Former West Midlands police officer takes over SARH’s Neighbourhood Team

A former policeman with 30 years’ experience of working with communities in the West Midlands is the new Neighbourhoods Manager at Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH).

Andy Crowson, 49, a married father-of-one, from Lichfield, will head up SARH’s neighbourhood services team which aims to improve the lives of customers across Stafford Borough.

“This is an exciting new challenge and one that I am really passionate about.  The main aim for me is to build on SARH’s great efforts to better the quality of life for SARH customers and building communities where they can thrive and prosper,” said Andy Crowson.

Andy has previously worked in several community roles for West Midlands Police in inner-city Birmingham, including most recently as a detective inspector.

He also sat on the Community Safety Panel within the Government funded New Deal for Communities (NDC) regeneration programme in the Aston area of Birmingham.

“Working in areas such as Handsworth, Aston and Alum Rock was hugely rewarding and I hope to bring my positive experiences in these neighbourhoods to my new role,” said Andy.

The neighbourhood services team at SARH is responsible for issues including:

• Dealing with complaints of anti-social behaviour and nuisance
• Setting up and running Community and Neighbourhood Agreements
• Carrying out five yearly and new tenancy visits to all SARH customers
• Organising community events and engaging with the wider community
• Arranging funding for community projects
• Intensive work with families
• Carrying out estate caretaking services

“Since SARH was created in 2006 the neighbourhood services team has been at the heart of our work with local communities and partners to improve our neighbourhood areas.  We are delighted to welcome Andy as the new Neighbourgoods Manager to help carry forward these vital services and support for customers,” said Karen Armitage, Chief Executive of SARH.