Lou's surprise award from the Prime Minister
Harlow Council’s support to victims of anti-social behaviour was
recognised nationally on Wednesday (28 February) when, by surprise,
Council caseworker Lou Cook received a Respect Award from the Prime
Minister for her outstanding support to those who take a stand
against anti-social behaviour in the community.
The presentation was made at a special meeting
of the country’s anti-social behaviour co-ordinators in London.
Local resident Jane Forshaw was invited to speak at the meeting
about her experiences where a neighbour at a previous address had
made her life hell with abuse, intimidation and threats. Attending
the event along with Jane were Council officers Lou Cook and
Marysia Rudgley. In her speech she praised the Council and
particularly Lou Cook for going the extra mile in supporting her
through her problem. Lou was then invited on to the stage to
receive an award from Tony Blair.
Jane Forshaw, said: “Without the Council’s
support I would never been able to stand up against my neighbour
and go through the court process. Lou in particular went
the extra mile during the worst period and gave me her mobile
number and said I could call her whenever I needed someone to talk
to even if she was at home. Lou would be round my house in minutes
when I called her. Having that support available really helped me
get through this terrible experience.”
Lou Cook, Anti-Social Behaviour Caseworker for
the Council, said: “It was a surprise to be called up, but Jane
deserved the support she got and I’m glad I can make a difference
to people’s lives. It was an honour to receive this award but I was
just doing my job.”
The Prime Minister said: "Across the country, communities are
making use of the powers we have given them to curb anti-social
behaviour. I've seen for myself how these powers, where they
are being used extensively and effectively, can make a huge
difference to the quality of life in a neighbourhood.
"Anti-social behaviour caseworkers have played a vital role in
this transformation - working with local people to identify
problems and solutions. So it's right that, through this
event, we recognise the tremendous job they are doing in their
communities."
Joint Council Leader Tony Durcan, said: “It
makes me very proud when I hear residents saying a Council officer
has gone the extra mile to help them. Well done Lou.”
Joint Council Leader Chris Millington, said:
“We are pleased that Jane’s problem has now been solved with Lou’s
support and I am delighted that they’ve both been recognised.”
Ends
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