Barnstaple honours community crusaders

TWO people who have worked tirelessly to help reduce crime and improve safety in the Gorwell and Frankmarsh area of Barnstaple have received community awards.. Police Community Support Officer Steve Huxtable, who is part of the local policing team, has be

TWO people who have worked tirelessly to help reduce crime and improve safety in the Gorwell and Frankmarsh area of Barnstaple have received community awards..

Police Community Support Officer Steve Huxtable, who is part of the local policing team, has been awarded Barnstaple Town Council's community award, the Royal Air Force Plate, in recognition of his work in "maintaining the momentum of community spirit."

Lesley Brown, proprietor of Frankmarsh Stores, has been presented with an award from the Small Businesses Association for her work and business stance towards achieving a zero tolerance of crime.

Both work with a group of local people who make up the Gorwell Street Champions the Childrens Summer Club, the GOYA project, and with the area's neighbourhood beat managers PC Anna Fielding and PC Melanie James. The pair were instrumental in organising of a recent "Commando Challenge" assault course at Frankmarsh woods, which was a great success and helped to raise money towards a PACT (Partners and Community Together) office for the area, which is planned for the future.

PCSO Huxtable, said: "I was very grateful to be informed of the forthcoming presentation of this award, which represents the tireless efforts of a large group of motivated people within my beat who have a genuine desire to further improve community spirit and safety within Gorwell and Frankmarsh. The local policing team have worked closely with Lesley and the staff at Frankmarsh Stores over a considerable period of time and it is with great pride that we were informed of her prestigious award for all her good works for the people of this area.