Ruth lands crime-busting award

10/16/2009

Making neighbourhoods safer places to live has landed Ruth Ashdown a coveted award.

Magna Housing Association’s anti-social behaviour manager has received the Outstanding Contribution to Engaging Local Communities title in this year’s Dorset Criminal Justice Board awards.

She was nominated by Dorchester Police Inspector, Les Fry, who stressed Ruth was ‘an asset to the community’.

He said: “I am delighted that Ruth has won this special award. She works tirelessly to improve the lives of both Magna tenants and the community at large and her efforts are much appreciated.

“I have worked with Ruth and Magna on a number of initiatives and it’s this sort of commitment that makes a big difference to people’s lives.

“On behalf of Dorchester Police, I’d like to thank Ruth and her team at Magna and congratulate her on this worthy recognition.”

Ruth, who is based at Magna’s head quarters in Dorchester, is responsible for tackling all types of anti-social behaviour, from dealing with noisy neighbours to the removal of abandoned cars.
She said the award had come as a ‘complete surprise’ despite her department’s work being described as ‘excellent’ in a recent Audit Commission report.

“I am really touched,” she added. “I had no idea I had been entered and I’d like to thank Insp Fry for his support and help over the years.

“We have worked closely on many anti-social behaviour issues and have developed a great trust and understanding. So many people have benefitted from our work but none of it would have been possible without backing from the police.”

She added: “This is very much a team award because, although I might have got things going in the first place, my colleagues in the anti-social behaviour department, are extremely dedicated and committed. If I was to leave tomorrow, I know they would carry on the good work.

“I’d also like to thank all the other bodies we work with and our residents for their support and everyone at Magna. Our aim is to make neighbourhoods both safer and better places to live and this award will inspire us to even greater successes.”

Meanwhile Magna group chief executive, Graham Colls, agreed that Ruth’s award was ‘much deserved’.

“Ruth and her anti-social behaviour team do great work out in the community,” he explained, “ and it says everything when the nomination came from the local police inspector.

“I congratulate her on a wonderful achievement and thank all those who support the work of the anti-social behaviour team.”

The Dorset Criminal Justice Board awards will be presented to winners at a ceremony to be held at the Dorford Centre on October 15.