At the Wyre Together Showcase event on 24th November this award was made to:
Thornton Action Group – “3 nominations received for 9 years of hard work tackling such
issues as challenging the decision to build 550 houses on the Poolfoot Farm site, carrying out an Open Spaces Survey
of Thornton, formation of the Hawthorne Park Trust, drawing up evidence on the A585 issues, organising the
Festive Lights at Christmas, taking part in 2 Operation Cleansweeps, involvement in the Protect Wyre Group.
The group can be relied on to act fast, intelligently and in the interests of the community.
We could point out a great many other things the Group has done, but, the most important thing is to recognise,
as this award does, the selfless individuals who jointly, and individually, carry out all manner of unpaid activities
on behalf of Thornton and it’s residents.
We know Thornton is a good place to live in, to bring up our children in, and to grow old in, but we are equally
aware that this place we treasure could so easily become a very different place, that is why TAG was formed,
and why it remains as a forum for any resident to voice their concerns, to understand those concerns
and if necessary to agree and implement a plan of Action to deal with those concerns.
This award is a fitting tribute to all TAG members for their efforts over the years; we are the first group to receive this recognition.
We are what it says on the trophy, we intend to remain so in 2011.
Another award
The way that a community pulled together to create Hawthorne Park in Thornton has been recognised with a regional award.
This ground-breaking project in Wyre has seen an under-used and overgrown open space transformed into a cleaner,
greener and safer children's playground for tots to teens, complemented by wildlife habits and dedicated areas to sit,
stroll or exercise dogs.
Key to its success has been partnership working throughout between local people, the park's trustees,
Wyre Borough Council and other agencies, a perfect example of Big Society before the phrase had even been born.
And it is this joined-up approach that has earned Hawthorne Park a Community Empowerment and Social Cohesion award
from North West Together We Can (NWTWC).
The award scheme highlights the positive impact of good community engagement. In this case the judging panel
was won over by how local people were involved in the decision making from the moment Thornton Action Group (TAG)
first approached the council with its concerns about a lack of green space and play facilities in a growing residential
neighbourhood.
TAG felt that developing the open space could help reduce anti-social behaviour and bring people closer together,
but rather than sit back and expect the council to provide what they needed, dedicated residents formed the Hawthorne
Park Trust which has been instrumental in sourcing funding, drumming up support from local people and pulling in volunteers
to help with the physical work.
Encouraged by a genuine show of community spirit, Wyre Borough Council has provided technical expertise, manpower,
plus legal and planning advice. The council has also taken on responsibility for accounting and maintenance of the site.
Councillor Lynne Bowen, Wyre's Cabinet member with responsibility for parks, said:
"This is the first time the council has undertaken a project of this scale in partnership with the community,
but the way we have been able to work hand in hand with the Hawthorne Park Trust proves how effective it can be.
"It has been a steep learning curve for both of us, but the outcome is a fantastic natural asset, now an award-winning
one, that the whole community can enjoy for years to come."
Park trustee Jenie Phillips added: "We are indebted to our Wyre Borough Council partners who have supported and
encouraged the project in so many ways.
"Having overcome many obstacles, worrying about legal responsibilities, financial implications, meeting
funding regulations and dealing with concerned residents, I am adamant that the project has been more than beneficial
and I would do it all again.
"To walk through the park and to see it being enjoyed by residents of all ages makes it all worthwhile."
Article taken from WBC website