Council rewards good neighbours

Everybody needs good neighbours and Black Country residents are no different – as proven by a Black Country borough’s Good Neighbour Awards.

The accolades, dished out by Dudley Council in partnership with Dudley Federation of Tenants and Residents Association (DFTRA), recognise residents who go the extra mile for their neighbours. The awards are run in partnership with the High Rise Living Forum and honour those who make life in high rise developments a little bit better.

Rebecca Portsmouth, of Worcester House, Hill Street, Halesowen, picked up the top prize.

She was praised by her neighbours for being a good listener, helping to look after children and raising money for charity.

The 49-year-old is a mentor for young people at the Lighthouse Project, an information and support scheme in Halesowen.

She said she was “overwelmed” to have won the top prize adding: “I have never won anything before but I didn’t to it to win I did it because I love people and I want to help. But I must say it is nice to be recognised.”

Ann Little, of Brickiln Court, Brierley Hill, was named runner-up. She has been looking out for an elderly neighbour in the block ever since she fell ill earlier this year. Mrs Little helps with cooking, shopping and washing as well as being a friend.

The 48-year-old carer who lives with husband Paul, aged 53, said the award came as a “complete surprise”.

She added: “I really didn’t expect it. I don’t do it to get awards I just like being able to help people.”

Fellow Brickiln Court resident Dorothy Fellows was also highly commended by judges. It is the third year running she has been recognised in the awards having won the top prize and come runner-up. Mrs Fellows, 63, has lived in Brickiln Court for four years. She said: “I think the reason they commended me is because I like to help people out.”

All the winners picked up their awards at a special event hosted by DFTRA at Dudley employees sports and social club, in Hillcrest Avenue, Brierley Hill.

Councillor Michael Evans, Dudley Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “These people have demonstrated that they go above and beyond to create thriving communities in our high rise blocks.”