‘Unsung heroes’ have been recognised for their dedication, care and commitment to their local area by each winning a Merit at the Rose Hogg Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) Awards held at Barnsley Fire Station on 18 March.

The eight winners are all members of NHW zones around the Doncaster Road area. They were nominated by Town and Kingstone Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) PCSO Ian Anderson who communicates regularly with the group and was eager for them to be recognised for their tireless efforts to ensure the safety of their community.

The winners included Philip Dixon, Debbie Booth, Debbie Chambers, Diana Haigh, Philip Griggs, Claire Hacket, Judy Murfin and Sylvia Lowe.

PCSO Ian Anderson said: “Each and every one of these people continues to keep me regularly updated with any suspicious incidents and criminal activity which might occur in their locality. There have been numerous occasions where their information had lead to robust action being taken such as drug warrants.”

SNTs often use NHW members as a first port of call for gaining information about problem areas such as neighbour dispute, antisocial behaviour, drug activity or just general suggestions for maintenance improvements for the area.

Many of the members also attend the monthly Crime and Safety Group meetings where local concerns are brought to an official forum and discussed with police, council and other parties with the aim of resolution.

Chilton Street NHW Coordinator Silvia Lowe has been a member of the self-named ‘Magpies’ for over 10 years. During this time, she has provided the SNT with valuable information relating to antisocial behaviour, litter and criminal damage.

She has put particular effort into ensuring the safety and upkeep of a grassed area in front of the street that used to be a regular hangout for drug takers and dealers. This caused her particular concern as local children often use the area to play. She was given responsibility to ensure the park is kept locked at night after she informed police that it was being used for such illegal activity. Sylvia also arranged for overgrown bushes to be pruned, making it harder for drug users to hide behind.

Improving the visual preservation of Chilton Street is equally as important to Sylvia. To help with this, she successfully applied to Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council for funding to purchase hanging baskets for each address on the street. 

Syliva Lowe said: “PCSO Anderson has done marvellous things for the residents of Chilton Street. We are a deprived area so it’s great that we have a police representative to act on the issues NHW highlight.”

PCSO Ian Anderson said: “NHW is invaluable to the police. It acts as another pair of eyes and ears for a street and brings communities together to improve the area and help reduce crime. I would encourage all residents to consider joining their local NHW too.”

If you would like to create a NHW zone or join an existing one, please speak to your local SNT. Visit www.southyorkshire.police.uk for details on how to contact them.

Photo: Sylvia and PCSO Anderson