Recognition for dedicated Stafford residents

STAFFORD residents who go out of their way to make a difference in the community have been recognised for their efforts.

The Highfields Estate Residents and Tenants Association for a Good Environment (HERaTAGE) have won the ‘Best Practice in the Community’ category in the central region of the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) awards.

Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) put HERaTAGE forward for the award for all the help and support they provide for residents on the Highfields Estate, many of whom are SARH customers.

“HERaTAGE plays a really important role in supporting the interests of our customers in Highfields,” said Karen Armitage, Chief Executive of SARH.

“By working closely with HERaTAGE we have had great success in improving and developing the area for the local community and I’m delighted the group has been recognised in these important awards.”

Since its formation in May 2004, HERaTAGE’s successes include securing £30,000 to fence the Eastern boundary of the estate, promoting a Best Garden Competition, a Good Community Neighbour Award Scheme and Community Fun Days.

“For our work to be recognised in the TPAS awards is extremely rewarding,” said Ruth Knott, Secretary of HERaTAGE.

“I hope our award will show other residents and tenants’ groups the achievements that can be made by working together as a community.”

HERaTAGE has also successfully lobbied for the revoking of ‘No Entry’ signs improving the traffic system and for additional residents car parking on the estate.

They will now go forward to a national award final along with fellow winners from the Northern and Southern Regional Finals.

We are also delighted to annonce that Rita Harley, 60, a volunteer at our Community Resource Centre, came third in the  ‘Tenant of the Year’ category in the same awards.