Stafford residents gain national recognition

A residents’ group in Stafford has received national recognition in a major awards ceremony celebrating outstanding efforts in the community.

The Highfields Estate Residents and Tenants Association for a Good Environment (HERaTAGE) was one of three finalists shortlisted in the ‘Best Practice in the Community’ category of the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) awards.

They were pipped at the post by the doorstep security project run by Merseyside Residents Network in partnership with Morrison.

The TPAS awards aim to recognise social housing tenants who go the extra mile to make their communities safer and more desirable places to live.

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

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.

HERaTAGE went forward to the finals after winning the Central Region final in April and representatives from the group attended the national awards ceremony held at the Birmingham Metropole Hotel.

SARH’s Director of Neighbourhoods Debbie Emmitt said: “For HERaTAGE to be one of the top three organisations in the country recognised in these awards for the fantastic work they have done is an outstanding achievement and SARH would like to congratulate them on their success.”