POLICE and volunteers in Melksham were heaped with praise at Wiltshire’s Neighbourhood Policing Awards this month, when three awards were brought back to the town.
The awards, set up by Police and Crime Commissioner, Angus MacPherson, celebrate policing and volunteer work across Wiltshire and Swindon.
This year three awards were given to Melksham people; Neighbourhood Watch’s Sue Stoker won Volunteer of the Year; PC Kane Fulbrook-Smith was a runner-up in Police Officer of the Year; and Melksham Rural North Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) were runners-up in NPT of the Year.
Volunteer of the Year
Melksham woman Sue Stoker is a volunteer for the local Neighbourhood Watch scheme, which she has been credited with reviving. Sue was nominated by Melksham Without Parish Council.
Sue was given the following citation for her work; “This award is presented for the hard work and dedication Sue has shown in reviving Neighbourhood Watch schemes that had become dormant in the Melksham area and supporting residents to set up new ones.
“Sue encouraged local residents to become local or street co-ordinators and organised new schemes in new housing areas. There are now over 150 local Neighbourhood Watch schemes in the area, which is a tribute to Sue’s hard work.”
Sue said of her victory, “I was greatly honoured to be awarded the PCC’s Volunteer of the Year.
“This award is really in recognition for all the hard work and selfless dedication of ALL Neighbourhood Watch schemes and area coordinators, ALL the officers in the Neighbourhood Policing Teams, again, the fantastic members of the Melksham Community Area Partnership, and lastly, but by no means least, my long suffering husband, Graham, who has been 100% behind me and is even more passionate about Neighbourhood Watch than I am!”
Local PC Kane Fulbrook-Smith was a runner-up for Police Officer of the Year. He congratulated Sue on her work alongside the police saying, “The award for Volunteer of the Year was a well deserved win for Sue; she has committed many hours to Neighbourhood Watch within Melksham and the rural areas working alongside Melksham NPT. Well done, Sue it has been a pleasure working with you for the last several years to promote NHW.”
PC of the Year
PC Fulbrook-Smith received the following praise with his runner-up award; “Kane was nominated for being incredibly supportive and compassionate when a family in his local area were going through a particularly difficult time. He ensured they were supported, reassuring them, attending court with them and generally helping them.
“It is because of Kane’s commitment and hard work that the family feel they are finally able to start living again and they and others have faith in the justice system. His smile and sense of humour are some of the many reasons this police officer has the respect and admiration of the community he serves.”
PC Fulbrook-Smith said, “I feel so privileged to have been nominated for the award of Police Officer of the Year. The fact that members of the public go out of their way to nominate in itself is reassuring to know that the work Neighbourhood Police Teams do in Melksham doesn’t go unnoticed.
“I am dedicated to giving the best service possible to everyone I deal with but knowing I made a difference to someone’s quality of life by reducing crime and securing convictions is more rewarding than can be imagined.
“Although the award was personal to me I wouldn’t be able to do my job without the hard work the rest of the Melksham team do in my absence so a huge thanks to them.”
NPT of the Year
Melksham Rural North Neighbourhood Policing Team was a runner-up in the NPT of the Year award. They received the following commendation; “Nominated by Melksham Without Parish Council for their great efforts to get to know their local residents and their area so they fully understand the issues faced by their rural community.
“Melksham Rural North respond quickly and appropriately to all calls for assistance, are accessible and communicate well with their communities. They are always visible and have inspired confidence in the police which has reassured local residents.”
Community beat manager, PC Barry Dalton was pleased with the team’s recognition saying, “I can speak on behalf of the whole team in saying that it was both a surprise and an honour to receive a nomination like this from the public we serve.
“We are lucky to have such an active and supportive community in Melksham as a whole and it is this support that inspires us in doing our job.”
The judging panel consisted of former Chief Constable Pat Geenty; Corporate Director of Wiltshire Council, Dr Carlton Brand; High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Lady Gooch; Chief Executive at Swindon Borough Council, Gavin Jones; and Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire, Angus MacPherson.
