremony at The Lowry, Salford Quays hosted by Coronation Street actor Andy Whyment who plays Kirk Sutherland in the soap.
The Mayor of Salford, Councillor Roger Lightup also showed his support for the event and presented one of the awards.
A young and older people's champion, best neighbour, community initiative and better environment awards were given on the night along with an outstanding young star and outstanding achievement award.
Full list of winners:
Community safety star, Norman Shacklady
Good neighbour star - Jill Cartwright
Community initiative star - Marie Backhouse
Older people's star - Sue Charker
Inclusion star - Andrew Leaston
Better environment star - Frank Whittaker
Outstanding young star - Curtis White
Outstanding achievement star - Ken Derbyshire
Jill Cartwright was recognised as a 'driving force' in setting up and running a tenants' association.
Marie Backhouse won in her category for organising a tuck shop to help raise money for a Morris dancing group.
Sue Charker was commended for running fun nights and a breakfast club for older residents.
Andrew Leaston got his award for starting a kids' club, community clean-up days, school discos and painting school railings.
Frank Whittaker was the better environment champion for helping to secure £50,000 of National Lottery funding to transform an area of wasteland into a community garden.
19-year-old Curtis White is the young star for his volunteering with local groups and a youth club.
Ken Derbyshire, 76, has helped to bid for funding which has been used on days out for older people, and hanging baskets and flower beds in community gardens.
Alison Hill, Salix Homes' director of improvement and customer service said: "There are many people in central Salford who go the extra mile to help others.
"I'd like to say a big thank you to all the nominees for the hard work they do and for the time they commit to working with us to help provide quality services that address the needs of our customers.
"The awards are about giving something back to our community heroes and I'd like to congratulate the winners for their commitment and dedication."
ENDS
Notes for editors
Photos of the winners are available on request from the press office on 0161 793 3157.
If you would like to talk to any of the winners, please contact the press office.
Salix Homes Ltd is helping to deliver Salford City Council's five-year strategy to bring all council housing up to the Decent Homes Standard, a multi-million pound vision for the city.
Salix Homes is an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) and is a not-for-profit company responsible for the day-to-day management of 10,600 homes across Central Salford, Rainsough Brow and Beechfarm.
It also assists the council in the operational delivery of the Housing Market Renewal Programme.
For more information on Salix Homes, please contact Public Relations Officer, Katy Barnes on 0161 793 3157.
Sponsors of the award as follows:
Community safety star - Apollo Heating
Good neighbour star - HT Forrest
Community initiative star - Jackson Lloyd
Older people's star - Beever and Struthers
Inclusion star - Northgate Public Services
Better environment star - Seddon
Outstanding young star - Tesco
Outstanding achievement star - GM Procure
Katy Barnes
Public relations officer
Tel: 0161 793 3157
Email: katy.barnes@salford.gov.uk
