Top award for neighbourhood teams

Blackburn with Darwen celebrated success after receiving a prestigious award for groups who improve their local neighbourhoods.

The borough recently celebrated achieving The Neighbourhood Management Working Towards Excellence award at a ceremony held at Blackburn Town Hall.

The scheme has been developed to inspire and encourage neighbourhood management organisations throughout the North West to achieve the national standard of Investors in Excellence.

The results of the assessment helps to drive improvement, as well as recognising achievements.

Tanya Gallagher, the Council’s neighbourhood manager, said: “The reason we wanted to put in for the award was to ensure quality improvement, identify and celebrate success and understand areas for development.


“By being scrutinised from an external group, we are then best placed to understand how we are measuring against set criteria and other peer authorities.”

David Mallaby, strategic director of neighbourhoods, housing & customer services, said he was delighted the borough had received the award and thanked residents for playing their part.

Cllr John Slater, executive member for neighbourhoods and customer services, said: "This award is testament to how  partnership working is helping to improve the lives of people living in the borough.
"The award also highlights the Council's commitment to providing a local quality service that aims to make a difference to communities."

Susan Hall, senior strategic manager, neighbourhoods added: "Local residents play a central role in any working neighbourhood arrangement. The commitment and enthusiasm of residents in Blackburn with Darwen has been particularly noted.”

The award is delivered by Neighbourhoods Northwest & North of England Excellence.